Pregnancy and Your Smile: Key Dental Changes to Watch Out For

Pregnancy is a transformative and exciting time, but it also brings numerous changes to a woman’s body. While many expecting mothers focus on aspects like nutrition, sleep, and prenatal care, oral health often gets overlooked. Yet, pregnancy can significantly impact dental health due to hormonal fluctuations, dietary changes, and lifestyle shifts. Ignoring oral health during this period can lead to serious issues that affect both the mother and her baby. One of the most significant contributors to oral health changes during pregnancy is the rise in hormone levels. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone, essential for supporting the baby’s development, also make gums more sensitive to the presence of plaque. This increased sensitivity can lead to pregnancy gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It usually occurs between the third and ninth months of pregnancy and affects 40–70% of pregnant women and occurs 1.81 to 2.2 times more frequently than in non-pregnant women. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that damages the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.

The Menace of ‘Kush’: a rising epidemic of drug abuse among adolescents in the Gambia

The Gambia is currently experiencing an epidemic of drug abuse among adolescents, which has reached an all-time high. Many young people are being exposed to drugs for the first time, with most of them being in middle or high school. The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of the Gambia (DLEAG) has expressed concern about the use of a new illicit drug locally referred to as ‘Kush’. In early February 2024, the Epidemiology and Disease Control (EDC) Programme was alerted to an increase in suspected drug and substance abuse cases. The emergence of the drug called “Kush” has caused significant problems among the youth in the Gambia. This drug is named after Gina Bass, the fastest female sprinter in the Gambia, by its users and dealers due to its fast-acting nature.

Unravelling the Links: Menopause-Induced Insomnia and Its Impact on Women’s Health

Insomnia manifests as a sleep disorder characterised by difficulties falling asleep or maintaining sleep. It is classified into two categories such as insomnia lasting for shorter period and one which lasts for longer period. Various factors, such as genetics, medical conditions, mental health conditions, hormonal changes, life situations, and habits, can contribute to its onset. Predominantly, insomnia affects women more frequently than men, with hormonal shifts like those during premenopause or post-menopause being potential contributors. Post-menopause, defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, marks a phase where women undergo hormonal changes that can lead to various physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms may include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, stress, forgetfulness, and disruptions in sleep patterns. The primary cause of insomnia in post-menopausal women is attributed to fluctuations in reproductive hormones, particularly a decrease in estrogen(estradiol) levels. Menopause is recognised for its association with changes in behaviour, mood swings, anxiety, stress, forgetfulness, and sleep disturbances.

Climate change and dengue: A looming public health crisis.

Most people associate increasing sea levels and melting icebergs with climate change. While global warming and sea level rise are undoubtedly negative effects of climate change, other negative effects include larger and more frequent storms, droughts, wildfires, extreme flooding, and heat waves due to altered weather patterns. As a result, diseases like dengue that are susceptible to changes in climate have emerged and re-emerged. Dengue fever has been brought about by mosquitoes spreading far beyond their usual breeding sites as a result of warming temperatures and unusual rainfall. Several vector-borne illnesses are becoming more widespread geographically. Dengue fever is currently having a negative impact, and one of the main causes of this is climate change.

Obesity: An epidemic

WHO defined obesity and overweight as ‘the abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health’. The Obesity Medical Association also defined obesity as, ‘a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial, neurobehavioral disease, wherein an increase in body fat promotes adipose tissue dysfunction and abnormal fat mass physical forces, resulting in adverse metabolic, biomechanical, and psychosocial health consequence’. Obesity is usually the result of an imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.

Solid waste: A menace to environment and human health

The World Health Organization defines solid waste as any garbage, trash, refuse or discarded material which can be classified according to the source of production as municipal waste, healthcare waste and e-waste. Annually about 2 billion tonnes of municipal waste and 54 million tons of e-waste are generated. According to the World Bank report of 2016, solid waste generated by the world’s cities amounts to 0.74 kg/capita/day which is expected to rise several fold due to increased urbanization and change of lifestyle. In India an average of 160038.9 tons per day of solid waste is generated of which only 50% is treated. Proper collection and treatment before disposal is essential to protect the environment and human health which otherwise can cause serious health issues due to leaching, groundwater pollution, biochemical pollution of the soil and air pollution

Jhum cultivation in Manipur hill’s district; nurturing tradition, navigating challenges

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Manipur, the practice of jhum cultivation has been an integral part of the cultural and agricultural tapestry for generations. While it sustains livelihoods and preserves age-old tradition, the impact of jhum cultivation on health and the environment raises important questions about sustainability and the delicate balance between tradition and conservation. The practice of jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation or slash and burn, is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the tribal communities in Manipur. Tribal in the North-eastern part of India and some parts of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka in India are the primary practitioners of this cultivation. One of the main livelihoods of hill people in Manipur is jhum cultivation which has been handed down through generations. Jhum cultivation follows a cyclical pattern.

Depression in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a form of neurodevelopmental disorder defined by limited and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities, as well as limitations in social interaction and communication. Globally, 1 out of every 100 children has autism. Although early childhood may show signs, autism is frequently not diagnosed until much later. People living with autism have varying needs and capabilities, and they change with time. While some autistic individuals may live independently, others have significant difficulties and need care and support for the rest of their lives.

Navigating the path to a zero-carbon city for better tomorrow

Zero Carbon City is a concept where carbon emissions in all forms are reduced and replaced with renewable sources of energy. This concept helps in avoiding harm to the planet and combating the impacts of climate change. Metropolitan areas encompass only 3% of the Earth’s landmass, yet they are responsible for over 70% of global carbon emissions. Currently, most of the world population resides in cities, which is around 54 percent, and this is expected to increase in the future. As per the United Nations’ findings on climate change, cities utilize over two-thirds of the world’s energy and contribute to more than 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The notion of achieving net zero carbon is essential for realizing our overarching objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns in the LGBTQIA+ Community

The LGBTQIA+ community encompasses a diverse group of individuals who identify as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and other sexual orientations and gender identities. The acronym continues to evolve as the understanding of gender and sexual diversity expands.

Addressing mental health is paramount, impacting individuals universally, with particular complexity within the LGBTQIA+ community. The unique stressors experienced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as discrimination, stigma, and the process of coming out, can contribute to higher rates of mental health concerns.

FGM in The Gambia: a controversial socio-cultural practice and eradication challenges

Female circumcision has recently been facing criticism as a practice in The Gambia that is not only dangerous to the health and social well-being of girls and young women but is also perceived as conduct that violates the sexual and reproductive rights of these women. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines female genital mutilation sometimes called female genital cutting as all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or injury to the female organs for non-medical reasons.

Adolescent’s lives on social media and related mental health challenges

The impact of social media on teenagers is a topic that explores the effects of social media on young people. It is a subject that has aroused concern among parents, educators, and mental health professionals. The use of social media has increased significantly in recent years, and it has become an integral part of many teenagers’ lives. However, there are concerns about the negative impacts that social media can have on their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Drug abuse Issues in Nagaland

Drug abuse is the use of substances regularly in amounts which can cause severe harm to the body and psychology. It involves the consumption of drugs acquired in illegal ways. Drug use or drug abuse has become an alarming concern in today’s world. All parts of the society, be it developing or under developing states are facing the issue of drug use among its people. It can cause serious and hazardous issue to an individual’s health. According to UN World Drug Report 2023, the number of people who suffer from drug use disorders, has gone up to 39.5 million, a 45 per cent increase over 10 years.

Nagaland must focus on water conservation to address water scarcity and adverse public health outcomes

Water as an essential need must start to gather policy focus with convergence on addressing public health issues. Over the years, there is a global water crisis brewing wherein between 2 to 3 billion people worldwide are currently facing water scarcity.
In Nagaland, the concern of water scarcity has become a severe crisis. Almost all hilly regions of Nagaland suffer from water scarcity, especially during the dry season.
With a population of 1.9 million (2011 census), the growing demands for water, coupled with poor water management, have increased water stress in Nagaland. Deforestation is also one of the major factors contributing to water scarcity.

Unraveling the Impact of the Ayushman Bharat National Health Program

The biggest healthcare schemes aimed at provide financial protection to vulnerable families and improve access to quality healthcare services in India was launched in September 2018, and named as “Ayushman Bharat Yojana” was one of the biggest healthcare schemes in India. However, despite the government’s ambitious targets, the scheme has failed to achieve its goals.

Climate Change: As a major threat to the existence of humanity

The world is now warming, faster than ever which is a recorded history. This impact, over a time are altering, causing disruption of weather patterns and nature stability. This poses risks to human beings and all other forms of life on earth.

The major factors leading to climate change are generating power, manufacturing goods, cutting down forests, using transportation, producing food, powering buildings and overconsumption of products. The manufacturing industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Globally, residential and commercial buildings consume over half of all electricity.

Nutritional Challenges in North - East India

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child, and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, a lower risk of non-communicable diseases, and longevity.

According to the UNICEF-WHO-The World Bank: Joint child malnutrition estimates – level and trends, 2023, suggests that in 2022, 45 million children under 5 years of age are wasted, among which, 13.6 million are severely wasted, and 148 million are stunted, while 37 million are overweight or obese in the world.

Addressing India’s Malnutrition Challenges

Malnutrition encompasses a state characterized by insufficient ingestion of vital nutrients essential for optimal health, growth, and development within an individual’s diet. This condition can arise from inadequate intake of crucial nutrients, impaired absorption mechanisms, or excessive excretion leading to nutrient loss from the body.

Strategic methods of promoting medical tourism by hospitals

Medical Tourism is a combination of two totally different worlds words ‘Medical’ and ‘Tourism’ which is well understood by patients who have benefited from Medical Treatment Abroad or by Primary Caregivers who have referred their ailing patients to a foreign Medical Facility.

Can a Population Control Bill Help Tackle the Challenges?

Population control bills are the laws that aims to regulate or limit population growth in the country through various measures. The specific provision of such laws may vary, but usually it includes measures to encourage or enforce family planning. India is currently most populated country in the world with over 1.4 billion people. Hence it faces many challenges like depletion of natural resources, degradation of environment, conflicts and wars, rise in unemployment, and high cost of living.

The focus must be on finding a cure for cancer, the time is now !

Cancer is the second leading cause of death all around the world. WHO states that nearly 10 million deaths have been occurred in the year 2020 due to different cancer. The burden of cancer continues to grow throughout the world and puts a huge physical, emotional and financial burden on individuals, families, communities and health systems, hence finding the cure for this deadly disease is one of the significant task for modern medicine. Till now there is no single cure for cancer that has been found but there have been significant advancement in cancer treatment. Search of definitive cure for all type of cancer has been ongoing and progress has been made but still there are many challenges to overcome.