Star Health
Our second brain
From our immune system to our mood, our gut affects everything. My father used to say that most diseases started in the gut. Scientists call the gut-regulating enteric nervous system (ENS) the ‘little brain’ or ‘second brain.’
25 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Wearable cardiac ultrasound device allows measurements during stress testing
Increasingly, the miniaturisation of electronic technology allows tiny microsensors attached to the skin to take continuous physiological measurements — heart rate, oxygen saturation, and even blood pressure.
25 February 2023, 18:00 PM
What to do when your eczema itches?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) can be a long-lasting condition that causes severe, itchy rashes. At times, you may feel like you cannot stop scratching, which can lead to other problems.
25 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Dementia centre launched in Dhaka
Dementia awareness in Bangladesh is still in its early stages. Our knowledge about dementia and its proper care is very limited. People with dementia are being deprived of proper care, and their families are constantly facing various problems. We need to focus on prevention and care.
18 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Increasing the immunity of diabetics
Dhaka University and Bangladesh Institute of Research & Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) General Hospital conducted a joint research that found that “Karkuma Immune Plus,” a turmeric-based functional food, can increase the immunity of diabetic patients by 27%, says a press release.
18 February 2023, 18:00 PM
The poison of pride
“Generosity is giving more than you have, and pride is taking less than you need”- Kahlil Gibran. Some ancient thinkers thought proud people were worthy of great things. So, is it better to not feel proud at all? Well, it is said that pride breakfasted with plenty, lunched with poverty, dined with infamy.
18 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Despite concerns over antimicrobial resistance, global antimicrobial use in animals could increase by 2030
The use of antimicrobials in animal farming has allowed for intensive animal production to meet the growing demand for animal protein. However, the widespread use of these drugs has led to antimicrobial resistance, posing a threat to animal and potentially human health. Monitoring of antimicrobial use in farming is necessary to track progress in reducing reliance on these drugs and to identify countries where antimicrobial-stewardship efforts should be targeted.
18 February 2023, 18:00 PM
More than 100 years after the first TB vaccine, why are we still waiting for a second?
It has been more than 100 years since the first and only tuberculosis (TB) vaccine – theBacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine – was used for the first time medically in 1921. With an estimated 1.6 million people dying from TB in 2021, there is an urgent need for new vaccines to help stem the never-ending pandemic.
18 February 2023, 18:00 PM
The DNA lab at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute needs to be operational soon
Thalassemia is the most common congenital disorder in Bangladesh. It is estimated that nearly 14,000 children with thalassemia are born every year in our country. Ten percent of our population are carriers of the disease, while in the tribal population more than 30% are carriers.
4 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Development of health sector after independence of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is often cited globally for its success stories in the health sector. One example is family planning through fertility regulation. The first post-independence National Population Census of 1974 found that the total fertility rate (TFR) was 6.9 per women; after a decade, the TFR dropped from 3.3 births per woman in the 1990s to 2.3 in 2011. In 2019 the TFR in Bangladesh was said to be 2.
4 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Five billion people unprotected from trans-fat leading to heart disease
Five billion people globally remain unprotected from harmful trans-fat, a new status report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has found, increasing their risk of heart disease and death.
4 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Is gratitude really powerful?
‘Ingratitude dries up the fountain of all goodness,’ - said a French statesman. In reality, sometimes ingratitude can be more dreadful than revenge. That is why it is said that gratitude is the best attitude, because it helps us feel happier and more kind to others. But is gratitude really powerful? Indeed, the importance of attitude is the basis for everything in our lives.
4 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Benefits of brisk walking for diabetic patients
For people with diabetes, walking is a great way to get some exercise that is both simple and effective. But we all share the belief that regular, anytime walking is beneficial for managing diabetes. However, recent studies have suggested that brisk walking may have more health benefits than walking at a normal pace.
4 February 2023, 18:00 PM
Warning signs of atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition that disrupts your heartbeat. A glitch in the heart’s electrical system makes its upper chambers (the atria) beat so fast they quiver or fibrillate. This causes the lower chambers (the ventricles) to beat out of sync. AFib can be dangerous because it raises your risk of stroke and heart failure.
28 January 2023, 18:00 PM
Understanding testicular cancer
The testes are a pair of male reproductive organs in the scrotum Testicles can vary in size, shape, and position from person to person. However, it is usual for one testicle to be slightly larger or suspended lower than the other. The scrotum is a bag of skin that surrounds and protects the testes. It is located outside the body because the optimal temperature for sperm production is slightly lower than the average body temperature.
28 January 2023, 18:00 PM
Living in a toxic society
Once a wise man said, “One fake friend is more dangerous than 100 enemies.” True friends will always find a way to help, but toxic and fake friends will always find an excuse. Today, a toxic social environment causes more harm to our health, happiness, and wellbeing. People who make us feel bad, or insecure about ourselves can create a toxic environment.
28 January 2023, 18:00 PM
Consider your child’s exposure to indoor air pollution
Indoor air pollution is a serious problem in developing nations because of stoves, secondhand smoke, dust mites, mold, bacteria, cleaning products, and more. These sources release volatile compounds. The most studied indoor air pollutant is nitrogen dioxide (NO2). These pollutants can harm women and small children who spend most of their time at home.
28 January 2023, 18:00 PM
Urgent action is needed as acute malnutrition threatens the lives of millions of vulnerable children
United Nations agencies are calling for urgent action to protect the most vulnerable children in the 15 countries hardest hit by an unprecedented food and nutrition crisis.
28 January 2023, 18:00 PM
How to prepare for labour
Having a baby is a big life event that can feel overwhelming. There is a lot to consider, but preparation can make the move into parenthood easier.
21 January 2023, 18:00 PM
Prevention and regular check up for managing cancers
Gastrointestinal cancers are leading cause of cancer-related mortality and remains a major challenge for cancer treatment. They account for 26% of the global cancer incidence burden and 35% of all cancer-related deaths; in 2018, there were an estimated 4.8 million new cases and 3.4 million related deaths worldwide.
21 January 2023, 18:00 PM