Star Health

Dark side of human nature

The human being is the most brilliant social creature among all living beings. But to become truly humane, one needs to eliminate the top three emotional diseases that can eat away at happiness.
18 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Urgent call: protecting outdoor workers from sun-related hazards

According to estimates from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), working outside in the sun causes nearly 1 in 3 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer. The research released in Environment International finds that outdoor workers carry a large and increasing burden of non-melanoma skin cancer and calls for action to prevent this serious workplace hazard and the loss of workers’ lives it causes.
18 November 2023, 18:00 PM

World Diabetes Day 2023: Empowering access

World Diabetes Day which is celebrated on 14 November every year, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue and what needs to be done, collectively and individually, for better prevention, diagnosis, and management of the condition.
18 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Breakthrough Meningococcal vaccine offers comprehensive protection for all serotypes

Vaccines are crucial for protecting against meningococcal infections, and there are different types for various age groups. Infants as young as 2 months, along with older children starting at 11–12 years, are recommended to receive vaccines targeting serogroups A, C, W, and Y.
11 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Managing long-term back pain: a comprehensive approach

Back pain is a pervasive health concern worldwide, ranking at the top of the Global Burden of Disease list. Nearly every adult experiences back pain at some point in their life. Previously, it was believed that back pain primarily afflicted those in developed countries and was often linked to prolonged periods of sitting. However, recent studies reveal that back pain is on the rise across developed, middle-income, and underdeveloped nations alike.
11 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Breaking the ice

There are some health issues that are commonly stigmatised in our society. In some families, mental health conditions like mood disorders or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may not have been openly discussed, while issues such as anxiety disorders or ‘short-temper’ are more commonly talked about.
11 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Safeguarding against Nipah virus

Nipah virus (NiV) is a concerning zoonotic virus causing severe illness and death in Southeast Asia, primarily in Bangladesh and India. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of a unified One Health approach to prevent the transmission of pathogens from animals to humans.
11 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Health hazards of too much screen time

Without the use of colour screens, the present age is deprived of modernity. Especially for various needs, we have to use mobile devices and computers for a long time. Moreover, computer use has long been one of the main means of livelihood for many of us.
11 November 2023, 18:00 PM

High-sugar diet and obesity linked to brain insulin resistance and neurodegeneration

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre in the United States have found a connection between obesity and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
4 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Urge to invest in “One Health” actions for better health

The World Health Organisation (WHO) calls on world leaders to increase political commitment and action to invest in the “One Health” approach to prevent and tackle common threats affecting the health and well-being of humans, animals, plants and environment together.
4 November 2023, 18:00 PM

The power of body language Part-III

The smile may be the most deceptive of all the facial expressions. After dissecting the smile in “Mona Lisa’s painting,’ scientists found her 83% happy, 9% disgusted, 6% fearful, and 2% angry. She was less than 1% neutral and not surprised expression.
4 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Link between pregnancy hypertension and long-term risk of chronic hypertension

A study published in the journal Hypertension has revealed that hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (HDP) can lead to an elevated risk of chronic hypertension in both mothers and their children.
4 November 2023, 18:00 PM

A homegrown model of sustainable primary healthcare

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) established Surjer Hashi (SH), meaning Smiling Sun clinics, the agency’s flagship health service delivery project in Bangladesh in 1997. Designed to complement the government of Bangladesh’s efforts, USAID’s investment signified important healthcare shifts, including: USAID health funding ramped up to 40% in 1997; and service delivery out of static facilities instead of door-to-door.
4 November 2023, 18:00 PM

Promising approach: Retina scans for early Parkinson’s disease detection

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects movement and can make daily activities challenging. It happens due to the gradual loss of specific nerve cells in the brain. While there is no known cure, treatments can help manage its symptoms. Diagnosing it early can be difficult because the initial signs might be subtle and easily overlooked.
28 October 2023, 18:00 PM

How to live a medicine-free life

Dr Mujibur Rahman specialises in leading a healthy life without medicine. Recently, he spoke at a seminar on “How to Live a Medicine-Free Life” organised by Vantage Natural Health Clinic, which was held at Krishibid Institute Auditorium, Dhaka.
28 October 2023, 18:00 PM

The power of body language Part-II

Scientists still cannot interpret all body language accurately. A partial shoulder shrug indicates uncertainty or a lack of commitment. A genuine and authentic response causes both shoulders to rise fully and equally. When only one side rises, the message is doubtful. Research suggests that assuming a “power pose” makes people feel more powerful and changes testosterone and cortisol levels. Touch is the most primitive and powerful nonverbal cue.
28 October 2023, 18:00 PM

WHO’s latest Essential Diagnostics List introduces new guidelines for hepatitis E virus testing and personal glucose metres

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its 2023 Essential Diagnostics List, which includes key updates to aid in the global management of various health conditions. Notably, the list now incorporates essential tests for hepatitis E virus (HEV) and personal glucose monitoring devices for diabetes, aiming to improve outbreak management and enhance disease control.
28 October 2023, 18:00 PM

Unity through community

Occupational Therapy Day initially started on October 27, 2010, and celebrated nationally and internationally. The main aim of the day is to promote occupational therapy and create awareness among people. This year, the theme for this day is “Unity through Community.” Occupational therapists unite all community members to achieve a specific goal.
28 October 2023, 18:00 PM

The link between high sugar intake and increased kidney stone risk urges dietary caution

Kidney stones, those painful crystalline formations in the urinary system, affect about 1 in 10 people worldwide. Besides genetics and environmental roles, added sugar intake can also play a role, according to a recent study published in Frontiers.
21 October 2023, 18:00 PM

Exercise prescriptions for child and adults

Being physically active can improve brain health and functions, help in managing body weight, reduce the risk of many non-communicable diseases, for example, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal pain, and some arthritis, strengthen body bones and muscles, and improve our ability to continue our daily activities.
21 October 2023, 18:00 PM