SASTRA conducts national conference on diabetes, Parkinson's disease
Trichy:
SASTRA University
conducted a national conference on 'Mantras and Medicine: Managing Diabetes with
Parkinson's Disease
(M3DPD-2025)', by bringing traditional knowledge systems and modern medical research together to address the growing challenges of diabetes and Parkinson's disease (PD).
The event, held in association with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) on Wednesday, focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of
vedic chanting
,
siddha medicine
, and herbal interventions like costus igneus (commonly known as the insulin plant), alongside advancements in biomedical diagnostics and artificial intelligence.
Ramachandra G Bhat, vedic scholar and former vice-chancellor of S-VYASA University, Bengaluru in his inaugural speech emphasized the relevance of veda-based therapies and ecological healing for chronic illnesses, especially neurological and metabolic conditions.
S Venugopalan, professor, department of Oriental Studies and Research, SASTRA University, underlined the necessity of integrating scriptural wisdom with evidence-based medicine for holistic well-being.
More than 50 scholarly papers were presented, ranging from ethnobotanical studies, cell line research, clinical trial methodologies, and philosophical perspectives on healing, involving researchers from India and abroad.
As part of the initiative, blood screening camps were already conducted in rural parts of Tamil Nadu, identifying over 42 patients with diabetes and Parkinson's for clinical study.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Economic Times
What is 'Nordic Walking'? The Harvard-backed fitness trend that can shrink waistline and build strength
From Rehabilitation to Real Results Slimming with Every Step iStock While its therapeutic advantages are notable, Nordic Walking's reputation as a fat-burning powerhouse is what's truly grabbing headlines. (Image: iStock) Backed by Science, Endorsed by Experts So, What's the Catch? It may look like skiing without snow, but Nordic Walking is carving its own trail in the world of fitness—and doctors are all for it. Once a training technique for cross-country skiers in Finland, this deceptively simple sport is now earning accolades for being one of the most efficient, joint-friendly, and waistline-reducing forms of full-body to a recent report in SurreyLive, Nordic Walking is quickly gaining popularity across all age groups for its versatility and health benefits. Whether you're strolling along a beach, through a forest, or even navigating city streets, this form of walking uses specially designed poles to transform a casual walk into a low-impact, high-reward cardio developed in the 1930s as off-season training for athletes, Nordic Walking has evolved into a global movement suitable for both amateurs and elite sportspersons. What makes it particularly appealing in medical circles is its ability to serve as a low-impact rehabilitative exercise for patients with joint, muscle, or neurological conditions. By redistributing body weight through pole usage, it minimizes pressure on lower limbs, making it ideal for individuals recovering from injury or dealing with chronic have confirmed its efficacy across diverse demographics. From elderly people managing diabetes and cardiovascular issues to breast cancer survivors and those living with Parkinson's disease, Nordic Walking is finding takers among the medically vulnerable. According to The Mirror, even postmenopausal women have experienced health improvements from consistent its therapeutic advantages are notable, Nordic Walking's reputation as a fat-burning powerhouse is what's truly grabbing headlines. A study by the University of Verona tracked 38 individuals over six months and found significant reductions in both body fat and waist circumference. Unlike regular walking, Nordic Walking activates 90% of the body's major muscle groups, leading to higher calorie burn and metabolic WALX, a national walking club promoting the activity, puts it: 'Working more muscles means using more energy.' In fact, you can torch between 20% and 40% more calories than walking without poles—provided you use the correct technique. This includes long natural strides, proper pole placement, and forward-leaning motion starting from the to a 2022 article titled, ' Fitness trend : Nordic walking', Harvard Medical School has also endorsed the exercise for its calorie-burning superiority over traditional walking. Research studies published in recent years show that Nordic Walking outperforms both resistance-band training and conventional walking in terms of improving cardiovascular health and reducing BMI. One particular study even concluded that Nordic Walking participants were the only group to experience both a drop in body fat and a measurable increase in aerobic secret lies in its full-body engagement. Unlike normal walking, which is largely leg-driven, Nordic Walking recruits muscles from the arms, shoulders, chest, core, and back—providing a workout that rivals much more strenuous really isn't one—except technique. Experts like instructor Michael Stone from Warner's Littlecote House Hotel emphasize the importance of mastering pole placement, step length, and body posture. Proper form not only ensures safety but amplifies the benefits, making every step count more than it would in a standard walking a fitness world obsessed with high-intensity workouts and gym memberships, Nordic Walking offers a refreshing, science-backed alternative—simple, effective, and accessible to nearly next time you think of walking as just a way to get from point A to B, grab a pair of poles and discover why doctors and researchers are now calling Nordic Walking the ultimate prescription for health and longevity.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Harvard‑backed study reveals each cup of coffee boosts healthy aging odds by 5%; How many cups should you have per day?
Coffee doesn't need any more good press than it already has. Thanks to its rich source of antioxidants and certain compounds like caffeine, coffee can be beneficial for health. Moderate consumption of coffee has often been linked to reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver and endometrial cancers, Parkinson's disease, and depression. Moreover, coffee can also improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and boost physical performance. So, having your daily cuppa not only comes with great benefits, but also preps you for the hustle and bustle! But could your daily coffee habit be a secret to aging gracefully? Turns out, the answer is yes. A major new study, backed by Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, suggests so, and it might have you brewing another cup. What does the study say? In a massive study of nearly 50,000 women over a time frame of 30 years, researchers found that drinking more coffee – to a point – during midlife was linked to less chronic disease, physical mobility issues and cognitive decline in later years. However, other caffeinated products, plus decaffeinated coffee, did not garner the same results. The aforementioned study tracked 47,513 women from the US Nurses' Health Study, beginning between 1984 and 1986, when participants were aged 45–60. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This wasn't superficial: to qualify, participants had to live past 70 and remain free of 11 major chronic diseases (including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes), while maintaining robust mental, cognitive, and physical health. Researchers followed them for over three decades, ending in 2016, and identified 3,706 women who met the criteria for "healthy aging." Coffee intake – both in type and quantity – was tracked through rigorous questionnaires. Researchers converted it into caffeine intake (measured per 80 mg unit, roughly the amount in a single espresso shot). On average, healthy agers consumed 315 mg of caffeine daily, the equivalent of three small cups of coffee. What are the findings? Dr Sara Mahdavi, from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as reported by New Atlas, stated, 'Our study has several key strengths,' adding, 'In addition to the large sample size and 30 years of follow-up, we assessed several different aspects of longevity and healthy aging as well as very comprehensive information on nutritional and lifestyle habits that were collected every four years after the initiation of the study. ' What is the key takeaway? Each extra cup of brewed caffeinated coffee—up to about five cups a day—was linked with a 2% to 5% increased chance of healthy aging. Why does this matter? Over time, modest gains stack up. For someone drinking three cups daily, versus none, that's around a 15% to 25% increased likelihood of aging healthily – a substantial difference. As Dr Mahdavi stated, 'While past studies have linked coffee to individual health outcomes, our study is the first to assess coffee's impact across multiple domains of aging over three decades.' As per her, 'The findings suggest that caffeinated coffee – not tea or decaf – may uniquely support aging trajectories that preserve both mental and physical function.' More than caffeine: Coffee's unique blend What's fascinating is that this benefit wasn't observed with tea, decaf, soda, or other caffeine sources. In fact, cola intake was linked to 19% to 26% lower odds of healthy aging per daily glass. This suggests that coffee's bioactive compounds, like chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, and diterpenes, play a starring role, beyond caffeine itself. Harvard Health echoes this, noting that coffee's antioxidant components may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. According to Dr Madhavi, 'These results, while preliminary, suggest that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health.' The bitter/sweet spot: 2 to 4 cups a day As Dr Madhavi quoted, 'Moderate coffee intake may offer some protective benefits when combined with other healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking. While this study adds to prior evidence suggesting coffee intake may be linked with healthy aging, the benefits from coffee are relatively modest compared to the impact of overall healthy lifestyle habits and warrant further investigation. ' What's the ideal number of cups, then? Most health benefits plateau after 3 to 4 cups daily. Even Harvard Health states moderate intake (2 to 4 cups) is beneficial for longevity and cardiovascular health. The Mayo Clinic recommends up to 400 mg/day – about four cups – as a safe limit. Moreover, drinking more than 5 cups daily has shown diminishing returns, and could bring downsides like anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, or elevated cholesterol (especially from unfiltered brews). Besides, genetics also matters in this case, as individuals with slower caffeine metabolism may not experience the same benefits, and could be more sensitive to harm. Coffee drinkers undergo lower risks of death as compared to non-coffee drinkers: Study One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
India faces surge in parkinson's cases and family caregiving challenges by 2050
New Delhi: A neurological tsunami is looming over India as projections reveal a staggering 168% surge in Parkinson's disease (PD) cases by 2050. This sharp rise will see India shoulder 10% of the global Parkinson's burden, with an estimated 2.8 million cases, up dramatically from 2021 levels. Globally, Parkinson's is set to affect 25.2 million people—an increase of 112% from 2021. Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects movement. It develops when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain begin to deteriorate or die. Dopamine is essential for coordinating physical activity, and its decline results in symptoms such as tremors, muscle rigidity, slowed movements and balance difficulties. While Parkinson's is not typically fatal, it significantly diminishes quality of life and currently has no known cure. Dr Puneet Agarwal, principal director of neurology at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, explains that although most cases have no clear cause, about 10–15% can be attributed to genetic mutations. Environmental triggers, such as prolonged exposure to pesticides or heavy metals, are also believed to be contributing factors. Mutations in genes, such as LRRK2, PARKIN, PINK1, DJ-1 and SNCA, are often seen in familial or early-onset Parkinson's. While a majority of cases is diagnosed after the age of 60, early-onset PD can begin before 50, and in rare instances, juvenile cases appear before age 20, usually linked to specific genetic variants. By 2050, two-thirds of global Parkinson's cases are projected to be concentrated in the top 10 most affected countries, with China leading the list, followed closely by India and the United States. As India prepares to face this steep rise in cases, attention often centres on patients. However, the burden on caregivers remains a deeply overlooked aspect of the disease's impact. The story of Sunita (name changed), a resident of Delhi, reflects the personal toll Parkinson's takes on families. Her father, Raman Kumar (name changed), now 68, was diagnosed three years ago. Once a vibrant corporate professional and frequent traveller, his world changed dramatically after the diagnosis. For Sunita, the change was equally life-altering. "I became his caregiver overnight," she says. "It's physically exhausting and emotionally draining, but love keeps me going. " Her daily life revolves around her father's needs—managing his medications, helping him move around the house, and offering emotional comfort. The emotional strain is intensified by the absence of robust support systems and the stigma that still clings to neurological disorders. Providing effective care for Parkinson's patients requires patience, empathy, and emotional strength. Dr Nitin K Sethi, chairman of neurosciences and senior consultant at PSRI Hospital, stresses the importance of encouraging regular physical activity while closely monitoring changes in movement and behaviour. He adds that medical treatments can help manage symptoms such as hallucinations and behavioural disturbances, and that modifying home environments can help prevent falls. Support groups also play a critical role, offering emotional relief and reducing the sense of isolation often felt by both patients and caregivers. Dr Sweta Singh, senior consultant of neurology at Narayana Hospital in Gurgaon, notes that while Parkinson's is not typically hereditary, individuals may face a higher risk if a parent has early-onset PD or a known genetic mutation. However, a majority of age-related cases are not passed on to offspring and are more likely the result of acquired mutations. Although Parkinson's cannot be entirely prevented, lifestyle choices may help delay its onset. Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant of neurology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, recommends regular exercise and antioxidant-rich diets to support brain health. Reducing exposure to environmental toxins and maintaining active social and cognitive engagement may also lower the risk, particularly for those with a family history of the disease. The early signs of Parkinson's are often movement-related. Dr Jyoti Sehgal, director of Neurology at Medanta, Gurgaon, explains that motor symptoms typically include slower walking and movement, reduced arm swing, hand tremors, an expressionless face, and problems with balance. Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances and behavioural changes are also common. Clinical diagnosis is largely based on the visible emergence of these symptoms, as there is currently no definitive test to detect the disease in its earliest stages.
