Latest news with #RommelTickoo
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Covid-19: With 11 deaths, current wave toll in country past 100-mark
Representative image NEW DELHI: The country's death toll due to Covid-19 has crossed the 100-mark, reaching 108 after as many as 11 deaths were reported on Monday - the highest in a day in the current wave. Kerala reported seven deaths, while a death each occurred in Delhi, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The seven victims from Kerala, which has been worst affected by the surge in Covid cases over the past few weeks, were all above 60 and had comorbidities such as cancer, pancreatitis, kidney disease and pneumonia. The victim from Delhi was a 67-year-old man with a history of lung cancer. Senior officials in the health ministry reiterated that most of those who have died due to Covid had co-morbidities, like cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. Kerala has the maximum number of active cases (1,920), followed by Gujarat (1,433), Delhi (649) and Maharashtra (540). Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana have also reported a few Covid-19 cases over the past week. It is suspected that the current surge in cases is being caused by emergence of new sub-variants of the coronavirus that can breach immunity developed through past infection and vaccination. However, experts say these aren't causing severe symptoms. Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Saket, said there is no cause for panic as most patients with the infection have mild symptoms, as surface with the common flu. "We don't advise a Covid test for everyone with fever, cough and cold, though some patients have come to us with positive Covid tests. Treatment involves symptomatic management and rest. In case of Covid or Covid-like symptoms, we advise keeping away from others," he said. Official sources have maintained that most cases are being managed under home care. However, directives have been issued to all states to check facility-level preparedness and ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines as a precautionary measure.
Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Why calcium and iron supplements should not be taken together
Are you one of those who has been advised to take calcium and iron supplements to make up for deficiencies but not found them to be effective enough? 'That's because many do not know how to take them, the way they should be gapped and the right time to take them,' says Dr Rommel Tickoo, Director, Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare. According to him, calcium and iron supplements should never be taken together because they compete for absorption in the digestive system, potentially reducing the effectiveness of both. 'Both calcium and iron use the same pathways in the intestines for absorption and vice versa. Taken together they could effectively cancel each other out. That's why when you pop both pills together after a meal, you don't see the intended effect,' he says. How should one take iron and calcium supplements during the day? One must take them several hours apart. So one can be taken in the morning while another can be taken in the evening. There is no hard and fast rule but considering both pregnant women and menopausal women need calcium, it is best taken in the morning. That's because the higher activity phase of the human body and the sunlight during the day can enhance your body's ability to absorb Vitamin D better and metabolise this mineral. Also avoid taking calcium at evening or night as the absorption is slower and can cause calcium stagnation. For those needing a quick boost of iron, taking it after they wake up works best because the body's iron levels are typically at their lowest. Should they be taken with meals or after them? One must realise that both iron and calcium are absorbed best when the stomach is empty as food can deter absorption. So make sure that you take them either 30 minutes before or at least two hours after a meal. Should one avoid taking dairy foods, which contain calcium, before taking an iron supplement and iron-rich foods before taking calcium pills? There is no study that proves dietary calcium and iron collide with supplements. Some foods contain oxalates and phytates, both of which can bind to calcium and iron, limiting their absorption. That's why we insist on having supplements before or well after a meal. Who needs these supplements? Iron plays a role in the production of red blood cells and enzymes, enhancing the immune systems. So those diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia or those at risk of developing it, such as pregnant women, infants, children and people with certain medical conditions need it. Calcium supplements are generally recommended for those who cannot get enough calcium through their diet, including those following vegan diets, those with lactose intolerance, those with certain digestive diseases, and pregnant, breastfeeding and menopausal women. In children, calcium and iron are critical for the nourishment and development of the skeleton and teeth.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Another Person With Covid-19 Dies, 483 Active Cases In Delhi
New Delhi: One more person with Covid-19 died in Delhi, taking the death count to four this year so far. The city registered 47 new infections since Sunday, with active cases currently at 483. The nationwide active case count rose to 3,961. Kerala leads with 1,435 active Covid-19 cases, with Maharashtra and Delhi following at 506 and 483 cases, respectively. Since Jan this year, India has recorded 32 Covid-19 related deaths, including four since Sunday, June 1. Besides Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Kerala each recorded one Covid-19 death since Sunday. According to the Union health ministry's Covid-19 dashboard on Monday, the latest casualty was a 22-year-old woman who was previously treated for pulmonary Koch's disease, post-tuberculosis lung condition and bilateral lower respiratory tract infection. Health experts indicate that while current figures remain considerably lower than previous surges, the rising numbers highlight the importance of maintaining preventive health protocols. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration approved the new vaccine for individuals aged 65 and above, as well as people between 12 and 64 years who have at least one health condition increasing their coronavirus risk. Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Hospital Saket, stated that India's current case numbers did not warrant immediate vaccination. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He suggested that vulnerable groups might need it eventually, but not the general population. He added that authorities would assess further steps if cases rise. Individual vaccination decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare providers, considering personal health status and risk factors. The chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Dr GC Khilnani, explained that immunity varies based on previous infections and vaccinations. Both natural Covid immunity post-infection and vaccine-induced protection diminish gradually. While vaccines effectively prevented severe illness, reduced hospitalisations, ICU requirements and deaths, they did not stop transmission. Current mild infections do not warrant concern. However, vulnerable groups, including immunocompromised individuals, those over 75, chemotherapy patients, people with uncontrolled diabetes and long-term steroid users, face elevated risks and should take extra precautions. Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant of internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, recommends ensuring proper indoor ventilation and isolation when unwell. He stated, "People with weak immune systems must exercise caution and follow Covid-19 guidelines strictly. Using face masks in confined, packed or inadequately ventilated areas helps prevent virus spread, especially while travelling in public vehicles, visiting medical facilities and attending gatherings. Regular hand cleaning offers vital protection; keep sanitiser handy and clean hands often. Those experiencing mild discomfort such as sore throat or tiredness should stay home and opt for self-testing."
