Health

#Perspective / Is Dhaka’s air the new silent killer?

One of the most talked-about topics on social media right now is the filthy, hazy, air pollution in Dhaka. With winter officially here, it is no secret that the bustling city's air quality has been "unhealthy," "very unhealthy," and "hazardous" on some days, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Is your lower back pain a sign of Urinary Tract Infection? Here’s how to tell

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges with little output, lower back pain, and foul-smelling urine. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, especially kidney infections.

Facing a heart attack when alone? Here’s your survival guide

The natural response to a heart attack in a crowded public place would be to cry out for help. But what if you are home alone and have a heart attack? Well, here are some things you should do.

How to trick your body into being a morning person (yes, it’s possible!)

Waking up early is a boon for morning people, giving them extra hours in the day to get things done and more. This does not necessarily come easy to everyone, especially those whose energy levels peak towards the end of the day, rather than in the beginning.

8 glasses a day = model physique? Let’s dive into this myth

The idea that simply drinking more water will magically melt away extra pounds is nothing more than a popular myth. While staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, water is far from being the secret weapon to weight loss.

Can rice really make you fat, or are we just looking for excuses?

Rice, primarily composed of carbohydrates, provides about 200 calories per cooked cup, with white rice offering around 45 grams of carbs and very little fat. It is a quick source of energy but is often criticised for its high glycaemic index (GI), particularly in its white form, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Skipping your mammogram? Here’s why that’s a terrible idea

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The significance of this month varies from person to person — for some, the pink ribbon is a memory of a disease that changed their lives, while for others, it is an opportunity to rally behind almost two million women who get cancer diagnoses annually throughout the globe.

Battling dengue: Simple steps to stay safe during the outbreak

Here are a few ways to stay safe from dengue. While most people know these precautions, a timely reminder never hurts anyone.

35 and pregnant: Navigating the myths and realities

The expression may sound alarming but "geriatric pregnancy" is simply a medical term for pregnancies in women aged 35 and above. Over time, this has evoked fear and concern due to increased health risks. However, it’s important to understand that these risks do not define every pregnancy.

February 24, 2024
February 24, 2024

Seasonal flu: Essential tips to protect your family

With individuals coming down with the flu left, right and centre, it is natural to be concerned for the safety of our close family and friends, especially the elderly, young children, and pregnant women. And you know what they say – prevention is better than cure. Let us take a look at the measures you may take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

January 26, 2024
January 26, 2024

High time the government got its priorities right

Low allocations for sectors that ensure people’s well-being, such as health, education, agriculture and social safety protection, is unacceptable

January 4, 2024
January 4, 2024

Study: Rock music could replace insulin injections

Researchers found that Queen’s “We Will Rock You”, at a volume of 85 decibels, prompted the strongest insulin release.

January 4, 2024
January 4, 2024

Is coffee good for health? Nutritionist Chowdhury Tasneem Hasin explains

After speaking to Chowdhury Tasneem Hasin, the Chief Clinical Dietician and Head of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at United Hospital, who also serves as an advisor to the Bangladesh Food and Nutrition Association, we found out the myriad ways coffee affects our body and health.

December 27, 2023
December 27, 2023

5 expert-approved daily habits to relieve back pain

In this fast-paced world, where our lives are ruled by desk jobs and the blue screens of computers seem to have become our best friend – back pain is not an uncommon ailment. Fortunately, certain daily habits can greatly relieve this discomfort. Here, we have highlighted 5 daily habits for a stronger and healthier back.

December 21, 2023
December 21, 2023

Gender and/or sexuality: A wild card in the health sector

Unraveling health disparities through HPV vaccination and global perspectives

November 16, 2023
November 16, 2023

Where do women fit in during Movember and in men’s health conversations

The month of November has a multitude of movements that are observed and celebrated, be that those movements are officially recognised or ones that we observe unofficially. One of these movements, and perhaps one of the most significant, is ‘Movember’. The entire month of November is recognised as ‘Movember’ and dedicated to raising awareness for men’s health.

October 23, 2023
October 23, 2023

The power of Ayurveda: Fortify your immunity with natural remedies

It’s not enough to rely on pharmaceuticals to save us when we are sick. We need to make our constitutions strong through yoga and herbal supplements that have been known to help humans for centuries.

October 19, 2023
October 19, 2023

Why sleep isn’t the only 'shut-eye' men need

Yes, even if you snooze there (or in your comfy bed), you might still wake up feeling like you just wrestled a hawker to save just Tk 20. Why? Because, surprise, sleep and rest are as different as biriyani and polao — similar, but not quite the same.

September 16, 2023
September 16, 2023

From lead poisoning to cardiac deaths

If left unaddressed, lead poisoning will substantially strain Bangladesh's already challenged healthcare system.