Cut the flab: Why obesity needs to be taken much more seriously

Cut the flab: Why obesity needs to be taken much more seriously

Experts Say It Could Lead To Health Crisis If Urgent Steps Not Taken

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

30.11.2020

New Delhi: Obesity is the mother of all non-communicable diseases, be it diabetes, hypertension or heart ailments. The lifestyle disorder has also been linked to many types of cancer.

Still, public health experts say, obesity is not taken as seriously as it should be, which is resulting in a continuous growth in the number of people suffering from the condition.

To spread awareness on the issue and get people to act on it, The Times of India has launched ‘Act Against Obesity’ in association with Johnson and Johnson Pvt Ltd.

According to Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman and head of endocrinology at Max Healthcare, simple things like following a diet plan and regular exercise can help prevent a person from developing obesity.

“However, we see that people wait until they develop the condition to take the problem seriously. If they act in time to prevent the disease, it can help reduce the complications caused due to obesity and a host of other illnesses associated with it,” Dr Mithal said.

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.

A recent study published in the journal, Plos One, stated the prevalence of overweight and obesity in India was increasing faster than the world average.

For instance, the study said, the prevalence of overweight increased from 8.4% to 15.5% among women between 1998 and 2015, and that of obesity increased from 2.2% to 5.1% over the same period. “This fast-paced growth has been accompanied by notable increases in the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs),” it added.

The Plos One study predicts that the prevalence of overweight will increase approximately double among Indian adults aged 20–69 years between 2010 and 2040, whilst the prevalence of obesity is expected to increase approximately threefold over the same period.

Public health specialists say if urgent measures are not taken at individual as well as national level, obesity could lead to a health crisis.

Even in the case of the Covid-19 pandemic, doctors say, it has been observed that while the viral infection can infect anyone, people who are obese are at a higher risk to develop severe symptoms.

This is because, first, the abdominal fat in obese patients pushes the diaphragm up and reduces the lung volumes and adversely alters the mechanics of lung ventilation. Secondly, as Dr Himika Chawla, senior consultant, endocrinology and diabetology at PSRI Hospital says, obesity is associated with multiple comorbidities like diabetes and chronic heart disease.

Thirdly, obesity results in a state of chronic inflammation in the body along with impaired immunity. So, the immune cells are both reduced in number and become less effective, Dr Chawla added.

“However, even though we increasingly realise that the sickest Covid-19 patients are frequently obese, the burden of obesity is continuously increasing in the current pandemic situation. This could be due to reduced outdoor activities and lesser access to weight-loss programmes,” the PSRI doctor said.

To prevent weight gain, experts advise eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and cereal products and at least an hour of exercise daily.

Scan this QR code or log on to actagainstobesity.com to take the weighthealth test to see if you are at risk and speak to an expert accordingly

Will language barrier impede aspirants’ success in JEE Advanced Structure of JEE Advanced question paper minimises the reliance of students on English by offering the question paper in both English and Hindi

Will language barrier impede aspirants’ success in JEE Advanced

Structure of JEE Advanced question paper minimises the reliance of students on English by offering the question paper in both English and Hindi

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesgroup.com

30.11.2020

With the Centre’s decision to offer JEE Main 2021 in more regional languages apart from the existing Gujarati, Hindi and English languages, aspirants who are proficient in their native tongue may stand a fair chance of gaining admission to the NITs, IIITs and the centrally funded technical institutes in the country. But will their IIT aspirations take a backseat if JEE Advanced is conducted only in English and Hindi?

Sudhir K Jain, director, IIT Gandhinagar has a more positive take on the issue. “Students appearing for JEE Main and Advanced do a comprehensive preparation keeping in mind the technical stream they have chosen to study. Having an option to take JEE Main in regional languages would give them some relief from anxiety at stepping stone, and it can build their confidence to progress further towards their next goal,” he tells Education Times. As to the possible roadblocks IIT aspirants might face, Jain explains that most scientific terminology is written in English even in local language textbooks, which will help students to understand and cope up with the questions in JEE Advanced. “Generally, care is taken to use simple English while setting the questions to test scientific understanding of the candidates. In addition, the medium of instruction in the IITs is English, so a basic knowledge of the language is assumed,” he adds.

IIT Ropar director Sarit K Das says, “In an online objective test such as the JEE Advanced, students’ language skills do not matter nor are they expected to solve problems in English. Since most of the Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics questions are language-neutral, comprehending the questions should not be difficult. In class XII, whatever the medium of instruction, students must have English as a language, though in times to come, JEE Advanced may be held in regional languages as well.”

As to whether JEE Advanced will provide a level playing to candidates, Jain explains, “Students from different Indian states possess an understanding of either English or Hindi, other than their mother tongue. Since the advent of the computer-based exams, the candidates can switch between Hindi and English at any point during the examination, which should also help them in comprehending the question in a better way in case of any confusion.”

Full report at educationtimes.com

When language is an issue

For students relying on regional languages, IIT Gandhinagar has set up a writing studio, which guides students to hone their language and writing skills. The institute also has a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) programme to help first year BTech students who struggle to adapt to English as the medium of instruction

CBSE releases new paper pattern for class X, XII boards

CBSE releases new paper pattern for class X, XII boards

c-Sheetal.Banchariya@timesgroup.com

30.11.2020

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently released sample question papers for class X and XII board exams 2021. The question papers follow a new exam pattern, wherein the students have more internal choices in a particular section and subsequently, the marking scheme has also been revised. Several academicians are concerned that the new pattern may add to the increasing number of high scorers and make the competition for higher education tougher.

AN Ramachandra, Joint Commissioner (Academics), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, says, “MCQs and internal choices can help in testing the skill. If the question paper is set with the simplest form of questions then it will allow students to learn more about the applicability of concepts. Having memory-based questions can tamper with students’ creativity. However, students need to be careful that they do not apply the rule of elimination of wrong answers while attempting the questions with multiple answers.”

Basavaraj B Kunchanur, who teaches in Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, AFS Sambra, Belagavi, Karnataka, says, “Traditional learning has been on hold for several months amid COVID-19 and the syllabus has also been reduced. Hence, changing the exam pattern and marking scheme is one of the effective ways to get back to the regular academic cycle,” he adds.

Education ministry invites suggestions on JEE Main, NEET 2021

Education ministry invites suggestions on JEE Main, NEET 2021

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

30.11.2020

The Education Ministry had asked students, parents and teachers, to submit their concerns regarding the conduct of board and competitive exams next year. The ministry further said that it will launch a campaign to seek feedback from education stakeholders. At a high-level meeting in the presence of higher and secondary education secretaries and other ministry officials, Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ instructed the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam conducting body of JEE Main, NEET and other entrance exams, to assess the situation across state and central school education boards before finalising the syllabus for next year’s entrance exams.

It may be noted that in an attempt to make up for the academic loss due to COVID-19 and nationwide lockdown, state and central education boards had previously announced a syllabus reduction, some by as much as 30%.

Earlier, the education minister during the lockdown had answered questions by parents, teachers and students regarding the conduct of exams amid the pandemic .

THIS IS THE LAST AND FINAL CALL FOR RAJINIKANTH

STORYBOARD

THIS IS THE LAST AND FINAL CALL FOR RAJINIKANTH

ARUN RAM

30.11.2020 

By the time you read this on Monday morning, Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) office bearers would be streaming into Raghavendra Mandapam in Kodambakkam. Their idol would be addressing them. They know the script, but they would feign anxiety. Insiders say Rajini would refer to his health condition and indicate the risks involved in his hitting the ground running during the pandemic and, in the end, leave the decision of launching the political party to the mandram.

If Rajini is still hesitant, he would try an emotional blackmail, yet it would be tough to get the group to tell the superstar that he can shelve his political plans and take care of his health. After all, that’s not a Rajini climax they are used to. Several Rajini movie scripts have been changed mid-shoot because the directors realised (or were made to realise) that the fans wouldn’t accept the original climax or, worse, wouldn’t leave the cinema hall in good shape. RMM members may not do that to Rajini’s own mandapam, but why take a chance, why not tweak the script here too?

We’ve rubbed it in enough that Rajini missed the political bus many times, so let’s just look at what he can do now. This is the last and final call for the star to launch his party. Agreed, at 70 and with a transplanted kidney, Rajini should not be touring the state. But he can still keep his promise of launching a party, and campaign virtually.

Imagine a virtual Rajini riding the highways, walking the hamlets, throwing a hand over a villager’s shoulder. Technology today makes this possible. A 3D hologram of Rajini waving and moving through crowds in the dust bowls may even have a better effect than the real star on a stage too far from the last fan on the treetop.

Tamil Nadu has the country’s second largest mobile internet penetration, at around 42%. This means almost every other person in our villages has a smartphone. Imagine a farmer opening his smartphone to watch Rajini saying, “Vanakkam, Karuppaiah, eppadi irukeenga?” Tech allows the same message to be personalised for Akbar, Antony and Anandavalli, with perfect lip sync. Well, any politician can do this, but when Rajini does it, we know who would get the maximum eyeballs.

All this can work well only if Rajini agrees to be his party’s chief minister candidate. If he does so, his political rivals are bound to attack him for his armchair politics. So what – it’s his last best chance, anyway. Less easy would be putting together a team which can be his representatives for the people. Besides having the usual hangers-on and a handful of wellmeaning yet unknown faces that orbit the star, Rajini will have to bring in a group of people with proven credibility and efficiency in different walks of life to show that his promise of good governance isn’t empty. This is, incidentally, something Kamal Haasan has been working on.

I am not endorsing Rajini’s politics. It’s too early for that, for he is yet to spell out his policies and programmes, some of which I may oppose. All I am doing here is stating the obvious: Poor health should not be a reason for Rajini not to take the plunge. Yes, politics is a game of rough and tumble that someone like him may not find easy to play. But we all like a stylish promise, don’t we?

arun.ram@timesgroup.com

We will contest with allies and win a majority of the seats and form a government on our own — D Jayakumar, TN FISHERIES MINISTER POKER FACE Fishing for a better berth?

Covid deaths in single digits after 179 days

Covid deaths in single digits after 179 days

Sunday’s Toll Nine, All Over Fifty

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:30.11.2020

Tamil Nadu’s daily Covid-19 toll dropped to single digits for the first time after 179 days on Sunday. The nine people who died were all aged above 50 and had comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension. The overall case fatality ratio has dipped to 1.5%.

A total of 1,459 new cases were reported on Sunday, taking the Covid tally to 7,80,505.

In the last one week, the number of new infections has grown by an average of 0.2% every day. It was almost double a month ago. With 1,471 people getting discharged after treatment, the state's recovery ratio continues to be above 97% for almost a week now. Active cases have dropped to 11,052.

Chennai reported 398 new cases and neighbouring Chengalpet 89, Thiruvallur 88 and Kancheepuram 58.

Health minister C Vijayabaskar inaugurated a 'Covid Comorbidity Management Clinic' at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, which has led the fight against the pandemic in TN with 97% recovery rate.

Other than Chennai, Coimbatore (148 new cases) was the only district to report three-digit fresh infection figures. Three other western districts -- Tiruppur

(79), Salem (78) and Erode  (70) -- reported 70+ plus new cases. The region still shares almost 30% of the state's Covid burden. More than 3,100 people are undergoing treatment at hospitals or homes in the eight western districts.

As low pressure system intensifies, city braces for more rain this week

As low pressure system intensifies, city braces for more rain this week

Southern Suburbs To Get Heavy Rain

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:30.11.2020

After a lull, the southern suburbs should get ready for heavy rain this week as the low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal has developed and will turn into a depression in 36 hours. It will intensify further and edge closer to the Tamil Nadu coast by Wednesday. It is expected to trigger heavy rain of more than 10cm in the southern suburbs of the city and also in the southern districts of the state.

An IMD statement said, "Yesterday’s low-pressure area over south Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of southeast Bay of Bengal and equatorial Indian Ocean has developed into a well-marked low-pressure area over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea and equatorial Indian Ocean. It is very likely to concentrate into a depression during the next 36 hours and likely to intensify further."

The huge system, currently spread over the sea between Andamans and Sri Lanka, will cause heavy rain in Kanyakumari and Tuticorin districts from Tuesday onwards. The rain will become extremely heavy and very heavy in the southern and western districts, the next day.

IMD has forecast extremely heavy rain in Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar districts, while isolated places at Theni, Madurai, Sivagangai and Pudukkottai are expected to get heavy to very heavy rain. Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvallur, Karaikal, Chengalpet and Kancheepuram will also be drenched.

A met official said that the system may not impact the city like Cyclone Nivar, baring a possibility of heavy rain in the southern suburbs.

Though there was only a 'trace' of rain at Nungambakkam on Saturday night, many areas of the city received good rain towards late evening and night on Sunday. Many areas in the coast, between Chennai and Puducherry and some parts till Nagapattinam, received rain on Sunday night because of the impact of the low-pressure system.

However, the day was bright with the temperature touching 30°C in Chennai.

Another round of rain in the southern suburbs will recharge the groundwater in the city. The heavy rain caused by Cyclone Nivar had converted a 11% rainfall deficit to 31% surplus. The city has got 808.2mm rain since October 1 as against the 615.5mm expected till now during the northeast monsoon season.

The depression, which will come close to the TN coast on Wednesday, is expected to trigger heavy rain of more than 10cm in the southern suburbs of the city and also in the southern districts of the state