The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked China for details in rise in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children. The Chinese authorities had held a press conference on November 13 reporting a rise in respiratory diseases.

The authorities said the reason for the rise in respiratory illnesses is due to the lifting of Covid – 19 restrictions and circulation of known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza. According to medical experts this common bacterial infection typically affects younger children, respiratory syncytial virus and the virus that causes COVID-19.

Both WHO and China had faced questions about the transparency of reporting the first COVID-19 cases that were observed in Wuhan in late 2019. According to the WHO, groups including the program for monitoring emerging diseases reported a rise in cases of pneumonia in children in North China.

The WHO added it was not clear if these diseases were associated with an overall rise in respiratory infections which had been reported by China. The WHO said it had asked for additional information and laboratory results from the pneumonia outbreaks among children through the International Health Regulations mechanism.

The WHO said it was in continous contact with scientists through its network of existing technical partnerships with China. WHO China said it was routine activity to request information on rise in respiratory illnesses and pneumonia in children from Chinese authorities.

According to reports undiagnosed pneumonia in children was not mentioned in during the press conference by the Chinese authorities. The WHO said there had been a rise in influenza like illnesses as compared with the same period in the last three years. A few days ago videos of hospitals crowded with parents and children are circulating in the media in Xian. Some of videos posted on social media show children doing homework while receiving intravenous drips in hospital.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has been diagnosed with dengue and has been advised medical guidance and rest for the next few days. The leader of  rebel Nationalist Party said on Sunday. The NCP leader (Ajit Pawar faction) said that after recovering fully, the Maharashtra deputy chief minister will be back in force to continue his dedicated public duties.

Patel took to social media platform X and said contrary to speculative media reports suggesting that Shri Ajit Pawar is not  attending public events, he would like to clarify that he has been diagnosed with dengue since yesterday. He has been advised rest and medical guidance for the next few days. Shri Ajit Pawar remains committed to his public service responsibilities. Patel added once he has recovered he will be back in full force to continue his dedicated public duties.

Earlier in July Ajit Pawar has engineered a split in NCP, taking oath as Maharashtra deputy chief minister with eight other party legislators. He joined Devendre Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde led national Democratic alliance government in the state. Ajit Pawar claims to have the support of 40 of the 53 NCP MLAs in the state.

There has been a significant increase in dengue cases in Mumbai, Maharashtra to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 1360 cases of dengue have been reported here in September. The number is 300 more than the previous month.

Former opposition leader in the civic body, Ravi Raja claimed that the pesticide department of the civic body Ravi Raja claimed was detecting breeding sites of more than 900 mosquitoes everyday. Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. The civic body’s monsoon related diseases report said there were 353 dengue cases in the metropolis in June and 413 in July. According to MMC report malaria cases have also increased in September.

Every year on 20^th October, World Osteoporosis Day marks to promote awareness regarding the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone disorder which is characterised by abrupt structural alterations in the bones. This results in reduction in bone mass which is vulnerable to fractures and injuries.

World Osteoporosis Day is  celebrated on October 20. This day holds great importance as osteoporosis stands as an important global health issue. On this day individuals and diverse organisations join efforts to raise awareness about osteoporosis, advocating for its effective management and early detection.

World Osteoporosis day has its origins which are linked to the formation of the international Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF). In 1998, IOF was established with the issue of under treated and under diagnosed osteoporosis.

The first Osteoporosis day was celebrated in 1996. World Osteoporosis Day has played a very important role in research, prevention, treatment and diagnosis of osteoporosis. The theme of World Osteoporosis Day 2023 is Step Up for Bone Health – Build Better Bones.

Osteoporosis is a condition that effect bones of an individual. The bone loses density and strength. Brittle and weak bones are at a higher risk of fractures. It stresses on the need to watch out for the symptoms of osteoporosis to save the bones from significant bone loss. If this condition is left uncontrolled it makes difficult to perform the day to day activities.

Many non modifiable and modifiable factors can cause a higher risk of osteoporosis. Some of these factors are

Certain diseases

Many health conditions like celilac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk. It is advised to eat a well balanced diet with essential nutrients, Vitamin D, Calcium and protein. Any symptom of osteoporosis should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.

Body weight

More body weight or small body frame also puts one at a higher risk of Osteoporosis. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy body weight and control the risk of osteoporosis.