Navigating Current Health Challenges
As we have stepped into a new year, it’s a moment of both reflection and forward-looking anticipation. Over the past seven decades, the field of medicine has witnessed remarkable transformations, with Indian doctors and experts standing at the forefront of global advancements. At Double Helical, our commitment to societal betterment is unwavering, manifested through our mission to raise awareness and make voluntary contributions in education, health, human rights, and social services.
In the cover story, we delve into the unfolding narrative of the new variant of Covid-19, exploring its global surge and the strategies that lie ahead. The JN.1 sub-variant of SARS-CoV-2, making its mark since its detection in Luxembourg in August 2023, has woven its path through 41 countries, including India. With Covid-19 cases on the rise in several states, the need for effective strategies becomes more pressing, encompassing public health, nutrition, and the cultivation of healthier lifestyles.
India, having adeptly navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, now faces the emergence of the JN.1 sub-variant. With 75 per cent of the population fully vaccinated and 35 per cent having received a booster, the nation stands fortified against the evolving threat. Our vaccination efforts have not only safeguarded our population but have also positioned India as a global contributor, supporting over 50 countries with protocols, equipment, medicines, and vaccines.
In a Special Feature, we shine a spotlight on Dr Ashok Rajgopal, a luminary in the realm of orthopedic surgery. Revered as the ‘Bone Man of India,’ Dr Rajgopal’s exceptional record includes the completion of an unprecedented 30 total knee replacement surgeries within a span of 12 hours. His contributions to advancing knee surgery techniques and fostering academic excellence make him a formidable figure in the medical field.
Turning our gaze towards a critical health concern, our special story, “Decoding Barrenness,” delves into the escalating trend of infertility. In India, an estimated 15 to 20 million couples grapple with infertility, constituting 25 per cent of the global infertility cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that one in every four couples in developing countries faces infertility challenges. This pervasive issue demands urgent attention, particularly given that a substantial portion of infertility cases is preventable.
Recent strides in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have opened new avenues for successful infertility treatment. Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, oocyte donation, and embryo cryopreservation are among the cutting-edge technologies enhancing diagnostic precision and tailoring interventions. These advancements within male infertility programs hold the promise of more successful fertility outcomes for couples facing male factor infertility.
Our another story, dedicated to prostate health, emphasises dietary fortification as an important shield against potential risks such as cancer. Nutrients such as lycopene and selenium play a crucial role in promoting prostate well-being. Complementing this, advanced medical interventions, spanning screening and treatment options, surgical procedures, and radiation therapies, collectively form a holistic defence against prostate ailments.
Our magazine also spotlights the critical issue of declining male health, with an insightful piece by Prof (Dr) Rajeev Sood. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by men in the modern world, touching upon genetic vulnerabilities, societal expectations, mental health stigmas, and developmental defects. The Men’s Health Society of India’s initiatives are highlighted, emphasising the importance of tailored health programmes for men.
This issue is a rich tapestry of intriguing and thought-provoking stories, and we invite you to immerse yourself in its pages.
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Thanks and regards
Amresh K Tiwary,
Editor-in-Chief