Health

Odisha has launched a Unified Health Insurance Scheme, merging the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat and the state’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, to provide Rs 5 lakh annual health coverage to 1.03 crore families. The scheme introduces special benefits for senior citizens and expands access to over 29,000 hospitals nationwide, backed by a Rs 27,019 crore budget over five years.

Fatty liver disease, often a silent condition, affects millions globally and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. It occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation and potential liver damage. While alcohol consumption is a common cause, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly prevalent due to poor lifestyle choices, obesity, and conditions like type 2 diabetes. Symptoms are often absent in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, individuals may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Although there is no specific cure, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a nutritious diet can help manage the condition.

A daily morning walk is a simple yet powerful way to enhance both physical and mental well-being. The timing of your walk can greatly influence its benefits, with early morning hours offering peaceful surroundings and cooler temperatures, while later in the morning provides added warmth and sun exposure. For those with specific health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, adjusting the walk’s timing and duration is key to managing symptoms effectively. Ultimately, the best time for your morning walk depends on personal preferences, health needs, and environmental factors. Regular walks not only promote fitness but also boost mood, reduce stress, and provide a refreshing start to the day.

A troubling trend is emerging among young adults across English-speaking nations, where happiness is declining despite advancements in technology, connectivity, and economic growth. A groundbreaking study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research revealed that happiness among youth is on the decline, while older generations are experiencing stable or improved well-being. Researchers found that the traditional U-shaped happiness curve, which suggested happiness dips in midlife and increases in later years, no longer applies to today's young adults. The decline in happiness is linked to rising mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm, particularly among young women.

Diabetes, cancer, and heart disease patients are set to face a price hike on essential medicines. According to Business Today, government-controlled drugs, including those for chronic conditions and antibiotics, will become 1.7% more expensive due to rising raw material and manufacturing costs. The price increase is expected to take effect within two to three months, as there are typically 90 days’ worth of saleable medicines in the market. The hike comes amid concerns over pharmaceutical companies violating price control regulations, with 307 instances of non-compliance identified by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). However, government measures like price ceilings on essential medicines are expected to save patients around Rs 3,788 crore annually.