In today’s hyper-connected world, children are growing up with screens as constant companions—scrolling, sharing, and seeking approval online. While social media offers scopes of connection and creativity, its darker effects often go unnoticed. Minor shifts in behaviour, mood, and daily habits may indicate underlying emotional distress. Recognising these early warning signs is crucial to safeguarding kids’ mental health and overall well-being. Let’s look closely at the red flags that social media-addicted children may reveal, which is more than just screen fatigue. 7 Red Flags That Signal Social Media Affects Your Child’s Mental Wellbeing . Irritability, Anger, Anxiety, and Depression Emotional turbulence is often one of the first signs that social networks are impacting a child’s mental well-being. A child who once handled challenges with calm may suddenly snap over minor inconveniences—like being asked to pause their screen time. This shift is more than a passing phase. Excessive digital platform exposure can condition a kid’s brain to expect instant gratification. Consequently, it gets difficult to tolerate delays or engage in slower-paced activities like reading or studying. The flood of fast, dopamine-triggering content rewires emotional responses, often replacing patience with frustration. As a result, parents might find their child increasingly restless, easily angered, and emotionally unbalanced even outside the screen. Read more: How to Keep Your Baby Comfortable and Healthy While Using Air Conditioner or Cooler Losing Track of Time When children spend long hours online, it’s easy for them to lose a sense of time. What often begins as a quick scroll can spiral into hours of passive consumption, especially on apps designed to encourage endless engagement. This disconnection from time awareness can quietly lead to neglect of daily responsibilities such as homework, family interactions, or personal hygiene. The 2025 report from Common Sense Media reveals that children under 8 now spend an average of 2 hours and 27 minutes each day engaging with screen-based media. TikTok dominates their screen time with nearly two hours a day, making it the top platform among this age group. These numbers point to a growing trend where time management skills erode as children become immersed in the virtual world. Social Withdrawal As children spend more time scrolling through digital feeds, their connection with real-world interactions often begins to fade. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in his book The Anxious Generation (2024), likens social media to a firehose of addictive content. It displaces physical activity and in-person play—fundamental elements of healthy childhood development. Read more: Summer Tips for School-going Children Children using online media for three or more hours a day often avoid eye contact and struggle to express emotions clearly. Moreover, they speak in incomplete sentences during face-to-face interactions. For instance, a child who once eagerly engaged in family dinners might now retreat to their room, avoiding conversation entirely. This pattern of withdrawal isn’t shyness-—it’s discomfort, shaped by a digital world that rarely demands verbal or emotional expression. Misguided Self-esteem Virtual communities often act as distorted mirrors, shaping how children perceive their worth. Constantly exposed to highlight reels of peers’ lives, many begin to question their own value. According to ElectroIQ's Social Media Mental Health Statistics, 52% of users report feeling worse about their lives after seeing friends’ posts. 43% of teenagers admit feeling pressure to post content, driven by the hope of gaining likes or comments. Read more: How to Protect Children from Electric Shocks This chase for validation can have serious consequences. Children may develop body image issues or body dissatisfaction, comparing themselves to edited or filtered content. To gain approval online, they might resort to risky behaviour. For example, a teen might post provocative or reckless videos for attention and digital praise. Losing Attention in Offline Tasks Children nowadays are increasingly struggling to stay focused on tasks that require sustained concentration, like reading, studying, or completing chores. SambaRecovery's report highlighted that children’s average attention span is only 29.61 seconds. Over time, this figure showed a significant 27.41% decline during the continuous performance test. This trend mirrors parental concerns- 79% of parents, as cited by Common Sense Media 2025, fear that heavy screen exposure is eroding their child's ability to concentrate. This erosion is often visible in daily life. Constant notifications, videos, and scrolling content condition young minds to crave quick bursts of stimulation. It makes slow, offline tasks feel dull and unrewarding. Over time, this affects not just academics but also a child’s overall cognitive stamina and productivity. Read more: Parenting a Teenager? 10 Tips to be Their Best Friend Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) This is a powerful psychological driver that affects emotional health and can be especially damaging. This feeling stems from the perception that others are enjoying experiences, events, or interactions without them. It's amplified through the constant visibility of others’ lives online. For example, a kid might see classmates hanging out without him/her, sparking feelings of exclusion, sadness, or even jealousy. These emotions, although silently endured, can create deep emotional turbulence. FOMO intensifies anxiety and self-doubt, fuelling compulsive social network checking as children try to stay “in the loop” at all times. Increased Secrecy and Refusal to Go Outside When children begin to maintain excessive secrecy, it’s often a red flag that something deeper is affecting their well-being. If your child has previously been open but suddenly becomes reluctant to share details about their day or their online activities, it could signal emotional distress. Secrecy often indicates that they are hiding something troubling, like exposure to cyberbullying or other online dangers. According to social media mental health statistics, 87% of teens report being cyberbullied. Notably, 36.4% of girls report being affected by online harassment, compared to 31.4% of boys. Read more: The Importance of Instilling Leadership Skills in Your Child This constant exposure to negativity can cause children to avoid going outside, preferring the perceived safety of digital spaces. Over time, this behaviour can lead to a loss of trust and emotional isolation, as children avoid engaging in conversations. Wrapping Up These 7 warning signs reflect social media's negative impact on children's mental and emotional health. Excessive screen time can cause them to lose track of time and decrease their attention span, neglecting important tasks and responsibilities. Over time, this often results in social withdrawal. The constant comparison to others online fosters misguided self-esteem and worsens their mental well-being. Furthermore, children may struggle with FOMO, which heightens their feelings of inadequacy. As they struggle with these emotions, many develop increased secrecy, distancing themselves from the real world. All of these factors contribute to heightened emotional distress, often manifesting as irritability, anger, anxiety, and depression. Read more: Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue

Fruits are often hailed as a vital part of any healthy diet, packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They are also a staple in weight-loss plans due to their low-calorie and high-nutrient profile. When it comes to starting the day right, many wonder if consuming fruits first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, is the best choice. Despite their many benefits, experts say that eating fruits on an empty stomach may not be as ideal as it seems. Fiona Sampat, a clinical dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, recently discussed this topic in an interview with HT Lifestyle, explaining why it's not always advisable to consume fruits first thing in the morning. She also suggested some alternatives that can help kickstart the day in a healthy manner. Many people believe that consuming fruits on an empty stomach enhances their health benefits. However, Fiona argues that there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim. In fact, eating fruits first thing in the morning can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This is due to the natural sugars in fruits, which can cause a sudden increase in glucose when consumed without any other food in the stomach. As a result, the body may experience a quick rise followed by a sharp drop in blood sugar, leading to fatigue, hunger pangs, and even fluctuations in glucose levels. For those with specific health concerns, such as diabetes, this rapid blood sugar variation can be particularly problematic. Additionally, consuming fruits, especially citrus varieties like oranges or sweet lime, on an empty stomach can lead to gastric discomfort. This is because these fruits are acidic and may irritate the stomach lining, potentially causing discomfort or bloating. "Wellness Rooms" are gaining popularity in homes Despite the potential downsides of eating fruits on an empty stomach, Fiona emphasises that fruits should not be eliminated from the morning diet entirely. Instead, it's important to change how they are consumed. Pairing fruits with healthy fats and proteins can help moderate the sugar spike and provide a more sustained energy boost throughout the morning. For example, pairing fruits with nuts, seeds, or protein sources such as curd, buttermilk, milk, or lentils can help reduce the blood sugar fluctuations. This combination also provides essential nutrients that support overall health. Studies have shown that eating fruits between meals, rather than first thing in the morning, can help reduce overall energy intake and increase feelings of fullness, which may assist in weight management. Another key point Fiona stresses is the importance of consuming whole fruits rather than fruit juices. Juices lack the fibre and micronutrients found in whole fruits, which means they don’t offer the same health benefits. If you're looking for healthy alternatives to start your day, Fiona suggests several options that can boost energy, digestion, and overall health. These include: Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, unsalted pistachios, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds are excellent choices as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provide a sustained energy boost. Hot water concoctions: Drinks like jeera water (cumin), coriander seeds water, fennel seeds water, and turmeric water are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that support metabolism and digestion. Chia seed water: Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, promoting heart health, regulating blood sugar, and providing a sense of fullness. Lemon water: A refreshing option that helps with hydration, digestion, and provides a healthy dose of vitamin C. Milk: A protein-rich beverage that supports bone health and helps stabilise blood sugar levels. By making a few adjustments, such as pairing fruits with healthy fats or protein, you can enjoy the benefits of fruits while avoiding blood sugar spikes. Additionally, exploring other nutritious options in the morning can help ensure a healthy and energising start to your day. With inputs from Indian media

Twenty-two more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 1,845 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: five in Barishal Division (Out of CC), twelve in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), and five in Dhaka South City Corporation. Nationwide Vitamin A campaign starts Saturday The number of deaths remained at 13, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 102 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Seminar highlights importance of proper iftar and sehri Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.

Feeling stressed, unwell, or burnt out at work? A Swiss town is offering a unique approach to healing: art therapy through museum visits, prescribed by doctors. In Neuchâtel, Switzerland, a two-year pilot project has been launched where doctors can prescribe free visits to any of the town's four museums for patients they believe could benefit from exposure to art. Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki Local authorities are covering the costs of these "museum prescriptions," based on a 2019 World Health Organization report which highlighted the positive effects of the arts on mental health, trauma recovery, cognitive decline, frailty, and premature mortality. Art can serve as preventive medicine, helping to relax the mind. Additionally, museum visits encourage physical activity through walking and standing for extended periods. Julie Courcier Delafontaine, a council member in Neuchâtel, noted that the COVID-19 crisis also contributed to the program's creation. "During the lockdowns, people realized just how much we need cultural sites to feel better," she said. So far, around 500 museum prescriptions have been distributed, with a budget of 10,000 Swiss francs (around $11,300). If successful, the program could be expanded to include other forms of artistic expression, such as theatre or dance. Although the Swiss national healthcare system doesn't yet recognize culture as therapy, Courcier Delafontaine hopes the program’s success will change that. Marianne de Reynier Nevsky, the town’s cultural mediation manager, who helped create the program, mentioned a similar initiative in Montreal, Canada, in 2019. She believes it could benefit a wide range of patients, such as those suffering from depression, chronic illness, or mobility issues. The goal is also to encourage patients who are reluctant to leave their homes to get moving. Dr. Marc-Olivier Sauvain, head of surgery at Neuchâtel Hospital, has already prescribed museum visits to patients to help them prepare physically for surgery. He expects a wider rollout after a control group is established. "It's wishful thinking to tell patients to walk or stroll to improve fitness before surgery," Sauvain explained. "Museum prescriptions offer both physical and intellectual exercise." For patients, this approach is often more appealing than traditional treatments. "It's really nice to prescribe museum visits rather than medications or tests that patients don’t enjoy," Sauvain said. World Mime Day 2025 celebrated in Dhaka Some visitors to the museums, like poet and retired teacher Carla Fragniere Filliger, have expressed their support for the initiative. "I think it’s a great idea," she said during her visit. "There should be prescriptions for all the museums in the world!"

If you listen to some self-proclaimed exercise experts on social media, they swear that working out on an empty stomach burns more fat. But it’s a common misconception that exercising in a fasted state improves performance or burns more calories, said Abby Langer, a dietitian in Toronto. “The research shows that in terms of gains, it doesn’t really make much of a difference,” she said. Does that mean you should load up on protein and carbs right before a workout? No, that’s not true either. Here’s a look at when — and how — you should eat, before, after or even during a workout. (And remember, experts say what you eat is more important than when you eat.) What’s the case for eating before exercising? The calories in food literally are energy, so you need them to fuel your body for a proper workout. Eating too much too soon beforehand, though, can be problematic. Exercising diverts blood from organs including the stomach to the muscles, said Langer, author of “Good Food, Bad Diet.” So exercising on a full stomach affects the digestive process, which could cause cramping or even make you feel sick. That’s particularly the case with meals high in fat, protein or fiber, which take longer to digest than carbohydrates. Langer recommends eating a high ratio of carbs beforehand and waiting two to three hours before intense exercise. Surprising health benefits of walking barefoot at home “You don’t want to eat a big steak an hour before you play hockey,” she said. If you exercise first thing in the morning or before dinner, it’s OK to have a carb-rich snack like a banana with peanut butter or yogurt with fruit beforehand. It will give you the energy to perform well, and you can fuel up afterward with a full meal. When — and what — should you eat after exercise? That steak may serve you better afterward because that’s when a higher ratio of protein is easier to digest, said Krista Austin, a physiologist in Colorado Springs. Austin said if it will be an hour or longer before you can have a full meal, it’s better to have a high-protein snack in the meantime to help curb your appetite. The reason has little to do with muscle recovery or nutrient absorption: Rather, people who are too hungry make poor dietary choices. “A lot of people get very hungry about an hour after exercise, and you don’t want to do that,” said Austin, author of “Performance Nutrition: Applying the Science of Nutrient Timing.” “You want to catch it early, or you go and overeat.” But it’s another myth that you need to grab a protein shake within minutes of finishing to build the biggest muscles, Langer said. Many exercise enthusiasts point to what’s known as an “anabolic window” of about an hour within exercising that the body is primed to repair muscle. For the average person, you have a much longer window, and nutrient timing is less important than making sure you consume some protein at every meal, Langer said. The body needs a continuous supply of amino acids like protein for muscle repair and maintenance, she said, which means about 25 to 30 grams at every meal, depending on various factors. Ramadan 2025: Five tips for mental and emotional well-being while fasting “Prioritizing that will help with goals, either muscle building, satiety, weight loss, all of that,” Langer said. How about eating during exercise? Most people who are eating enough throughout the day don’t need anything during a workout. Langer and Austin said the threshold is about an hour of intense exercise. Longer than that — say you're training for a marathon — and you can benefit from a carb-rich snack in the middle. Instead of focusing on when to eat, Austin said to focus on what and how much. She cautioned against overcomplicating the topic and recommended following the USDA’s My Plate recommendations for a balanced diet. “The biggest thing we need to teach people is that nutrition is simple,” she said. “Maybe you need to stop focusing on the concept of nutrient timing and just make sure that you’re consistently eating throughout the day and focus on health.”

“Stop referring to a coming post-antibiotic era — it’s already here.”- This statement was made by the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Report (2019) almost within a century of the invention of the first antibiotic by Sir Alexander Flemming. Now, globally, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the 3rd leading cause of death. In 2019, about 4.95 million premature deaths occurred due to AMR which was higher than HIV/AIDS or malaria and this could rise to more than 10 million by 2050.  Bangladesh also cannot escape the AMR threat. In 2019, about 26,200 deaths were attributed to AMR, and 98,000 deaths were directly related to AMR. Among 204 countries, Bangladesh was ranked 75 according to the age-standardized mortality rate affiliated with AMR per 1,00,000, which is alarming and needs proper action to control.  What is AMR? Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a condition where microbes, bacteria, and viruses evolve in such a way that the drugs that were previously used against them are no longer effective, thus leading to serious illness and in some cases death.  AMR is now a global concern that almost all countries including Bangladesh are suffering from. And, there is a heavy burden on the Sub-Saharan African countries. However, there is inadequate data regarding AMR-related fatalities in low-income countries.  Read more: Edible oil in drums poses a threat to public health: PROGGA Misuse or overuse of the antimicrobials is a significant driver of resistance. If the treatment is too long or short or incorrect, this increases the chance of antimicrobials becoming resistant. If this occurs then it creates more opportunities for microbes to develop and multiply. AMR scenario in Bangladesh AMR is a serious public health concern as Bangladesh has a decentralized healthcare system. In Bangladesh, most healthcare facilities are concentrated in secondary and tertiary hospitals.  Besides these, the domestic pharmaceutical industries are now providing 97% of the countries’ medicine. Privately owned pharmacies and dispensaries resulted in easy access to the drugs. According to a  CAPTURA report in collaboration with UK Aid, uncontrolled pharmacies in Bangladesh resulted in possible misuse of antibiotics. It is estimated that almost 50.9% of the total antibiotics were purchased without prescription, which is an alarming situation. The number of AMR deaths in Bangladesh is higher than deaths caused by diseases like chronic respiratory diseases, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, diabetes, kidney diseases, and digestive diseases.  Read more: Infections cause 20-40% of newborn deaths in Bangladesh: Study Due to the decentralised healthcare system, AMR surveillance in Bangladesh is difficult to monitor. To prevent this situation from worsening, the government should take steps for monitoring in collaboration with the research centres like icddr,b, IEDCR, and different NGOs working on the healthcare facilities. Furthermore, international organisations like WHO, US-CDC, FFCGB, and USAID need to play crucial roles in controlling the situation. Analysis of the policy issue According to a WHO report, Southeast Asian countries have the highest risk of AMR among all the WHO regions. Bangladesh is no exception to this. In Bangladesh, antimicrobials are widely available as over-the-counter drugs.  This situation became more complicated due to the presence of unqualified providers in the informal sector along with unethical marketing practices of the pharmaceutical companies. Besides human health hazards, the AMR has a drastic impact on the animals and the environment too (National Library of Medicine, n.d.).  Impacts on human health A recent research in Dhaka showed that in the case of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), the most used antibiotics like Amoxicillin (82%), Azithromycin (75%), and Cefixime (64.5%) were found resistant among 1308 samples used.  Read more: HMPV Virus Outbreak: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Another newspaper report shows that almost 18% of bacteria isolated from children affected with pneumonia were resistant to all routinely used antibiotics like ampicillin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone. The report also showed that the frequent use of antibiotics to treat general colds, flu, and mild diarrheal illness is mostly responsible for fueling the AMR in the community.  It has been observed that almost all age groups are more or less resistant to antibiotics but the children and youth are mostly affected by its effect. Economic impact In 2019, the World Bank found that the impact of AMR is also negatively affecting the world economy. The report estimated that by 2050, unchecked AMR would reduce the world GDP by 3.8% and push 28 million people into poverty. As a developing country, Bangladesh will also be a sufferer of this problem as due to AMR, people are now spending more on healthcare compared to other spending.  A recent analysis showed that unaddressed AMR on livestock would cost global GDP up  to $950 billion and its spread from livestock to humans would cost up to $5.2 trillion of world GDP (World Health Organisation, 2024). Read more: Read more: Should You Drink Hot or Cold Water? Environmental impact Multi-drug-resistant bacteria have already affected the ecology of Bangladesh. Common resistant phenotypes included common antibiotics like Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Aztreonam, Nalidixic acid, and Ciprofloxacin.  How does this issue affect different groups of people? According to a report by Medical News Today, the most affected group by AMR is children under 5 years with pneumonia. Almost 18% of the total isolated bacteria are resistant to all routinely used antibiotics.  The unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation are responsible for some common diseases which creates the demand for the widespread availability of over-the-counter antibiotics from the local pharmacies. Besides this misconception about antibiotics, weak surveillance processes, and less awareness among the sellers and patients are continually contributing to the growing AMR according to a report by the Dhaka Tribune. The irrational use of antibiotics in animal feed like poultry farms, and defective water management in the city are also spreading AMR among city people.  Read more: How to Fix Your Sleep Routine: Know the Do's and Don'ts A report by the Business Standard shows that 8 of the 12 antibiotics used in poultry farms were ineffective by at least 40% against the most common bacteria like E.coli.  Comparative analysis Different countries around the world are taking different approaches to tackle the situation like the One Health approach, Surveillance, Stewardship, awareness building, and agricultural steps.  USA The USA has taken steps like strengthening national One Health surveillance efforts, assuring advanced and innovative diagnostic tests, running an Antimicrobial stewardship program and national awareness week, promoting improved international collaboration to slow down the AMR among the people, etc. Besides, the US Government enforced the FDA regulations to restrict antibiotics in animal feeds. These initiatives resulted in a 15% reduction in overall antibiotic prescriptions in the last decade. However, resistance persists due to continuous overuse of antibiotics in outpatient care and agricultural misuse.  Read more: Effective Home Remedies to Combat Bad Breath UK The UK has taken the National Action Plan focusing on the One Health approach, assuring strict regulation, and public campaigns named “Keep Antibiotics Working”. These measures helped to reduce 23% of human antibiotic consumption between 2014 and 2020. In recent years, the UK has undertaken a long-term plan“Confronting AMR 2024 to 2029.” However, in the case of rural areas, this problem is still prominent.  India India initiated the National Action Plan in 2017 to address this issue. Besides this, they started surveillance through the Indian Council of Medical Research. These resulted positively in creating awareness against AMR. However, inadequate data was found regarding the use of antibiotics in the agricultural sectors. Bangladesh Bangladesh also initiated a national action plan to improve surveillance along with the One Health approach and stewardship. Besides this, different surveillance units are active in different hospitals to combat the situation. Public awareness has been created but is limited. Weak enforcement of regulations of antibiotics, the profit-maximizing attitude of pharmaceutical companies, and unregulated pharmacies lead to the persistence of the AMR situation. Read more: Colon Cancer: Everything You Need to Know Key lessons for Bangladesh The developed countries exhibited a long-term plan to slow down the AMR problems. Furthermore, they are successful in reducing the percentage of AMR to a great extent. They are now working on surveillance and creating public awareness in curbing the effects of the AMR. Moreover, the developed countries are taking action to reduce the effect on the agricultural sectors which Bangladesh lacks.  Proposed solutions and reforms   Bangladesh needs to take both short-term and long-term plans to curb the effect of AMR. Here are some proposed solutions: - Introducing DHIS2 for every patient so that the diseases and prescriptions are documented and developed in such a way that if antibiotics are prescribed then signals will be sent to professionals. This will help to review the necessity of antibiotics.- Pharmaceutical companies should be properly regulated so that they cannot put pressure on doctors to prescribe unnecessary antimicrobials.- Public awareness should be created from the root level. The concept of AMR and its dreadful effect can be included in the national curricula.- The authorities may take initiatives to regulate the pharmacies and take the selling of antibiotics under surveillance. This will help the authorities to track the record of selling antibiotics.- Traditional methods of treatment like Unani, Ayurvedic medicines, and Homeopathy need to be revived by doing research.- The private sector in collaboration with NGOs may take initiatives to raise awareness among the rural people.- The international development partners need to collaborate with the government for funding and propose policies that are effective in different countries.- Doctors along with pharmacists should be properly trained about the AMR effects.- Mobile health courts may be established to regulate the local pharmacies. - The farmers need training and proper awareness should be created to control the use of antibiotics in the agricultural and livestock sectors.- The tannery industries should be taken under surveillance to reduce water pollution which is responsible for evolving germs in different ways. Read more: Why You Should Try Walking Backwards Conclusion In the 21st century, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global concern, and Bangladesh is at high risk. Proper actions and reforms in the healthcare sector may control the situation. In this case, proper steps should be taken by the government in collaboration with the private sectors, like NGOs, development partners, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies. And, most importantly, the mass population of the country should stand against the AMR effects. Otherwise, it would result in health hazards, economic problems, and environmental concerns to a greater extent.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the seventh on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 160 at 90am this morning (February 7, 2025). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy', referring to a health risk to residents, according to the AQI index. However, hazardous air quality continued in the densely polluted city over the past few days. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Dhaka’s air quality the worst this morning Kuwait’s Kuwait City, Myanmar’s Yangon and Pakistan’s Lahore cities respectively occupied the first second, and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 390, 255 and 186 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Speakers have warned that failure to raise greater public awareness about cancer prevention could result in at least one cancer patient in every family by 2030.Marking World Cancer Day on February 4, speakers expressed their concerns at a press conference jointly organised by the World Cancer Society Bangladesh, Bangladesh Cancer Foundation, and Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum on Monday. Britain's Princess of Wales says her cancer is in remissionThe press conference was held at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Auditorium of the National Press Club.Eminent cancer pathologist and prevention expert Professor Dr Habibullah Talukder Raskin, along with World Cancer Society President Dr Syed Humayun Kabir and other discussants, shared the latest situation analysis and discussed necessary measures to address the issue.They spoke about the lack of initiatives, irregularities, and inconsistencies in various cancer control efforts and proposed solutions to these challenges.Emphasising the importance of public awareness, the speakers stressed the need for proactive measures to protect people from cancer at the societal level."If we become aware and eliminate food adulteration, abstain from tobacco, prevent air pollution, control plastic use, and replace chemical fertilisers with organic alternatives, we can prevent 70% of cancer cases,” said Dr Syed Humayun Kabir. 60% cancer patients directly involved in agriculture: Adviser Farida"If we fail to raise public awareness, the harsh reality is that by 2030, there could be at least one cancer patient in every family," he warned.Dr Kabir underscored the urgent need for collective awareness and action to combat cancer.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has topped the list of cities having the worst air quality with an AQI score of 295 at 8:55am this morning (January 27, 2025). Today's air was classified as ‘very unhealthy', referring to a severe health threat, according to the AQI index. Such unhealthy environment has been prevailing in the densely polluted city over the past few days. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Pakistan’s Lahore, India’s Delhi and Myanmar’s Yangon cities respectively occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 232, 203 and 185 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Read: Dhaka’s “very unhealthy” air quality continues Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

A case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been detected in Bangladesh, according to the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR). A woman from Bhairab in Kishoreganj was confirmed to have contracted the virus, IEDCR revealed on Sunday. Reovirus detected in Bangladesh: 5 cases identified IEDCR Director Prof. Tahmina Shirin said, “Every year, a few cases of HMPV infection are identified. This virus is not new; it has been detected in various countries including in Bangladesh,” On January 8, a press briefing by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) highlighted a rising prevalence of HMPV in China following the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking global concerns over a potential health crisis. Health adviser visits Aalo Clinic in Karail Prof. Tahmina said akthough the virus is not new increased awareness and surveillance are necessary to monitor its impact. HMPV is known to cause respiratory infections, particularly among children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.