Category Archives: Health

World Lung Day – 25th September 2026: Mumbai Records 14,396 COPD Deaths, 7,069 Asthma Deaths

  Mumbai’s Polluted Air Puts Lung Health at Risk; Experts Urge Citizens to Act Before Breathing Problems Turn Serious 

Mumbai | Sept 24- As Mumbai marks World Lung Day on September 25, pulmonologists are drawing attention to the long-term impact of air pollution on respiratory health, particularly from fine particulate matter such as PM2.5. Air-quality data for September 23 showed Mumbai at a moderate level in one CAMS-based city assessment, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 15.4 µg/m³. However, air quality can vary significantly across locations and throughout the day, making individual exposure an important concern.

PM2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the respiratory system and, with repeated exposure, can contribute to respiratory inflammation and increase the risk of conditions including asthma, COPD and other chronic lung problems. The concern is particularly relevant in a densely populated city where residents are routinely exposed to traffic emissions, construction dust, industrial pollutants and indoor air pollution.

Experts say lung damage does not always announce itself with severe symptoms. Persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest discomfort or reduced ability to perform routine physical activity can sometimes be early warning signs and should not simply be dismissed as seasonal changes or pollution-related irritation. The World Health Organization estimates that ambient air pollution contributes to approximately 4.2 million premature deaths globally every year, while combined household and outdoor air pollution is associated with nearly 7 million premature deaths annually.

Dr. Sangita Checker, Consultant Pulmonologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road commented on this special day  ““Every breath we take is an interaction between our lungs and the environment around us. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can trigger inflammation and gradually impair lung function, sometimes even before noticeable symptoms appear. What is particularly concerning is that people often normalise a persistent cough or breathlessness as ‘just pollution’ or a seasonal issue. Individuals with asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions, along with children and older adults, are especially vulnerable. Persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness or a noticeable reduction in exercise tolerance should never be ignored. On World Lung Day, the focus must shift from treating lung disease to protecting lung health through prevention, early detection and timely medical care. Our lungs work continuously throughout our lives—protecting them must become a daily priority.”

Dr. Parthiv Shah Pulmonologist, Apex Group of Hospitals, Mumbai commented on this day,  “Lung health is no longer a concern limited to smokers or the elderly. In cities like Mumbai, air pollution, traffic emissions, dust and indoor pollutants can silently affect lung function. Persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing or reduced exercise tolerance should not be ignored, as these may be early signs of respiratory disease. On World Lung Day, we must focus on prevention—avoiding smoking and vaping, reducing exposure to pollutants, staying physically active and seeking timely medical evaluation. Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly improve long-term lung health and quality of life.”

Mumbai’s respiratory health burden remains a serious concern. BMC data obtained through RTI and reported for 2016–2021 recorded 14,396 COPD deaths, averaging nearly six deaths every day, along with 1,220 deaths from bronchitis and 7,069 deaths attributed to asthma. The burden was particularly high in areas such as M-East (Govandi), which recorded 675 COPD deaths, and K-East (Andheri East), with 971 deaths, highlighting the impact of prolonged exposure to both outdoor and indoor air pollution.

Experts recommend checking air-quality levels before prolonged outdoor activity, avoiding exposure to heavy traffic and visibly polluted areas, using appropriate protective masks when necessary, maintaining good indoor ventilation and avoiding smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke. Regular physical activity, adequate hydration and timely vaccination against relevant respiratory infections can also support overall respiratory health.

11th Ayurveda Day Celebrations to Spotlight Research, Innovation and Global Vision

Nagpur, September 23, 2026: The 11th Ayurveda Day is being observed across India and internationally today, with the Ministry of Ayush focusing on the role of Ayurveda in building a healthier future through scientific evidence, research, innovation and community wellbeing.

The national-level celebrations are being held in Nagpur under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow” (स्वस्थ भविष्य के लिए आयुर्वेद). The programme brings together Ayurveda practitioners, researchers, institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders from across the Ayush ecosystem.

A major highlight of the event will be the release of the first-ever Report on the Ayush Services Sector, prepared by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS). The report is expected to provide an assessment of the sector and offer insights into the evolving landscape of Ayush services.

The celebrations will also feature the launch of Safety Dossiers on Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and Chandrasura (Lepidium sativum). In addition, Standard Treatment Guidelines for skin disorders will be released as part of efforts to strengthen evidence-based practices and improve the application of Ayurveda in healthcare.

Another key publication to be unveiled is “From Traditional Wisdom to Global Leadership: Ayush Vision 2030”, outlining a longer-term perspective for the development and wider recognition of Ayush systems. A Status Report on Ayush-related Inventions in India will also be launched during the programme.

The event will further introduce the CCRAS–AGNI Assessment Scale Web Portal. The initiative is associated with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and the Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (AGNI), reflecting the growing emphasis on structured assessment, research and digital platforms within the Ayurveda ecosystem.

Two scientific sessions will form an important part of the celebrations. The first, “Shashwatam to Vishwas – Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow and the Road to 2047,” will examine the future trajectory of Ayurveda and its potential role in India’s long-term health vision.

The second scientific session, “Integrating Therapies is Needed to Reduce NCD Burden by 2027,” will focus on the growing challenge posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and discuss the potential role of integrated therapeutic approaches in addressing the burden.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush, representatives of Ayush councils and institutions, practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders are participating in the celebrations. Events being held across India and overseas are expected to facilitate wider engagement and knowledge sharing.

The 11th Ayurveda Day places particular emphasis on connecting India’s traditional healthcare knowledge with contemporary research and evidence. The initiatives being launched during the celebrations are aimed at supporting research, improving standards, encouraging innovation and expanding the contribution of Ayurveda to community wellbeing.

With Ayurveda Day now being marked on a wider national and international platform, this year’s observance seeks to underline the continuing evolution of Ayurveda while highlighting the importance of evidence-based approaches, scientific collaboration and innovation in shaping its future.

Athulya Senior Care, in Collaboration with Madras Medical College and Athulya Academy, Organises Two-Day Academic Programme on Comprehensive Dementia Care.

Programme focuses on strengthening clinical knowledge and practical skills among nursing students, faculty and healthcare professionals

Chennai, Sept 20: Athulya Senior Care, in collaboration with Madras Medical College (MMC) and Athulya Academy, organised a two-day academic programme titled “Comprehensive Dementia Care: Current Concepts, Clinical Skills and Future Directions” on September 18 and 19, 2026, at Athulya Senior Care, Maduravoyal, Chennai. The programme focused on strengthening understanding of dementia care and equipping nurses, nursing faculty, nursing students and healthcare professionals with updated knowledge and practical skills to support older adults living with dementia.

The programme brought together experts from geriatric medicine, neurology, nursing and dementia care, with sessions covering current concepts, clinical approaches and the evolving needs of people living with dementia. The initiative also sought to bridge academic learning with practical caregiving and promote a multidisciplinary approach to dementia care.

The inaugural ceremony was held on September 18 and was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. R. Shankar Shanmugam, Principal, Madras Medical College (MMC), Chennai and Registrar, Tamil Nadu Nurses & Midwives Council, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest.

With dementia cases increasing alongside India’s ageing population, there is a growing need to strengthen the skills and preparedness of healthcare professionals involved in senior care. A national LASI-DAD study estimated that 7.4% of Indians aged 60 and above, or around 8.8 million people, are living with dementia. Against this backdrop, programmes that combine academic learning with clinical and practical insights can play an important role in building a better-trained workforce and strengthening the quality of dementia care in India.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Srinivasan G, Founder & CEO, Athulya Senior Care, said, “Dementia care requires a multidisciplinary approach and well-trained professionals who understand the clinical and emotional needs of seniors. Through this programme, we aim to strengthen knowledge and practical skills while encouraging greater focus on specialised geriatric and dementia care.”

Dr. Nivedha Pathmanathan, Psychiatrist, Athulya Senior Care, added, “Dementia affects much more than memory, often impacting behaviour, communication and everyday life. Strengthening awareness among healthcare professionals can support early recognition, timely intervention and more personalized, compassionate care for seniors and their families.”

The two-day programme included expert-led sessions and practical learning focused on key aspects of dementia care, with perspectives from medical, nursing and mental health professionals. The participation of 60 healthcare professionals provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and discussion around the evolving requirements of dementia and geriatric care.

The programme marks an important step towards strengthening dementia care in India by bringing together academic learning, clinical expertise and practical caregiving perspectives. Through this collaboration, Athulya Senior Care, Madras Medical College and Athulya Academy aim to support the development of skilled healthcare professionals and promote a more informed, multidisciplinary approach to dementia care, ultimately contributing to better care outcomes and improved quality of life for seniors and their families.

Max Hospital, Vaishali launches KTP (Kidney Transplant Program) and Nephrology OPD at Gwalior

One of the leading healthcare providers in the country, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali, today, launched the Kidney Transplant Program and Nephrology OPD in Gwalior.

The OPDs will be conducted at Max Patient Assistance Center, Shree Diagnostic Pvt Ltd, in Gwalior and will be available to patients on 3^rd Sunday of every month between 11:00 am – 02:00 pm. The launch will make sure that patients are able to book regular appointments for both queries and routine follow-ups related to their kidney and/or overall renal health.

The launch event was held at Hotel Clark Inn, Gwalior and was addressed by Dr Manoj Singhal, Director- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali. With the introduction of these services, patients across all genders, ages, as well as socio-economic backgrounds, wouldn’t need to travel to other cities and instead, visit OPDs for regular quality medical services.

At the launch, Dr Manoj Singhal, Director- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, said, “Through the launch of KTP and Nephrology OPD services in Gwalior, the unit would like to extend its medical help and support to the patients here in the city and nearby regions. Offering quality healthcare services along with cutting-edge technology, Max Hospital, Vaishali is already a chosen tertiary care facility for patients from this region.”

With the significant rise in the incidences of renal failure, this is a substantial step taken by Max Healthcare towards ensuring that such patients in the region have easy and speedy access to quality healthcare services.

He further added, “There are various factors due to which there is a rise in the number of individuals being detected with chronic kidney diseases such as regular consumption of alcohol, drug abuse, severe dehydration, unbalanced diet and unmonitored use of painkillers, etc. Therefore, our goal is to ensure efficient management of the disease and availability of specialized medical help in their neighborhood.”

Over In the past years, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali has been actively working towards offering international standards of healthcare facilities in different regions across the country. The leading healthcare player organizes numerous health-camps, OPDs and screening camps for the residents of other regions like Chandausi, Gwalior, Meerut, Kanpur, Moradabad, etc. and its neighboring areas. 

Study Finds Bile Acid May Help Reduce Liver Fat

Hyodeoxycholic acid reduces excess liver fat in mice through two distinct pathways, demonstrating multi-target therapeutic potential

Sept 17: Excess fat accumulation in the liver can contribute to the development and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), highlighting the need for new approaches to manage the condition. Now, researchers have found that hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), a bile acid, can reduce liver fat in mice while also identifying the biological pathways involved. The findings suggest that HDCA could help inform the development of new approaches to managing MASLD. 

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a common condition that causes excess fat to build up in the liver, affecting about one-quarter of adults worldwide. In some people, this can lead to inflammation and liver cell or hepatocyte injury, triggering the formation of thick, fibrous connective tissue known as fibrosis. Over time, advanced fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, in which permanent scarring impairs the liver’s normal function. MASLD is often described as a “silent” disease because symptoms may be absent or mild until the disease becomes more advanced.

Hepatic steatosis refers to the initial stage of MASLD, where excess fat gets accumulated in the hepatocytes. Though it is a common metabolic disorder, the mechanistic understanding of the biological pathways involved as well as effective therapeutic strategies remain incompletely understood.

Against this backdrop, a study from Chiba University found that a bile acid, hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA), helps reduce excess fat accumulation in the liver.

The study was led by Professor Takashi Miki, Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine at Chiba University, Japan, with Dr. Eunyoung Lee as the first author, along with Professor Antonio Vidal-Puig of the MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, UK, and other researchers. The paper was made available online on August 7, 2026, and was published in Volume 45, Issue 8 of the journal Cell Reports on August 25, 2026.

“We unexpectedly found that adipose tissue transplantation increased circulating HDCA levels in our diabetic mouse model. This intriguing finding prompted us to investigate HDCA’s potential metabolic effects. We found that HDCA treatment prevented high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis,” says Prof. Miki.

To investigate the effects of HDCA, the researchers fed mice a high-fat diet and treated them with HDCA. At a 0.25% dose, HDCA reduced blood glucose levels, lowered the amount of triglycerides (fat) stored in the liver, and improved liver function without affecting the mice’s body weight, suggesting that its effects on liver fat were not due to weight loss.

The researchers then investigated how HDCA produced these effects. They found that HDCA increased the activity of PPARα, a protein that controls genes involved in breaking down fatty acids. In mice that lacked this protein, HDCA could no longer prevent fat from building up in the liver.

The researchers then identified two pathways through which HDCA activated PPARα. First, HDCA increased the number of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, a type of immune cell, in the liver. These cells produced more interferon-γ (IFN-γ), a signaling molecule that activated PPARα in liver cells. PPARα then switched on the genes that help liver cells break down fatty acids.

As another pathway, HDCA also increased the levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a gut hormone that helps regulate metabolism. The researchers found that GLP-1 signaling was necessary for HDCA to reduce liver fat. When they tested mice that lacked the GLP-1 receptor, HDCA could no longer prevent fat from accumulating in the liver.

To further examine the role of GLP-1 and its relationship with iNKT cells and PPARα, the researchers injected liraglutide, a drug that activates the GLP-1 receptor and is used to treat type 2 diabetes, into normal mice and mice lacking iNKT cells, PPARα, or the GLP-1 receptor. Liraglutide reduced liver fat in both normal mice and mice lacking iNKT cells, but not in mice lacking PPARα. These findings indicated that GLP-1 reduces liver fat through PPARα and does not require iNKT cells.

Together, the researchers showed that HDCA may combat MASLD through two distinct pathways: an immune pathway involving iNKT cells and IFN-γ, and a metabolic pathway involving GLP-1. Both pathways ultimately activate PPARα, which helps the liver increase fatty-acid breakdown and reduce fat accumulation.

“Both HDCA and the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide exhibited potent anti-steatotic effects in mice in a PPARα-dependent manner,” says Prof. Miki, highlighting PPARα as a potential target for developing strategies to combat MASLD.

Overall, these findings emphasize the potential of HDCA as an effective multi-target therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic steatosis.

World-Renowned Texas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ozan Sozer Named ISAPS President-Elect

The longtime ISAPS leader will assume the presidency of the global aesthetic surgery organization in 2028

El Paso, TX, Sept 17 – The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), a global professional organization dedicated to advancing aesthetic plastic surgery education and patient safety, has elected internationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ozan Sozer as President-Elect. He will assume the role of President in 2028.

 His election marks the latest chapter in Dr. Sozer’s longstanding leadership within ISAPS. Currently serving as Treasurer, Dr. Sozer has also spent many years leading the organization’s education efforts as Chair of Education, helping advance global knowledge-sharing and education among plastic surgeons.

 “It is an incredible honor to be elected President-Elect of ISAPS by colleagues from around the world,” said Dr. Sozer, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and ISAPS

President-Elect. “I have always believed that aesthetic surgery advances when physicians share knowledge, challenge one another and continue learning. I look forward to helping further ISAPS’ commitment to global education, innovation and patient safety.”

 Founded in 1970, ISAPS brings together aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons from more than 117 countries, providing an international forum for scientific exchange, continuing education and the advancement of patient safety.

 With 25+ years of experience, Dr. Sozer is the founder of El Paso Cosmetic Surgery and is known for his work in facial aesthetics, body contouring and surgical innovation, including the development of techniques such as the Glidelift™ and Extended Gliding Brow Lift.

Hamdan bin Mohammed visits Aster Pharmacy’s distribution centre in Dubai

Dubai, UAE – Sept 12: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited Aster Pharmacy’s distribution centre in Dubai Industrial City, one of the largest pharmaceutical warehouses in the region.

During the visit, His Highness said the private sector has an important role to play in building and developing an efficient and reliable healthcare system. Sheikh Hamdan noted the importance of cooperation between the private and public sectors in providing high-quality services that meet the community’s needs for medicines and medical supplies.

His Highness was briefed by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, on the operations of the 145,000 sq. ft. facility and the services it provides across the UAE and the GCC through Aster’s network.

Sheikh Hamdan commended the facility’s innovative approach, which improves efficiency and enables medicines to be distributed faster and with greater accuracy. He expressed his support for Aster’s continued growth and its efforts to adopt innovative solutions that further enhance its services and contribute to the development of the UAE’s healthcare system.

His Highness was accompanied by His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and His Excellency Malek Al Malek, Chairman of TECOM Group.

The facility handles approximately 75,000 transactions each day through Aster’s UAE network of 350 pharmacies, 120 medical clinics and 15 hospitals. 

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said “We are honoured to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to our facility and to showcase the strength of Aster Pharmacy’s advanced robotic warehouse and its role in enabling faster, more accurate and efficient distribution of medicines across the UAE. His Highness’s visit and support reaffirm the importance of innovation and public-private collaboration in strengthening the UAE’s healthcare ecosystem, and we remain committed to contributing to Dubai’s vision of building a world-class, technology-enabled healthcare system.”

Three Weeks to Go: World Wellness Weekend Unites the Global Wellness Community for Its 10th Anniversary

More than 20 days to go as hotels, spas, fitness communities, destinations and wellness professionals across the world prepare for 18–20 September

Sept 10 — The 10th World Wellness Weekend (WWW) is entering its final countdown, bringing together wellness communities, hospitality groups, tourism organisations, fitness networks and local communities worldwide for a global celebration from 18–20 September 2026.

Marking its 10th anniversary, World Wellness Weekend continues to expand its international footprint, with new country programs, major hospitality partnerships and community initiatives being confirmed in the weeks leading up to the event.

From luxury resorts and thermal spas to public parks, fitness clubs, yoga studios and community organisations, this year’s program demonstrates that wellness is increasingly becoming a shared community experience rather than simply a luxury or individual pursuit.

A global celebration with strong local stories

The latest country updates reveal the breadth and diversity of the 2026 celebration.

Italy, one of the most active countries in the movement, has 644 participating venues, including Sport City Day, iconic properties from Italian Hospitality Collection, and numerous spas, fitness clubs and wellness centres. More than 420 fitness clubs within the CIWAS Fitness Network Italia are preparing free fitness opportunities, while Florence, Sardinia, Tuscany and other regions are developing programs combining movement, nature, thermal wellness, nutrition and mindfulness.

In Spain, with 609 venues, leading hotels and spas including El Palace Barcelona, Hotel Miramar Barcelona, Torre Melina Gran Meliá and SPA InterContinental Barcelona, Hard Rock Hotel are preparing activities ranging from Pilates, sound healing and meditation to complimentary spa experiences. Tenerife will also host a program including a solidarity massage marathon, conscious movement, sound and vibration workshops and emotional wellbeing activities.

In Japan, wellness activities will take place nationally, across all 47 prefectures, from Hokkaido to Okinawa gathering all generations. Programs include yoga, family activities, sound baths, arts and crafts, fitness and initiatives connecting personal wellbeing with environmental care. The initiative has received support from organisations including the Japan Tourism Agency, Japan Spa & Wellness Tourism Association, Fitness Industry Association Japan and Japan Fitness Association.

India, with possibly 500+ venues, is seeing major participation from leading hospitality and wellness groups including Taj Hotels, Shangri-La, Oberoi, Hyatt, ITC Hotels, The Lodhi, Fairmont, Six Senses Vana and others. For the first time, Wellness Connect by Professional Beauty India will serve as the official in-person event partner.

In Vietnam, 146 venues are participating, reinforcing the country’s emergence as a wellness destination. Resorts and brands including Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, Fusion Resort & Villas, Furama Resort Danang, Avani Quy Nhon, An Lam Retreats and other leading properties are preparing programs combining yoga, sound healing, breathwork, nature, fitness, healthy cooking and community initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Maldives will see 48 venues participate, with groups including Mandara Spa, Chavana Spa and ELE|NA offering experiences ranging from sunrise yoga and sound healing to beach clean-ups, meditation, massage workshops and wellness activities for colleagues and local communities.

Wellness meets hospitality, tourism and community

The 2026 edition is also strengthening the connection between wellness and travel.

In Mexico, more than 50 hotels in Quintana Roo, alongside 12 Iberostar properties, are joining World Wellness Weekend. Local tourism authorities in Yucatán, Cancún, Isla Mujeres, Los Cabos and Puerto Morelos are supporting the initiative, while participating resorts are offering programmes including yoga, Pilates, breathwork, meditation, fitness and environmental clean-ups.

In the United States, 278 venues are participating, with support from organisations including ISPA, Spa Industry Association, Wellness Tourism Association, Wellness in Travel and Tourism and the Health & Fitness Association. Major hospitality names including Marriott International, Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, Hard Rock Hotels and AIRE Ancient Baths are represented.

The UK program includes 151 venues, with David Lloyd Clubs preparing activities across 100 UK clubs and 50 clubs across Europe, while Aqua Sana Forest Spas, AIRE Ancient Baths, Aromatherapy Associates, PURE Spa & Wellness and other major wellness brands are also participating.

From luxury wellness to “Wellness for All”

A defining feature of the 10th anniversary edition is the emphasis on accessibility, solidarity and community.

In France, for example, Les Cures Marines de Trouville – MGallery, La Réserve Paris and La Réserve Ramatuelle will combine guest and employee wellness with coastal clean-ups and tree planting, while Molitor Paris MGallery will provide a fitness experience for people fighting cancer through its partnership with CAMI.

In Colombia, the program includes a nature-based “PACHAMAMA” experience combining mindful walking, tree planting, spa and thermal experiences, conscious breathing and sound therapy, with proceeds donated to children in the Payacal village.

In Ukraine, Maharaja Yoga & Spa in Kharkiv will offer trauma-sensitive practices, breathwork, Yoga Nidra, restorative activities and wellness gatherings designed to support veterans, families and people affected by the war – demonstrating how wellness can become a space for solidarity, resilience and hope.

Connecting personal and planetary wellbeing

World Wellness Weekend is also joining forces with World Cleanup Day ahead of 20 September, encouraging participating venues to combine environmental action with personal wellbeing. Activities will include clean-ups of parks, beaches, riverbanks and neighborhoods followed by a short guided relaxation. World Cleanup Day’s global network has previously mobilised more than 114 million people across 211 countries and territories.

The initiative is also continuing its collaboration with the Global Wellness Breathe Initiative of the Global Wellness Institue, which will explore breathing, performance, pregnancy, anxiety and respiratory wellbeing through a dedicated webinar series and guided breathwork experiences.

A growing global wellness ecosystem

The 10th World Wellness Weekend is being supported by an expanding network of international organisations, including Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT) and the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA), working together to increase participation from hotels, resorts, wellness practitioners and destinations and to strengthen wellness within the global travel ecosystem.

“Beyond design and marketing, what makes people want to return to a property dedicated to fitness, beauty and tourism is the talent of the teams, their expertise and their passion to care for people and deliver experiences rich in meaning and sensations, as transformative as possible,” says Jean-Guy de Gabriac, Founder of World Wellness Weekend.

Journalists invited to cover the 10th World Wellness Weekend

With the event now just weeks away, World Wellness Weekend welcomes journalists, editors, broadcasters, travel writers and wellness media to cover the 10th anniversary celebration.

The global initiative offers opportunities to explore local and international wellness stories, interview country and city ambassadors, speak with participating hotel and spa leaders, and discover how destinations are using wellness to support healthier communities, tourism and sustainable lifestyles.

Journalists interested in covering World Wellness Weekend can also be connected with local ambassadors, participating venues and program organisers in their respective markets.

Yoga for a Healthier Mind and Body: A Simple Habit for Stress, Fitness and Wellbeing

In a fast-moving world filled with work pressure, long hours in front of screens and little time to slow down, maintaining both mental and physical health can be a challenge. Yoga offers a simple way to bring movement, breathing and mindfulness into everyday life, helping people create a healthier balance between the mind and body.

Unlike workouts that focus mainly on physical strength, yoga combines body movements with controlled breathing and mental awareness. This combination can make the practice useful not only for staying active but also for managing everyday stress and improving overall wellbeing.

For many people, one of the biggest challenges of modern life is an overcrowded mind. Thoughts about work, family, finances and the future can continue long after the day is over. Yoga encourages people to concentrate on their breathing and movements, giving the mind an opportunity to step away from these constant distractions.

Breathing exercises and meditation can further support relaxation. By slowing the pace of breathing and paying attention to the present moment, people may find it easier to manage stress and develop a greater sense of calm. Research has found potential benefits of yoga for stress management, although the strength of evidence varies across studies.

The benefits may also extend to heart health. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis involving 30 randomised controlled trials and more than 2,200 participants found that yoga was associated with reductions in blood pressure among people with prehypertension or hypertension. However, researchers rated the overall quality of evidence as very low, highlighting the need for larger and better-designed studies.

This means yoga can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it should not be treated as a replacement for prescribed medicines or medical treatment. People with high blood pressure should continue to follow their doctor’s advice while using appropriate physical activity and stress-management practices as part of their overall care.

Yoga can also help people stay physically active without putting excessive strain on the body. Different poses work different muscle groups while improving flexibility, balance and body awareness. Regular practice can be particularly useful for people who spend much of their day sitting at a desk or working on computers.

Another advantage is that yoga does not necessarily require a gym or expensive equipment. A quiet space and a few minutes of regular practice can be enough to get started. Beginners can begin with gentle stretches and breathing exercises before gradually moving towards more challenging postures.

A simple daily routine could include a few minutes of gentle movement, followed by slow breathing and a short period of relaxation. The aim is not to perform complicated poses but to build a routine that feels comfortable and can be maintained consistently.

The growing popularity of yoga reflects a broader shift in the way people think about health. Staying fit is no longer only about physical exercise. Mental wellbeing, stress management, sleep, nutrition and regular movement all contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Yoga brings several of these elements together. It gives the body a chance to move while giving the mind a chance to slow down.

Ultimately, yoga is not about achieving a perfect posture or completing an intense workout. Its real value lies in developing a regular habit of movement, breathing and awareness. For someone dealing with the pressures of everyday life, even a few quiet minutes on a yoga mat can become a meaningful step towards feeling healthier, calmer and more balanced.

Health Ministry Unveils SUMAN Roadmap 2030 to Accelerate Maternal and Newborn Care

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare convened a two-day national workshop in Lucknow on September 2–3 to advance the implementation of SUMAN Roadmap 2030, with the objective of accelerating progress towards zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Held under the chairpersonship of Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission, the workshop brought together more than 200 participants, including senior health officials from States and Union Territories, experts, academics, professional bodies and development partners.

Addressing the inaugural session, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak stressed the importance of registering newly married couples as an early intervention to prevent unintended pregnancies and promote planned and healthy pregnancies. Smt. Patnaik said India has made considerable progress in reducing maternal mortality but highlighted the need for sustained efforts, particularly in States with high maternal mortality ratios and in vulnerable and hard-to-reach areas. She said the SUMAN roadmap places safety, dignity and quality healthcare at the centre of the maternal health journey.

The roadmap follows a life-course and continuum-of-care model, covering healthcare interventions from the pre-pregnancy stage through antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. Its strategy is divided into two components: one specifically targeting 13 high-focus States and 130 districts with a disproportionate burden of maternal and newborn deaths, and another covering all States and Union Territories to sustain progress towards Sustainable Development Goal targets. The workshop examined issues including high-risk pregnancies, postpartum haemorrhage, Caesarean-section services, community interventions, Birth Waiting Homes, digital health, grievance redressal and the impact of climate change on maternal health. Guidelines on Birth Waiting Homes, communication material and a video on SUMAN Roadmap 2030 were also launched.

The meeting also gave States an opportunity to present their priorities, implementation challenges and proposed solutions, while a Gallery Walk showcased field innovations from across the country, including maternal health interventions and digital initiatives. Representatives from WHO, UNFPA, UNICEF, Gates Foundation, Jhpiego, FOGSI, C3 and CIFF participated in the discussions and reiterated their support for the programme. Through technical sessions and group exercises, participants worked on practical solutions for high-risk pregnancy management, pre-pregnancy care, postpartum haemorrhage and Caesarean-section services. The Ministry said the deliberations would help translate the SUMAN Roadmap 2030 into measurable action and strengthen the national effort to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths by 2030.