The International Day of Yoga, celebrated annually on June 21, reflects the world’s recognition of yoga’s profound contributions to human health and well-being. Officially proclaimed by the United Nations in 2014 with the support of 177 countries, this global event was first observed in 2015. For 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," highlighting the vital link between personal wellness and planetary health, also been endorsed by the United Nations. This theme emphasizes how caring for one’s own health fosters mindfulness towards the environment, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable world.

Originating in India thousands of years ago, yoga is far more than a physical exercise regimen; it is a comprehensive way of life that harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit. The term "Yoga" derives from the ancient Sanskrit word “yuj,” meaning “to unite,” symbolizing the union of the self with nature, society, and the broader universe. The practice incorporates asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation, all of which work synergistically to cultivate physical vitality, emotional balance, and mental clarity.

Unlike many contemporary fitness programs that focus mainly on physical appearance or strength, yoga prioritizes holistic well-being. Mindful movement and breath control improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, support joint health, and enhance organ function. Meditation and breathing practices reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, stabilize emotions, and promote better sleep and concentration. This comprehensive approach has led to yoga's widespread global adoption, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.

A growing body of scientific research has validated yoga’s benefits in the prevention and management of several chronic health conditions. Studies have demonstrated that yoga can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, asthma, and arthritis. In oncology, yoga has been shown to support patients undergoing cancer treatment by improving energy levels, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged yoga’s global relevance and actively supports its safe, evidence-based practice. The establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM) in Jamnagar, India, serves as a global hub for research, standards, and policy development in traditional medicine, including yoga. WHO’s Yoga Training Benchmarks, partnerships with India’s Ministry of AYUSH, and the development of the mYoga App ensure standardized, accessible, and high-quality yoga resources worldwide.

Furthermore, integrating yoga with its ancient sister science Ayurveda offers a holistic and comprehensive approach to health. While Ayurveda provides guidance on diet, daily routines, and herbal remedies, yoga complements these practices by fostering self-awareness, emotional stability, and inner harmony. Together, they address not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of disease, promoting sustained wellness.

As we celebrate International Day of Yoga 2025, the message of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” carries profound significance. In an era marked by rising chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and environmental crises, yoga offers a timeless path to balance and resilience. By embracing yoga's enduring wisdom, individuals can foster personal transformation while contributing to a healthier planet for current and future generations.

A day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and expressing gratitude to those who give the gift of life. In many low- and middle-income countries, over 75% of patients with transfusion-dependent conditions like thalassaemia do not receive the regular, safe blood they need.

Blood Shortage & Unequal Access

1.  Huge Global Disparities

• In 2025, high-income countries collect about 40% of the world’s 118 million annual donations.
• Blood donation rates differ widely: 31.5/1,000 people in high-income countries, but just 5/1,000 in low-income countries
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2.  Situation in India

·  The estimated national clinical requirement is:

14.6 million whole blood units annually

Equivalent to 36.3 blood donations per 1,000 eligible population

However, actual collection falls short. With an average donation rate of 33.8 per 1,000, the annual shortfall is around 1 million units.

• Many regions remain blood deserts, with availability as low as 0.6 units per 1,000 population, leading to poor emergency response .
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Hence , donating blood might seem like a small act—but it sets off a life-saving chain of events.

Once donated, your blood is:

• Tested for infections,
• Separated into components like red cells, platelets, and plasma,
• Stored under strict conditions,
• And finally, delivered to a patient who urgently needs it—such as someone undergoing surgery, treatment for cancer, severe anaemia, trauma, or childbirth complications.
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The Journey from Donor to Patient

When you roll up your sleeve to donate blood, you trigger a well-coordinated and life-saving process that delivers your generosity directly to patients in need.

1. Pre-Donation Screening & Collection

As outlined by the Red Cross and other blood services, the process begins with a quick health check and confidential medical history review to ensure you’re eligible to donate.
Once cleared, blood is:

• Collected in a sterile bag,
• Barcoded for tracking,
• Temporarily stored on ice, and
• Sent for processing and testing.

 Each donation typically yields one unit of whole blood, which is later separated into components like red cells, platelets, and plasma—maximizing the impact of your gift.

2. Ensuring Safety: Rigorous Testing

Every unit of blood is tested for safety. This includes:

• Blood type confirmation,
• Screening for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis
• Antibody screening for compatibility.
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If any infectious disease test is positive, the blood is safely discarded and the donor is confidentially notified. All results are electronically processed—often within 24 hours—and linked to the barcode on the donation bag.

3. Storage and Distribution

Once cleared, the blood is stored under component-specific conditions:

• Red blood cells: refrigerated at 1–6°C for up to 42 days,
• Platelets: stored at room temperature (20–24°C) with agitation for up to 5–7 days,
• Plasma: frozen at –18°C or colder and can last up to 1 year.
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These are dispatched to hospitals based on real-time need—whether for emergency surgeries, trauma, or planned transfusions.

4. Reaching the Patient and Who benefits

Your blood finally reaches someone in need—often during a critical moment.

Red Blood Cells

Used to treat:

• Anaemia (including from chronic diseases or nutritional deficiencies)
• Heavy blood loss from trauma, surgery, or childbirth
• Blood disorders like thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia
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Platelets
Crucial for patients who:

• Are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, which reduce platelet counts
• Have bleeding disorders like ITP or aplastic anaemia
• Need organ transplants, to help prevent bleeding during surgery
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Plasma
Used in patients with:

• Liver disease or clotting disorders, where clotting factors are deficient
• Severe burns, where plasma helps restore blood volume
• Massive transfusion needs during disasters, accidents, or surgeries
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Doctors match the blood type and component to the patient's condition to ensure safe transfusion.

One donation can help save up to 3 lives.

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Donate Regularly

You can donate blood every 3 months (12 weeks) if you're a man, or every 4 months (16 weeks) if you're a woman — as recommended by the WHO. Setting a reminder ensures you stay healthy and help maintain a steady blood supply.

 2. Talk About It

Start conversations. Share facts with friends, family, or on social media about why blood donation matters. Your voice can inspire others to take action.

3. Organize or Join a Blood Drive

Bring donation opportunities closer to home, work, or college. Ask your organization to host a mobile blood drive. It makes donating easier and increases turnout.

4. Use Apps or Reminders

Sign up for donation alerts through SMS, email, or health apps. Regular prompts can help you stay on schedule — and studies show this can increase donations by up to 30%.

5. Be a Lifelong Donor

Make donating blood a habit. Just one unit can save up to 3 lives. Imagine the impact over a lifetime!

Thyroid disorders are one of the most common endocrine issues affecting women, yet they remain significantly underdiagnosed and under-discussed — particularly in the context of reproductive health. Conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are up to 8 to 10 times more common in women than in men, with key life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause acting as hormonal triggers.

Many symptoms — such as fatigue, weight fluctuations, mood changes, irregular periods, or difficulty conceiving — are misattributed to stress, PCOS, or general lifestyle factors or even early menopause — especially in younger women navigating work-life pressures or postpartum recovery.

What many don’t realize is that thyroid hormones are closely tied to the reproductive system. They influence everything from menstrual regularity and ovulation to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can lead to heavy or irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, and even increase the risk of miscarriages or premature births. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), on the other hand, may cause lighter or missed periods and exacerbate anxiety or insomnia.

There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that undiagnosed thyroid issues can significantly impact mental health — contributing to chronic fatigue, brain fog, irritability, and even depression. In India, where conversations around mental wellness are just beginning to gain ground, the thyroid’s role in mood and emotional regulation is still largely misunderstood.

Add to this the influence of lifestyle misinformation — from fad diets to supplement culture — and many women unknowingly worsen their thyroid function in pursuit of “wellness.” I frequently see patients who have self-medicated with iodine drops, selenium supplements, or extreme diet plans after encountering poorly researched advice online.

At Holy Family Hospital, we are increasingly advocating for routine thyroid screening as part of women’s preventive healthcare, especially during key hormonal milestones — puberty, conception planning, pregnancy, and postnatal recovery. A simple blood test (TSH, T3, T4) can identify thyroid imbalances early and help prevent a cascade of complications.

Despite this, awareness remains low. Many women visit an endocrinologist only after years of unexplained symptoms or failed fertility treatments. We need to shift this narrative. 

The future of women’s health must include a more integrated approach, where gynecologists, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals collaborate to diagnose and manage thyroid dysfunctions holistically. Early intervention not only improves quality of life but also safeguards long-term heart, bone, and brain health. 

As healthcare providers, we must ensure that thyroid health isn't treated as an isolated issue, but as an integral part of a woman’s overall well-being. And as individuals, we need to listen to our bodies, push for answers, and ask for thyroid testing when symptoms don’t add up.

A recent Instagram survey conducted among working Mumbaikars aged 30 to 55 years has shed light on alarming sleep trends and perceptions in the city that never sleeps. The poll, supported by insights from Dr. Prashant Makhija, Consultant Neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, highlights not just the sleep deprivation crisis but also the growing awareness around sleep health.

Key Findings:

1. Majority Are Sleep Deprived

● 63.57% of respondents reported getting less than 6 hours of sleep on weekdays.

● This aligns with global data pointing to urban dwellers compromising sleep due to     work and commute.

Dr. Prashant Makhija explains:
“Sleep deprivation has become rampant in metros like Mumbai. What's alarming is that people recognize six hours as insufficient, yet daily demands prevent them from achieving more.”

2. Noise Pollution Is a Major Disturbance

● 64.23% admitted they struggle to sleep due to Mumbai's noise pollution, such as honking, construction, and loud neighbors.

Dr. Makhija comments:
“Environmental factors like urban noise disrupt circadian rhythms and REM sleep, leading to long-term consequences such as anxiety, hypertension, and weakened immunity.”

3. The Weekend Catch-Up Myth

●   59.62% believe that sleeping extra on weekends compensates for weekday loss.

Dr. Makhija warns:
“This is a common misconception. While you may feel better temporarily, it doesn't reverse the cumulative effects of chronic sleep loss.”

4. The Surprising Reality: Sleep Still Valued

● When asked about pre-bedtime habits, 75.40% preferred a relaxed routine, while only 24.60% scrolled social media.

●  Additionally, 55.74% said they don’t sacrifice sleep for late-night food or social plans.

“This is an encouraging insight,” says Dr. Makhija.
“Despite distractions like social media and nightlife, Mumbaikars do attempt to maintain a sleep-friendly routine. It's just that external pressures interfere.”

5. Snoring Is Still Misunderstood

●  53.23% considered snoring to be normal, reflecting a serious lack of awareness.

● In reality, snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition with grave health risks.

“People often overlook snoring,” warns Dr. Makhija.
“But it can indicate upper airway obstruction. Left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.”

6. Sleep and Health Link: Still Blurry

●Only 52.66% acknowledged the link between inadequate sleep and physical or mental health.

●  Alarmingly, nearly 47% either denied or were unsure of the connection.

Dr. Makhija emphasizes:
“This gap in awareness is concerning. Sleep is not a luxury—it is foundational to brain health, hormonal balance, and emotional regulation.”

7. Stimulants and Coping Mechanisms

●  44.89% reported relying on chai or coffee to stay awake during the day, while the rest managed without caffeine—a surprisingly balanced outcome.

Conclusion: A City That Knows, But Can’t Sleep

The results reveal a city aware of its sleep needs but struggling to meet them due to environmental, social, and occupational stressors. With nearly 2 in 3 respondents being sleep-deprived, it’s evident that public health interventions, noise regulation, and educational efforts are urgently needed.

“It’s time we treat sleep as a pillar of health, not an afterthought,” concludes Dr. Makhija.

Heartiest congratulations to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji on the historic India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Double Contribution Convention, a landmark achievement amid global trade uncertainties. At AIMED, we applaud this much-awaited ambitious trade deal that is set to significantly strengthen economic ties between India and the UK, unlocking new opportunities for the medical devices sector through enhanced collaboration, innovation, and streamlined trade processes.

The FTA addresses key challenges in the MedTech sector by reducing customs tariffs on critical medical devices, such as consumables, implants, and diagnostic equipment. It also harmonizes non-tariff barriers, including prolonged regulatory approval processes in the UK, which have historically limited India’s medical device exports.

The agreement fosters innovation by promoting joint R&D initiatives and facilitates technology transfer and the establishment of Centres of Excellence in India, enabling the development of affordable, high-quality medical devices tailored to both markets.

By easing bilateral trade barriers, the deal empowers businesses to export, import, and invest in a more diverse and affordable range of healthcare products.

Indian MedTech exports, valued at $3.8 billion in 2023-24, particularly to the UK, are poised for growth, while UK firms gain improved access to India’s $12 billion medical devices market, projected to reach $50 billion by 2030. 

This FTA not only strengthens the MedTech ecosystem but also sets a template for India’s trade negotiations with other developed nations, driving economic growth and healthcare accessibility.

Dr Rajiv Chhibber, Joint Cordinator AIMED
 

A healthy heart is essential for a healthy life, acting as the engine of our circulatory system. This vital organ pumps blood throughout our body, delivering the oxygen and nutrients we need while removing waste. It also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and keeps our body functioning smoothly. Unfortunately, many people face heart and blood vessel issues, known as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which can be treated through various surgeries depending on the specific condition.

Cardiac surgery, also known as heart surgery, involves procedures on the heart or its associated blood vessels. These surgeries become necessary for individuals dealing with heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, or those at high risk of developing these conditions. The type of surgery can range from minor procedures like implanting a pacemaker to major open-heart surgeries like bypass grafts. The types of operations vary greatly. Millions of people undergo cardiac surgery each year. However, many patients have misconceptions surrounding these critical procedures which often leads to unnecessary worry and hesitation in patients. It's important to understand the facts and clear up these misconceptions to make informed decisions about our heart health and treatment options.

Myth 1: Cardiac surgery can cause a stroke or affect brain function.

Fact: While there is a potential risk of neurological complications following cardiac surgery, advancements in surgical techniques, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative care have significantly reduced this risk. Surgeons take meticulous precautions to minimize the possibility of stroke or cognitive impairment. The benefits of addressing severe cardiac conditions often outweigh this potential risk.

Myth 2: Cardiac surgery is only for elderly people.

Fact: Cardiac surgery is performed on individuals of all ages, including infants, children, and young adults. While the incidence of certain cardiac conditions may increase with age, surgical intervention is determined by the specific diagnosis and the patient's overall health status, not solely by age.

Myth 3: You can’t lead a normal life after heart surgery.

Fact: For most patients, cardiac surgery aims to improve their quality of life and enable them to return to their normal activities. Following a period of rehabilitation and adherence to medical advice, most individuals experience significant symptom relief and can resume their usual routines, often with increased energy levels and improved functional capacity.

Myth 4: Cardiac surgery is the last resort.

Fact: While cardiac surgery is often considered for significant heart conditions, it is not always the absolute last option. The decision to proceed with surgery depends on various factors, including the specific diagnosis, the severity of the condition, the patient's overall health, and the potential benefits versus risks compared to other treatment modalities, such as medical management or interventional procedures.

Myth 5: Cardiac surgery is mostly fatal.

Fact: Modern cardiac surgery has become increasingly safe, with survival rates improving significantly over the years due to advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and postoperative care. The risk of mortality varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the patient's pre-existing conditions, and other individual factors. However, for many serious cardiac conditions, surgery offers a substantial chance of survival and improved long-term outcomes.

Myth 6: Angioplasty is safer than bypass surgery.

Fact: The perceived safety of angioplasty versus bypass surgery depends on the specific cardiac condition, the extent and location of coronary artery disease, and other patient-related factors. While angioplasty is less invasive, bypass surgery may be the more appropriate and effective treatment for certain complex cases of coronary artery disease. The optimal approach is determined by a comprehensive evaluation and discussion with a cardiologist and cardiac surgeon.

Conclusion

Cardiac surgeries are known to be a complex procedure and are associated with their own set of risks and challenges. However, it is critical to manage cardiovascular conditions through surgeries.  Misconceptions surrounding these procedures can pose a significant threat to cardiac health by deterring individuals from seeking timely and necessary treatment. Understanding the realities of cardiac surgery is crucial for enabling individuals to make confident and informed choices about their heart care. By dispelling these myths, patients can approach treatment options with greater clarity and confidence, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and an enhanced quality of life.

Authored by Dr. Harish Vaja, Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon, HCG Hospitals, Rajkot