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A mental health campaign organised by youth forum Focus International Qatar Region, concluded at a grand event featuring leading educationist and speaker Rashid Ghazali as chief guest. "Only those who can find happiness in small things can lead a happy life. We should not worry about the sadness of not getting it (ALL THAT WE DESIRE BUT) and rejoice in the blessings we have received. Everyone should have the attitude of sharing in the joys of others and appreciating their achievements," he said. The closing ceremony was inaugurated by Focus International CEO Shamir Valiyaveettil. The event was attended by many eminent personalities from the socio-cultural field in Qatar. Zameel Abdul Wahid, Dr Nishan Purayil, Abdul Latheef Nallalam, K T Faisal Salafi, Zakariya Maniyoor, A P Khaleel, Ashhad Faizy, V C Mashhood, Abdurauf Kondotty, Iqbal Naseem Al Rabee, R J Vinu, Sheela Tomy, Shihab al-Gawazi, Focus Ladies executive director Fadila Muneer and Dr Farija Hussain were present. Focus International Qatar Region CEO Haris P T presided. COO Ameer Shaji, CFO Safeerussalam, social welfare manager Dr Raseel Moideen, event manager Moideen Sha, Ameenurahman A S, Faiz Elayodan, Rashik Baker, Naser T P and Hamadbinsiddique co-ordinated the event. Focus International theme song was presented by Shahid Kayanna. Prize-winning videos from a short film competition were screened. In addition, the winners of various competitions were awarded prizes. Anees Haneef Mahe, Fahzir Rahman, Anees Abdul Aziz, Dilba Midlaj, Sijila Safir and Fadlur Rahman Madani led the programme.    

More than 600 people attended an Iftar meet organised by Qatar Vanimal Pravasi Forum (QVPF), a socio-cultural organisation of expatriates from the southern Indian state of Kerala at Asian Town Cricket Stadium recreation hall. The American Hospital Doha provided free medical checkups. Renowned Islamic scholar Saleem Rahmani Kalikavu delivered a keynote address. QVPF general secretary Subair K K said the forum has been organising Iftar meet-up for the past two decades. President Shammas Kalathil presided over the programme, which was attended by C K Kunhabdulla Master, M K Kunhabdulla, and other prominent members of the forum.    

Before summer sets in on Qatar in full blast, a weekend trip to the famed camel land of Al Sheehaniya, around 40km from Doha, can be a rewarding experience. Professional camel racing began in Qatar in 1972, and the sport centres around Al Sheehaniya, according to the Visit Qatar website (www.visitqatar.qa). Al Sheehaniya Camel Racing Track is the hub of the activities. Nearby are camel barns. A trip to the area in the afternoon can be replete with sights of cameleers driving long queues of some of the best racing camels in Qatar to their barns from the track (pictured). This year's His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Sword Festival for purebred Arabian camels will be held from March 19 to 31.    

The South Kerala Expats Association (SKEA) participated in the Ooredoo Doha Virtual Marathon 2022 recently. The socio-cultural organisation - established 32 years ago - has more than 300 active members with families and children. The event at Aspire Zone Park was flagged-off by SKEA president Abdul Jaleel. Saheer Basheer, Farookh A Samad, Abdul Azeem led the event.    

Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now: China's soaring Covid infections fuel concern about cost of containment China posted a steep jump in daily Covid-19 infections on Tuesday, with new cases more than doubling from a day earlier to hit a two-year high, raising concerns about the rising economic costs of its tough measures to contain the disease. A total of 3,507 domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms were reported on Monday across more than a dozen provinces and municipalities, up from 1,337 a day earlier, the National Health Commission said. Most of the new cases were in the northeastern province of Jilin. Manufacturers of everything from flash drives to glass for Apple iPhone screens are warning of shipment delays as they comply with Chinese controls to curb the spread of Covid-19, further straining global supply chains. Germany reports record Covid incidence before easing curbs Germany reported a record high seven-day incidence of the coronavirus on Tuesday, just days before the planned easing of restrictions. The Robert Koch Institute registered 198,888 new infections, that is 42,000 higher than a week ago, bringing the total number of infections to more than 17.4 million. France's Covid infections keep rising French health authorities reported 18,853 new Covid-19 infections on Monday, a figure showing a week-on-week increase for the tenth consecutive time on the day France lifted most of the restrictions put in place to contain the pandemic. The seven-day moving average of new cases, which evens out reporting irregularities, reached 65,882, the highest since Feb. 24. Australia to lift entry ban for cruise ships Australia on Tuesday said it would lift its entry ban for international cruise ships next month, effectively ending all major Covid-related travel bans after two years and boosting a tourism industry hit hard by the pandemic restrictions. Australia banned the entry of cruise ships in March 2020, when they were the source of about 20% of Australia's early coronavirus infections. The vessels became a flashpoint in its pandemic response after symptomatic passengers were allowed to disembark in Sydney, many of whom later tested positive. Trucker convoy seeks to enter Washington A convoy of trucks attempted to bring a weeks-long, cross-country protest against Covid-19 mandates into Washington, D.C., on Monday, but police blocked numerous bridges, highway exits and city streets, preventing many of the vehicles from entering the heart of the nation's capital. The protest against vaccine requirements and other pandemic restrictions has been undercut in recent weeks, with many U.S. cities rolling back mask mandates and other measures as infections and hospitalisations decline sharply. Masks, PCR tests no longer needed in Namibia The wearing of masks in public in Namibia and negative PCR tests for vaccinated visitors are no longer required, President Hage Geingob said on Tuesday, as active Covid-19 cases fall to just a couple of hundred. Infections peaked at more than 30,000 per month in June 2021 but the southern African country has averaged 14 cases per day during the last seven days, with the total active cases at 222.

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are common in children. They may enlarge due to an infection or can be large at birth itself. Tonsils are round pieces of lymphoid tissue located on both sides of the throat in the back of the mouth. Adenoid is located above the roof of the mouth, behind the nasal cavity. Tonsils and adenoids are lymphoid tissue which fights against common infection but if infected continuously it can cause repeat infection in throat.   There are multiple possible symptoms, but the most common is that a child may occasionally feel difficulty in breathing or swallowing. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are particularly found in children between the ages of 3 and 6. Mouth breathing is a common symptom in adenoids. * Symptoms: Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can cause different symptoms. Few symptoms a child may experience for tonsils include: • Cough • Bad breath • Sore throat • Pain while swallowing • Loss of appetite • Fever • Red tonsils Symptoms for enlarged adenoids include: • Breathing through the mouth • Running nose • Snoring, gasping while sleeping • Nasal speech • Nosebleed • Sleep apnea • Frequent ear infections   Consult a doctor or an ENT specialist if you face given symptoms frequently.   * Causes Some children may have relatively large tonsils and adenoids without any problem. Tonsils and adenoids enlarge due to many reasons such as exposure to bacteria, fungi viruses and parasite infections. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can be caused by: Infection: Infections from viruses or bacteria. Viruses: Viruses such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, influenza virus Epstein-Barr virus Bacterial infection: Bacterial infections group A beta-hemolytic streptococci Allergies: Any seasonal allergies may enlarge the tonsils. Diagnosis The doctor may ask about the history of the throat problems to determine the cause of enlarged tonsils and adenoids. The other method for diagnosis includes: Physical exam: The doctor can ask about child symptoms and conduct a physical examination of your mouth, neck, and throat. Endoscopy: Adenoids can be identified using a device called ‘endoscope’. It is a long thin flexible tube with light and camera attached to one end, inserted through the nose. X-ray: The doctor may recommend an x-ray to diagnose tonsils and adenoids. Blood test: Blood samples may be collected to identify infections. Throat culture: A cotton-tipped stick is used to swap the back of the child’s throat to obtain samples to check for infections and bacteria. Allergy testing: An allergy test inclcudes skin test and blood test to identify allergic reactions of the child to a variety of substances found in food and air.   * Treatment Treatment options for enlarged tonsils and adenoids include multiple options depending on the bacterial or recurrent infection. Treatment options available for bacterial infection include: • Antibiotics (for bacterial infection) • Acetaminophen • Throat lozenges • Nasal spray (spray is used to shrink the adenoids, making the breathing process easier) • An increased amount of fluid intake Treatment options available for recurrent infections include: In case of frequent tonsils and adenoid infections, the doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy treatment to remove infected tissues. Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure which can be done in one sitting to remove the infected adenoid tissue. Tonsillectomy is a procedure of removing infected tonsils tissue. Depending on the infection, tonsil or adenoid can be removed partially or completely. Risk factor The risk factor for enlarged tonsils and adenoids increases with bacterial and viral infections. Chronic infection of tonsils can cause streptococcal infection which can lead to rheumatic fever. (Increase ASO titer)   * Prevention Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can be prevented with regular checkups with an ENT (ear, nose & throat) doctor. Check out for the signs and symptoms if they appear frequently.   * Complication Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can cause serious problems in children that may include: Chronic ear infections: This infection occurs behind the eardrum. It is caused by an infection or virus that traps the fluid behind the eardrum resulting in swelling. It may lead to pain and discomfort. This can be treated with antibiotics. Hearing loss: The blockage and fluid accumulation in the middle ear may cause a severe problem of hearing loss. Speech problems: Unattended hearing loss can lead to speech problems. Sinus infection: Enlarged tonsils can cause sinus infections and colds. Obstructive sleep apnea: This may cause children to snore and labored breathing during sleep. Prognosis or Outlook for patients Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are easily curable. Many times, the enlarged part comes back to its original size without any treatments needed. It can cause severe complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk for severe complications and increase the chances of complete recovery.    

Focus Ladies youth group organised a 'Me Before You' session as part of the mental health campaign 'Don't Lose Hope' led by Focus International. Life coach and founder of Aspire2Inspire Dr Femida Ali, the chief guest, stated that women should be leaders in the socio-cultural and educational spheres. It is imperative that women, who are the mainstay of moulding a generation, should empower themselves, Ali said. A woman who plays a major role in family life should always be educated, Ali added.

Select members of Sidra Medicine’s management team joined Zulal Wellness Resort’s management team in group exercises and planting mangroves, and closed the day with singing bowls meditation. Participants enjoyed a day full of activities promoting mental and physical health.    

 City Centre Rotana Doha has unveiled membership packages at the Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club that will allow members to enjoy modern facilities and expertise of experienced personal trainers at "affordable rates". The well-equipped club in the heart of West Bay is offering guests an opportunity to enjoy a variety of membership options and work out under the guidance of attentive staff skilled in the areas of fitness and strength. Individuals or couples can sign up for a short- or long-term membership from QR500 per month and have access to the centrally located club, which boasts of a five-star fitness and wellness experience with its cardiovascular and weight training equipment and floor to ceiling views of West Bay and the Corniche, a press statement notes. After their training, guests can enjoy a plunge into the temperature-regulated outdoor pool overlooking West Bay and access other facilities as well as enjoy variety of benefits reserved for members of Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club.    

The placenta may have a way to protect itself and the fetus from infection with the coronavirus, a small study suggests. Researchers studied 24 women who gave birth between July 2020 and April 2021. Eight had symptomatic Covid-19 in the second trimester, eight were sick from the virus in the third trimester, and eight were not infected during pregnancy. When Covid-19 occurred in pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester, placenta cells appeared to "shed" a surface protein called ACE2 that the virus uses to break into cells and infect them, leaving fewer gateways for entry. Women who had Covid-19 in the third trimester had high levels of an enzyme called ADAM17 that is known to help ACE2 release itself from the cell surface, the researchers reported in The American Journal of Pathology. The placenta may be sensing the maternal Covid-19 infection "and possibly putting in place this mechanism to help shed off ACE2, prevent SARS-CoV-2 from invading the placenta and passing on to the fetus," said Elizabeth Taglauer of Boston Medical Center. Earlier studies have shown that placental cells become infected in only about 7% to 20% of pregnancies where the mother has Covid-19, Taglauer said. When the virus does somehow get into the placenta, it rarely reaches the fetus, she added. Her team plans further studies of "protection pathways" that may be keeping the virus out of placental cells and away from fetal blood vessels.

More than 100,000 Americans died from diabetes in 2021, marking the second consecutive year for that grim milestone and spurring a call for a federal mobilization similar to the fight against HIV/AIDS. The new figures come as an expert panel urges Congress to overhaul diabetes care and prevention, including recommendations to move beyond a reliance on medical interventions alone. A report released earlier this month calls for far broader policy changes to stem the diabetes epidemic, such as promoting consumption of healthier foods, ensuring paid maternal leave from the workplace, levying taxes on sugary drinks and expanding access to affordable housing, among other areas. "The large number of diabetes deaths for a second year in a row is certainly a cause for alarm," said Dr. Paul Hsu, an epidemiologist at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health. "Type 2 diabetes itself is relatively preventable, so it's even more tragic that so many deaths are occurring." In a new report, the National Clinical Care Commission created by Congress said that the United States must adopt a more comprehensive approach to prevent more people from developing type 2 diabetes, the most common form, and to help people who are already diagnosed avoid life-threatening complications. About 37 million Americans, or 11% of the population, have diabetes, and one in three Americans will develop the chronic disease in their lifetime if current trends persist, according to the commission. "Diabetes in the U.S. cannot simply be viewed as a medical or health care problem, but also must be addressed as a societal problem that cuts across many sectors, including food, housing, commerce, transportation and the environment," the commission wrote in its Jan. 5 report to Congress and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The federal panel recommended Congress create an Office of National Diabetes Policy that would coordinate efforts across the government and oversee changes outside health policy. It would be separate from HHS and could be similar to the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, according to Dr. William Herman, commission chairman and a professor of internal medicine and epidemiology at the University of Michigan. "We aren’t going to cure the problem of diabetes in the United States with medical interventions," Herman told Reuters. "The idea is to pull something together across federal agencies, so they are systematically talking to one another." U.S. Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington who chairs the Senate health committee, helped create the commission in 2017 and said she is studying the recommendations closely. "People with diabetes and other chronic illnesses were already facing challenges well before the pandemic hit, and COVID has only made these problems worse," Murray said in a statement to Reuters. "It is absolutely crucial to research and find solutions to better support diabetes patients and get them the care they need." MORE CASES, WORSE PROGNOSIS As Reuters reported last year in a series, diabetes represents a major public health failure in the United States. The number of Americans with the disease has exploded in recent decades, and their prognosis has worsened, even though spending on new treatments has soared. The pandemic has proven especially deadly for people with diabetes. People with poorly controlled diabetes have at least a two-fold greater risk of death from COVID-19, according to the report. And diabetes and its complications are more common in low-income Americans and people of color, longstanding disparities that were further exposed during the pandemic. Dr. Shari Bolen, a commission member and an associate professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University and the MetroHealth System in Cleveland, said the staggering number of diabetes deaths is "disheartening but also a call to action." The federal panel's report marked the first such review on diabetes since 1975. During that time, the prevalence of diabetes among U.S. adults has increased from 5.3% in the late 1970s to 14.3% in 2018, it said. Direct medical costs related to diabetes were $237 billion in 2017, and there was an estimated $90 billion lost to lower productivity in the United States. High costs for doctor's visits, medications and supplies force many diabetes patients to forgo or delay routine care. Many patients and U.S. lawmakers have expressed outrage at the rising price of insulin, which type 1 diabetes patients must take their entire lives and which is sometimes required to keep type 2 patients’ disease under control. The commission endorsed proposals such as capping insulin price increases to the rate of inflation and government negotiation of drug prices. Murray and other lawmakers have pushed for a provision in the Biden administration's proposed Build Back Better legislation that would cap the cost of insulin at $35 for many patients. To further ease financial barriers, the panel recommended that patients’ out-of-pocket costs be waived for other "high-value" treatments, including certain diabetes drugs, continuous glucose monitors, basic supplies and diabetes education. The commission also highlighted the risks of overtreatment in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Reuters wrote about that risk in November and how a drug industry campaign for an aggressive treatment target led to an epidemic of potentially lethal incidents of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. The panel asked federal health officials to track overtreatment among Medicare patients to "reduce the incidence of severe hypoglycemia and improve patient safety." The commission said the United States should better promote the purchase of fruits and vegetables in food assistance programs and ensure mothers have paid family leave to aid breastfeeding, which can help reduce the risk of diabetes in mothers and is associated with a reduced risk of obesity and diabetes in children. The panel also recommended imposing taxes on sugary drinks that would raise their shelf price by 10% to 20% and using the revenue to expand access to clean drinking water and fund similar programs. HHS deferred comment to Herman. In a statement, the CDC said the report's recommendations offer a detailed roadmap to "addressing rising health-care costs attributed to diabetes, and reducing racial, ethnic, and income-related disparities in diabetes outcomes."

Focus International Qatar Region, a youth organisation, has launched a mental health campaign titled 'Don't Lose Hope' . CEO Haris P T inaugurated the event through Focus Qatar YouTube Channel. He said a number of events will be held during the three-month campaign, which runs until April 1. A new study shows that the number of people suffering from mental disorders is increasing, especially in the light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Pointing out that the living conditions of the Covid era are mentally debilitating, Haris hoped that the campaign would help to identify those requiring support. Leading motivational speaker and YouTuber C P Shihab, spoke on optimism and positivity. The presentation of the events from his life story as he was born without legs and hands, caught the attention of the audience. He added that with determination and endurance, life's crises can be overcome easily. Sajid Rahman E K, a young speaker and a member of the Radio Islam team, spoke on equilibrium. Syed Shaheer, a psychologist and founder of Alchemy of Happiness and Team Incubation, took a class on happiness. Dr Russell, campaign convener and social welfare manager, explained the goals and programmes of the campaign. He said special programmes were planned for women, youth, students, low-income workers, professional staff, cancer patients and the elderly at all levels. A number of events will be organised for the public, including short film, photography and competitions, as well as cultural events, sports and arts competitions. Focus Qatar COO Amir Shaji, CFO Safirussalam and Mansoor Othai spoke on the occasion, which was moderated by Fahsir Rahman.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said Americans should wear the most protective mask they can, but stopped short of recommending an N95 or similar face covering.   Here are some facts to consider when choosing a mask: WHAT ARE N95 MASKS? These masks and their international counterparts known as KN95s and KF94s are often made of multiple layers of polypropylene, a synthetic fiber. They are designed to achieve a very snug facial fit, with straps that go around the back of the head and edges that form a tight seal around the nose and mouth. N95 respirators worn correctly are designed to filter out at least 95% of particulate matter in the air, preventing anything larger than .3 microns from passing through. KN95s and KF94s are certified in China and South Korea, respectively, and offer similar protection to N95 masks. KF stands for "Korean filter" and indicates 94% filtration. "The best masks are some version of N95," said Eric Toner, senior scientist of environmental health and engineering at Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University. "N95s, KN95s and KF94s are functionally equivalent." Masks with an exhaust valve do not prevent the spread of the virus to other people. WHAT ABOUT FAKE MASKS? The CDC lists manufacturers of authorized N95 masks on its agency website. Masks should have a printed logo of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and an approval number. The CDC has warned that about 60% of KN95 respirators it tested in 2020 and 2021 are below standards. WHY CHANGE MY MASK NOW? With the Omicron variant driving Covid-19 cases so high, experts said a better mask will help protect against transmission. The CDC said a NIOSH-approved N95 provides the most protection. Well-fitting surgical masks and KN95 masks offer the next best protection, followed by cloth masks with multiple layers. Loosely woven cloth masks are the least effective but can provide an additional layer of protection when worn over a surgical mask. Some cloth masks have built-in pockets for a filter that blocks small particles, but these are not as effective and data on their use is limited. ARE THEY REUSABLE? The CDC said masks are meant for single-use but can be used more than once when there is a shortage. The agency says N95s should not be used more than 5 times. Dr. Gregory Poland, infectious disease expert at the Mayo Clinic, said when a mask becomes wet from exhalation or sweat, its efficacy decreases and advised rotating masks by day. WHEN TO WEAR AN N95? The CDC recommends people consider wearing an N95 when caring for someone with Covid-19, if at risk for serious illness or in a high risk job, when riding on public transportation for an extended time, in crowded indoors spaces or outdoors if not up to date on vaccinations. IS DOUBLE MASKING BETTER? The CDC recommends that a surgical mask under a cloth mask can offer increased protection if using an N95 is not possible. "The best possible protection is being vaccinated and boosted, wearing an N95 or KN95. If that's not possible, double the surgical mask," Poland said. "If that's not possible, a surgical or cloth mask with a face shield. If that's not possible, then as many layers of a cloth mask as you can wear," Poland continued, adding, "If that's not possible, then you're just playing Russian roulette."  

Preliminary findings from two South African clinical trials suggest the Omicron coronavirus variant has a much higher rate of "asymptomatic carriage" than earlier variants, which could explain why it has spread so rapidly across the globe. The studies - one of which was carried out when Omicron infections were surging in South Africa last month and another which resampled participants around the same time - found a far greater number of people tested positive for the coronavirus but were not showing symptoms compared to previous trials. In the Ubuntu study evaluating the efficacy of Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine in people living with HIV, 31% of 230 participants undergoing screening tested positive, with all 56 samples available for sequencing analysis verified to be Omicron. "This is in stark contrast to the positivity rate pre-Omicron, which ranged from less than 1% to 2.4%," the researchers said in a statement. In a subgroup of the Sisonke trial evaluating the efficacy of Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 vaccine, the mean asymptomatic carriage rate rose to 16% during the Omicron period from 2.6% during the Beta and Delta outbreaks. "The Sisonke study included 577 subjects previously vaccinated, ... with results suggesting a high carriage rate even in those known to be vaccinated," the researchers said. They added that the "higher asymptomatic carriage rate is likely a major factor in the rapid and widespread dissemination of the variant, even among populations with high prior rates of coronavirus infection". South Africa experienced a surge in Covid-19 infections from late November, around the time its scientists alerted the world to Omicron. But new cases have since fallen back and early indications are that the wave has been marked by less serious disease than earlier ones.

Months after recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection, survivors have elevated levels of antibodies that can mistakenly attack their own organs and tissues, even if they had not been severely ill, according to new findings. Among 177 healthcare workers who had recovered from confirmed coronavirus infections contracted before the availability of vaccines, all had persistent autoantibodies, including ones that can cause chronic inflammation and injury of the joints, skin and nervous system. "We would not normally expect to see such a diverse array of autoantibodies elevated in these individuals or stay elevated for as long six months after full clinical recovery," said Susan Cheng of the Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute in Los Angeles. Patterns of elevated autoantibodies varied between men and women, the researchers reported on Thursday in the Journal of Translational Medicine. "We don't yet know how much longer, beyond six months, the antibodies will stay elevated and/or lead to any important clinical symptoms," Cheng said. "It will be essential to monitor individuals moving forward." Her team is investigating whether autoantibody elevations are linked with persistent symptoms in people with long COVID and planning to study autoantibody levels after infections with newer variants of the virus. B cells' effects weakened but not defeated by Omicron The effects of antibodies produced by the immune system's "memory B cells" against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, while weakened, could still be significant, researchers believe. Once the body learns to recognize SARS-CoV-2, either after infection or vaccination, B cells generate fresh antibodies against the virus if there are not already enough antibodies circulating in the blood that can neutralize it. In a study reported on bioRxiv ahead of peer review, researchers analyzed the strength of more than 300 antibodies produced by memory B cells obtained from vaccinated volunteers, including some who had a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. "Omicron seemed to evade a very large share of the memory B cells pool," researchers said, adding that it "seems to still be efficiently recognized by 30% of total antibodies and close to 10% of all potent neutralizing antibodies," said Matthieu Mahevas and Pascal Chappert of Universite de Paris in a joint email. Memory B cells' robust ability to proliferate and produce antibodies might compensate "in less than two days" for those antibodies' reduced effectiveness, they speculate. In combination with other immune system components, particularly T cells, the effects of B cells likely help to explain why most vaccinated individuals who become infected do not become sick enough to require hospitalization, they said. Virus variants' activity in cells makes them more effective Along with spike mutations that help the coronavirus break into cells, mutations that change how the virus behaves inside the cells are a big factor in why some variants have been more transmissible, researchers have discovered. The findings, published in Nature, show that scientists "have to start looking at mutations outside the spike," which has so far been the main focus of vaccines and antibody drugs, said Nevan Krogan of the University of California, San Francisco. Studying the Alpha variant, his team found a mutation at a non-spike site that causes infected cells to ramp up their production of a protein called Orf9B. Orf9b in turn disables a protein called TOM70 that cells use to send signals to the immune system. With higher levels of Orf9B disabling TOM70, the immune system does not respond as well and the virus can better evade detection, the researchers said. Referring to the increase in Orf9B, Krogan said, "It's rare that mutations 'turn up' a protein. It's a very sneaky thing for this virus to do." The same mutation was identified on Delta, "and sure enough, almost the same mutation is on Omicron," he said, which suggests they may have similar effects on the immune system. The new information could spur development of drugs that target the interaction of Orf9b and TOM70.

Qatar Indian Thawheed Centre (QITC), which has been involved in various social activities among the Tamil-speaking community for 18 years, organised its 35th blood donation campaign in connection with Qatar National Day. A total of 66 members donated blood at the Blood Donor Unit of Hamad Medical Corporation.

Overseas Friends Welfare Association in collaboration with Building & Woodworkers International and with the support of Indian Association of Bihar and Jharkhand organised a health awareness programme and a panel discussion at the Olive International School in association with Hamad Medical Corporation’s Tobacco Control Centre in connection with Qatar National Day. Noor El Nakib from HMC shared a presentation with the audience and explained the seriousness of the problem. She further shared how the Tobacco Control Centre is helping people to quit the habit. Dr Naufal Rizwan from Allevia Medical Centre, shared some useful insights about the repercussions of having diabetes and its management. An interactive panel discussion that ensued also featured Dr Rajeev Sharma (Ministry of Interior) advocate Nizar Kochery and Ubaid Tahir (107 FM) and moderated by Anu Sharma.

Most parents are often worried about their children’s diets and have most likely asked themselves if force feeding their toddlers is an option or not. After having the same question and dealing with the ongoing internal and physical struggle between wondering if my child is getting enough food and pressuring her to eat, I have found some answers that may help clarify if force-feeding, or let’s just say making sure they eat their food, is a good idea or not. If you are a parent that is actively involved in their child’s meals then you must have tried at least two or three of the following tactics: pressure and yelling, blackmail, bribery, threatening, nagging and harassing them with the food and last but not least, punishing. Now according to my research, the mentioned tactics can lead to negative associations to food and mealtime and can gradually confuse the child in terms of understanding his or her hunger and satisfaction cues as well as their appetite control and can lead them to simply hating the food and associating it with an unpleasant experience. I know this might sound extreme, but studies show that parent-child food struggles can ultimately lead to eating disorders, meaning we have to adapt our behaviour and let them learn on their own. Before getting to the solutions, we need to understand why parents behave like this? Who told us that we must make sure our children eat 3-5 meals a day? The main issue for parents here is the concern that the child is not eating enough and that it will affect their health and physical development. Other sources of concern branch from parents believing that their child should wipe their plate clean, the way they were raised or to not waste food they have taken time to prepare. Yes, we were all raised to understand the importance of eating healthy and in turn, providing our children with balanced diets full of good carbs, protein, fruits and veggies, good fat and all the other vitamins and minerals they need to grow, but how easy is it to get them to actually sit down and eat a complete and balanced diet comprising of the 3 meals and 2 snacks? We should not be comparing our kids to other kids and we should not take all the standards and advice seriously. Every child is different, and every household is different, so do not put too much pressure on yourself. I am sure you are doing your best. So, let’s all agree that for most of us it isn’t easy, and it is a daily struggle and never-ending source of stress and frustration, so what should we do instead? It all starts with learning to trust them and to believe them when they let you know they are hungry or full. Do not pressure them to eat, eventually they will have to eat. You also need to keep offering them new foods, even if they refuse to try or eat a specific item, studies show that some kids need to try things at least 20 times before they learn to accept the flavour and texture. Portion control is also critical as some parents overwhelm their child with similar portions to their own. Planning their meals is also crucial so you can include at least one of their favourite food items and/or getting them accustomed to a general meal routine. You can even have them join in on the preparation to make them more excited about eating the food they helped prepare, but make sure not to turn yourself into a short-order chef, stressing yourself out in the kitchen trying to make other options. This sends across the wrong message and encourages pickiness. Finally, let’s talk snacks! Do not give them healthy or 'unhealthy' snacks as often as you might, especially close to mealtime, but if you do offer snacks, make sure they are balanced snacks that complete their balanced diet. Snacks are to help keep them satiated until their next meal and an opportunity to try rejected foods again. Lastly, I know you will say that “it is easier said than done” but try your hardest not to get them used to “unhealthy rewards.” Yes, I believe kids should be able to have some fun and eat their favourite snacks and sweets but be tactful and do not make it a routine or common reward and try your best not to add sugary items such as sprinkles to food because that also sends the wrong message. * The author is the wellness advocate and influencer @keys2balance.

We’ve all seen the videos of parents recording their kids getting ready in the morning during the catchy trend that was all over social media a few years ago…yes, you guessed it, self-affirmations! For some it is extremely weird to even think about looking at themselves in the mirror for more than a few seconds and to talk to the mirror image and tell themselves how amazing they are is even stranger! Self-help books have been promoting this strategy to those who feel they need help such as being lost, depressed or anxious. Apparently, there is a power behind positive affirmations, and they can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Initially it seems like a very awkward idea but according to research, it can do wonders. To start, let’s define positive affirmations as positive phrases or statements used to “challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts.” These types of affirmations are usually used to better self-esteem and self-confidence, motivate, encourage and in general, to improve oneself, especially if there is a habit of negative self-talk. Simple, but positive statements reinforcing positivity help one focus on their strengths or areas for improvement, positive vibes and to shift focus away from the negative and towards the positive. Repeating these types of statements are associated with shifting one’s mindset and helping them realize their goals. Do they really work? Is there proof? Yes, there are several theories, neuroscience, and data that confirm self-affirmations can be beneficial: Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt to different situations or context. When one imagines themselves doing something, the brain activates many of the areas that actually would activate in the brain if going through that experience. To make it simpler, the brain can trick itself and turn imagination into reality. Therefore, repeating and re-affirming statements can possibly trick the brain too. “When you believe you can do something, your actions will follow.” Self-affirmation theory is the psychological theory that supports positive affirmations. The studies show that “humans can maintain a sense of self-integrity through affirming what they believe in positive ways” and that “humans have the ability to view different aspects of themselves as being positive and can then adapt to different situations better.” MRI evidence also shows that specific neural pathways in the brain increase when humans practice self-affirmation. In conclusion, there is truth behind positive self-affirmation, but they are not a guaranteed power and do not work for everyone. Self-affirmations should be used as a tool in the ongoing journey of self-care, self-love, and self-improvement. It is also critical to note that more exaggerated affirmations such as “I love myself more every day” and “I am beautiful” might not work as well because these issues might be more deeply rooted than expected, most commonly in terms of very low self-esteem and self-confidence. Consequentially, it is recommended to use more neutral or specific statements such as ‘I am kind to myself’ and ‘I love my smile’ instead.   Below is a list of other common and more neutral self-affirmations: 1. I choose to be happy. 2. I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing friends and family. 3. I am in charge of my life and my decisions. 4. I am strong and I cannot be destroyed. 5. I love who I am becoming. 6. I appreciate what my body does for me each day. 7. I take care of myself and know I deserve the best. 8. I keep myself in good health with exercise and healthy food. 9. Nobody but me knows and decides how I feel. 10. I have the skills and experience for this job and I am great at it. 11. I have a great job and I know I am making a difference. 12. Whenever I fall, I get back up.   Want to give it a try? 1. Start with only 3 to 5 minutes, twice a day and complete your affirmations as soon as you wake up and are in bed. 2. Repeat each affirmation 10 times and really listen to yourself, focusing on the words as they leave your mouth, believing them to be true. 3. Do your best to stay consistent and be patient.   * The author is the wellness advocate and influencer @keys2balance.

November is men’s health month. A few years ago that wouldn't have meant too much to me, I didn’t grow up with brothers, I never had many male friends and I only got married a few years ago. I started to pay attention to this subject  when my sister had her first son in 2012. The more time I spent around my sister and her boys, I thought wow, she’s actually raising someone’s husband and that’s a huge responsibility. Everything we say and do around them, everything we teach them, may get played out one day and that might either be someone’s dream or it might someone’s nightmare. This week on my weekly Instagram show Swalif, we talked about men, vulnerability and what it means to be a man in today’s pressurised world. We talked about my co-hosts experiences of inheriting and getting taught what it means to be a man, how boys from very tender ages are taught to stop crying and “man up”; like what does that even mean? Listening to my co-host’s stories and the stories of people that they know, it sounded like feeling that you don’t measure up as a man is one of the most painful things that a male can experience.  Being raised to compare and compete and being fed lies about what masculinity is has resulted in some horrifying statistics relating to suicide among men, depression, anxiety and men living shorter lives. I would like to remind any man who is reading this, who is suffering with their mental health, with no one to turn to, because society has taught you to mask your emotions, that there is no shame in what you are feeling. It’s ok to struggle, it’s ok to feel scared, it’s ok to lack confidence. You are not alone. I encourage you to speak up, talk to someone you trust or to an anonymous help line, but please speak up. Talking, sharing and seeking support saves lives. If you were taught to be a man means to separate your heart from your head, that was a lie, that’s the very thing that makes you human. I think to be masculine is really simple, it’s the same for us women, because it’s really about our common humanity. I think we need to work backwards, let’s fast forward to the end of our lives, when we get to our 80s and you want to measure if you were a good man. What would it come down to? It’s all about people, it’s about relationships, it’s about the capacity to love and be loved. What kind of son was I? What kind of husband was I? What kind friend was I? What legacy will I leave behind? What will continue after I am no longer living? Whose life did I touch? What imprint did I leave? What cause did I fight for? If you grew up with an impossible definition of masculinity, you don’t have to carry on living with it. You get to define it for yourself, it’s never too late to connect your head to your heart.