PUBLIC HEALTH

  How to Refrain from Food Fraud and Adopt Preventive Strategies Food fraud is a serious issue that affects consumers, businesses, and governments worldwide. It involves the intentional deception of consumers by misrepresenting, adulterating, or mislabeling food products for economic gain. This can lead to health risks, financial losses, and a lack of trust in food systems. In this blog, we will explore different types of food fraud, how to identify fraudulent food products, and effective strategies to prevent food fraud in our daily lives. Understanding Food Fraud Food fraud takes many forms, and being aware of them is the first step in prevention. The most common types of food fraud include: 1. Adulteration – Adding cheaper, sometimes harmful substances to food to increase quantity or weight. Example: Mixing inferior oils in expensive olive oil. 2. Substitution – Replacing a high-value ingredient with a lower-value one. Example: Using other meat in beef products without labeling....

  How to prevent systemic inflammation to avoid non communicable diseases? Preventing systemic inflammation is key to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Here are some effective strategies: 1. Maintain a Healthy Diet Eat anti-inflammatory foods : Leafy greens, berries, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, olive oil, and turmeric. Reduce processed foods : Avoid trans fats, refined sugars, and processed meats. Balance Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids : Prioritize Omega-3s (found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts) over excessive Omega-6s (found in vegetable oils). 2. Exercise Regularly Moderate exercise (e.g., walking, cycling, swimming) reduces inflammation and boosts immune function. Strength training 2–3 times per week helps maintain muscle and metabolic health. Avoid overtraining , as excessive exercise can increase inflammation. 3. Manage Stress Chronic stress increases inflammatory markers like cortisol. Practice mindfuln...

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Prevention:  Introduction Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts, causing illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe pneumonia, particularly in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Discovered in 2001, HMPV is now recognized as a major contributor to respiratory infections worldwide. There is currently no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for HMPV, making prevention the most effective way to protect against infection. This blog explores various strategies for preventing HMPV, covering personal hygiene, environmental measures, and public health interventions. Understanding HMPV Transmission HMPV spreads through direct contact with respiratory secretions (such as saliva, mucus, or droplets from coughing and sneezing) and contaminated surfaces. The virus can survive on hands and objects for several hours, facilitating its transmission in commu...