Allied Healthcare (GAHC)

In a step toward promoting healthier lifestyles, experts have highlighted practical dietary recommendations to aid diabetes management and support weight loss. With a growing focus on nutrition’s role in combating chronic diseases, medical professionals and dietitians have emphasised the importance of balanced diets and smart snacking.

Top Healthy Snacks for Diabetes Management

For individuals managing diabetes, doctors recommend incorporating nutrient-rich snacks that help regulate blood sugar levels:

Almonds: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fibre, a serving of 1 ounce (about 23 almonds) helps maintain stable glucose levels.

Apples: Their high fibre and antioxidant content slow digestion and prevent sugar spikes. A medium-sized apple is ideal.

Greek Yoghourt: A rich source of protein and probiotics, 6 ounces (about 1/2 cup) of plain Greek yoghourt can improve insulin sensitivity.

These snacks, along with healthy drink options like water, unsweetened tea, black coffee, and vegetable juice (no added sugar), contribute significantly to diabetes management. “Managing diabetes requires a comprehensive approach, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication adherence,” said a leading endocrinologist.

7-Day Vegetarian Low-Calorie Meal Plan

In parallel, a vegetarian low-calorie meal plan designed by registered dietitian Barbara Cronje offers a structured way to boost weight loss while improving overall health. This plan includes daily meals with approximately 1500–1700 calories and features:

Breakfast Options: Oatmeal with fruits and nuts for a fibre-packed start.

Lunch and Dinner Ideas: Vegetable stir-fry with brown rice and tofu or lentil soup paired with whole-grain bread.

Healthy Snacks: Carrot sticks with hummus or cucumber slices with dill dip.

This plan not only supports weight loss but also reduces the risk of chronic illnesses. Cronje advises pairing the meal plan with physical activities such as walking or yoga to maximise health benefits.

A Holistic Approach to Health

Experts stress the synergy of proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management for long-term wellness. For those with diabetes, a combination of tailored snacks and a healthy diet ensures better blood sugar control, while a vegetarian low-calorie plan aids in sustainable weight management.

Before making significant dietary changes, individuals are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals to ensure their plans align with personal health needs.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has rejected thousands of JEE Main 2025 applications due to common submission errors. The agency has strictly enforced guidelines to maintain the integrity and fairness of the application process. Key reasons for rejection include multiple submissions from a single candidate, missing or incorrect payment confirmations, and inaccuracies in non-editable fields, such as email and mobile number.  

To ensure your application is accepted, candidates must adhere to NTA’s submission guidelines meticulously. Here are some essential tips to prevent rejections:

1.Carefully review all details, especially non-editable fields like email addresses and phone numbers, before submitting your application. Any error in these fields can lead to rejection.

2. Submitting multiple applications for the same candidate will lead to automatic disqualification. Ensure that you fill out the form accurately the first time and avoid resubmitting.
3. The payment process must be completed successfully. After payment, make sure to generate and save the payment confirmation page. If you encounter issues, contact your bank or payment gateway for assistance.
4. NTA has specific requirements for the size, format, and clarity of the photo and signature uploads. Ensure that your images are clear, appropriately sized, and meet the prescribed specifications to avoid rejection.
5. Be aware of application deadlines, correction windows, and other important notices issued by NTA. Adhering to these timelines and carefully reading instructions can help avoid mistakes and rejections.

By following these steps, candidates can reduce the risk of their applications being rejected and ensure they are eligible for the JEE Main 2025 exam.

A groundbreaking analysis has revealed significant disparities in child health across the globe, with Norway ranked as the healthiest country for children and Somalia placed at the bottom. The study, drawing on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the World Bank, and the Global Burden of Disease Study, has provided a comprehensive ranking of 195 countries based on key health indicators, including infant mortality, malnutrition, and access to healthcare.

Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Finland were identified as the top five nations, consistently performing well across child health metrics. In contrast, Somalia, Chad, the Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, and Liberia were found to face severe challenges, including high child mortality rates and widespread malnutrition. Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, accounted for 80% of global deaths among children under five, underscoring the critical regional disparities highlighted in the study. While South Asia has made notable progress, it continues to fall short of global averages, whereas European nations maintained consistently high rankings in child health indicators.

The analysis has also drawn attention to alarming global statistics. It was reported that 5.2 million children under the age of 15 die annually, predominantly from preventable causes. Additionally, 149 million children are affected by stunting due to malnutrition, and only 20% of children worldwide receive all recommended vaccinations. These figures underscore the widespread inequities in access to essential healthcare services.

Urgent action has been called for by experts in response to these findings. Dr. Stefan Peterson, UNICEF's Chief of Health, emphasized that investing in children’s health is fundamental not only for their future but also for the future of their countries. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Head of Emerging Diseases at WHO, urged the global community to address inequities in healthcare access and quality, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive.

The report has emphasized the need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, improved access to nutrition and education, and targeted interventions aimed at reducing regional disparities. As efforts continue to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, prioritizing child health has been underscored as essential for creating a brighter, healthier future for children worldwide.

The top eight protein-rich nuts have been revealed by researchers, shedding light on their potential to enhance health and nutrition. Pine nuts, containing 7.4 grams of protein per 1-ounce serving, have been ranked highest, with almonds closely following at 6.1 grams. Other nuts recognized for their high protein content include pistachios (5.9 grams), cashews (5.2 grams), hazelnuts (4.7 grams), walnuts (4.3 grams), pecans (4.2 grams), and Brazil nuts (4.1 grams). These findings emphasise the role of nuts as a significant plant-based protein source.  

The inclusion of nuts in diets has been associated with numerous health benefits. As nutrient-dense foods, nuts provide not only protein but also healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Their regular consumption has been linked to improved heart health, effective weight management, and a potential reduction in the risks of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer.  

A daily intake of 1-2 ounces (28-57 grams) of nuts, preferably unsalted and unsweetened, is recommended by health experts. Options such as snacking on raw nuts, adding them to yoghurt or oatmeal, or using them as toppings for smoothie bowls and avocado toast are suggested for easy incorporation into meals. For those seeking creative options, nuts can be included in baked goods or homemade energy balls.  

The research underscores the critical role of nuts in addressing India’s protein deficiency challenges, particularly among those adhering to plant-based diets. Nuts, being both accessible and versatile, are recognized as an excellent protein source for the Indian population.  

As India continues to prioritise healthy eating habits, the findings serve as a timely reminder of the value of nuts. By integrating these protein-packed options into diets, individuals are empowered to make strides toward improved nutrition and overall wellness.

India’s healthcare sector is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with government spending reaching a historic 2.1% of GDP in FY23, up from 2.2% in FY22 and just 1.6% in FY21. This surge in expenditure underscores the nation’s commitment to public healthcare and universal health coverage, but what does it mean for the average Indian?  

The numbers tell a compelling story. Government health expenditure (GHE) has climbed steadily, from 1.2% of GDP in FY14 to 1.84% in FY21-22. Meanwhile, total health expenditure (THE) in 2020-21 hit a staggering ₹7,39,327 crore, equating to 3.73% of GDP and a per capita spend of ₹5,436. Most importantly for households, out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE)—the share of healthcare costs paid directly by individuals—has dropped dramatically, from 64.2% in FY14 to 47.1% in FY20. This reduction signals significant financial relief for millions of families.  

Primary healthcare is also gaining momentum, with its share in total healthcare expenditure increasing from 51.1% in FY14 to 55.2% in FY19. The government’s emphasis on grassroots healthcare services, driven by the National Health Policy, 2017, is reshaping how Indians access medical care. By prioritising preventive and promotive care, the policy reduces dependency on expensive secondary and tertiary treatments.  

This revolution in healthcare has been bolstered by initiatives like the National Health Account (NHA) estimates, which provide a detailed picture of spending patterns, and social health insurance schemes that cover millions of Indians. Increased budget allocations further highlight the government’s intent to make quality healthcare more accessible.  

But here’s the catch: despite these strides, India’s healthcare spending still lags behind global benchmarks. To truly transform the system, experts argue for sustained investments in infrastructure, skilled healthcare workers, and technological advancements.  

The stakes are high. With growing demands and an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, India must continue to innovate and invest. The future of healthcare is here—but it’s up to the government, private sector, and citizens to ensure it’s a future where quality care is a right, not a privilege.

A recent report by Capgemini has revealed five transformative trends reshaping the healthcare industry in 2024, with a focus on personalization, technology, and sustainability.

Advances in genomic analysis and AI diagnostics are enabling healthcare providers to tailor treatments more precisely, enhancing patient outcomes. This approach uses each patient's unique genetic and health profile to guide care decisions. Telemedicine, wearable devices, and mobile health apps are revolutionising access to healthcare. With more patients adopting remote care solutions, healthcare delivery is becoming more accessible and efficient, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.

Artificial intelligence is being adopted widely to assist in clinical decision-making, streamline hospital operations, and predict patient outcomes. These AI-driven tools aim to make healthcare more responsive and reduce the burden on healthcare professionals.

Standardising health data sharing across platforms allows for smoother collaboration between healthcare providers. This interoperability improves the continuity of care and simplifies the patient journey across different health services. There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, digital health solutions, and value-based care models. These approaches focus on improving patient outcomes while also reducing the industry’s environmental footprint, which has become a priority amid rising environmental concerns.

73% of healthcare organisations are investing in AI, while telemedicine adoption has increased by 30%. Furthermore, 60% of patients are now open to sharing their health data for personalised care, indicating a shift in patient attitudes toward digital health.
Overall, these trends underscore the need for enhanced patient engagement, a focus on preventive care, and a commitment to sustainable, data-driven healthcare solutions as the industry moves forward in 2024.