1 JUL 2024 · It is difficult to imagine a world where a prick from a rose bush or a cut from the pages of a beloved book could result in eventual death. Those above the age of 96 might still be able to do so, having been born before the discovery of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic to treat bacterial infections. At the time, it seemed humans had won against these microscopic pathogens that could survive anywhere—from the deepest ocean to the coldest land. But in our complicity lay our downfall. Thanks to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, bacteria began to learn ways to withstand treatment and continue to do so today at an alarmingly fast rate. With a dismally low number of new antibiotics in the pipeline, antibiotic resistance has become a major global health threat. In this episode, Anirban Mahapatra, microbiologist and author of When The Drugs Don't Work: The Hidden Pandemic that Could End Modern Medicine, discusses the complexities and realities of bacteria and antibiotics. Tune in to find out whether humans will be able to win the war against these tiny, powerful creatures, possibly the first life on land. Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

24 JUN 2024 · Wouldn’t it be lovely if our bodies could evolve to a state where lying on the couch, watching House of Dragons, and eating peanut butter bonbons would be all the energy expenditure needed to stay healthy? But till evolution finally catches up with our 2024 lifestyle, our bodies remain designed for at least 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. Unfortunately, most of us cannot meet the bare minimum movement, flexibility, and energy expenditure requirements. Many people also equate exercise with weight management, forgetting that it is actually necessary for our overall physical and mental well-being. So, where do we start? Should we join a gym, hire a yoga instructor, or start clocking 10,000 steps on a watch? In this episode, fitness expert and influencer Diksha Chhabra explains why exercise is essential for humans and what exercise one should do. Tune in to learn the fundamentals of a healthy exercise routine and discover if you are exercising properly or just ticking off goals set by an app. Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Nitin Rawat

17 JUN 2024 · Growing up with a sexual or gender identity that is different from the world around you is an experience that is hard to put into words. From a very young age, many in the queer community face intense bullying, restrictions, confusion and rejection. The fear of being forced to attend barbaric pseudoscientific conversion therapies like electrotherapy or forced sex by one's own birth family is still very much a reality for many in India today. The result of such trauma is depression, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse tendencies, anxiety and insomnia. Studies estimate queer youth to be at risk from mental illnesses two to four times more than those who are not queer. In this episode, director of The Raahat Project and public health expert Chapal Mehra brings out the truth about what it is to grow up queer in India. Interspersed with trivia about queerness, historical references, medical truths, and his own experiences, this episode is a wake-up call to why we need to urgently invest resources to provide 'raahat' (relief) to this community. Tune in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

10 JUN 2024 · Water is essential for our health. But doctors say air conditioning and round-the-clock intake of liquids other than water (coffee, tea, monster shakes, soda) have reduced our instinct for thirst. So even though our bodies might need more water in the summer months, we often fail to realise it. In this episode, health influencer and nutritionist Nupuur Patil helps us understand the importance of hydration, popular misconceptions about heatwave health and what a pint of cold beer does to your body. She also shares her personal trick for ensuring enough water intake and a list of summer diet essentials. Tune in! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

3 JUN 2024 · Have you ever wondered how a medicine is tested before it reaches your pill box? And are the words 'phase 2 trials' enough to inspire blind confidence in modern-day vaccines? In this episode, we discover the importance and purpose of clinical research and trials with Dr Sanish Davis, president of the Indian Society for Clinical Research. Having worked on both sides of the fence--in academics and the big pharma industry--Dr Davis takes us behind the scenes of a clinical trial from start to finish. Tune in for an in-depth analysis of India's drug regulatory process, the global clinical trial rat race and how to access reliable data on any drug or vaccine you are uncertain about. Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

27 MAY 2024 · Hunger is one of the most difficult urges to ignore. It is the biological equivalent of an Instagram stalker, always lurking in the background of our lives. But lifestyle changes and overly processed food have morphed modern-day hunger into a complicated maze of cravings and binges, driving us to eat much more than we need to. In this episode, Dr Jasjeet Wasir, director of endocrinology and diabetes at Medanta Hospital Gurgaon, guides us through the world of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, food porn and obesity management. Tune in to discover whether medicine is the only way to say no to a cheeseburger after a long day at work! Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

20 MAY 2024 · There is no stopping fake news. And given recent advances in artificial intelligence software, spotting fake news is also becoming increasingly difficult. Last month, a deep fake video of noted cardiologist Dr Naresh Trehan advised viewers to take a particular medicine and was viewed by thousands. The consequences of believing fake news on health are far greater than falling for morphed images of actors and sportspersons. It can lead to serious illness, injury, and even death. In this episode, we explore the world of digital medical misinformation with Sudipta Sengupta, founder & CEO of The Healthy Indian Project. As part of WHO's vaccine safety net and working with fact checkers daily, Sengupta is not only aware of why fake content is generated but also has simple solutions for how we can avoid becoming victims of a fast-growing health infodemic. Corrigendum: Sudipta Sengupta is erroneously introduced as a doctor. He is Mr. Sudipta Sengupta, founder and CEO, the Healthy Indian Project. Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

13 MAY 2024 · Does it ever feel like everything--from sunlight to bacon--is out to increase your chances of getting cancer? In light of the recent allegations that even the most popular brand of sambar masala contains a carcinogenic ingredient, this episode is a guide on how to realistically adopt a cancer-free life. As a senior medical oncologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, Dr Manish Singhal is no stranger to young people getting a cancer diagnosis out of the blue. India has one of the highest global burdens of cancer, and 1 in 9 are expected to get this dreaded disease in their lifetime. But does this mean we must be vigilant about every environmental carcinogen? Or is there a more balanced solution out there? Tune in to hear a leading oncologist explain cancer risk, causes, treatment and essentials for good health (and find out if it is safe to head to your favourite south Indian joint again!). Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

6 MAY 2024 · Is a natural birth better than a C-section? Does ghee help pregnant mothers? And what happens if someone doesn't breastfeed? Maternal health is a complex and wide-ranging network of physical, emotional and social parameters, many of which are overlooked or misunderstood. In this episode, we hear straight from the gynaecologist's office about the actual health issues that Indian mothers face. Dr Priya Patil, a laparoscopic gynaecologist at Altius Hospitals in Bengaluru, has many years of experience counselling mothers before and after delivery. Her insights and experiences help us understand the kind of support mothers need for their well-being from family and the healthcare system. Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh

29 APR 2024 · Emotional illness is not limited to the female gender. Indeed, the latest NCRB data points out that nearly thrice the number of men commit suicides as compared to women. In this episode, Dr Srikanth Srinivasan, psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Director of Niyama Digital Healthcare, helps us navigate the complex and much-misunderstood world of male mental health. Discover the physiological reality of crying, what happens when you mask emotions and how to support the men in your life in their moments of mental pain. Produced by Anna Priyadarshini Sound mix by Kapil Dev Singh