Tag: Wellness

Health

Cardiovascular Diseases Account for 17% of Deaths in Goa: Dr Roque Wiseman Pinto

Tanisha Cardozo

Cardiovascular diseases account for 17 per cent of all deaths in Goa, making them the single largest cause of mortality in the state, senior pathologist Dr Roque Wiseman Pinto said on Saturday.

Dr Pinto was speaking at an interactive presentation titled ‘Life’s Journey – The Long Haul’, organised as part of the centenary celebrations of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji. Drawing from his long engagement with medical records and postmortem data, including a 2008 study on mortality patterns in Goa, he underlined the growing burden of heart disease in the state.

“At the medical records department, I studied postmortem reports, pathology findings and death certificates and found that cardiovascular diseases were the most common cause of death among people in Goa, accounting for about seventeen per cent,” Dr Pinto said.

He attributed the rise in heart ailments to lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use, along with underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes. According to him, cardiac conditions including myocardial infarction, arrhythmias and heart failure are increasingly affecting younger individuals. “Usually heart attacks would occur in older people, sixty years and above, but in the last ten years we have seen younger people with heart attacks,” he noted.

Dr Pinto also highlighted the high prevalence of diabetes in Goa, stating that nearly one in four people in the state are affected. He warned that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, stroke, dementia and organ damage. He pointed out that diabetic foot remains a major concern, with Goa Medical College performing an average of one amputation daily, either of a toe or an entire leg.

Addressing cancer, he said that around 30 per cent of cases are linked to smoking and passive smoking. He explained that cancer develops due to genetic changes, including in oncogenes and repair genes, and that environmental and lifestyle factors such as pollution, alcohol, certain occupations, infections and food additives also contribute to risk.

On pollution, Dr Pinto cited extensively studied cases in Delhi, where air pollution has been linked to construction activity, vehicular emissions and industrial operations. In Goa, he identified mining areas, coal handling, industrial estates and road construction as emerging concerns. He warned that pollution can lead to severe lung and respiratory diseases and may even affect unborn children through the placenta.

Emphasising preventive healthcare, Dr Pinto stressed that lifestyle choices remain the primary determinant of health outcomes and urged individuals to adopt healthier habits to reduce the growing burden of disease in the state.

Business

Aveeno Baby Expands Sensitive Skin Portfolio with Launch of Daily Moisture Cleansing Bar in India

Tanisha Cardozo

Aveeno Baby has expanded its science-backed sensitive skin portfolio in India with the launch of the Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Cleansing Bar, a premium soap-free cleansing bar enriched with the power of colloidal oatmeal. Designed specifically for the Indian market, the new product aims to provide parents with a superior and gentle cleansing solution for babies with sensitive skin conditions.

Developed in collaboration with pediatricians and dermatologists, the Daily Moisture Cleansing Bar offers mild and gentle cleansing with a balanced pH of 5.5, helping preserve the skin’s natural moisture barrier while soothing and strengthening delicate infant skin. Suitable for newborns from birth, the formulation is crafted using sulfate-free, coconut-derived surfactants that create a mild, rich, creamy lather without irritating or drying the skin.

The launch comes amid rising concerns over sensitive skin conditions in infants and young children. According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), the incidence of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) among Indian children has increased significantly over the past decade. Conditions such as eczema and diaper dermatitis are also becoming more prevalent, often aggravated by extreme weather and environmental factors. Parents are increasingly seeking clinically proven and safe solutions to help prevent and manage these conditions.

Backed by a robust safety and efficacy study conducted among newborns, babies, and toddlers with sensitive skin, the non-soap cleansing bar has been clinically tested to provide gentle cleansing, reduce dryness, and enhance skin barrier function. Unlike conventional soaps that are often alkaline and may disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, Aveeno Baby’s soap-free formulation is designed to be milder and supportive of the natural skin barrier.

Sharing the rationale behind the launch, Manoj Gadgil, Business Unit Head – Essential Health & Skin Health and VP Marketing at Kenvue, highlighted the increasing prevalence of sensitive skin conditions and the need for diverse, science-backed solutions. He noted that the new cleansing bar brings the proven goodness of colloidal oat into a new format, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to clinically tested skincare innovation tailored to Indian consumers.

The product was unveiled at the 63rd Annual Conference of IAP Pedicon 2026 by Dr. Alok Bhandari, Treasurer of IAP, alongside leading dignitaries from the pediatric community. More than 2,000 healthcare professionals from across India attended the event, where Aveeno Baby showcased its research-driven portfolio and commitment to advancing infant skin health through scientific collaboration.

Dr. Dilip Tripathi, Regional Head of Baby & Women’s Health Research & Development at Kenvue, emphasized the clinical advantages of non-soap-based bars in pediatric practice. He noted that not all cleansers are equally suitable for sensitive skin conditions and that premium soap-free bars are increasingly preferred due to their ability to cleanse effectively while preserving the skin’s natural protective barrier.

Priced at INR 200, the Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Cleansing Bar is available across major e-commerce platforms and modern trade outlets in India. To support the launch, the brand will roll out a digital campaign across Meta and YouTube, along with collaborations with parenting influencers to educate mothers about sensitive skin conditions and the importance of science-backed skincare solutions.

With this launch, Aveeno Baby continues to reinforce its positioning as a pediatrician-recommended brand that combines scientific research with the power of naturally derived ingredients, delivering gentle and effective skincare solutions for babies with sensitive skin.

Aight Sky

The Breath Connection: Understanding Pranayama and Its Transformative Power

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

In the intricate tapestry of yoga, Pranayama stands as the vital thread connecting the mind and body. Derived from the Sanskrit words prana, meaning life force, and ayama, meaning expansion or control, Pranayama is the conscious regulation of breath to influence energy, awareness and overall wellbeing. Far beyond simple breathing exercises, it represents a profound system of self-mastery rooted in ancient yogic philosophy and increasingly validated by modern science.

Classical yogic texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describe Pranayama as an essential limb of yoga, a bridge between the physical postures and deeper meditative states. While yoga postures strengthen and align the body, breath regulation refines internal awareness and steadies the fluctuations of the mind. The breath becomes both the tool and the teacher.

From a physiological perspective, Pranayama directly influences the autonomic nervous system. In moments of stress, the sympathetic nervous system activates the body’s “fight or flight” response — increasing heart rate, elevating blood pressure and sharpening reactivity. Through slow, intentional breathing, the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged instead, guiding the body toward “rest and digest.” This shift lowers cortisol levels, reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of calm clarity. The remarkable truth is that breath is one of the few bodily functions we can control consciously while simultaneously affecting unconscious systems.

Among the many techniques practiced, Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, is known for its balancing effect on the mind and emotions. By alternating airflow between nostrils, practitioners often report improved concentration and emotional equilibrium. Ujjayi breath, recognizable by its gentle ocean-like sound, creates a steady rhythm that builds internal warmth while anchoring attention. These practices are not merely mechanical; they cultivate awareness, discipline and presence.

In a world defined by constant stimulation, multitasking and digital overload, Pranayama offers something radical in its simplicity: pause. Each conscious inhale and exhale becomes an opportunity to reset. When attention rests on the breath, thoughts slow and emotional turbulence softens. Instead of reacting impulsively, we respond with intention. The breath becomes a steady anchor in an unpredictable environment.

Scientific research continues to highlight what ancient practitioners intuitively understood — that breathing patterns influence cognitive performance, emotional regulation and overall health. Controlled breathing has been linked to improved heart rate variability, better sleep patterns and enhanced mental focus. What was once viewed as purely spiritual practice is now recognized as a powerful wellness intervention.

Ultimately, Pranayama is not confined to a yoga mat or meditation cushion. It is available in boardrooms, classrooms, traffic jams and quiet moments before sleep. It is accessible in every breath we take. The practice teaches us that calm is not dependent on external conditions; it is cultivated internally through awareness and discipline.

Pranayama is not just about breathing. It is about reclaiming control in a chaotic world, strengthening the connection between body and mind, and discovering that within each breath lies the potential for balance, clarity and transformation.

Aight Sky

De-Stress and Realign: The Transformative Benefits of Restorative Yoga

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

In the midst of a world that moves quickly and demands constant attention, restorative yoga offers a quiet refuge for the body and mind. This gentle practice centers on passive stretching and deep relaxation, using supportive props such as bolsters, blankets, and blocks to help the body settle comfortably into each pose.

By allowing the muscles to soften and the breath to deepen, restorative yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural “rest and digest” mode—countering the physical and mental strain that accumulates through daily stress. As you sink into stillness, heart rate and breathing slow, tension melts away, and the mind begins to clear.

What makes restorative yoga especially powerful is its capacity to encourage presence. The long-held postures create space to let go of mental clutter, to release the pressure of constant productivity, and to return to yourself with awareness and compassion. Beyond emotional calm, the practice offers physical benefits as well.

The extended holds gently lengthen connective tissues, increase flexibility, and ease chronic pain without strain. The deep relaxation it cultivates also supports better sleep, making it an ideal evening ritual for anyone struggling with restlessness or insomnia. Even a short daily practice can nurture resilience, grounding you in a sense of steadiness and inner quiet.

Restorative yoga becomes more than a wellness routine—it becomes an act of self-care, an opportunity to realign with your needs, and a reminder that rest is not a luxury but a vital part of well-being.

Aight Sky

Healing Through Movement: Yoga for Chronic Pain Management

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

Chronic pain is a relentless and often isolating experience, affecting not just the body but also the mind and spirit. While conventional medical treatments remain essential, an integrative approach that includes yoga can offer significant relief.

Yoga, an ancient practice combining physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation, provides a holistic pathway for those navigating chronic pain. Unlike high-impact exercises that may worsen discomfort, yoga emphasizes gentle, mindful movements that gradually enhance strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Simple poses such as Cat-Cow and Child’s Pose target back pain, while the use of props like blocks and bolsters allows practitioners to experience deep relaxation without strain. Breathwork, or pranayama, plays a critical role by calming the nervous system, which in turn helps reduce the body’s perception of pain. Beyond the physical benefits, yoga nurtures a meditative awareness that helps individuals observe their pain without judgment.

This mindful approach separates the sensation of pain from the emotional distress that often accompanies it, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-management. By engaging both mind and body, yoga transforms the experience of chronic pain from passive suffering into an active journey of healing and well-being.

Through consistent practice, individuals not only experience relief but also reclaim a sense of control, balance, and vitality in their daily lives.