PUBLIC HEALTH

  Fatty Liver Disease: Understanding Risks and Prevention Introduction Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis , occurs when excess fat builds up in liver cells, accounting for more than 5% of liver weight. It has become one of the most common liver disorders worldwide, largely linked to lifestyle changes, obesity, and metabolic diseases. Once considered a benign condition, it is now recognized as a potentially progressive disease that can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer if not managed early. Fatty liver is broadly classified into two types: Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – caused by excessive alcohol intake. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – occurring in people who drink little or no alcohol, often linked to obesity and insulin resistance. NAFLD is increasingly common, affecting nearly 25–30% of adults globally . In South Asia, including Pakistan, its prevalence is rising rapidly due to sedentary lifestyles, high-calori...

 Carbohydrates have long been at the center of nutrition debates from being praised as the body’s main energy source to being blamed for obesity and diabetes. But what does the science truly say? Understanding carbohydrates in the context of a balanced diet is essential for health, weight management, and disease prevention. What Are Carbohydrates? Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients in our diet, along with protein and fat. They are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are primarily responsible for providing energy to the body. When consumed, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose , which serves as the main fuel for cells, especially the brain, nervous system, and muscles . One gram of carbohydrate provides approximately 4 kilocalories of energy. Carbohydrates can be classified into three main types: Simple carbohydrates – Sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Found in fruits, milk, and table sugar. Complex carbohydrates ...

 Writing a scientific introduction that meets high-impact journal standards (like The Lancet, BMJ, JAMA, Nature, or NEJM) requires both structure and precision. Below is a detailed guide that matches their expectations, including examples and key phrases you can adapt for your own paper.  Purpose of the Introduction A scientific introduction must: Provide context for why the study matters. Summarize existing evidence concisely. Identify the knowledge gap. State the study objective and hypothesis clearly. Step-by-Step Structure (Used by High-Impact Journals) 1. Start Broadly. Set the Context Introduce the public health or scientific problem clearly. Include global and local relevance, with current statistics or evidence. Show the magnitude and burden of the problem. Example:  Hypertension remains a major public health challenge, affecting approximately 1.28 billion adults worldwide, with a significant proportion residing in low- and middle-income countries (WHO, 2023). Tip...

  Introduction: Protein is often called the “building block of life” , and for good reason. It helps repair body tissues, build muscles, produce enzymes and hormones, and maintain a strong immune system. However, many people still ask: How much protein do I really need every day? Let’s explore what scientific research says about the ideal protein intake for healthy adults . Recommended Protein Intake (RDA) According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Academies of Sciences , the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for healthy adults is: 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day That means: A 60 kg person needs about 48 grams/day A 70 kg person needs about 56 grams/day This amount is enough to meet the basic needs of most healthy adults and prevent deficiency.  When You May Need More Protein In some situations, your body requires more protein than average: Group   Recommended Intake Purpose Physically Active...

  🔹 Step 1: Identify Your Area of Interest Ask yourself: Which subject or field excites me most (e.g. Public Health,nutrition, health systems)? What issues or questions do I often encounter in my teaching or clinical practice? Which topics align with my long-term goals (e.g. publication, grant, or thesis)?  Example: If you teach Health, possible broad areas could be: Non-communicable diseases prevention Health education methods Maternal and child health Environmental or occupational health Health system challenges in a country  🔹 Step 2: Review Current Literature Look for: Recent papers (last 5 years) in your area. Gaps — what questions are not yet answered or only partially studied? Contradictions in findings that need clarification.  Tip: Read abstracts of papers in journals like American Journal of Public Health or BMC Public Health to get inspiration. 🔹 Step 3: Focus and Narrow It Down Avoid topics that are too broad. Ask: Can this be answered within my resour...

  How much salt is safe to include in your diet? The human body needs a little amount of salt (sodium) to function and too much salt intake can be harmful to our body. High intake of salt consumption is associated with High blood pressure (HTN) which is risk factor of stroke and cardiovascular (Heart) diseases. About 70% of salt intake comes in our diet through processed and package food items. The salt we use in our home cooking and eating is safe and necessary for body metabolism. Now a days people are busy, find easy to buy readymade foods from market. The home cooking is time consuming but cost effective and healthy way of preparing food. to cook at home. The US. Food and Drug Administration has taken action for food industry to make reduction in salt in different food items. It is important to check sodium level while buying different food item from market, especially packaged foods. What should we notice in food nutrition label on food items? The nutrition facts label...