A child’s brain grows faster in their first three years than at any other time in their life. If your baby is taking a little longer to learn a skill like sitting up or making eye contact, noticing it early is the best thing you can do.

Catching a delay early simply provides a helpful window into your child’s unique pace and developmental needs. While every child follows their own timeline, noticing these variations allows you to partner with professionals to see if standard, play-based strategies can support their growth. It is never a definitive diagnosis or a label; rather, it is a proactive step to ensure they have the right environment and encouragement to reach their full potential.

But in our intense focus on height and weight, we often miss something much more important: developmental milestones. Your child’s weight and height tell you how their body is growing, but their developmental milestones tell you how their brain is wiring itself. Milestones are the behavioral and physical skills most children master by a certain age—like tracking a toy with their eyes, responding to their name, taking that first wobbly step, or throwing a tantrum because they finally understand the concept of “no.”

Recent health surveys in India highlight a worrying trend: parents are incredibly careful about diet and vaccinations, but often miss early signs of developmental delays. If a baby is late to walk or talk, families often brush it off, saying, “Don’t worry, his father also started talking late, he will learn in his own time.”

While it is true that every child grows at their own pace, ignoring these signs completely means missing a vital window to help them. Instead of only checking the weighing scale, start observing these everyday magic moments:

Connection: Does your baby make eye contact and smile when you talk to them? Do they show interest in your face?

Communication: Are they making sounds, babbling, or turning their head when you call their name?

Movement: Are they learning to hold their head steady, sit without support, or pick up small objects with their fingers?

It is time we changed the questions we ask during our routine check-ups. Instead of only asking, “Doctor, what tonic can I give to increase his appetite?”, we need to start asking, “Doctor, he isn’t pointing at objects yet, is that typical for his age?”

Early intervention is practically magic. A child’s brain is incredibly adaptable during the first three years of life. If a child is slightly delayed in speech or motor skills, catching it early means they can get the right play-based guidance to catch up quickly and confidently.
True health isn’t just about the numbers on a clinic’s scale. It is about watching your child learn to connect with you, explore their environment, and find their unique voice. So, permit yourself to put away the measuring tape for a moment. Sit on the floor, play with your little one, and watch the beautiful, complex way their mind is unfolding. That is where the most important growth actually happens.

Author: Mrs Deepali Maheshwari (MASLP) Speech and Language Pathologist

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Located within Phoenix Marketcity Pune, the new store will span approximately 21,000 sq. ft. and offer UNIQLO’s complete range of LifeWear apparel for men, women, and children. Designed around simplicity, quality, and functionality, the store aims to deliver a seamless and elevated shopping experience for Pune consumers.

The launch marks a significant addition to Phoenix Marketcity Pune’s international fashion portfolio, further strengthening its position as one of the city’s premium lifestyle and shopping destinations.

Driven by increasing customer appreciation for high-quality, everyday essentials, UNIQLO continues to expand its presence in India by bringing its globally recognized LifeWear philosophy — clothing designed to make everyday life better — to newer markets across the country.

Commenting on the launch, Anshuman Bharadwaj, Senior Centre Director- Phoenix [Pune Malls], said: “At Phoenix Marketcity Pune, we continuously strive to bring globally admired brands and elevated retail experiences to our consumers. UNIQLO’s arrival marks a significant addition to our international fashion portfolio and reflects the evolving aspirations of Pune’s shoppers who increasingly seek quality, functionality, and contemporary global fashion under one roof.”

The new store at Phoenix Marketcity Pune will feature UNIQLO’s modern retail design language along with the brand’s signature visual identity, offering shoppers an immersive and contemporary retail environment.

The store will officially open to customers on:
Date: Friday, 15 May 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: UNIQLO, Phoenix Marketcity Pune

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The launch of the Oasis Janani Yatra also featured a Walkathon for Parenthood, focused on raising awareness about infertility, the importance of early fertility screening, and long-term reproductive health. The initiative highlighted the need to empower the girl child through timely awareness and education, while encouraging informed conversations around fertility and future family planning. The walkathon saw participation from students, families, healthcare professionals, and members of the local community.

The event was graced by Chief Guests Dr.Kiran Kurtkoti, President AMOGS, along with Dr.Manish Machave, President POGS, and Mohan Tiloo, President of the Rotary Club of Pune Sanskruti, who appreciated Oasis Fertility’s efforts in bringing essential reproductive health education closer to families and strengthening community-level health awareness.

As fertility challenges continue to rise due to lifestyle changes, delayed parenthood, and lack of scientific knowledge, the Oasis Janani Yatra bus provides free fertility consultations, free AMH & haemoglobin tests, free semen analysis, and safe, hygienic sample collection zones, ensuring that couples receive early, accurate, and compassionate guidance.

Chief Guest Dr. Kiran Kurtkoti appreciated the initiative, “The Oasis Janani Yatra plays a crucial role in raising awareness about reproductive issues, giving people the chance to understand their health despite their socioeconomic position. After successfully reaching communities across four states, the clinic has reached Maharashtra, and I hope the medical experts at Oasis Fertility can treat just as many – if not more – people here.”

Dr. Durga G. Rao, Medical Director & Co-founder, Oasis Fertility, said, “After a successful venture in the other South Indian states, the Oasis Janani Yatra is bringing advanced, evidence-based reproductive care to the core of Maharashtra’s local communities, which proves especially important for its declining TFR. As science continues to shape the way we treat infertility, we aim to provide early medical guidance for couples embarking on the journey towards parenthood.”

Pushkaraj Shenai, CEO, Oasis Fertility, asserted, “As India’s fertility rate continues to fall, the need of the hour is high-quality, accessible, and timely reproductive care. Strengthening the reach of the Good Hands of Science, we have provided expert counselling, early diagnostics, and guided support at the grassroots level, enabling aspiring parents to make informed medical decisions.”

Dr. Nilesh Unmesh Balkawade, Regional Medical Head –India West, Oasis Fertility, added, “The overwhelming response to the Oasis Janani Yatra reaffirms that couples deeply value the right medical guidance. Through this initiative, we aim to take timely information and compassionate support directly to local communities that still face challenges in understanding fertility concerns and available advanced treatments. As the Oasis Janani Yatra is being conducted around National Girl Child Day, it further reinforces our commitment to strengthening women’s healthcare and awareness at the grassroots level.”

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The centre is for all children, including those with neurodivergent developmental profiles or learning differences, and provides screening assessments in the early years to pick up delays and refer children for appropriate medical or therapeutic evaluation. Regular developmental check-ups help identify whether a child is on track or needs extra support. Children art artwork is displayed in the form of an activity sheet in sequence, creating a visual record of progress made by kids in fine motor skills, coordination, and confidence, giving clinicians and parents a simple way to follow the child’s journey. The Center also supports first-time parents in their parenting journey, helping them understand normal development and age-appropriate milestones with clarity and confidence.

The Child Development Department, “Roots to Wings”, is led by Consultant Occupational Therapist *Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala. The core medical team includes **Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Abhijit Botre, **Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Sandesh Runwal, *Neonatologist & Paediatrician Dr. Ashwin Borade, and Speech Therapist Ms Mrunmayi Londe, supported by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, and special educators.

The centre offers developmental and behavioural assessments; physiotherapy, occupational, speech and language therapies; psychological counselling and remedial education. Individualised therapy goals are set after evaluation and reviewed at regular intervals. Parent-training sessions, group workshops, and awareness talks for schools and neighbourhood communities help red flags be recognised early and children referred without delay. As part of this initiative, Inamdar Hospital also trains kindergarten teachers to recognise early developmental and emotional concerns and support children with neurodevelopmental needs in the classroom, with some sessions held alongside group therapies to link classroom and clinical care.

Speaking about the vision behind Roots to Wings, Dr. Zainab Mithaiwala said, “Parents often tell us they felt something was ‘not quite right’ but did not know where to go or whom to ask. We want families to find accurate guidance, timely intervention, and a place where they feel heard, supported, and never judged.”

The team at Roots to Wings believes that developmental health is as important as physical health. They emphasise that neurodevelopmental differences – such as communication delays, learning difficulties, or attention-related concerns – are not simply “naughtiness” or “laziness”, and that many children do better when these issues are recognised early and managed with understanding. They encourage every parent to consider at least one visit to a child development centre if they are unsure about any aspect of their child’s progress. Even when the signs are subtle, or everything seems normal, the reassurance and clarity can be a lifelong gift. The mission behind Roots to Wings is to support a healthier, happier next generation and stand beside parents, so no one has to look back and wonder if a simple early visit could have given their child an easier, brighter start.

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Once considered uncommon in India, prostate cancer is now emerging as a significant health threat among men, particularly in urban areas. An increasing number of prostate cancer diagnoses are being reported in India, in men in their early 50s.

According to Dr. Venkata Boppana B, Consultant in Urology and Uro-Oncology at Narayana Health, Kolkata, a recent study presented at the Urological Society of India in 2025 shows a clear upward trend in the prostate cancer diagnosis among men aged between 50 to 55. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), which measures the number of new cases per 1,00,000 men, is expected to rise from 7.41 in 2022 to 9.15 by 2031.

Family History and Genetic Risk

Genetics remains one of the primary risk factors for prostate cancer. Men with a first-degree relative, such as a father or a brother, who has been diagnosed with the disease have a significantly higher risk. For these individuals, Dr. Boppana emphasizes that screening isn’t optional – it is essential. However, genetics does not explain the rise.

Urban Lifestyles and Their Impact

The increase in prostate cancer cases is particularly noticeable in India’s urban hubs. Cities have become hotspots for lifestyle-related health issues, and prostate cancer is proving to be no exception. Long hours behind a desk, little to no physical activity, and constant stress have become the norm.

Dr. Boppana warns that this sedentary lifestyle, accompanied by high stress levels, can affect hormone regulation, potentially increasing the risk of prostate cancer.

In addition to this, dietary shifts are responsible for shifting the tide as well. Meals dominated by red meat, dairy products, and fats have increasingly replaced the traditional Indian diets, which were typically rich in fibre and plant-based foods. Studies suggest a strong correlation between high-fat, low-fibre diets and increased risk of prostate cancer, adds Dr. Boppana.

Screening and Early Detection

The good news is that awareness around men’s health is improving in India. Conversations about prostate cancer, once surrounded by stigma and silence, are becoming more common. As a result, more men are undergoing screening tests such as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams. These tools allow for earlier diagnosis and significantly better treatment outcomes.

Early detection remains the foundational step of effective prostate cancer management. When identified in the early stages, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer, with high survival rates. Delayed diagnosis, however, can lead to advanced disease that is far more difficult to manage and may involve aggressive interventions such as hormone therapy.

Steps Toward Prevention

Several modifiable lifestyle choices can help prevent prostate cancer. Dr. Boppana stresses that men must and should prioritize a balanced and healthy diet, engage in regular physical activities, undergo routine screening, and manage their weight and stress. These steps can significantly reduce the risk, even if they don’t eliminate the possibility of getting prostate cancer entirely.

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INDIA: On the occasion of Father’s Day 2025, Mpower—an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust—unveiled new insights into a critical yet often overlooked issue: the mental health of men in India.

A comprehensive five-year analysis of Mpower’s mental health helpline data shows a steady rise in male callers from 2020 to 2024. This trend highlights a significant shift in how men are approaching their emotional well-being, signaling a slow but meaningful erosion of stigma around seeking mental health support. Over this period, the helpline has provided a total of 141,212 hours of counseling, underscoring its pivotal role in supporting mental health across diverse demographics.

Key Insights from the Helpline:

• Total Male Callers (2020–2025): 19,750
• Peak Year: 2024, with 8,362 male callers
• Average Call Duration: 7.15 minutes for men, compared to 9.55 minutes for women
• Total Calls Received (All Genders): 114,776

Over the years, the concerns reported by male callers have evolved. In 2020, top issues included abuse, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. By 2021, anxiety and depression took center stage. Since 2022, relationship issues have increasingly emerged alongside anxiety and depression, with persistent concerns about psychological distress becoming more common.

This changing emotional landscape, coupled with a dramatic spike in male callers in 2024, underscores a shift in how men experience and express emotional vulnerability, especially among new fathers who increasingly report feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or isolated.

Rima Bhandekar, Clinical Psychologist and Head of the Mpower Helpline at Mpower—an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust—stressed the urgent need for inclusive mental health reform: “The data from our helpline is a wake-up call. As we celebrate fathers today, we must also acknowledge the silent emotional struggles many of them face. Beneath the image of strength and responsibility often lies unspoken anxiety, self-doubt, and isolation. We’re increasingly coming across young, new fathers who feel overwhelmed, unsure of their ability to care for their child, and burdened by expectations. These emotions are not signs of weakness, but clear indicators of mental health distress that deserve our attention and care.

It’s time we move toward Acceptance, Action, and Advocacy—to break the stigma and build a mental health ecosystem that supports everyone, irrespective of gender. We must extend mental health resources—such as counselling, emotional support, and peer networks—to fathers as a standard part of care, not an exception. Recognizing their emotional needs is not indulgent; it’s integral to building resilient families and healthier communities.”

For those seeking immediate, confidential support, Mpower’s 1on1 mental health helpline is available 24/7 at 1800-120-820050. The service has become a crucial resource for thousands, offering a safe space for individuals to share and seek help without judgment.

This Father’s Day, Mpower urges families, communities, and policymakers to not only celebrate the fathers in their lives but also to support their emotional well-being, creating a future where mental health care is accessible, normalized, and prioritized as an essential component of holistic well-being.

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Whether shopping for someone who loves cozy nights indoors, an explorer who enjoys outdoor adventures or simply needs that extra layer of warmth during winter outings, these winter wardrobe staples from Jockey Athleisure are designed to do it all. These pieces are the perfect combination of function and fashion, featuring innovative fabrics and sleek designs that blend seamlessly into everyday life. From hoodies and sweatshirts to stylish track pants, this curated guide from Jockey offers the ideal picks for both men and women, ensuring that everyone stays stylishly snug all season long.

For Him

Hoodie Jacket

The hoodie jacket is a winter essential that blends warmth and style. It’s perfect for layering over a thermal shirt for extra insulation during colder days or styled with winter tees. Whether worn casually during a walk or as part of a laid-back outfit, this jacket offers both comfort and versatility with its endless styling possibilities. The front pockets promise extra convenience, also making it a seasonal must-have.

Hoodie Sweatshirt

The hoodie sweatshirt is an all-time favorite for men who enjoy a relaxed look but also have a penchant for style. With its fun applique design and chest print, this hoodie pairs up equally well with jeans as it does with cargo pants. The kangaroo pockets and ribbed cuffs are impressive add-ons that further elevate the look and feel of this classic winter must-have.

Fleece Trackpants with StayWarm Technology

For men who want warmth without the bulk, track pants with StayWarm technology are a great choice.  Made from Super Combed Cotton Rich Fleece Fabric, these track pants become an unbeatable combination of breathability and warmth. Ideal for a morning jog or simply lounging at home, these slim track pants provide a sleek look while keeping the wearer comfortable and cozy.

For Her

High Neck Jacket with Front Pockets

This fleece jacket with full zip and a relaxed fit is the perfect blend of style and function. Whether layered over a top or worn on its own, this jacket will keep anyone warm and stylish while adding extra practicality with its front pockets.

Hybrid Trackpants

These fleece track pants offer ultimate versatility, comfort, and warmth! Featuring bungee cord detail at the hem, this pair swiftly transforms into a stylish pair of joggers to help build a variety of looks. Whether lounging around or out for a casual winter stroll, these track pants provide warmth and comfort without compromising on style.

Sweatshirt

A cozy fleece sweatshirt is a staple for every woman’s winter wardrobe. Pairing it with thermals provides a snug and practical fit, ensuring that the wearer stays warm during the colder months. Whether it’s worn for a day of relaxation or paired with jeans for a casual look, this fleece sweatshirt combines comfort and style.

This holiday season, elevate every look by pairing these winter essentials with Jockey’s thermals to stay warm without the extra bulk. These essential layering pieces are not only designed to keep everyone cozy and stylish but also offer extra comfort and softness.

With these thoughtful combinations, every winter adventure or lazy day indoors will be the epitome of comfort and style. Happy Shopping!

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MUMBAI: On International Men’s Day, MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, unveils a powerful campaign to transform the narrative around masculinity and healthcare. The #MensHealthMatters campaign sparks crucial conversations about men’s physical and mental health, challenging societal norms and promoting proactive health-seeking behaviors.

Drawing from healthcare data, MediBuddy’s video highlights the inverse relationship between men’s caregiving duties and their health management. The campaign explores how men, in their role as family’s pillar of strength, often place their well-being last in the hierarchy of care. A staggering 40% of men delay doctor visits until their conditions become critical, while 31% suffer from depression, with only one-quarter seeking professional help. These numbers highlight a concerning pattern of health neglect driven by traditional masculine stereotypes and societal expectations.

Saibal Biswas, SVP, and Head of Marketing, Partnerships & PR at MediBuddy, said, “Investing in personal health safeguards our ability to fulfill our responsibilities. At MediBuddy, we believe that taking care of yourself is the foundation for taking care of others. This campaign is about shifting the focus to a more inclusive approach to well-being and encouraging men to embrace self-care as a powerful act that strengthens their role as family anchors. Regular health monitoring ensures sustained well-being for the years ahead. It’s time for men to make their healthcare a proactive priority and not a reactive necessity.”

The campaign challenges deep-rooted societal norms that equate masculinity with the stoic endurance of health issues. For many men, health concerns are left unaddressed, shaped by societal expectations of strength and resilience. The campaign stresses that true strength is found not in silence but in embracing the courage to prioritize self-care and seek the support they need.

This campaign is conceptualized and produced by MediBuddy’s in-house creative team. The campaign video is titled #MensHealthMatters and is 1 minute and 20 seconds in duration. The video will be amplified across all social media platforms of the brand.

Watch the full video

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MUMBAI: Raymond Lifestyle Ltd. (“RLL”), whose shares will be listed on the bourses on September 5, 2025, is on its way to towards the largest-ever retail expansion by adding 900 new outlets over three years. The Raymond Group’s lifestyle business entity is eyeing a 15% Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to attain around 7% market share in the fast-growing Men’s-Wear wedding market by 2027.

Raymond, which will now have two listed entities following the demerger of its retail and lifestyle businesses, is focused on unlocking shareholder value by creating specialized businesses. Backed by a legacy of nearly a century, Raymond enjoys the position as the largest brand in the Indian men’s -wear wedding market, estimated at around Rs 75,000 crore. RLL, which is set to emerge among the top three global fabric suppliers by the end of this year, has sales of Rs 2550 crore from the wedding business in FY’24, which includes Raymond’s wedding and ceremonial attire, and Ethnix, its Indian ethnic wear offering.

Underscoring RLL’s role in further cementing itself in the rapidly expanding lifestyle segment, Gautam Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, of Raymond Group, said, “The demerger aims at unlocking shareholder value by creating a focussed lifestyle business entity. Raymond Lifestyle will sharpen its strategic focus in this fast-growing sector to become among the top three global fabric suppliers by the end of this year. The global scenario presents significant opportunities, particularly the challenges in China and Bangladesh and trade agreements with the UK, EU, and Australia.”

Highlighting RLL’s massive expansion plans, Sunil Kataria, CEO, of Raymond Lifestyle, said, “The Raymond brand enjoys an iconic status in the Indian Wedding Men’s-Wear market. With Raymond Lifestyle, we are all set to embark upon the largest-ever retail expansion with 900 new outlets over three years, alongside launching new categories such as sleepwear and innerwear. Several other categories are also in the pipeline. When it comes to our existing brands, Ethnix has already established its distinct position in the market, and we plan to nearly triple our physical presence with an additional 300 Ethnix stores in the next three years. We believe that we can achieve unparalleled growth in this wedding segment, significantly consolidating our position as the dominant market leader.”

As a focused, pure-play consumer business, RLL is pursuing a three-pronged strategic approach of strengthening the core of branded textiles, accelerating the growth of apparel garments, and building new categories such as ethnic wear, innerwear, sleepwear, and international retail. RLL is focused on enhancing the distribution presence in the country and plans to set up over 650 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) over the next three years.

Speaking about RLL’s growth plans, Amit Agarwal, Chief Financial Officer, of Raymond Group, said, “In the next three years, we anticipate Raymond Lifestyle doubling its EBITDA to over ₹20 billion. We are also looking towards a 12–15% sales growth in the lifestyle sector. The aim for Raymond Lifestyle would be to capture around 7% market share in the dynamic Men’s-Wear wedding market by 2027.”

Raymond is the 10th strongest brand in India, and the only fabric and apparel brand as recognized by Brand Finance. Guided by the enduring legacy of “The Complete Man”, Raymond has always epitomized the values of trust, quality, and excellence. RLL is set to carry this legacy forward, continuing to define men’s fashion with the same timeless elegance.

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Studies indicate that Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is common among aging men, affecting 25% to 50% of individuals aged 40 to 79, with over 50% of men showing signs by age 60. BPH often causes bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that can greatly affect quality of life. To address this issue, the hospital has introduced two minimally invasive surgeries: UroLift and Rezum. Unlike the traditional surgical treatment, Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which involves the removal of excess prostate tissue obstructing the urethra and only improves certain symptoms, these new procedures offer more comprehensive relief.

UroLift provides a less invasive option compared to traditional methods. It involves placing small implants to lift and support enlarged prostate tissue, reducing blockage and enhancing urine flow. This outpatient treatment requires minimal recovery time and helps maintain sexual function. It’s an appealing choice for patients looking for swift recovery and lasting relief.

Another innovative approach, Rezum Therapy, uses steam to remove excess prostate tissue. It involves injecting sterile water vapor into the prostate to destroy targeted cells. This outpatient procedure offers substantial relief from symptoms and enhances urinary flow, with minimal risk of sexual side effects. Rezum is safe and can be done under local anesthesia, making it appealing to patients seeking effective treatment.

With evolving science such as MIST (Minimally invasive surgical treatments) as a daycare admission is the way ahead for treating such common problems.

Dr. Purvez Grant, Chairman and Managing Trustee of Ruby Hall Clinic, echoes this sentiment, stating, “With 50% of men suffering from BPH, we are thrilled to embrace these therapies as game-changing treatments for the condition. These innovative approaches epitomize our dedication to advancing patient care through cutting-edge technology and personalized medicine, empowering our patients to reclaim their quality of life with confidence and comfort.”

Dr. Himesh Gandhi, a Urologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, emphasizes the significance of these advancements in BPH management, stating, “UroLift and Rezum Therapy represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of BPH. They offer effective alternatives to traditional treatments with fewer side effects and quicker recovery times, ultimately improving the lives of millions of men worldwide.“

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