Abstract

The study titled ” A review and analysis of increasing health issues in and around Pune City. ” is a comprehensive investigation into the rising prevalence of health problems, particularly within the urban context of Pune, India. It systematically explores the causative factors, demographic impact, and possible mitigative strategies through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including structured interviews, surveys, and field observations. The core objective of this research is to dissect the root causes of escalating health concerns—ranging from lifestyle disorders such as obesity and sleep deprivation to environmentally triggered illnesses like dengue and respiratory infections. The study emphasizes how these issues are exacerbated by urban stressors: poor hygiene, excessive screen time, fast-food consumption, sedentary behavior, and a deteriorating work-life balance. Fieldwork consisted of interviews with medical professionals (notably Dr. Ankita Shukla and Dr. Rushali Pawar), working professionals, and college students. Their insights revealed a common thread stress, irregular routines, and lack of awareness being key contributors to declining health. Additionally, the study underscores the generational impact of unhealthy habits, where poor diet and lifestyle choices in adults appear to influence the immunity and well-being of children. The research also presents data visualization (in pie chart form) showing seasonal patterns of illness, with the rainy season accounting for the highest rates of sickness, and an alarming year-on-year rise in health issues highlighting 2024 as the peak so far. Key diseases on the rise include Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, sleep apnea, certain cancers, and mental health issues, with even rare diseases like GBS and Myocardial infections in children showing a surge. Furthermore, the paper examines the health risks of mobile phone overuse, especially in children, linking it to behavioral issues, sleep disruption, and cognitive decline. It also touches on malnutrition in its various forms, noting both undernutrition and obesity as dual threats to public health. In response, the paper proposes a multi-pronged solution strategy: from individual actions like improved sleep, diet, exercise, and mindfulness, to community-level measures such as cleaner environments and regular medical check-ups. It aligns these with existing governmental initiatives, including POSHAN Abhiyaan, Ayushman Bharat, and mental health helplines like KIRAN and Tele MANAS, advocating for greater utilization and public awareness. In conclusion, the study serves as both a diagnosis and a prescription alerting society to the worsening health landscape while equipping individuals and policymakers with actionable remedies. It calls for an urgent shift towards preventive care, lifestyle correction, and greater mental health support, especially in a post-COVID world where the immune system and collective health behavior have undergone significant shifts.