As far as India has come with educating women and young girls about menstruation and reproductive health, the clear lack of understanding and clarity on the matter is evident. Many people have experienced the way a natural cycle of menstruation was treated like a taboo and discouraged from even being spoken about. This is where health related awareness months and days take centre stage.

PCOS and PCOD are terms that many people know now, or do not know enough about, even though it is a common disorder that many women have. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a serious hormonal disorder affecting women and girls. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen production, and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. PCOS can lead to a variety of health problems, including infertility, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition with three main features:

• menstrual cycle problems, such as irregular periods or having no periods (meaning the ovaries do not release eggs)
• high levels of "male" hormones – hirsutism (excessive hair growth) or elevated testosterone
• polycystic ovaries – the ovaries contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs.

Why is PCOS Awareness Month Recognized?

PCOS Awareness Month is an event aimed at raising awareness about PCOS and improving the lives of those affected by the condition. Many women go through many difficult menstrual periods with pain and other unlikely symptoms, just to be told it is a normal thing and all women go through it.

Using social media as a platform, many women have spoken up about their condition and the lack of care and research done on the female reproductive system, highlighting the underlying misogyny and patriarchal reasons for it.

The month provides an opportunity to educate the public, healthcare professionals, and women themselves about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for PCOS. It also highlights the importance of early detection and prevention of associated health complications.

Significance of PCOS Awareness Month

PCOS Awareness Month is a recognized and significant event aimed at raising awareness and improving the lives of those affected by PCOS by addressing symptoms and promoting lifestyle changes to manage the condition. PCOS Awareness Month is a crucial initiative that has several significant benefits:

Increased Awareness

Raising awareness of PCOS is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. By shedding light on the symptoms, causes, and potential complications of PCOS, we can empower individuals to recognize the signs and seek appropriate medical attention. Increased awareness can also help reduce stigma and discrimination associated with the condition.

Improved Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis of PCOS is crucial for preventing complications and improving outcomes. PCOS Awareness Month can help to promote early diagnosis by educating healthcare professionals and encouraging individuals to be proactive about their health. Additionally, the month can highlight the importance of personalized treatment plans that address the individual needs of each patient.

Dissemination of Information

PCOS Awareness Month provides a platform for sharing information about PCOS symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. By disseminating accurate and up-to-date information, we can help individuals make informed decisions about their health and well-being. This can also empower individuals to advocate for their own care and seek out the best possible treatment options.

Improved Quality of Life

PCOS can significantly impact the quality of life of affected individuals. By raising awareness and promoting early diagnosis and treatment, we can help improve the quality of life for women and girls with PCOS. This can involve managing symptoms, preventing complications, and providing emotional support.

Promotion of Research

Continued research is essential for advancing our understanding of PCOS and developing new and improved treatments. PCOS Awareness Month can help to generate public support for research initiatives and encourage funding for studies that investigate the causes, prevention, and treatment of PCOS.

Acknowledgment of Struggles

PCOS Awareness Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges faced by individuals with PCOS. By recognizing their struggles, we can offer empathy, support, and a sense of community. This can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the condition.

Urging Medical Professionals

Encouraging healthcare professionals to advance their understanding of PCOS is crucial for providing high-quality care. PCOS Awareness Month can highlight the importance of ongoing education and training for healthcare providers, ensuring that they are equipped to diagnose and treat PCOS effectively.

Advocating for PCOS to be recognized as a public health priority is essential for ensuring that individuals with PCOS have access to the necessary resources and support. PCOS Awareness Month can help to raise awareness of the public health implications of PCOS and encourage policymakers to prioritize the condition in healthcare planning and resource allocation.

Obesity is no longer just a health issue, it is increasingly becoming a social phenomenon and a lifestyle disease. A recent study published in Current Developments in Nutrition, led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that 27.4% of Indian married couples share similar overweight or obese status.

Analyzing data from over 52,000 married couples across India using the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), the study points to a troubling pattern- in wealthier, urban households, especially among young couples, there is a significantly higher risk of both partners becoming overweight or obese. At its core, this research uncovers how daily habits, routines, and food choices within marriages are driving a quiet but dangerous health trend across the country.

Are Shared Habits A Risk Factor for Married Couples?

Unlike genetically linked conditions, obesity in married couples cannot be attributed to shared biology. So how does this mirroring occur? It is in environmental exposure, mutual behaviors, socio-economic context, and emotional co-regulation.

According to lead researcher Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh of ICMR’s National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, spousal similarities in health outcomes ranging from obesity and hypertension to smoking and sedentary behavior stem from shared lifestyles. These include eating patterns, physical activity (or lack thereof), screen time, media consumption, and stress management. Over time, habits converge especially in nuclear families with fewer social checks and less structured meal routines.

The study found that urban couples had a 38.4% concordance rate, significantly higher than rural couples (22.1%). Among the wealthiest households, this figure jumped to 47.6%, compared to only 10.2% in the poorest.

Where Obesity in Couples Is Rising Fastest In India?

Geographic disparities highlight how development and affluence correlate with rising obesity. States and territories with the highest spousal obesity concordance include:

• Kerala (51.3%)
• Jammu & Kashmir (48.5%)
• Manipur (47.9%)
• Delhi (47.1%)
• Goa (45.0%)
• Tamil Nadu (42.7%)
• Punjab (42.5%)

By contrast, states in eastern and northeastern India—where economic development is slower—showed much lower concordance rates, typically ranging from 19% to 22%.

“These figures underscore India’s uneven nutrition transition,” explains Dr. Shalini Singh, senior co-author of the study. “In wealthier regions, processed food consumption and reduced physical activity are becoming the norm. Marriage and cohabitation intensify these shared exposures, turning households into hotbeds of metabolic dysfunction.”

Is This A Disturbing Trend Among Under-30 Couples?

Perhaps the most concerning revelation is the early onset of weight gain in young couples. The study shows particularly high obesity concordance in couples under the age of 30, especially in Kerala (42.8%), Goa (37%), Jammu & Kashmir (31.6%), and Tamil Nadu (29.6%).

“This trend is alarming because early obesity increases the lifetime risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome,” says Dr. Singh. “We’re seeing the impact of lifestyle-driven diseases unfold during what should be the most productive and healthiest years of life.”

The study also examined behavioral patterns that reinforce spousal weight concordance. For instance, 32.8% of couples reported regular television watching, while 39.6% reported newspaper reading, both indicative of sedentary behavior. Dependence on processed and ultra-processed food, especially in nuclear households, was another major contributor.

Interestingly, couples with similar education levels (about 45.2%) showed higher obesity concordance (31.4%), likely due to aligned food preferences, media consumption, and leisure routines.

The type of family structure also mattered. Nuclear families had a 28.9% concordance rate, higher than the 25.9% seen in joint families, where shared responsibilities and traditional food habits often foster more physical activity and balanced meals.

This Indian data fits into a much broader global trend. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2022, over 2.5 billion adults (43% of the global population) were overweight, and 890 million (16%) were obese. The burden of obesity now surpasses many infectious diseases and contributes to over 160 million years of healthy life lost annually due to comorbidities like heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and several cancers.

In India alone, obesity rates among adults are expected to climb significantly by 2040—27.4% of women and 30.5% of men, up from roughly 24% in 2021. If the patterns observed in married couples hold, these numbers could surge even faster than projected.

The study calls for a paradigm shift in how health interventions are designed. Rather than focusing on individuals, researchers urge a couple-based or household-level approach that takes into account the social dynamics of behavior change.

“Obesity is socially transmissible,” Dr. Singh emphasizes. “So the solution must also be social. Targeted public health messaging, fitness programs designed for couples, dietary counseling for families, and insurance incentives for preventive care at the household level are the need of the hour.”

Additionally, there’s a need to engage urban, affluent, and media-exposed demographics—who are often the earliest adopters of fast food, sedentary habits, and digital lifestyles—with interventions that feel relevant, aspirational, and sustainable.

As global health systems grapple with the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases, the Indian study offers a crucial insight: marriage can amplify risk—but also holds the key to prevention. By targeting couples early and acknowledging the influence of shared environments, public health systems can make strides in reversing obesity trends.

Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar, best known for his contributions to Hindi and Punjabi cinema, passed away at a private hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 15. He was 79.

Admitted with Pneumonia, Succumbed to Organ Failure

According to sources close to the family, Kumar had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after being diagnosed with acute pneumonia. His health took a critical turn on Monday as he suffered multiple organ failure and was subsequently placed on ventilator support. He breathed his last around 11 AM on Tuesday, with his son by his side in his final moments.

A Career That Began With a Talent Contest

Dheeraj Kumar’s journey into the world of entertainment began in the mid-1960s, when he participated in a talent contest that also featured Rajesh Khanna and Subhash Ghai. In a 2012 interview with The Hindu, Kumar recalled:

“In a talent contest in Mumbai in the 1960s, three were selected to be actors among some 10,000 aspirants — Rajesh Khanna, myself and Subhash Ghai... He became a superstar.”

Also Read: Shubhanshu Shukla Returns From ISS, What All Medical Examinations Are Lined Up

Kumar went on to act in several films, including Rakhwala, Tyaag and Sargam, and shared screen space with many leading actors of the time. Over the years, he transitioned into television production and was known for creating popular shows such as Om Namah Shivay and Shree Ganesh. His last known collaboration with Rajesh Khanna was a TV series in 2019.

Understanding Pneumonia and Its Risks

As per the American Lung Association, pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) of one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Acute pneumonia, in particular, can cause sudden and severe respiratory symptoms.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus
• High fever, sweating and chills
• Shortness of breath and chest pain while coughing or breathing
• Fatigue, nausea or vomiting
• Confusion, especially in older adults

Kumar’s condition is a reminder that pneumonia can escalate quickly, especially in older individuals or those with weakened immune systems.

Also Read: After Jannik Sinner, Tara Moore Makes News Failing Her Doping Test, Resulting In A 4-Year Long Ban

Can Pneumonia Be Fatal?

Yes, pneumonia can be deadly—especially when left untreated or when it occurs in high-risk individuals. According to global estimates, as noted by the American Lungs Association, over 1.8 million people die from pneumonia each year, with children under five in low-income countries being the most vulnerable. In older adults, complications such as respiratory failure, sepsis, or organ failure often lead to death.

Bacterial pneumonia is more likely to require hospitalization, but viral and fungal forms can also be life-threatening. Vaccines such as the pneumococcal vaccine and flu shots can significantly reduce the risk of infection, particularly in older adults.

Maintaining overall health, timely vaccinations, and early medical intervention are critical in preventing complications.

After Jannik Sinner's news of anti-doping test, British tennis player Tara Moore is also making news. The 32-year-old was Britain's top ranked women's doubles player when she was provisionally banned in May 2022. Again, she has been banned for four years for a doping offence, though she had been cleared for the same by an independent tribunal just 18 months ago.

She was tested positive for nandrolone and boldenone at a tournament in the Colombian capital Bogota the previous month.

The reason Moore provided was due to the ingestion of contaminated meat. While in December 2023, an independent tribunal ruled that contaminated meat was the reason that the test came positive and Moore "bore no fault or negligence"; the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) thinks otherwise.

Also Read: Shubhanshu Shukla Returns From ISS, What All Medical Examinations Are Lined Up

ITIA has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). In the March hearing, Cas said in a media release: "After reviewing the scientific and legal evidence, the majority of the Cas panel considered that the player did not succeed in proving that the concentration of nandrolone in her sample was consistent with the ingestion of contaminated meat."

This means Moore will not be free to play again until the start of 2028 season. "The panel concluded that Ms Moore failed to establish that the ADRV (Anti-Doping Rule Violation) was not intentional. The appeal by the ITIA is therefore upheld and the decision rendered by the Independent Tribunal is set aside."

The ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse told BBC,"For the ITIA, every case is considered according to the individual facts and circumstances. In this case, our independent scientific advice was that the player did not adequately explain the high level of nandrolone present in their sample. Today's ruling is consistent with this position."

What Do Nandrolone Decanoate And Boldenone Do To You?

Nandrolone Decanoate: As per a 2020 study published in journal Medicina, nandrolone decanoate is an androgen, which means it plays a significant role in the development of male reproductive organs. The study notes: "The clinical use of synthetic testosterone derivatives, such as nandrolone, is focused on maximizing the anabolic effects and minimizing the androgenic ones." The study also mentions that apart from its clinical use, skeletal muscles can be considered as the primary target tissue. "Nowadays, especially athletes in power sports such as bodybuilding and weightlifting administer illegally high doses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) to increase their muscle mass and improve their overall performance," notes the study.

Nandrolone Decanoate injections have been classified under the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 and due to its serious health risks, it is banned by most sports organization and is also listed in the prohibition list by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Side Effects Include:

• Infertility
• Liver Toxicity
• Impaired Lipid Profile
• High Blood Pressure
• Acne
• Hair Loss
• Gynecomastia

Boldenone: As per a 2016 study published in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, this AAS can be used in repairing wasting of the body caused by some emaciating disease. It can also be used for human sports for better performance and promoting the growth of skeletal muscle.

However, this is also used for increasing the body weight in livestock as growth-promoting agents. This is also one of the matters the study looks into, in order to "evaluate the safety and meat quality criteria in broilers following intramuscular injection of boldenone." This is the reason Moore too used in her defense, that the result of her positive test was contaminated meat.

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) notes that there is no therapeutic or medical use for boldenone in humans. More specifically, it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans for any reason. It also notes that WADA has included boldenone in its prohibited list. Since it could occur naturally at very low concentrations in the urine, WADA-accredited laboratories apply a specific analysis procedure called carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry, or GC/C/IRMS, to differentiate between external administration and internal production.

What are the side effects? USADA notes that in men, boldenone causes decreased testosterone production and impacts the reproductive system and fertility of males. It also impacts the size of the testes, lower sperm count, and sperm mobility.