Could over digitization have pushed an entire generation out of the loop? It is no secret that after the pandemic hit, there was a shift in the social world. While people stayed connected, the general sense of loneliness affected everyone. Although most of us believed that this would get better once the lockdown is over, and a lot of the things have gone back to the way they were, but the sense of disconnect still prevails.

New research shows that Generation Z (Gen Z) is suffering from loneliness more than any other age group. A poll of 2,000 adults found that 37% of Gen Z report often feeling lonely. This is a massive jump compared to just 15% of Gen X and a mere 11% of Baby Boomers. This stark difference highlights a growing social divide where younger adults feel increasingly isolated.

What Is Causing The Rise Of Loneliness In Gen Z?

The study points to digital habits as a major factor in this widespread loneliness. On average, people are spending five and a half hours a day looking at screens.

But how has this affected Gen Z? Nearly half of the respondents believe they talk to people more often online than they do in person. This shift toward digital communication has a serious real-world cost: one-third of all adults admitted they have gone several days without speaking to anyone at all. A third of people also feel they don't get enough face-to-face human interaction.

This feeling of isolation is getting worse across society: over four in ten people feel lonelier now than they did five years ago. A large majority (78%) agree that loneliness is a growing problem in the country. Unfortunately, this lack of real-world practice has left people feeling helpless, with one in five adults admitting they wouldn't even know how to start a conversation with a stranger.

How Does Loneliness Affect Mental Health?

Isolation still affects many people throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2025 report, 1 in 6 people are affected by loneliness and it has been linked to several health conditions, even death. The WHO reports that loneliness is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour, more than 871,000 deaths annually. However, one thing that improved the numbers was a better social life. ‘Strong social connections can lead to better health and longer life’ the report says. A social life protects people lifespan by

• Reducing inflammation
• Lowering risk of serious health problems
• Foster mental health
• As well as lower risk of death

On the other hand, loneliness and social isolation can

• Increase the risk of stroke
• Heart diseases
• Diabetes
• Cognitive Decline
• Premature death

The report also details how it can also increase the risk of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, thoughts of self-harm and suicide.

Not only was learning affected by it, but it also affected the employment rates. Teenagers who felt lonely were more likely to get lower grades as well as be less qualified. Adults who struggled with the same found it hard to maintain their jobs and even earned less overtime.

How Can We Improve Social Isolation?

The WHO suggests that to reduce loneliness and social isolation, there needs to be changes on multiple levels, national, community as well as individual. Improving social structures like building libraries, parks and cafes, as well as improving mental health with the help of psychological intervention.

They also urge people to reach out to their loved ones or friends who may be struggling to have a conversation, volunteer or join other social groups.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

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PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
• Manage stress effectively
• Prioritize sufficient sleep
• Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
• Treat thyroid disorders
• Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
• Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes

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She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

ALSO READ: High, Low, or Normal? A Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
• Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

ALSO READ: Prediabetes: How To Spot the Silent Warning Signs Before It Turns Into Type-2 Diabetes

By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.

Half of all American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, yet many don’t even know it. High blood pressure occurs when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Recently, cases of high blood pressure have been rising rapidly in the U.S. and globally. As these numbers climb, regularly checking your blood pressure becomes essential.

According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults, around 122 million people, have high blood pressure, a leading preventable cause of heart disease, stroke, and early death. Shockingly, only about one in four have their condition under control. To help you stay on top of your numbers, here’s a detailed guide to understanding blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Readings ExplainedBlood pressure is written as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 120/80 mm Hg, which can be read as “120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.”

The first number, or systolic pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps.

The second number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

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Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day depending on activity, stress, and other factors. A healthy reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic readings are 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings are 80 mm Hg or higher.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines by the American Heart Association

• Earlier Treatment: People with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or more are advised to start medication along with lifestyle changes.
• Personalized Risk Assessment: Doctors may use the PREVENT™️ calculator to estimate 10-year risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
• Expanded Lab Testing: Tests such as the urine albumin:creatinine ratio help tailor treatment plans.
• Lifestyle First: Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.
• Alcohol Limits: Men: 2 drinks/day; women: 1 drink/day.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

ALSO READ: This Small Mistake Can Change Your Blood Pressure Reading, According To Doctor

Home monitoring is particularly important for:

• Anyone already diagnosed with high blood pressure.
• People starting or adjusting high blood pressure treatments, to see if they are working.
• Individuals who require closer monitoring, especially those with risk factors for high blood pressure or related health conditions.