Diseases do not always have linear symptoms. For example, if you have heart problems, then the symptoms may not always be chest pain; it could also show up in different ways. This shows how interconnected our organs are, one organ lacking, could burden the other causing problems. Similarly, did you know there is a disease that affects not just your heart, but also your kidney and digestive health? This disease is much more common than you think, however, a new survey showed that most people do not know about it.

A recent survey by the American Heart Association (AHA) found a huge gap in health knowledge: a staggering 9 out of 10 American adults have never heard of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome. This lack of awareness is a major problem because the condition is so widespread; it affects or puts at risk nearly 90% of all adults.

CKM syndrome is a relatively new term used to describe the coexistence of several serious health problems at the same time: heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. The AHA defined it to make people realize that these conditions don't happen in isolation; they are deeply connected. Even though few people know the name CKM syndrome, the survey did find an upside: most people who learned about it were very interested in getting more information.

What is CKM and Who Is At Risk?

CKM syndrome is all about the dangerous link between three essential body parts: the heart (cardiovascular system), the kidneys, and the metabolic system. The metabolic system is like your body energy factory; it handles how you create, use, and store energy, which directly influences your weight and blood sugar levels. When one of these systems starts to fail, it often puts extra strain on the others, creating a vicious cycle that quickly makes all the conditions worse.

A 2024 study published in JAMA found that the following are common risk factors for CKM syndrome, and nearly 90% of Americans have at least one:

• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol
• High blood sugar
• Excess weight
• Reduced kidney function

The key message is that having several of these risk factors together is much more dangerous than having just one. It greatly increases your chances of having a life-threatening event like a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that CKM syndrome isn't set in stone; for most people, it can be reversed or significantly improved by changing what they eat, increasing physical activity, and getting the right medical care.

Do People Know What Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Is?

The AHA survey, which collected responses from about 4,000 U.S. adults in 2025, made it clear that a public education effort is urgently needed. The main results showed low awareness but high interest:

• 12% had heard about CKM syndrome
• 72% were interested in learning more
• 79% though it was important to understand CKM

The survey also uncovered some dangerous misconceptions about managing health:

• 68% of adults incorrectly believe that the best way to handle heart, kidney, and metabolic conditions is to treat them one at a time, or they simply don't know the best approach.
• 42% of adults either doubt or are unsure that a healthy heart could actually be damaged by problems in other organ systems.

AHA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eduardo Sanchez stressed that since these body systems are so interconnected, they must be treated in a coordinated way by healthcare providers.

How Can We Prevent CKM Syndrome?

The American Heart Association (AHA) knows that almost no one has heard of CKM syndrome, so they are starting a major effort called the CKM Health Initiative.

The main goal is simple, to teach the public how the heart, kidneys, and metabolism are all connected. By showing people these links, the AHA hopes to encourage everyone to act early to prevent major health issues like heart attacks and heart failure.

Teaching the Public

The AHA is making easy-to-read materials and launching a website to clearly explain the connections. They are stressing that everyone needs to get regular check-ups for important health numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, and kidney function.

Training Doctors

The AHA is working directly with doctors and healthcare teams across the country. The goal is to get doctors who treat different conditions to work together better so they can provide coordinated care for patients who have multiple health problems.

In addition to this, the AHA is taking a major leadership step. They are preparing to release the first-ever official clinical guidelines for CKM syndrome in early 2026. These guidelines will give doctors a clear, tested set of rules for how to best diagnose and treat the condition.

As the crisp autumn air settles in, flu season returns, bringing the familiar symptoms of fever, and cough. Each year, influenza , commonly known as the flu, impacts millions of people. For most, it causes a mild to moderate illness, but for some, it can be serious, potentially leading to hospitalization or even death.

Even though the onset of flu season may feel routine, it is crucial to remember that the virus evolves annually, making yearly vaccination an essential measure for staying healthy. That said, the NHS has advised delaying your autumn vaccination if you experience one specific symptom. The health service advises that you should “wait until you’re feeling better” before getting the flu jab.

NHS Flu Vaccination

The flu shot is offered on the NHS every year during autumn or early winter for individuals at higher risk of severe flu complications. Those eligible include people aged 65 and over, as well as those with certain long-term medical conditions. According to the NHS website, the vaccine protects against the “most common types” of flu strains each year. While it’s still possible to catch the flu after vaccination, symptoms are generally milder and shorter in duration.

One Symptom That Means You Should Postpone Your Flu Jab

This year’s autumn and winter vaccination program is underway, with appointments available through GP practices, the NHS app, and select pharmacies. However, there are circumstances in which vaccination should be delayed. The NHS recommends: “If you have a high temperature, wait until you’re feeling better before having your flu vaccine.”

Some individuals may also be at risk of allergic reactions to the injection. “Most people eligible for the flu vaccine can receive it,” the NHS confirmed, adding: “You should not get the vaccine only if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or to an ingredient in the vaccine.” Some flu vaccines in the UK contain egg protein, so anyone with an egg allergy should inform the healthcare professional administering the shot.

Side Effects Of The Flu Vaccine

The NHS notes that side effects are typically mild and usually resolve within one to two days. These can include:

• Pain or soreness at the injection site
• A slightly raised temperature
• Aching muscles or body

The NHS clarifies: “The injected flu vaccines used in the UK do not contain live viruses. They cannot give you flu.”

Flu shots can generally be given alongside other vaccines, such as COVID-19 or shingles vaccines. They are not usually administered with the RSV vaccine, though simultaneous vaccination may be advised if a doctor or nurse deems it appropriate.

Eligibility For Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older, with a focus on high-risk groups such as children under five, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Individuals who have previously had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine should consult a healthcare provider before receiving the shot.

Recent updates to vaccine policies, particularly around COVID-19 vaccines, have caused some confusion. Many wonder if getting the flu jab has become more complicated. The good news is that flu vaccines remain widely accessible. Pharmacies, GP offices, public health clinics, and many workplaces continue to offer the seasonal injection, often at little or no cost.

Kerala is on high alert as chickenpox cases are rising quickly in Kollam district. Over the past week alone, health authorities have confirmed more than 100 new cases, with numbers continuing to climb. This sudden spike has prompted officials to take swift action to prevent further spread. But why is chickenpox, often considered a seasonal illness, circulating now? And what early signs should you watch for to know if you or someone around you might have it?

Chickenpox Cases Surge Rapidly In Kollam

While chickenpox usually appears more often during the summer months, health officials say unpredictable weather during the rainy season is also playing a role in this surge. Authorities warn that the disease can lead to serious complications in children, teens, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. Residents are being urged to follow preventive measures and seek medical attention promptly to contain the outbreak.

What Is Chickenpox And How Does It Spread?

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is extremely contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets or direct contact with someone who is infected. In children, it often starts as a mild rash accompanied by fever, but it can spread quickly in crowded areas.

The virus can also be transmitted through coughing or sneezing, and it is most infectious a day or two before the rash appears and in the early days of the rash. In individuals with weak immunity, the dormant virus may reactivate later in life, causing shingles (herpes zoster).

Why Is Kollam Facing A Chickenpox Outbreak?

The varicella-zoster virus spreads very easily through coughs, sneezes, or close contact with an infected person. Kollam’s warm, humid post-monsoon climate creates ideal conditions for the virus to multiply. While the first wave of cases was mostly among children, doctors now warn that adults are also increasingly vulnerable, according to The New Indian Express.

How To Detect Chickenpox Symptoms Early?

Spotting chickenpox early means looking for general warning signs like fever, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite, which usually appear one to two days before the rash. The rash itself starts as tiny red spots that later form fluid-filled blisters and eventually scab over. Paying attention to these early symptoms—especially after known exposure—can help identify the infection sooner.

How To Spot The Chickenpox Rash

The first rash usually shows up as small red bumps on the face, chest, or back. These bumps quickly turn into blisters filled with fluid, which are contagious. Over a few days, the blisters break and crust over, forming scabs. It’s common to see spots, blisters, and scabs all at the same time, according to the CDC.

Stages Of Chickenpox

The Mayo Clinic explains that chickenpox progresses in three main stages:

• Incubation Stage (10–21 days): After exposure, the virus remains inactive. Infected individuals typically show no symptoms during this period.
• Prodromal Stage (1–2 days): Early signs include fever, tiredness, headache, loss of appetite, and body aches. This is also when the virus can start spreading to others.
• Rash Stage (5–10 days): Red, itchy spots appear first on the face and chest, spreading across the body. These spots develop into fluid-filled blisters that scab over within a few days. Mild fever, itching, and discomfort are common during this stage.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, complications are uncommon but can include pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and bacterial skin infections. Vulnerable groups, such as infants, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immunity are at higher risk of severe illness.

Although we may not realize it, we are all telling stories, just in a different way. Whether it is explaining a situation or recounting a memory, everyone has their own way of sharing their story. We all know the phrase ‘the way you tell your story can change the meaning’ but how true is it? Does the way you tell a story affect the way we perceive it? A new study shows that the style of storytelling can change the way our brain forms memories.

However, how does learning our brain’s way of forming memories help us in real life? Researchers explain that learning this could not only help us know how to improve memory, but also improve learning across all ages.

What Are The Different Types Of Storytelling?

Researchers at McGill University wanted to know if the extra details you add to a story make a difference in how the event is remembered later. They came up with stories that had the same core facts but were told in two very different ways

Conceptual Details: These details focus on emotions, opinions, and deeper thoughts, "why" the characters felt or interpreted things the way they did.

Perceptual Details: These details focus on the five senses, the concrete sights, sounds, and actions, the "what" the characters saw or physically experienced.

How Does Our Brain Form Memories?

The researchers used advanced brain imaging on 35 people as they listened to these different stories, and the results were a huge discovery for memory science:

Brain Networks Divide

When people heard the stories, the two different styles activated totally separate parts of the brain. Stories heavy on conceptual details (feelings) lit up the brain areas related to emotion and interpretation. Stories heavy on perceptual details (sights/sounds) activated the areas linked to sensory processing.

A Predictor of Memory

The most important finding was that the strength of this brain activity predicted how well each person would remember the main events of the story later on.

Essentially, the study proves that the way you present information doesn't just entertain; it actively molds and shapes the memory while it's being created in the brain.

How Can You Better Memorize Things?

This research provides a powerful tool for anyone who needs to communicate clearly, from teachers to doctors. The insight is simple: to improve memory, you should match your storytelling style to the listener's natural memory preference.

• Older Adults tend to rely more on the conceptual memory system which means they focus more on feelings and thoughts.
• Younger Adults tend to rely more on the perceptual memory system, which is focusing on sights and concrete details.

If this pattern holds true, it means you could make information much stickier. For example, a health presentation for older people might use more conceptual language like discussing the importance and feelings related to health.

For younger people, using perceptual language, focusing on concrete images and sensory detailscan make information more memorable. Applying this approach can enhance learning and memory retention across all age groups.