A 56-year-old Delhi woman, who endured nearly six years of severe discomfort and restricted mobility due to a massive fibroid uterus has finally made a recovery after doctors removed the growth. The tumor weighed 18.5 kilograms, which, suggest doctors is roughly equal to five newborn babies.

Years Of Suffering Before The Surgery

The woman first learned of her fibroid uterus during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a manageable condition gradually worsened as one of the fibroids grew to an extraordinary size. It expanded in her abdomen and had put constant pressure on surrounding organs. Despite the physical limitations, she delayed surgery for years, fearing the risks associated with the procedure.

Her symptoms slowly became harder to ignore. Everyday activities became exhausting, mobility was restricted, and she experienced persistent discomfort from the sheer size of the mass. Internally, the fibroid pressed on the bladder, intestines, and ureters, although these organs remained functional because the growth progressed slowly, explained Dr Dinesh Kansal, Senior Director and Head, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Laparoscopic Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital.

Why the Surgery Was Delayed

Dr Kansal explains that fibroids are generally benign growths in the uterus that often develop gradually, which can make women underestimate their impact.

In this case, the patient postponed treatment partly due to the uncertainty during the pandemic, but also because of the perceived danger of surgery. Over time, the fibroid’s size and the complexity of removing it increased significantly, making the operation far more challenging.

Medical experts stress that delays in addressing such conditions can complicate treatment. Large fibroids can distort internal anatomy, create extensive scar tissue, and place pressure on vital organs, all of which raise the surgical risks.

A High-Risk Procedure

When the woman finally agreed to surgery, her case presented unusual challenges. “This patient had a massive tumor in her uterus. It was more complex and larger than we anticipated from her pre-surgical scans," says Dr Kansal. The fibroid was so large that it had displaced and adhered to nearby organs. She also had internal scarring from earlier operations, adding to the complexity. Removing the mass required careful pre-operative planning and real-time adjustments during the operation.

The surgery lasted about five hours, involving a multidisciplinary team that included specialists from gynecology, urology, anesthesiology, and critical care. The patient’s weight dropped from 69 kilograms before surgery to 51.5 kilograms afterward, a change largely due to the removal of the fibroid and related tissue.

Dr Supriya Mahipal, Associate Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital said, "This case demanded not only technical skill but constant intraoperative judgment."

Despite the challenges, the procedure was completed successfully. She was discharged on the fourth day post-surgery and has since returned to an active lifestyle.

Understanding Uterus Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are non-cancerous tumors that grow in or on the walls of the uterus. They are common in women of reproductive age, though they can occur later in life.

Many fibroids are small and asymptomatic, but some can grow large enough to cause abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, or constipation.

Doctors note that fibroids may develop slowly over years, which can make symptoms easy to dismiss. However, early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications. Large fibroids not only complicate surgery but can also lead to anemia, fertility issues, and damage to surrounding organs.

Medical professionals advise women to seek evaluation for persistent abdominal swelling, unexplained weight changes, or ongoing pelvic discomfort. Timely intervention can mean simpler procedures, fewer risks, and better outcomes.

England is facing its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to soar well above seasonal averages. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the Met Office, has issued heat health alerts across the country, warning of significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The latest 'amber' alert covers large parts of England, including London, the South East, East of England, East Midlands, and West Midlands, and will be in effect from 9am Tuesday until 6pm Wednesday. Yellow alerts remain in place for the rest of the country.

Who is Most at Risk?

The UKHSA warns that high temperatures can be dangerous for anyone, but certain groups face greater risk. These include:

• Older adults, especially those aged 65 and above
• People with chronic health conditions such as heart or respiratory disease
• Young children and infants
• Individuals living alone or in poorly ventilated homes
• People on certain medications that affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature

The agency also cautions that indoor environments, such as care homes, hospitals, and poorly ventilated housing, can overheat quickly, putting residents at additional risk.

Health Risks in Extreme Heat

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which can be fatal if untreated. Heat also places extra strain on the heart and lungs, increasing the risk of heart attacks and respiratory distress.

Officials warn that during this heatwave, there is a likelihood of increased deaths among the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. However, healthy younger people are not immune—intense heat can cause headaches, dizziness, cramps, and fainting, particularly for those working outdoors or engaging in strenuous activity.

Night-time temperatures will remain uncomfortably high, with some areas in southern England potentially experiencing “tropical nights” where temperatures do not drop below 20°C. This can disrupt sleep, making it harder for the body to recover from daytime heat.

Impact on Health and Social Care Services

Amber-level heat alerts are the second-highest tier, signalling a risk of serious health impacts and increased pressure on healthcare systems. Hospitals and GP surgeries are likely to see a rise in patients with heat-related illnesses, while ambulance services may face more emergency calls.

Care homes could struggle with overheating, and staff may find it harder to manage medication that requires specific storage conditions. The UKHSA notes that high heat can also affect staffing levels, the ability of health workers to deliver services, and even the performance of essential infrastructure, such as power supplies.

The Weather Forecast

The hottest conditions will be concentrated in central and southern England, where temperatures could reach up to 34°C on Tuesday. London is expected to hit 32°C, while Manchester may see highs of 28°C on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

The warm spell will peak midweek, with most of the UK recording temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cooler, though still warmer than average. By Thursday, temperatures should ease slightly but remain above normal, particularly in the south.

Why It’s Happening

The current heatwave is being driven by high pressure over central Europe and a jet stream positioned to the north, which is drawing hot and humid air from southern Europe into the UK. Countries such as Spain, Portugal, and France are already experiencing extreme heat, with Nîmes in France recording 41.8°C over the weekend.

Staying Safe in the Heat

Health officials recommend:

• Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol during the hottest parts of the day
• Keeping homes cool by closing curtains during peak sunlight hours
• Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity between 11am and 3pm
• Checking in on elderly neighbors, relatives, or anyone living alone
• Seeking shade and using high-factor sunscreen when outdoors

The alert, effective from 9am on Tuesday until 6pm on Wednesday.

Many of us take sleep for granted. It is that one activity that does not need much effort, and we need for our health. However, it is not the same for everyone. Many people suffer with sleep disorders that affect how well they sleep, how much as well as whether they sleep at all. One such issue is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A total of 80.6 million people in the US were estimated to live with OSA and for many it goes undiagnosed and still remains an major health complication.

If you struggle with sleep apnea, a recent study from India suggests a surprising new solution: blowing into a conch shell. This ancient practice, known as shankh blowing, seems to improve sleep and reduce breathing problems during the night without needing a machine or medicine.

Is Conch Blowing Is A Type Of Yogic Breathing Ritual?

The conch shell is a very important object in Hinduism. It's not just a shell; it's a powerful symbol of good luck, purity, and a connection to the divine. It plays a big role in Indian culture and is used in prayers, rituals, and ceremonies.

For a very long time, yogis and many families have blown the conch shell, known as the shankh, during their daily prayers (puja). For many households, a prayer service is not complete without it. The conch is treated with great respect and is a key part of their religious practices.

Scientists think that blowing into a conch shell helps to make the muscles in your throat and the back of your mouth stronger. When you take a deep breath and then blow out hard through the shell, you create resistance and vibrations. This action is like a workout for your upper airway muscles. In people with OSA, these muscles often become too relaxed and collapse while they're sleeping, which stops their breathing for a short time. By strengthening these muscles, the conch shell exercise might help keep your airway open.

In the study, a small group of people practiced this exercise for 15 minutes a day, five days a week. After six months, the people who blew the conch shell had some impressive results:

• They felt 34% less tired during the day.
• They had four to five fewer times per hour when their breathing stopped at night.

This is great news because many people find the standard treatment for sleep apnea, which uses a CPAP machine with a face mask, to be uncomfortable. Blowing a conch shell could be a simple and low-cost alternative.

What Are The Health Benefits of Conch Blowing?

While the results are exciting, experts say we need more research. In Indian tradition, many customs, like blowing a conch shell, are believed to have significant health benefits. While these practices have been followed for a long time without formal scientific studies, modern research is now beginning to explore their positive effects on both the mind and body.

According to Asian Pacific Journal of Health Science, the sound it produces is thought to create positive vibrations that can influence a person's mood and emotions. Listening to its sound may help a person feel more relaxed, focused, and optimistic. Scientists have even used special brain scans (called EEGs) to study how the brain responds to the sound of a conch shell, finding that it may help clear the mind of other thoughts and make a person more receptive. It is believed that the regular practice of blowing a conch shell offers many health benefits, particularly for the heart and lungs.

Respiratory Health

Blowing the conch requires a strong exhale, which is thought to improve the respiratory system and may help with conditions like asthma and other lung problems.

Heart Health

Some people believe that regularly blowing a conch shell can help reduce blockages in the heart.

Oral Health

This practice may also help reduce fat on the tongue and prevent various mouth and face problems.

Mental Well-being

The vibrations and sound from the conch are thought to create a feeling of optimism, hope, and determination. They are also believed to clear the surroundings of negative energy and create a more peaceful atmosphere.

UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health warning, as temperatures are likely to hit the mid-30 degree Celsius, which is hotter than Bali this week. The officials have warned that this heat is likely to affect your health, which includes the potential rise of death, especially among people over the age of 65s as well as people with pre-existing health conditions.

When high temperatures hit, they can significantly impact your health, particularly your lungs. With a heatwave expected, people with lung conditions like asthma are advised to be especially careful.

How Heat Affects Your Lungs

According to the Canadian Lung Association your body works to maintain a stable internal temperature, but this requires extra energy during extreme heat and humidity. If you have COPD, your body is already using a lot of energy just to breathe. The additional strain from trying to stay cool can impact your breathing and increase the risk of a flare-up. Similarly, for people with asthma, extreme temperatures can cause the air to become stagnant and trap pollutants, which can also trigger an asthma attack.

It's also important to know the signs of heat stroke and when to seek medical attention. If your lung symptoms worsen, and your action plan isn't helping, contact your doctor. If you can't reach them, go to the emergency room.

In hot weather, it's not just the heat you have to worry about. High levels of pollen and air pollution often happen at the same time. These can also make it very hard to breathe. They can even lead to more people needing to go to the emergency room. A study by Asthma + Lung UK found that one out of every three people with a lung condition said that hot weather made their symptoms worse.

Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat

To help manage your symptoms during a heatwave, consider these recommendations:

Stay in a Cool Environment

When it's hot and humid, especially if the air is polluted, the safest thing to do is to stay indoors. Try to find a place that has air conditioning and clean air. This could be your home, or you can visit a public place like a library, community center, or shopping mall.

Keep Your Home Cool

Close all your windows, doors, curtains, and blinds during the day. This helps to stop the sun and heat from getting inside. If your home doesn't have air conditioning, you can open a window at night to let in the cooler air, but only if the air outside is clean and not polluted. Using fans can also help move the air around and make you feel cooler.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

Try to avoid hard work, intense exercise, or any other strenuous activities. The hottest part of the day is usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you need to go outside, it's best to do it early in the morning or later in the evening when it's not as hot.

Stay Hydrated and Dress Appropriately

It's very important to drink lots of water all day long to stay hydrated. If you go outside, wear loose, light-colored clothes. This helps your body stay cool. Wearing a hat will also protect you from the sun.

Monitor Air Quality

Look up the Air Quality Index or Air Quality Health Index for your area. This will tell you how clean the air is and if it might affect your breathing.

Know Your Symptoms and Medication

Always have your rescue inhaler with you, and take your other daily medicines exactly as your doctor told you to. Be aware of the warning signs that your condition is getting worse. This might include more coughing, feeling short of breath, or having more phlegm. If you have a COPD action plan, follow it as soon as you notice these symptoms.