As air quality in Delhi-NCR worsens, the focus has shifted to protecting oneself from respiratory diseases. While experts are advising residents to wear masks and stay indoors, many have expressed concerns about safeguarding the health of those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Air pollution, besides smoking, is the major cause of this serious health condition that is primarily characterized by difficulty in breathing. A person suffering from COPD experiences frequent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and frequent respiratory infections.

Dr Sandeep Nayar, Chest & Respiratory Diseases expert at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi said that long-term exposure to pollutants in the air could increase a person's chances of contracting COPD. He added that the respiratory tract is particularly susceptible to ill effects of air pollution, even more than other systems in the body.

"Long-term exposure to air with a high concentration of pollutants may increase the incidence of COPD. The increased concentrations of various air pollutants, such as Ozone, Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur oxides, PM 2.5 etc. can not only increase in the number of COPD cases but also result in worsening and increase the risk of mortality in patients who are already suffering from COPD. So, rising air pollution is definitely a cause of concern for Delhi-NCR residents," he said.

Precautions COPD Patients Should TakeAccording to Dr Nayar, one should avoid going out until it is necessary. In case they really need to go out, they should cover their face with a mask, preferably N95. "Try to eliminate the source of pollution if possible. Keep your indoor pollution less by keeping it smoke-free. Avoid burning wood, candles, cigarettes, incense sticks, avoid perfumes or exposure to other chemicals, and irritants," he said. People staying indoors, especially elderly age groups, may consider the installation of appropriate Air Purifiers. The most effective way to improve air quality in your home is to ventilate with clean, outdoor air.

It is very important for the patients who are on inhalers, to continue them as prescribed by physicians and not stop medication even if they are feeling fine until & unless told by their doctors.

One key piece of advice Dr Nayar gave to all COPD patients is to avoid activity outdoors when outdoor pollution levels are high. They also need to keep themselves hydrated and ensure proper nutrition in their diets. "Keep yourself covered and wear a mask when you are going out. Even in the presence of the slightest of symptoms, contact your doctor as early intervention will prevent you from worsening of symptoms," Dr Nayar asserted.

As the world continues to struggle with surges of COVID-19 alongside seasonal flu outbreaks, our attention naturally turns to the known protocols—masking, sanitizing, and social distancing. But amidst this heightened focus on respiratory health, have you ever caught yourself rubbing your eyes in public and instantly panicked, “Wait, what if I just exposed myself to COVID?”, I sure have! While we’ve masked up, sanitized hands religiously, and avoided touching elevator buttons with bare fingers, most of us have ignored a crucial entry point for viruses—our eyes.

From foggy glasses to burning dryness behind masks and marathon screen-time fatigue, your eyes have silently endured the pandemic’s worst. But here's the thing: your eyes aren’t just tired—they might actually be vulnerable to viral infection.

Your eyes are not only a window to the world, but also a possible gateway for infections like COVID-19. According to Dr. Anurag Wahi, ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, “The eyes are mucous membranes, just like the nose and mouth. They are exposed, vulnerable, and often touched without thinking. That makes them a potential entry point for viruses.”

While the primary transmission route for COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets, scientific studies and clinical observations have confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 can enter the body through the eyes. This happens when droplets land directly on the ocular surface during a cough or sneeze—or when a person touches a contaminated surface and then rubs their eyes.

Dr. Wahi explains, “We’ve seen patients with conjunctivitis and mild eye irritation test positive for COVID-19. Though eye-related symptoms are rare, they’re a warning sign that the virus can travel through ocular routes.”

More transmissible variants of COVID-19 have increased the likelihood of infections spreading even via minimal exposure, making eye hygiene and awareness more crucial than ever.

Unexpected Effects Of Long-Term Mask Use on Eyes

One of the lesser-known side effects of long-term mask use—especially poorly fitted masks—is mask-associated dry eye (MADE). When a mask directs air upward across the eyes, it speeds up tear evaporation. This results in redness, burning, irritation, or blurry vision, which may feel like mere discomfort but can indicate compromised ocular health.

“The issue became particularly evident among healthcare professionals who wore masks for prolonged periods,” says Dr. Wahi. “The lack of moisture and increased air flow over the eye’s surface led to an increase in dry eye cases.”

The problem is compounded by excessive screen time—a consequence of remote work, virtual classes, and increased digital consumption. Extended screentime can significantly reduce blink rate, affecting tear production and worsening dryness.

Smart Ways to Protect Your Vision

Keeping your eyes safe doesn’t require complex tasks, just informed action. Here's how you can keep your eyes safe and healthy:

1. Keep Hands Off Your Eyes

It may sound basic, but avoiding unnecessary eye contact with your fingers is one of the most effective protective habits. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses or applying medication. “People underestimate how often they touch their eyes unconsciously,” warns Dr. Wahi.

2. Use Protective Eyewear

For healthcare workers, public-facing professionals, or those entering high-risk environments like hospitals, glasses or face shields offer an extra layer of protection against airborne droplets.

3. Tackle Dryness With Eye Drops

If you’re experiencing irritation or blurry vision, lubricating eye drops can help. Choose preservative-free artificial tears to restore moisture. Also, ensure your mask is properly fitted. A snug fit over the nose—with a pinched wire—minimizes upward airflow.

4. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

To reduce digital eye strain, follow this golden rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eye muscles time to reset and recover, helping you blink naturally and maintain tear function.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Symptoms like persistent redness, irritation, light sensitivity, or blurred vision shouldn’t be brushed off as screen fatigue. These signs may indicate dry eye syndrome, allergies, or even early signs of ocular infection.

Dr. Wahi cautions, “If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if they worsen, it’s important to see a specialist—especially if you’ve had a recent illness, fever, or exposure to COVID-19-positive individuals.”

Timely intervention can prevent complications and also ensure the symptoms are not related to systemic infections or autoimmune flare-ups triggered by the virus.

Don’t Overlook the Eyes in Your Hygiene Routine

We’ve come to associate pandemic hygiene with sanitizers, soap, and masks, but our eyes remain one of the most neglected entry points. This has to change.

“Eye care should be integrated into your daily COVID protection habits,” says Dr. Wahi. “Especially with newer variants and rising cases, it’s essential to treat the eyes not just as visual organs—but as parts of the body that need shielding, too.”

From children attending online classes to older adults stepping out for essentials, eye protection must become mainstream, not optional.

The pandemic has taught us that no part of our body operates in isolation. The eyes are connected not just to our nervous system, but to our immune defense as well. Neglecting them can leave us vulnerable in ways we didn’t expect.

And it’s not just about preventing COVID-19. Dry eyes, eye strain, and poor visual hygiene can lead to chronic problems if ignored. Preventive measures now can safeguard your long-term vision health.

Dr. Anurag Wahi, Ophthalmologist, Eye Surgeon and Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, Delhi in India

Bathroom habits can reveal a lot about our health. While you may think of your bathroom routines as normal, even small and seemingly unimportant signs could lead to devastating diagnosis. When it comes to periods and menstruation related illnesses, many women are often dismissed regarding their concerns. The notion that pain and discomfort surrounding menstruation is normal and should be tolerated, has stopped many women from getting proper diagnoses.

Diseases like endometriosis, Uterine fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Disorder/Syndrome (PCOS/PCOD) etc., affect many women worldwide, however the signs and symptoms of these diseases are often ignored or overlooked.

If you've noticed changes in your bowel habits, such as going to the toilet more or less often than usual, it might be time to see your doctor. The Endometriosis Foundation warns that this could be linked to an incurable condition affecting the bowel called Bowel Endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis, often shortened to "Endo," happens when tissue similar to the lining inside the womb starts growing outside of it. These growths, called lesions, can spread to many parts of the body. When these lesions affect your bowel or digestive system, it's called Bowel Endometriosis. The lesions can either stay on the surface of your bowel or grow deeper, causing a lot of discomfort and problems. This type of Endometriosis is most commonly found in the lower part of the intestine, where it can make it hard to empty your bowel.

Affecting many women globally, endometriosis is a chronic condition, with 190 million people experiencing it. It can cause extreme pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, urination etc. The World Health Organization explains that the causes of endometriosis is still unknown and has no cure. The only relief people get is from managing the symptoms with medication and in some cases surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Endometriosis

Pain when you have a bowel movement is the most common sign that you might have bowel Endometriosis. In more serious cases, you might even see blood in your poop.

It's important to remember that the signs of bowel Endometriosis can be different for everyone. Some people might only have one or two symptoms, while others might experience many of them all at once.

The symptoms listed below are often linked to bowel Endometriosis, but this isn't a complete list. There might be other signs too:

• Pain when you have a bowel movement
• Pain in your pelvic area
• Changes in how often you go to the toilet, like constipation (hard to go) or diarrhea (loose stools)
• A dull ache, sharp pain, or cramping in your lower belly and/or back
• Swelling in your belly
• Pain during or after eating certain foods
• Pain during sex
• Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement more often or very urgently
• Feeling like you can't completely empty your bowel
• Seeing blood in your poop

When to See a Doctor

If you're having unusual pain that makes it hard to do daily things like go to school or work, or if you notice changes in your periods or bowel habits, think about whether it could be Endometriosis or another problem. It's really important to talk to a doctor right away. When you do, make sure to mention Endometriosis and ask if you need to see a specialist. And remember, you always have the option to get a second opinion if you want.

Being the leading cause of death worldwide, cancer diagnoses can change the trajectory of a person’s life. New cancer stats reveal that an estimate of 2,041,910 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the US, and about 600,000 have been estimated to die due to the disease. As you may know, cancer is a generic term for a lot of different diseases that affect our health. A malignant cancer diagnosis means that there is a rapid growth in abnormal cell growth which can affect various parts of your body.

According to the World Health Organization, cancer causes nearly 1 in 6 deaths globally and had accounted for 20 million deaths in 2020. The question remains, has the advancement in research and public education helped lower cancer cases or recognized any concerning patterns?

New information from Cancer Research UK, looking at 50 years of health data, shows both good and bad news about cancer. On the one hand, the number of deaths from cancer has gone down by more than one-fifth, which is a positive sign. However, the number of people being told they have cancer has actually gone up by 50%, showing a worrying increase in new cases.

More Young People Getting Cancer

One of the most concerning things we're seeing is how much more young people, under the age of 50, are getting cancer. Specifically, for those between 20 and 49 years old, cancer rates have shot up by 23% since the 1990s. Scientists are now working hard to understand why this is happening and what's causing this significant jump in cancer cases among younger individuals. Several factors are being explored as likely contributors to the rise in early-onset cancers:

Obesity, Poor Diet, and Inactivity

These lifestyle choices are strongly linked to the increase. Research into the rise of colon cancer among young people, for instance, revealed that more than a third of those studied were obese. It has been observed that individuals developing cancer at a younger age tend to have significantly higher rates of obesity compared to those diagnosed later in life.

Diet and the Microbiome

The food we eat greatly affects our gut health. It's suggested that outside elements like microplastics or chemicals could be altering this balance, potentially contributing to cancer development. Experts stress how important it is to start healthy eating and exercise habits early. There's also a warning not to forget that certain drinks can be just as risky as unhealthy processed and sugary foods.

Smoking's Declining Role

It's interesting to note that smoking is probably not the reason for the increase in cancer among young people. Experts have actually seen a drop in cancers linked to smoking across almost all age groups. This suggests that while smoking is a known cause of cancer, its decreasing popularity means it's not behind the current rise in cases among younger generations.

Despite more young people getting cancer, Cancer Research UK's report highlights that we are currently in a very positive time for cancer treatment. Thanks to advancements, one in two people diagnosed with cancer are now expected to live for at least 10 years. This is a huge improvement from the 1970s, when only one in four patients reached that milestone, showing great progress in saving lives.