New research highlights a disturbing connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and a heightened danger of deadly blood clots, a condition which is underappreciated but also poses significant health risks. A study, published in Blood, examined how long-term exposure to some pollutants, including fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and nitric oxide, may heighten the chances of VTE hospitalizations.

A research conducted by a team led by University of Minnesota public health professor Dr. Pamela L. Lutsey has nearly 6,651 participants in it over a period of 17 years through the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, or MESA. This research studies the chronic effects of exposure to four of the largest air pollutants - fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and ozone - on cardiovascular health.

The outcomes showed that the individuals who had exposure to pollutants in the higher quartile had:

• 43% increased risk of hospitalization for VTE associated with fine particulate matter.
• 2.8 times increased risk from nitrogen dioxide exposure.
• 2.3 times increased risk due to nitric oxide.

Ozone exposure was not found to have a statistically significant association with VTE risk.

What is Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)?

A venous thromboembolism is a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood. "Thrombo" means blood clot, and "embolism," means a circulating particle that causes an obstruction. "Venous" means in the veins. VTE encompasses two life-threatening conditions:

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot forming in deep veins, often in the legs or arms.

2. Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A clot traveling to the lungs, which can be fatal if untreated.

VTE is the third most common blood vessel disorder in the United States, following heart attacks and strokes. Almost a million Americans are diagnosed annually. This clotting disorder could be part of what is driving inflammatory responses that Dr. Lutsey described, possibly critical to air pollutant-linked promotion of such disorders.

The MESA study is distinguished by its rigorous methodology. The participants' exposure to air pollution was carefully monitored using community-based, indoor, and outdoor sampling updated bi-weekly between 2000 and 2018. The study's diverse population spanned six major U.S. regions, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, thus representing a broad geographic range. The research had some limitations, such as relying on hospitalization data for VTE diagnoses and excluding non-hospitalized cases.

Dr. Lutsey said that the increased risk was seen across smoking statuses and among participants without any pre-existing lung diseases. That means that air pollution impact is widespread, even on people who are considered healthy in conventional standards.

How Does Fine Particulate and Nitrogen Dioxide Cause Risk?

Of those fine particulate matters (PM2.5), some results from events like wildfires or industrial emissions, it is specially risky for the fact that it passes more deeply into the lungs and bloodstream. Nitrogen dioxide, primarily from vehicles and power plants, exacerbates that problem by adding to the oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.

The pollutants are an urgent threat and, according to the study, exposure can be chronic. Lifestyle and geography do not discriminate between a sufferer and a non-sufferer.

The evidence continues to grow that links air pollution with a variety of diseases and conditions other than VTE. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions all have a common path of inflammation and oxidative stress from pollutant exposure.

Air pollution aggravates existing health conditions but also places a huge burden on public health systems. The observed associations, though modest in scale, point to the cumulative effect of air pollution on global disease prevalence.

The results of this study add weight to ongoing calls for stricter air quality regulations in the United States. Despite significant progress in reducing air pollution levels over the past few decades, the findings indicate that current standards may still fall short in protecting public health.

While the increase in risk is modest, the ubiquity of air pollution means that even small effects translate into a significant number of events," said Dr. Lutsey. She also pointed out that the global efforts to control air pollution could potentially counterbalance the risks of various diseases, including VTE.

Can Exposure To Toxic Air be Prevented?

Mitigation of exposure to air pollution for individuals might involve the following:

• Use of indoor air purifiers to reduce particulate matter.
• Avoid outdoor activities on very smoggy days.
• Promote policies that encourage cleaner forms of transportation and industrial practices.

Systemically, the strengthening of air quality standards and facilitation of technological innovations to diminish emissions will be critical for reducing the public health impacts of air pollution.

The link between air pollution and blood clot risk is another reminder of how far-reaching the consequences of environmental pollutants are. As this kind of research continues to shed light on these kinds of connections, it increasingly becomes apparent that improving air quality is not just an environmental priority but a public health imperative.

Air pollution is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Blood. Dec 2024

Lower back pain is a constant issue for many people. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, it can severely impact their quality of life. For people who are suffering from ongoing back pain, finding relief can be incredibly challenging.

While there are medications available, there are side-effects one must consider. However, new research suggests that two types of therapy might offer a promising solution, especially for those who have been relying on opioid medications.

Therapies Show Promise for Opioid Users

A study published April 7 in JAMA Network Open found that mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly improved the quality of life for people managing chronic low back pain with opioids. Participants reported less pain and were able to reduce their opioid dosages in the months following the start of these therapies.

Researchers noted that the participants had lived with moderate to severe back pain for a long time, most for over five years, and had tried many other treatments without success. The improvements seen were therefore even more significant.

Addressing a Common and Stubborn Problem

Chronic low back pain affects a large number of people; data suggests that as many as 28% of Americans experience it. Despite its prevalence, effective treatments are often hard to come by. One study in March found that only 10% of non-surgical treatments for lower back pain actually work. This led researchers to explore whether CBT and MBT could offer a better approach.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients identify negative thoughts and behaviors, then uses problem-solving and self-reflection to change those patterns.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) teaches people to observe their bodily sensations, feelings, and thoughts without reacting to them, often through meditation to focus on the present moment.

Promising Results from the Study

The study involved 770 adults who were using opioids for their chronic low back pain. On average, participants were about 58 years old and experienced moderate-to-severe pain, limitations in their daily activities, and a reduced quality of life.

Half of the participants received CBT, and the other half received MBT. They attended weekly two-hour group sessions for eight weeks. After this, they were encouraged to practice what they learned for 30 minutes daily, six days a week, for the remainder of the 12-month study. Although about 30% of participants dropped out by the six-month mark, those who continued reported:

• Less pain.
• Reduced daily opioid use.
• Better daily function.
• Improved quality of life.

These benefits lasted throughout the year, with over 65% of participants still reporting progress at the 12-month mark. Dr. Zgierska highlighted that chronic back pain usually doesn't get better on its own, often worsening over time, which makes these lasting improvements particularly striking. Since both therapies showed similar positive results, people can confidently choose the approach that best suits them, whether it's the structured nature of CBT or the mindfulness focus of MBT. Both in-person and online formats were found to be effective.

Supporting Evidence and Future Needs

While this JAMA Network Open study didn't include a control group or have much racial and ethnic diversity among its participants, its findings align with other research suggesting that behavioral therapies can help adults using opioids for chronic pain.

It's important to note that this area still needs more research. Only 17 studies have looked at MBT for chronic low back pain, and only three have directly compared it to CBT. However, previous studies have shown that both MBT and CBT are generally effective for pain relief, even if they haven't always included people on opioids for chronic back pain. The fact that this new research shows they help in more severe cases (with opioid use) further strengthens these findings.

Twins or multiple births are a rare occurrence. According to Twins Trust the likelihood of giving birth to twins is about one in 250, which is about 0.5%. While being a twin may be rare, them experiencing the same illness may cause many people to be shocked.

Ryan and Sean Collard, twin brothers from Hetton-Le-Hole, faced the same devastating cancer diagnosis within months of each other. Both have bravely overcome the disease and are now using their experiences to help other men. They've launched a men's health page dedicated to raising awareness about testicular cancer and offering support to young men going through similar struggles.

Ryan's Fight: Dismissed and Diagnosed

Ryan, who is now a primary school teacher, recalls being initially dismissed by a doctor who told him he was "too young" for cancer when he first reported his symptoms. He had severe issues, including passing out multiple times a day and half his body going numb, which eventually led to him being rushed to the hospital twice.

After pushing for answers through multiple appointments, Ryan, at just 23, was finally diagnosed with stage three choriocarcinoma, an aggressive form of testicular cancer. He shared on their joint Instagram page, 'Cancer Lads,' how frustrating it was to be initially brushed off.

Sean's Diagnosis and Their Shared Mission

Just as Ryan was recovering from his aggressive cancer, his twin brother, Sean, received his own devastating diagnosis of a less aggressive form of testicular cancer. Sean underwent surgery and chemotherapy and has since gone on to have two children. Ryan, now 31, is also married with a son, thanks to fertility treatment.

Ryan emphasized the power of connection, telling Chronicle Live, "It was only when I met other men who had a similar lived experience I felt really able to talk freely and feel properly understood. That is why I started an Instagram account." He wanted to create a space where others could find that same sense of understanding and release emotions.

Twins And Health Issues

There has always been a great interest in surrounding twins and their health. Questions like, ‘do both twins get affected if one of them sick?’ often occur to people. A 2023 study published in the Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. It shows that twins do face a higher risk of health complications compared to singletons, due to their risk of being born earlier.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, more than 60% of twins, and almost all higher-order multiples (like triplets or quadruplets), are born early, which means before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The more babies there are, the earlier they tend to arrive.

Babies from multiple pregnancies have about double the risk of being born with certain problems, including issues with the spine and brain (like spina bifida), digestive system, and heart.

Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is also a cause of concern. This serious condition only happens with identical twins who share a single placenta. In about 15% of these cases, blood vessels in the placenta connect in a way that one twin gets too much blood (the "recipient"), and the other twin doesn't get enough (the "donor"). This can overload the recipient twin's heart and lead to too much amniotic fluid, while the donor twin will have very little fluid.

Why Talking Matters: A Call for Men to Speak Up

The brothers' story highlights a critical issue: men often delay seeking help for health concerns. Data from Macmillan confirms this, showing that nearly half (48%) of men in their 30s admit they wait for health problems to disappear on their own. This figure is twice as high as men aged 60 or over, underscoring the vital importance for men, especially younger ones, to open up and talk about their health.

Every two seconds, someone in the world needs blood—but far too few people step forward to donate. Whether it’s for accident victims, cancer patients, or those undergoing major surgeries, the demand for safe, healthy blood is constant and often urgent. Yet many potential donors hesitate, held back by fear, misinformation, or uncertainty. On World Blood Donor Day and beyond, it’s time to break down those doubts, understand the life-saving impact of one donation, and discover how giving blood could be easier—and more rewarding—than you think.

While blood donation is widely regarded as an act of altruism, what often goes unnoticed is the remarkable impact it has—not just on the recipients, but also on the donors themselves. Despite major awareness campaigns, myths and fears still prevent a significant portion of eligible individuals from rolling up their sleeves.

Every single blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. According to Dr. Lopita Bhattacharya, a medical officer blood bank at BM Birla Heart Hospital, “One pint of donated blood is separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets, each of which can be administered to patients based on individual needs—be it trauma victims, cancer patients, surgical patients, or those with chronic blood disorders.”

At any NABH-accredited blood bank, no part of donated blood goes to waste. “Safety, accuracy, and quality are given utmost priority. The entire process is handled with the latest technology and rigorous screening,” she adds.

Dr. Umakant Mokalikar, Blood Centre Incharge at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune echoes the sentiment. “There is no substitute for human blood. Every donor plays a vital role in the healthcare system, especially in emergencies. Blood donation is truly a humanitarian act.”

Busting Common Myths Around Blood Donation

Despite awareness, misinformation continues to hinder blood donation drives. Experts say that correcting these myths is the first step to building a more robust and reliable donor base.

Myth 1: Blood donation makes you weak.

Fact: “The fluid components are replaced within 24 hours, and red blood cells regenerate within weeks,” says Dr. Bhattacharya. Healthy men can safely donate every 3 months; women, every 4 months.

Myth 2: The process is painful or too time-consuming.

Fact: “The blood draw itself only takes 8–10 minutes. Including the screening and post-donation rest, the entire visit wraps up in under 45 minutes,” Dr. Bhattacharya clarifies.

Myth 3: Only rare blood types are needed.

Fact: Common blood types are often in higher demand due to their compatibility across patient populations. “Every blood type is essential—be it for surgeries, maternity care, or injuries,” she notes.

Myth 4: Older adults or thin individuals should not donate.

Fact: If you're between 18–65 years, in good health, and meet minimum weight and hemoglobin thresholds, you’re eligible. First-time donors can donate until age 60.

Myth 5: Women can't donate blood.

Fact: “Aside from temporary conditions like menstruation or lactation, women can and should donate blood if they meet eligibility,” Dr. Mokalikar emphasizes.

Myth 6: Blood donation may cause infections.

Fact: The process uses sterile, one-time-use equipment. “There’s zero risk of catching infections,” he reassures.

Are There Any Health Benefits for Donors?

Donating blood is not just a selfless gesture; it comes with tangible health perks.

Improved heart health: “Regular donation helps lower iron overload in the body, which is linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases,” Dr. Bhattacharya shares.

Calorie burn: One blood donation session can burn around 600–650 calories, similar to a light workout.

Stimulates red blood cell production: “Donation encourages bone marrow to generate fresh red cells, helping keep your circulatory system active,” she explains.

A mini health screening: Donors undergo blood pressure, hemoglobin, and pulse checks. Blood is also screened for infections like HIV, Hepatitis B & C, providing an early warning system for the donor’s own health.

Mental well-being: “The psychological benefit—knowing you’ve potentially saved lives—releases endorphins and improves mood,” adds Dr. Mokalikar.

What Happens To Your Body After Donating Blood?

Once donated, your blood is processed into three core components:

Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs): Used in trauma, surgeries, and patients with anemia or cancer.

Platelet Concentrates: Vital for patients with clotting disorders, infections, or undergoing chemotherapy.

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP): Used in patients with liver failure or bleeding disorders.

This separation maximizes the utility of a single donation—reaching three different patients with three different medical needs.

According to WHO, less than 1% of the eligible population donates blood in many countries—a number that needs urgent improvement. “If more people come forward regularly, hospitals will have the reserves to act swiftly during crises like accidents, natural disasters, or major surgeries,” urges Dr. Mokalikar.

He adds, “Blood donation is not a one-time favor. Men can donate every 3 months, and women every 4 months. Routine donations help keep blood stocks consistent and reliable.”

Blood donation is one of the most powerful acts of human kindness, and one of the simplest. The entire process—from screening to actual donation and rest—takes less than an hour but leaves a lasting impact. As Dr. Bhattacharya puts it, “It’s free, it’s safe, and it helps others while improving your own health. Why wait?”