India launched massive strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK late night yesterday. The aerial operation came in response to the Pahalgam terror attacks that resulted in 26 people getting killed and several others getting injured last month. As tensions continue to rise in both countries, people in India have been asked to participate in mock drills to prepare for possible emergencies.

While people on both sides of the border prepare for a possible war, mental health experts have raised concerns about the psychological cost of such a situation. They opined that it could result in escalated stress, anxiety and fear. A recent study published in the International Journal of Mental Health Systems earlier this year aunderscored the escalating mental health crisis in Ukraine, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The study reveals that prior to the full-scale invasion, approximately 30% of Ukrainians had experienced mental health disorders, with depressive disorders surpassing the EU average. The conflict has severely strained the nation’s mental health infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and targeted interventions to address the rising rates of anxiety, PTSD, and depression among civilians and displaced populations.

How To Manage Anxiety In Such a Situation, As Per Expert

Dr Shilpi Saraswat, Clinical Psychologist at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, recommends avoiding unnecessary exposure to news and staying in a supportive social circle when stuck in such situations. Here are a few steps you should follow:

1. Limit news exposure: Set boundaries on news consumption to avoid excessive exposure.

2. Stay informed, not overwhelmed: Focus on credible sources and updates rather than constant coverage.

3. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

4. Social support: Connect with loved ones, friends, or support groups to share feelings and concerns.

5. Grounding techniques: Use mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or physical activity to stay present and focused.

Coping Strategies For Families And Children

If you are someone who resides with the elderly and children, Dr Saraswat recommends having an open discussion with them on the current situation. "Encourage honest discussions about feelings and concerns," he said. Moreover, you must provide reassurance and comfort to them. To avoid anxieties, it is also advised to maintain regular routines and activities to provide a sense of stability. You should also acknowledge and validate children's feelings, helping them process emotions. Moreover, monitor and limit children's exposure to news and media coverage.

Differentiating Normal Stress Responses from Serious Mental Health Concerns

1. Normal stress responses: Anxiety, worry, and fear are common reactions to stressful situations.

2. Signs of more serious concerns: Persistent symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or avoidance behaviours, may indicate PTSD or other mental health concerns.

3. Panic disorders: Recurring panic attacks, persistent fear of having attacks, or avoidance behaviours may indicate a panic disorder.

4. Seek professional help: If symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, consult a mental health professional for guidance and support.

If boosting your endurance at the gym, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing sexual performance are on your health agenda, you might be considering nitric oxide supplements. Nitric oxide is produced naturally by the human body and is one of the most important molecules for blood vessel health. However, some people may need supplements. But do they actually deliver on these promises?

What Is Nitric Oxide?

Nitric oxide is a gas that acts as a vasodilator, meaning it helps to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow. According to health experts, nitric oxide is synthesised from L-arginine, an essential amino acid. This process facilitates blood flow, enabling the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients more effectively to muscles during exercise.

Nitric oxide's vasodilating properties have made it popular among those seeking to boost fitness performance. During exercise, nitric oxide helps open up small blood vessels and capillaries that typically remain dormant. This increase in blood flow can potentially support muscle function and endurance.

But Should You Take Nitric Oxide Supplements?

Nitric oxide supplements often don't contain the gas itself but instead include precursors like L-arginine and L-citrulline. These compounds provide the body with the building blocks for nitric oxide production, Marco Anzures, M.S., an exercise science instructor at San Diego City College told a leading news organisation. Despite their popularity, research on their effectiveness is mixed.

Some studies indicate that L-arginine may improve exercise performance in untrained or moderately trained individuals but shows minimal benefit for those already highly trained. Additionally, L-citrulline has been linked to reduced muscle soreness and improved aerobic performance in smaller studies.

Potential Benefits And Risks

Nitric oxide supplements may also help with blood pressure management due to their vasodilating effects. For those with high blood pressure, these supplements could support cardiovascular health by enhancing blood flow. Moreover, increased blood flow may aid in addressing erectile dysfunction by improving circulation to the genital area.

However, Anzures warns that the evidence supporting nitric oxide supplements for heart health, exercise performance, and sexual function is inconclusive. “There is some evidence to suggest supplementation helps with endurance, but not overall performance,” he notes.

The supplements are generally considered safe when taken in moderation, but side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, and headaches can occur. Excessive intake may lead to severe drops in blood pressure, which could be dangerous for people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or liver cirrhosis.

Natural Sources Of Nitric Oxide

Experts recommend focusing on dietary sources of nitric oxide rather than supplements. Foods rich in L-arginine and L-citrulline include legumes, nuts, seeds, and red meat. Vegetables such as beets and leafy greens are also excellent sources, with studies showing that beetroot juice may enhance athletic performance and cardiovascular health.

According to Natalie Rizzo, M.S., R.D., a dietitian based in New York City, "A proper diet can provide the necessary nutrients to support nitric oxide production without the potential risks associated with supplements."

Bottom LineWhile nitric oxide supplements may hold some potential for enhancing exercise performance, reducing blood pressure, and supporting sexual health, the evidence is mixed, and the risks should not be overlooked. Consulting a healthcare provider before starting any supplement is advisable, especially for those with underlying health conditions.

Veteran radio and TV broadcaster James Whale has revealed a sobering update about his terminal illness, saying he may not live to see Christmas. The 73-year-old, who was diagnosed with stage-four kidney cancer five years ago, said during a recent TalkTV broadcast that he is “at the end” of his cancer journey and can no longer undergo treatment.

With his long-time co-host Ash Gould by his side, Whale expressed gratitude for his career and audience, reflecting on nearly 25 years of broadcasting. “I'm hoping to go on for another few weeks, few months,” he said. “But as soon as I can't do the show anymore, I won't.”

His health has worsened in recent months, particularly after a severe flu landed him in intensive care over Christmas. His wife had shared at the time that he had managed to recover and return home. Yet, despite these setbacks, Whale’s trademark humour and spirit remain intact. “On the medication I am on, I'm all over the place,” he joked, even while acknowledging that “there is no treatment I can have anymore.”

Whale, who underwent kidney removal after his initial diagnosis in 2000 and experienced a cancer recurrence in 2020 that spread to his lungs, spine, and brain, has been remarkably open about his illness. Speaking to PA last year, he said: “I’ve been terminally ill now for nearly four years… I might make the end of this year, I might not.”

Despite the prognosis, Whale remains hopeful. “One in two of us is going to go on this journey until they find a cure,” he said. “But you have to make the most of it.”

Understanding Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer begins when cells in the kidneys — two bean-shaped organs located behind the abdominal organs — start to grow uncontrollably. The most common type in adults is renal cell carcinoma. Other less common forms include transitional cell cancer and Wilms tumor, which typically affects children.

Symptoms

Kidney cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages. However, symptoms may eventually include:

• Blood in the urine
• Persistent back or side pain
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Unexplained weight loss

Risk Factors

• Age (risk increases with age)
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Family history or genetic conditions like von Hippel-Lindau disease

Causes

While the exact causes remain unclear, kidney cancer occurs when DNA mutations instruct kidney cells to multiply rapidly and avoid cell death, forming tumors that may spread to other parts of the body.

Prevention Tips

Though not always preventable, risk can be reduced by:

• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Controlling blood pressure
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol intake

In a significant advancement for women's health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first at-home cervical cancer testing kit. Teal Health, a San Francisco-based medical device company, announced that its Teal Wand, designed for home use, can now be used by women to collect vaginal samples and send them to a lab for testing. The innovation allows women to screen for the human papillomavirus (HPV) — the primary cause of cervical cancer — without visiting a clinic or doctor’s office.

Currently, Pap smears and HPV tests are performed at medical facilities. However, Teal Health’s home-based test offers a discreet and potentially more accessible option for many, especially those who delay screening due to time, stigma, or discomfort. While the kit requires a prescription, users can obtain one through the company's online providers. The product will initially launch in California before rolling out in other states.

Why Cervical Cancer Screening Matters

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable, yet it remains a major global health threat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the fourth most common cancer among women, with approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths reported in 2022. An overwhelming 94% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to vaccination, screening, and treatment is limited.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains — especially types 16 and 18 — is the cause of 95% of cervical cancer cases. While the virus is very common and typically cleared by the immune system, in some women it can persist and cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix. If left untreated, these can progress to cancer over a period of 15–20 years, or faster in women with weakened immune systems, such as those living with untreated HIV.

Prevention is Powerful

Cervical cancer is largely preventable through two major tools: HPV vaccination and regular screening.

HPV Vaccines: There are six WHO-approved HPV vaccines that protect against the most dangerous strains. These are recommended for girls aged 9–14, ideally before they become sexually active. Vaccinating boys is also encouraged in some countries to reduce the spread of HPV in the general population.

Screening: The WHO recommends women be screened at least twice in their lifetime — once at age 35 and again at 45, using high-performance HPV testing. For women living with HIV, the first screen should be at age 25 and repeated every three years.

Self-collection of HPV samples — now backed by the FDA for home use — has been shown to be as reliable as samples collected by healthcare providers. This approach could help reach under-screened women and increase early detection rates.

Signs, Treatment, and Global Goals

Cervical cancer is curable when detected early. Warning signs include unusual vaginal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, or abnormal discharge. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care in advanced stages.

WHO has set ambitious global targets for the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030:

• 90% of girls vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by age 15
• 70% of women screened with a high-quality test by ages 35 and 45
• 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease receiving treatment

If achieved, these goals could avert 74 million new cases and 62 million deaths by 2120. The FDA’s approval of at-home HPV testing is a step forward in that direction, making cervical cancer screening more accessible, private, and potentially life-saving.