The aorta, the body's largest blood vessel, plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen-rich blood from the heart to vital organs. Aorta Awareness Month, observed in September, highlights the significance of this major artery and raises awareness about aortic dissection, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

The aorta is the body's main artery, extending from the heart down through the abdomen, and branches into smaller arteries that supply blood to the body's organs. Its walls are composed of three layers:

The inner layer (intima) – closest to the blood flow.

The middle layer (media) – which provides the structure and strength to the vessel.

The outer layer (adventitia) – which protects the artery from external damage.

An aortic dissection occurs when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, allowing blood to flow between the layers of the wall. This creates a "false lumen," a new channel that runs parallel to the normal blood flow. This condition can quickly escalate into a severe emergency if not treated promptly, leading to the rupture of the aortic wall and potentially causing life-threatening internal bleeding.

What is Aortic Dissection?

Aortic dissection is a serious medical condition that requires urgent attention. When a tear forms in the inner layer of the aorta, blood forces its way between the layers of the aortic wall, causing them to separate. The separation creates a secondary passage for the blood, which can cause the aorta to swell. If the pressure becomes too great, the outer wall may also rupture, leading to rapid blood loss.

This condition can cause a sudden onset of symptoms, often mistaken for a heart attack, including severe chest or back pain, fainting, shortness of breath, and stroke-like symptoms. The likelihood of survival decreases by 1% for every hour that passes without treatment. In severe cases, a person can lose consciousness within 30 seconds and die shortly after due to internal bleeding.

Risk Factors and Causes of Aortic Dissection

Several factors can weaken the aortic wall over time, making it more susceptible to tears. Common causes include:

- Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension): Over time, high blood pressure exerts increased stress on the aorta's walls, causing them to weaken and eventually rupture.

- Genetic predisposition: Conditions such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm increase the likelihood of developing aortic dissection.

- Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in the arteries can contribute to the weakening of the aorta.

- Trauma or injury: Physical trauma to the chest or abdomen can lead to dissection.

Aortic dissection can also occur without any known risk factors, making it difficult to predict or prevent in some cases.

Aortic Dissection: Symptoms and Warning Signs

Recognizing the symptoms of aortic dissection can be life-saving. Common signs include:

- Sudden, severe chest or back pain, often described as "tearing" or "ripping."

- Shortness of breath.

- Fainting or dizziness.

- Rapid pulse and low blood pressure.

- Symptoms of stroke, such as difficulty speaking, vision loss, or paralysis on one side of the body.

Aortic dissections are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek emergency care right away.

Aorta Awareness Month aims to educate the public about the symptoms, risks, and importance of early diagnosis for conditions like aortic dissection. The primary goal is to encourage individuals to seek medical attention if they experience sudden chest pain or other related symptoms.

Additionally, the campaign promotes research efforts and support networks for survivors. Events across the globe offer patients and their families an opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and find solace in knowing they are not alone.

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. Awareness campaigns during Aorta Awareness Month aim to inform the public about the risks and symptoms of this condition, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

Living with bipolar disorder is like riding an emotional roller coaster without a seatbelt. For nearly 40 million people worldwide, the disorder shifts between extremes of euphoria and despair, creating a complex reality that often goes unseen, misunderstood, or misrepresented. The term “bipolar” may casually get tossed around in everyday conversation, but for those diagnosed, it is a life-altering condition that requires continuous self-awareness, resilience, and adaptation.

In this feature, we explore the raw, honest experiences of individuals like Martin Hemmann and Becca Brown, who live with bipolar disorder, drawing back the curtain on what it truly means to navigate this unpredictable terrain.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). There are three main types:

Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic episodes lasting at least seven days or requiring hospitalization, often followed by depressive episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by patterns of depressive episodes and hypomania, which is less severe than full-blown mania.

Cyclothymic Disorder: Involves chronic fluctuations between mild depressive and hypomanic symptoms over two years or more.

Though often glamorized or dismissed in pop culture, bipolar disorder is far more than a fluctuation in mood—it’s a serious, often debilitating condition that deeply affects how a person thinks, behaves, feels, and relates to the world.

Martin Hemmann, a musician from Germany, describes his life with bipolar disorder as a delicate dance between opposites. “When I woke up, I felt as if there was a grey fog in my head,” he shares. This haze, a hallmark of the depressive phase, can make simple tasks like getting out of bed or brushing one’s teeth feel insurmountable.

During these lows, Martin grapples with feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, and guilt. “I’ve learned to tell people around me who I am, and how I react,” he says. Open communication and personal routines such as meditation, breathing exercises, and staying physically active help him gain control during darker periods.

But when the pendulum swings in the opposite direction—toward mania—Martin experiences a rush of energy and heightened creativity. These manic episodes, while seemingly productive, come with their own dangers: impulsivity, sleep disturbances, and risky behavior.

Becca Brown, a performer living with Bipolar II, offers a similar yet unique perspective. She describes mania as moments of hyperactivity that can feel like being on caffeine overload. “I would just decide to clean my entire house, rearrange the furniture, stay up all night writing something,” she recalls. But the aftermath is sobering. “The next day I would look at all the things I wrote and be like, none of that makes sense. None of it is good.”

The stereotype of mania as a “fun” or “creative” side of bipolar disorder is misleading. While some individuals channel their manic energy into art or work, the reality often includes dangerous impulsivity, poor judgment, and emotional volatility.

Bipolar disorder doesn’t just affect the individual—it ripples out into their relationships, careers, and communities. Martin’s former partner, Verena Heinz, explains the challenge of unpredictability. “The ups and downs, which change so fast… that was the biggest challenge.”

This unpredictability can strain even the strongest bonds. For Martin’s parents, his suicide attempt six years ago was a devastating wake-up call. “It was very difficult to understand, because Martin also has a lot of humor and a joyful side,” they share. Their confusion and guilt underscore how invisible mental illness can be, especially when the individual appears “high-functioning.”

The stigma surrounding mental health—particularly bipolar disorder—can be a significant barrier to diagnosis, treatment, and acceptance. Martin puts it plainly in his speech: “People don’t talk about mental problems. I learned that early on—at school, at the club, at home.”

Both Martin and Becca emphasize the importance of treatment and personal coping strategies. While Martin has weaned off formal medication, he relies on physical activity, cold-water therapy, and structured routines to maintain his balance. “Sport is possibly the most important means of dealing with my depression,” he explains. “It creates a balance between the body and the mind.”

Becca, too, finds healing in creativity. “One of the best things about my life is that I get to get on stage or in front of a camera and play a character or even be myself,” she says.

Their stories reveal an important truth: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing bipolar disorder. Medication, therapy, physical health, creative outlets, community support, and open communication are all pieces of the puzzle—and each person’s journey is deeply personal.

Martin has chosen to speak openly about his journey—not just for himself, but to inspire others. At a recent public event in Germany, he delivered a powerful 18-minute speech recounting his struggles, setbacks, and survival.

“I’m nervous. I’d rather swim under a sheet of ice, climb into the ring, or go climbing without a rope,” he jokes before sharing the core message: “Germany, we have to talk. I suffer from heavy depression… But now I’m talking. I’m not going to stop talking.”

His courage moved an entire audience, many of whom also live with depression or know someone who does. “Martin has given them hope,” his manager Max reflects.

Recovery from bipolar disorder is not linear. There are relapses, side effects, misdiagnoses, and emotional wear-and-tear. Just as Martin planned a 200-kilometer walk to Zwolle to symbolize his healing, he was halted by a sudden joint infection. Life with bipolar disorder is full of such detours—but also full of resilience.

“I think we’re only as limited insofar as we set ourselves limits,” Martin affirms. Even on the hardest days, when depression whispers “you can’t,” Martin insists: “But I can get out of bed. I have arms and legs.”

Why Bipolar Disorder Difficult To Diagnose?

Bipolar disorder remains difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms often mimic or overlap with other mental health conditions, and the cyclical nature of the illness can delay accurate identification. Experts caution against simplistic portrayals or dramatic misrepresentations; understanding the disorder requires nuance. Diagnosis is not about labeling a mood but recognizing patterns over time.

Managing and Recognizing Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Effective management doesn't aim to "fix" moods but to achieve long-term stability through consistent, personalized care. A strategic blend of medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions is often necessary.

Awareness is the first line of defense. Identifying triggers or shifts early can prevent a full-blown episode.

Track Mood Patterns: Use journaling or digital mood tracking apps to observe changes and trends over time.

Sleep as a Signal: Disruptions in sleep—whether insomnia or excessive sleep—can precede mood shifts.

Watch Energy Levels: Notice any significant increases in energy or physical agitation, or conversely, unexplained fatigue.

Daily Life Hacks for Stability

Small, consistent habits can build a powerful foundation for mental health.

Establish a Routine: Regular sleep, wake, and meal times help regulate the body’s natural rhythms.

Build a Support System: Involvement from trusted friends, family, and peer support groups (like NAMI) can be crucial in maintaining emotional balance.

Avoid Triggers: Minimize or eliminate stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs, which can exacerbate mood fluctuations.

Treatment

Professional support is vital. A combination of therapies can offer relief and structure:

Consult a Psychiatrist: A mental health specialist can make a formal diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Engage in Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy are effective tools.

Adhere to Medications: Commonly prescribed medications include mood stabilizers (like lithium), anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics—tailored to each patient’s needs.

Living with bipolar disorder is not about extremes—it’s about everything in between. It’s about learning to surf the waves instead of drowning in them. It’s about telling your story, even when your voice shakes. And most of all, it’s about rewriting the narrative around mental illness—from fear to understanding, from stigma to solidarity.

With the ongoing heatwave, people have been very concerned regarding their health and well-being. While people may not realize it, heatwave not only is a natural hazard, but it has a great impact on society, which includes heat related deaths, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

Heat affects us in many ways, whether it is affecting our body temperature, our appetite, or even our moods. However, one should not take high temperatures outside lightly. Heat can often trigger serious conditions, many of which need immediate action to rectify. One must know signs and early symptoms to avoid falling into a dangerous situation. One such sign of heat-illness can show up in your legs as well- Heat Cramps.

Pain in Your Muscles Due To Heat

Heat cramps are sharp, painful muscle spasms. They often happen when you're doing intense exercise or heavy work in hot weather. Not drinking enough water can make you more likely to get them. You'll most likely feel this pain or sudden, strong muscle tightening in your stomach area, arms, or legs. Remember, heat cramps can also be an early sign that you're heading towards heat exhaustion.

If you experience sudden, strong muscle tightening or painful twists, especially in your calves, thighs, or hamstrings, while working or exercising in hot conditions, it's a strong indicator of heat cramps. These cramps can be incredibly painful and are a direct result of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. They can also be an early warning sign that you are heading towards heat exhaustion, so it's vital to address them immediately by resting, hydrating, and replacing lost electrolytes.

Heat-Related Illnesses And Types Of It

Heat cramps, along with some other illnesses, are types of heat stress. When you're in the hot weather, your body's amazing natural cooling system kicks in, sweating. As sweat evaporates from your skin, it carries heat away, helping to keep your core temperature stable. However, there are times when this system gets overwhelmed, and your body can get dangerously hot. This condition is known as heat stress. Understanding the different forms of heat stress and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial for staying safe in warm weather.

Dehydration

This is simply when your body doesn't have enough water. You lose water through sweating, and if you don't drink enough, you get dehydrated.

Heat Exhaustion

This happens if you stay in the heat for too long, especially if you're already dehydrated. Your body gets overworked trying to cool down.

Heat Cramps

These are painful muscle spasms. They often hit your legs, but can also affect your stomach or arms. They usually happen when you're working or exercising hard in the heat.

Heat Syncope

This is when you feel dizzy or even faint because of the heat.

Heat Rash

This looks like small red bumps on your skin, often in areas where you sweat a lot.

Heat Stroke

This is the most serious kind of heat illness. It's an emergency where your body can't cool itself down anymore, and your body temperature rises very quickly.

How to Protect Yourself from Heat Stress?

Taking a few simple steps can really help you avoid getting sick from the heat:

Drink plenty of fluids: Make sure to drink water and sports drinks before and while you're out in the heat. Don't wait until you're thirsty!

Wear light, loose clothes: Choose light-colored clothes that fit loosely. This helps your body stay cooler by reflecting sunlight and letting air move around.

Stay out of the sun during the hottest time: Try to avoid being in direct sunlight between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, as this is usually when the sun is strongest.

Find a cool spot: If you start to feel too hot, move to a cool place right away. This could be an air-conditioned building, a shady spot, or even just a cooler room indoors.

There are many bizarre medical cases and medical mysteries, but this is something you may not have heard before. This is the story of a 15-year-old girl form Lesotho, a country within South Africa, who became pregnant without having any vaginal opening.

How Did She Know About Her Pregnancy?

The girl was admitted in the hospital due to the complaints of abdominal pain. Tests revealed that she was nine month pregnant. What came as a shocker that she had no vaginal opening, thus never had sexual intercourse. This left doctors amused, wondering how she may have gotten pregnant? She had a rare birth defect called distal vaginal atresia.

What is Distal Vaginal Atresia?

This is condition where the vagina is closed or absent. This condition occurs with other developmental problems in a female baby. Most often the baby also has Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Fraser Syndrome or Rokitansky-Mayer-Küster -Hauser syndrome.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a rare disorder affecting many parts of the body. Loss of vision, obesity, kidney problems and intellectual disorders are common characteristics of the syndrome.

Fraser syndrome is a rare disorder affecting development starting before birth. Babies born with Fraser syndrome typically have eyes that are completely covered by skin and usually malformed, fingers and toes that are joined together, and abnormalities of the urinary tract.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a disorder in females causing the vagina and uterus to be underdeveloped or absent. It is often associated with kidney anomalies. This condition often accompanies a cloacal malformation, the surgical treatment which includes a variety of vaginal replacement techniques.

People with distal vaginal atresia do have menstruation, but the blood does not exit, which forms blockage and buildup within the uterus. This condition is called hematometra or hematocolpos, which can cause pelvic pain and discomfort.

This is a rare condition which affects 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 female children.

How Did She Become Pregnant?

While her body does not have a vaginal opening, but she does have a uterus, which means she can get pregnant if semen is injected and fertilized through in-vitro fertilization. However, this was not the case with her.

The girl later revealed that while she did notice her body change, she "did not believe she was pregnant." However, when she was told she was pregnant, she delivered her child though a C-section delivery.

In later interviews, she revealed that she had suffered stab wounds to her abdomen shortly after she had performed oral sex on her partner. At that time she confided in a nurse that her ex-partner had violently attacked her, when he found her in act with the current partner.

The medical team that attended her then concluded that it could be due to the stomach would which may have allowed the sperm she swallowed to reach her reproductive organs. This may have resulted into an unexpected conception.

Another shocker is that sperm does not survive in the digestive acid that stomach produces. However, the doctors believe that the sperm may have survived as at that time the girl was malnourished and the acidity levels in her digestive system may be low.