Tanya Dutt

Are You Holding Your Phone Right? It Might Be Harming More Than Just Your Eyes

Are you holding your phone right

After a undergoing a wrist surgery, I found it difficult to hold be on phone, although it was a pleasant break! But the discomfort made me reconsider how we all used our device altogether. This got me thinking that though my issue stemmed from surgery, many people unknowingly face similar physical strain simply because they're holding their phones wrong. 

The way we grip these small devices can lead to serious problems like tendinitis, "<span>smartphone pinkie</span>," and even carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s eye-opening to realize that a small adjustment in how we handle our phones can prevent long-term health issues.

So it’s not just the content we consume on our devices that affects our health, but the way we physically interact with them.

 Gripping that sleek rectangle for hours on end can strain your body in ways you might not have imagined, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain, and migraines. However, with a few small adjustments, you can mitigate these risks and keep your body in good shape. 

Here’s how your phone usage may be harming different parts of your body—and what you can do about it.

<h2>1. Your Hands: The Wrong Way to Hold a Phone</h2>

Quick, how are you holding your phone right now? If the bottom of your device rests on your pinkie while your thumb handles the scrolling, you may be setting yourself up for trouble. This one-handed claw grip, though convenient, can lead to discomfort and even long-term damage.

Enter "Smartphone Pinkie"—a term that describes the strain placed on your smallest finger when it bears the weight of your phone. The pinkie isn’t built to handle such stress, and over time, the pressure can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and even ligament strain. Your thumb, doing all the heavy scrolling, may also be at risk of conditions like tendinitis or even arthritis.

Instead of relying on your pinkie and thumb, consider using accessories like phone grips or stands to distribute the weight more evenly. Occupational hand therapists suggest propping a rolled-up cloth or using a phone holder to relieve stress on your fingers. Additionally, take frequent breaks to stretch your fingers and wrists. A simple hand stretch can involve pushing your fingers back gently while keeping your wrist straight. This relieves tension and encourages better circulation.

Lastly, aim to use both hands when texting or scrolling, distributing the load across more fingers and reducing the burden on your pinkie and thumb.

<h2>2. Your Ears: Turn Down the Volume</h2>

With the rise of streaming music and podcasts, earbuds and headphones have become essential companions to our smartphones. But beware of turning up the volume too high. Blasting music at loud volumes for extended periods can contribute to hearing loss over time.

Health experts suggest keeping the volume under 70 decibels to protect your hearing. Most smartphones come with settings that allow you to limit the maximum volume output. On iPhones, you can adjust the volume limit under the 'Headphone Safety' settings, while Android devices offer similar options under 'Sounds and Vibrations'.

Taking these simple precautions can go a long way in preventing permanent damage to your hearing. And remember, it’s not just about volume but also duration—give your ears frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

If you’ve ever spent a long time staring at your phone screen, you may have experienced the familiar sensation of eyestrain—sore eyes, blurred vision, and even headaches. This is a direct result of focusing too intensely on a close-up screen for extended periods.

To alleviate eyestrain, experts recommend following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. This gives your eyes the chance to relax and adjust to a different focal length. Additionally, ensure your phone is held at least a foot away from your face to reduce strain.

Another great way to give your eyes a break is to spend more time outdoors. Natural light forces your pupils to contract, which can help reduce the strain caused by staring at a bright screen indoors. If your phone has a blue light filter, be sure to activate it during late hours to reduce the intensity of the screen’s light.

Over time, extended screen use may even contribute to more permanent vision problems. Although more research is needed, early studies suggest that heavy smartphone use may be linked to a rise in nearsightedness (myopia) in younger generations. Taking regular breaks and spending time outdoors can help mitigate this risk.

<h2>4. Your Neck and Shoulders: Avoid “Tech Neck”</h2>

With so much of our attention focused downward on our devices, we risk developing what’s known as “tech neck”—the strain caused by constantly craning our necks to look at screens. This posture places undue pressure on the spine and can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain.

To combat tech neck, bring your phone up to eye level whenever possible. Phone stands or mounts can help prop up your device, whether you're working at a desk or lounging on the couch. Keeping your neck in a neutral position, with your head directly aligned with your spine, helps reduce the strain caused by looking downwards for prolonged periods.

Additionally, regularly stretching your neck and shoulders can prevent stiffness and discomfort. Simple neck rolls or shoulder shrugs are easy to do and can significantly relieve tension.

<h2>5. Your Body: Don’t Let Your Phone Interfere with Physical Activity</h2>

It’s easy to get sucked into your phone, spending hours scrolling through social media or binging videos. But this sedentary lifestyle comes with its own set of risks, particularly for your physical health. Too much screen time can prevent you from getting the exercise your body needs to stay healthy.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. 

Exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but it also reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and even certain cancers. If your phone usage is getting in the way of regular exercise, it’s time to schedule breaks to get moving.

Our phones are here to stay, but that doesn’t mean they have to wreak havoc on our bodies. Small adjustments in how we hold, use, and interact with our smartphones, we can reduce the risk of physical ailments like tendinitis, eyestrain, and neck pain. 

So, the next time you pick up your phone, remember to hold it correctly, take breaks, and most importantly, put it down once in a while. Your body will thank you!

Health Conditions A-Z

health

smartphone pinkie

tech neck problem

combat eye strain

hearing loss from phones

How to hold my phone

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After a undergoing a wrist surgery, I found it difficult to hold be on phone, although it was a pleasant break! But the discomfort made me reconsider how we all used our device altogether. This got me thinking that though my issue stemmed from surgery, many people unknowingly face similar physical strain simply because they're holding their phones wrong. The way we grip these small devices can lead to serious problems like tendinitis, "smartphone pinkie," and even carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s eye-opening to realize that a small adjustment in how we handle our phones can prevent long-term health issues.So it’s not just the content we consume on our devices that affects our health, but the way we physically interact with them. Gripping that sleek rectangle for hours on end can strain your body in ways you might not have imagined, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, eyestrain, and migraines. However, with a few small adjustments, you can mitigate these risks and keep your body in good shape. Here’s how your phone usage may be harming different parts of your body—and what you can do about it.1. Your Hands: The Wrong Way to Hold a PhoneQuick, how are you holding your phone right now? If the bottom of your device rests on your pinkie while your thumb handles the scrolling, you may be setting yourself up for trouble. This one-handed claw grip, though convenient, can lead to discomfort and even long-term damage.Enter "Smartphone Pinkie"—a term that describes the strain placed on your smallest finger when it bears the weight of your phone. The pinkie isn’t built to handle such stress, and over time, the pressure can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and even ligament strain. Your thumb, doing all the heavy scrolling, may also be at risk of conditions like tendinitis or even arthritis.What’s the fix?Instead of relying on your pinkie and thumb, consider using accessories like phone grips or stands to distribute the weight more evenly. Occupational hand therapists suggest propping a rolled-up cloth or using a phone holder to relieve stress on your fingers. Additionally, take frequent breaks to stretch your fingers and wrists. A simple hand stretch can involve pushing your fingers back gently while keeping your wrist straight. This relieves tension and encourages better circulation.Lastly, aim to use both hands when texting or scrolling, distributing the load across more fingers and reducing the burden on your pinkie and thumb.2. Your Ears: Turn Down the VolumeWith the rise of streaming music and podcasts, earbuds and headphones have become essential companions to our smartphones. But beware of turning up the volume too high. Blasting music at loud volumes for extended periods can contribute to hearing loss over time.Health experts suggest keeping the volume under 70 decibels to protect your hearing. Most smartphones come with settings that allow you to limit the maximum volume output. On iPhones, you can adjust the volume limit under the 'Headphone Safety' settings, while Android devices offer similar options under 'Sounds and Vibrations'.Taking these simple precautions can go a long way in preventing permanent damage to your hearing. And remember, it’s not just about volume but also duration—give your ears frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.3. Your Eyes: Combat EyestrainIf you’ve ever spent a long time staring at your phone screen, you may have experienced the familiar sensation of eyestrain—sore eyes, blurred vision, and even headaches. This is a direct result of focusing too intensely on a close-up screen for extended periods.To alleviate eyestrain, experts recommend following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. This gives your eyes the chance to relax and adjust to a different focal length. Additionally, ensure your phone is held at least a foot away from your face to reduce strain.Another great way to give your eyes a break is to spend more time outdoors. Natural light forces your pupils to contract, which can help reduce the strain caused by staring at a bright screen indoors. If your phone has a blue light filter, be sure to activate it during late hours to reduce the intensity of the screen’s light.Over time, extended screen use may even contribute to more permanent vision problems. Although more research is needed, early studies suggest that heavy smartphone use may be linked to a rise in nearsightedness (myopia) in younger generations. Taking regular breaks and spending time outdoors can help mitigate this risk.4. Your Neck and Shoulders: Avoid “Tech Neck”With so much of our attention focused downward on our devices, we risk developing what’s known as “tech neck”—the strain caused by constantly craning our necks to look at screens. This posture places undue pressure on the spine and can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain.To combat tech neck, bring your phone up to eye level whenever possible. Phone stands or mounts can help prop up your device, whether you're working at a desk or lounging on the couch. Keeping your neck in a neutral position, with your head directly aligned with your spine, helps reduce the strain caused by looking downwards for prolonged periods.Additionally, regularly stretching your neck and shoulders can prevent stiffness and discomfort. Simple neck rolls or shoulder shrugs are easy to do and can significantly relieve tension.5. Your Body: Don’t Let Your Phone Interfere with Physical ActivityIt’s easy to get sucked into your phone, spending hours scrolling through social media or binging videos. But this sedentary lifestyle comes with its own set of risks, particularly for your physical health. Too much screen time can prevent you from getting the exercise your body needs to stay healthy.The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but it also reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and even certain cancers. If your phone usage is getting in the way of regular exercise, it’s time to schedule breaks to get moving.Our phones are here to stay, but that doesn’t mean they have to wreak havoc on our bodies. Small adjustments in how we hold, use, and interact with our smartphones, we can reduce the risk of physical ailments like tendinitis, eyestrain, and neck pain. So, the next time you pick up your phone, remember to hold it correctly, take breaks, and most importantly, put it down once in a while. Your body will thank you!

are you holding your phone right? it might be harming more than just your eyes

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Dennis <span>Godby</span>, 69, ND, MA, a Sacramento-based Naturopathic Doctor is again on his quest to walk for <span>health equity</span>. This walk, known as Walk USA for Health Equity (WUHE) is a journey he started in 2022, where he walks on foot across America and is the third crossing of the USA on foot. On the 4th leg of this journey between August 25-September 24, he plans to walk 765 miles from Fargo to Bozeman. 

The reason? To raise awareness of health disparities, including discriminatory practices against Black women who die at childbirth, and to advocate for all Americans to have the opportunity to have access to optimal health. His walk comes in the light when much fund cuts have been made from the US healthcare ever since the RFK Jr-Trump administration has been found. Recently, RFK Jr. pulled $500 Million fund from mRNA vaccine projects and Donald Trump overhauled the vaccine committee. 

Every morning around 7:30 a.m., Dr Godby laces up his walking shoes, grabs his essentials, and sets off on a mission that goes far beyond personal endurance. The 69-year-old naturopathic doctor is halfway through a bold, 32,000-mile cross-country walk to spotlight racial disparities in healthcare, promote natural medicine, and lead by example.

His journey began in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, in 2022 and is expected to conclude in Seattle, Washington, in 2026. Divided into five major segments, each completed over a month every year, Dr Godby recently reached the halfway point of his third leg in Pine Island. This year’s stretch covers nearly 700 miles, ending in Fargo, North Dakota. Along the way, he’ll pass through the Twin Cities and St. Cloud, partnering with local communities, health advocates, and naturopathic doctors to hold forums on health equity.

For Dr Godby, this isn’t just a walk, it’s a statement.

“I put my body on the line, because all I have is my body,” he said in a previous interview. “And to put it on the line to say that I care about these issues and please listen.”

The path hasn’t been easy. A torn knee meniscus in 2018 and open-heart surgery in 2024 to address a heart murmur might have sidelined many. But not Godby.

“[The doctors] said you get the surgery; you’ll be done in two months. Your heart will be ready to go,” he recalls. “They were some of my biggest supporters for me walking.”

Godby walks roughly 26 miles a day, finishing his trek by 5:30 p.m., depending on events or media interactions. He rests in donated accommodations from naturopathic doctors, hotels, or even in the back of a support truck. Unlike the solo miles of his early journey, nearly 2,000 of them, he now travels with a support driver due to the increasing distance between towns.

The “Walk USA for Health Equity” isn’t just a personal mission, it’s a community-driven movement. In each state, Dr. Godby collaborates with local organizations and health professionals to raise awareness and spark conversations about unequal access to healthcare. His latest partnerships in North Dakota and Montana will help carry the movement forward as he prepares for the final two legs: North Dakota to Montana (2025), and Bozeman to Seattle (2026).

Back home in California, where he practices natural medicine, Dr Godby continues to treat patients during the off-season, using his experience to encourage them to embrace walking as a part of their healing. Over the last five years, including training, he’s logged over 15,000 miles, averaging 8.5 miles a day.

In 2023, he published Health for All: A Journey Towards Health Equity, a book that chronicles not only his walks but also his lifelong fight for social justice through medicine and movement.

Awarded the “True Grit” honor by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians in 2023, Dr Godby’s journey isn’t just about reaching Seattle—it’s about building a healthier, more equitable nation, one step at a time.

health equity

health equity walk

dr godby walk for health equity

health and wellness

godby

dr godby walks across us for health equity

fitness

Dennis Godby, 69, ND, MA, a Sacramento-based Naturopathic Doctor is again on his quest to walk for health equity. This walk, known as Walk USA for Health Equity (WUHE) is a journey he started in 2022, where he walks on foot across America and is the third crossing of the USA on foot. On the 4th leg of this journey between August 25-September 24, he plans to walk 765 miles from Fargo to Bozeman. Why Is He Walking?The reason? To raise awareness of health disparities, including discriminatory practices against Black women who die at childbirth, and to advocate for all Americans to have the opportunity to have access to optimal health. His walk comes in the light when much fund cuts have been made from the US healthcare ever since the RFK Jr-Trump administration has been found. Recently, RFK Jr. pulled $500 Million fund from mRNA vaccine projects and Donald Trump overhauled the vaccine committee. What Does His Day Look Like?Every morning around 7:30 a.m., Dr Godby laces up his walking shoes, grabs his essentials, and sets off on a mission that goes far beyond personal endurance. The 69-year-old naturopathic doctor is halfway through a bold, 32,000-mile cross-country walk to spotlight racial disparities in healthcare, promote natural medicine, and lead by example.His journey began in Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, in 2022 and is expected to conclude in Seattle, Washington, in 2026. Divided into five major segments, each completed over a month every year, Dr Godby recently reached the halfway point of his third leg in Pine Island. This year’s stretch covers nearly 700 miles, ending in Fargo, North Dakota. Along the way, he’ll pass through the Twin Cities and St. Cloud, partnering with local communities, health advocates, and naturopathic doctors to hold forums on health equity.For Dr Godby, this isn’t just a walk, it’s a statement.        View this post on Instagram            A post shared by Dr. Dennis Godby, ND (@drgodbynd)]]>“I put my body on the line, because all I have is my body,” he said in a previous interview. “And to put it on the line to say that I care about these issues and please listen.”The path hasn’t been easy. A torn knee meniscus in 2018 and open-heart surgery in 2024 to address a heart murmur might have sidelined many. But not Godby.“[The doctors] said you get the surgery; you’ll be done in two months. Your heart will be ready to go,” he recalls. “They were some of my biggest supporters for me walking.”Godby walks roughly 26 miles a day, finishing his trek by 5:30 p.m., depending on events or media interactions. He rests in donated accommodations from naturopathic doctors, hotels, or even in the back of a support truck. Unlike the solo miles of his early journey, nearly 2,000 of them, he now travels with a support driver due to the increasing distance between towns.The “Walk USA for Health Equity” isn’t just a personal mission, it’s a community-driven movement. In each state, Dr. Godby collaborates with local organizations and health professionals to raise awareness and spark conversations about unequal access to healthcare. His latest partnerships in North Dakota and Montana will help carry the movement forward as he prepares for the final two legs: North Dakota to Montana (2025), and Bozeman to Seattle (2026).Treating Patients Back HomeBack home in California, where he practices natural medicine, Dr Godby continues to treat patients during the off-season, using his experience to encourage them to embrace walking as a part of their healing. Over the last five years, including training, he’s logged over 15,000 miles, averaging 8.5 miles a day.In 2023, he published Health for All: A Journey Towards Health Equity, a book that chronicles not only his walks but also his lifelong fight for social justice through medicine and movement.Awarded the “True Grit” honor by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians in 2023, Dr Godby’s journey isn’t just about reaching Seattle—it’s about building a healthier, more equitable nation, one step at a time.

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Why Are Women More Prone To Headaches Than Men?

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Headaches may not be that serious, but they have the ability to derail your day within minutes. Throughout the day, lack of sleep or food or any other ailments like fever can lead to a throbbing headaches. However, women complain about headaches more often than men, why is that? 

Headaches can seriously impact your life, and in the U.S. alone, they lead to 112 million sick days each year, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

<h2>Why Do Women Get More Headache? </h2>

While about a third of all people get headaches, women suffer from them far more often than men. One of the main reasons for this difference could be hormonal changes. 

Hormone fluctuations can trigger headaches. Specifically, changes in <span>estrogen</span> levels can cause problems. Estrogen is a key hormone in the female reproductive system, and headaches can happen anytime its levels shift. This includes dips in estrogen right before your menstrual cycle, as well as during the start of menopause or after a hysterectomy. Headache triggers related to hormones include: 

<ul><li>Menstruation</li><li>Taking birth control pills</li><li>Pregnancy</li><li>Breastfeeding</li><li>Menopause</li></ul>You can figure out if your headaches are linked to your menstrual cycle by keeping a calendar to track your symptoms. If you find a pattern, your doctor might suggest treatments like starting medication before your period or using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. In severe cases, a doctor might even suggest using medication to temporarily stop the menstrual cycle. 

<h2>Is It a Migraine or a Tension Headache? </h2>

The two most common types of headaches for women are tension headaches and migraines. A tension headache often feels like a tight band squeezing your head. A migraine, however, is typically a throbbing or pounding headache. Migraine symptoms often include: 

<ul><li>Pain that lasts for 4 to 72 hours</li><li>Seeing spots or zigzag lines (an "aura")</li><li>Pain on one side of the head</li><li>Pain that gets worse with physical activity</li><li>Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells</li><li>Nausea and/or vomiting</li></ul>

<h2>Conditions That Could Trigger Migraines Specifically in Women </h2>

For every man who gets a migraine, three women suffer from the same severe headaches, which can come with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. This makes migraines one of the most common disabling conditions for women globally. Researchers at UCLA believe they may have found a reason for this 3-to-1 ratio: women might have a quicker trigger for the brain activity that causes migraines. 

A team of researchers studied mice and discovered a big difference between males and females in a process called cortical spreading depression (CSD). CSD is a powerful wave of brain activity that scientists believe is the main cause of migraines. This wave can cause not only the headache pain, but also the vision problems, nausea, and dizziness that often go with them. 

In their tests, the female mice were much easier to trigger. The brain waves that lead to migraines started with a weaker signal in females compared to males. In fact, it took a signal up to three times stronger to start CSD in the male mice. 

<h2>Lifestyle Changes for Headache Relief </h2>

Making some changes to your daily life can help you manage migraines and headaches. It's important to avoid known triggers like alcohol and stress. Staying hydrated is also key—aim for 1.5 to 2 liters of water each day. If caffeine affects your sleep, limit coffee and energy drinks. Finally, make sure you get enough quality sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule and meal times. 

Other treatments that can help include physical therapy for muscle stiffness in your neck and shoulders, and behavioral therapy to help reduce stress. If these lifestyle changes don't work, you should talk to your doctor. By understanding how your hormones can cause headaches, you can find the right treatment to manage your symptoms and get back to your daily routine. 

womens health

estrogen

Why Women have more headaches

women and headache

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Headaches may not be that serious, but they have the ability to derail your day within minutes. Throughout the day, lack of sleep or food or any other ailments like fever can lead to a throbbing headaches. However, women complain about headaches more often than men, why is that? Headaches can seriously impact your life, and in the U.S. alone, they lead to 112 million sick days each year, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Why Do Women Get More Headache? While about a third of all people get headaches, women suffer from them far more often than men. One of the main reasons for this difference could be hormonal changes. Hormone fluctuations can trigger headaches. Specifically, changes in estrogen levels can cause problems. Estrogen is a key hormone in the female reproductive system, and headaches can happen anytime its levels shift. This includes dips in estrogen right before your menstrual cycle, as well as during the start of menopause or after a hysterectomy. Headache triggers related to hormones include: MenstruationTaking birth control pillsPregnancyBreastfeedingMenopauseYou can figure out if your headaches are linked to your menstrual cycle by keeping a calendar to track your symptoms. If you find a pattern, your doctor might suggest treatments like starting medication before your period or using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. In severe cases, a doctor might even suggest using medication to temporarily stop the menstrual cycle. Is It a Migraine or a Tension Headache? The two most common types of headaches for women are tension headaches and migraines. A tension headache often feels like a tight band squeezing your head. A migraine, however, is typically a throbbing or pounding headache. Migraine symptoms often include: Pain that lasts for 4 to 72 hoursSeeing spots or zigzag lines (an "aura")Pain on one side of the headPain that gets worse with physical activitySensitivity to light, sound, or smellsNausea and/or vomitingConditions That Could Trigger Migraines Specifically in Women For every man who gets a migraine, three women suffer from the same severe headaches, which can come with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. This makes migraines one of the most common disabling conditions for women globally. Researchers at UCLA believe they may have found a reason for this 3-to-1 ratio: women might have a quicker trigger for the brain activity that causes migraines. A team of researchers studied mice and discovered a big difference between males and females in a process called cortical spreading depression (CSD). CSD is a powerful wave of brain activity that scientists believe is the main cause of migraines. This wave can cause not only the headache pain, but also the vision problems, nausea, and dizziness that often go with them. In their tests, the female mice were much easier to trigger. The brain waves that lead to migraines started with a weaker signal in females compared to males. In fact, it took a signal up to three times stronger to start CSD in the male mice. Lifestyle Changes for Headache Relief Making some changes to your daily life can help you manage migraines and headaches. It's important to avoid known triggers like alcohol and stress. Staying hydrated is also key—aim for 1.5 to 2 liters of water each day. If caffeine affects your sleep, limit coffee and energy drinks. Finally, make sure you get enough quality sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule and meal times. Other treatments that can help include physical therapy for muscle stiffness in your neck and shoulders, and behavioral therapy to help reduce stress. If these lifestyle changes don't work, you should talk to your doctor. By understanding how your hormones can cause headaches, you can find the right treatment to manage your symptoms and get back to your daily routine. 

why are women more prone to headaches than men?

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Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren Passes Away After a Month on Life Support: What Does It Truly Mean to Be on Life Support?

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Often, caught up in the worries of paying your bills and other stress, we forget to prioritize our health. How often have you ignored a cough or forgotten to take your vitamins for the day? Although bad things and surprising issues do pop up, we don’t consider them an issue until it affects us. It was the same for this young flight attendant, who never knew that a simple cough could lead to a shocking diagnosis, possibly saving his life. 

<h2>Lingering Cough and a Search for Answers </h2>

In 2021, Warren developed a cough that came and went. With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, he was regularly tested for his job, with all results coming back negative. When the cough persisted, he visited his doctor, who initially prescribed antihistamines and then omeprazole, suspecting acid reflux. 

Wanting more answers, Warren had a chest X-ray and a CT scan. The scans eventually revealed an abnormality in one of his lungs, leading to surgery in February 2022. It was then that he received the devastating diagnosis of Stage 3a <span>lung cancer</span>, which had spread to two of his lymph nodes. 

Warren's surgery was followed by several cycles of chemotherapy. He experienced severe side effects, including hair loss, constant fatigue, and sickness. After completing his treatment, Warren was signed off as fit to fly in January 2023, following a series of clear scans. He has since returned to work on long-haul flights and is enjoying running again, logging 15-20 miles a week. 

Despite his recovery, Warren is candid about the ongoing mental health challenges. He plans to start counseling to manage his anxiety about the <span>cancer</span> returning and is committed to fundraising for organizations like Cancer Research UK and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Lung Cancer Diagnosis</span> – Why Is It A Big Cause Of Concern? </h2>

Being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, lung cancer has the highest mortality rates in both men and women, according to the World Health Organization. What’s even more concerning is that it is often diagnosed in the advanced stage, during which the treatment options available are limited. 

Warren's story highlights that lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. He urges people to listen to their bodies and see a doctor if something doesn't feel right. 

Early-stage lung cancer often has no obvious symptoms. However, you should be aware of a persistent cough that doesn't go away after three weeks or gets worse. Other potential signs include: 

<ul><li>Recurrent chest infections</li><li>Chest pain when coughing</li><li>Persistent breathlessness</li><li>Unexplained fatigue or low energy</li><li>Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss</li></ul>

<h2>What Follows A Lung <span rel="noindex">Cancer Diagnosis</span>? </h2>

According to the American Lung Association, it's important to be prepared for several key aspects of the journey. Here's what you can expect: 

Take charge of your healthcare decisions. Ask questions, do your research, and ensure your needs are met. A friend, family member, or care coordinator can also help you advocate. 

It is normal to experience a range of emotions. Find healthy ways to cope, like talking to friends and family, journaling, joining a support group, or seeking professional help. 

Be prepared for your relationships to change. Some may grow closer, others more distant. It's also normal to feel misunderstood or to have different expectations from others. 

Making healthy lifestyle choices is crucial. Quitting smoking, eating nutritious food, staying physically active, and managing stress are all vital for your recovery and long-term health. 

<h4>Prepare for Lasting Side Effects </h4>

Some side effects from treatment might linger. Discuss any ongoing symptoms with your doctor and ask about connecting with a palliative care specialist to help manage these effects and improve your quality of life. 

Your care continues after treatment. Before your final appointment, get an "end-of-treatment summary" from your doctor that outlines your diagnosis, treatments, and future follow-up schedule. 

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Often, caught up in the worries of paying your bills and other stress, we forget to prioritize our health. How often have you ignored a cough or forgotten to take your vitamins for the day? Although bad things and surprising issues do pop up, we don’t consider them an issue until it affects us. It was the same for this young flight attendant, who never knew that a simple cough could lead to a shocking diagnosis, possibly saving his life. Lingering Cough and a Search for Answers In 2021, Warren developed a cough that came and went. With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, he was regularly tested for his job, with all results coming back negative. When the cough persisted, he visited his doctor, who initially prescribed antihistamines and then omeprazole, suspecting acid reflux. Wanting more answers, Warren had a chest X-ray and a CT scan. The scans eventually revealed an abnormality in one of his lungs, leading to surgery in February 2022. It was then that he received the devastating diagnosis of Stage 3a lung cancer, which had spread to two of his lymph nodes. From Treatment to Recovery Warren's surgery was followed by several cycles of chemotherapy. He experienced severe side effects, including hair loss, constant fatigue, and sickness. After completing his treatment, Warren was signed off as fit to fly in January 2023, following a series of clear scans. He has since returned to work on long-haul flights and is enjoying running again, logging 15-20 miles a week. Despite his recovery, Warren is candid about the ongoing mental health challenges. He plans to start counseling to manage his anxiety about the cancer returning and is committed to fundraising for organizations like Cancer Research UK and the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Lung Cancer Diagnosis – Why Is It A Big Cause Of Concern? Being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, lung cancer has the highest mortality rates in both men and women, according to the World Health Organization. What’s even more concerning is that it is often diagnosed in the advanced stage, during which the treatment options available are limited. Warren's story highlights that lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. He urges people to listen to their bodies and see a doctor if something doesn't feel right. Early-stage lung cancer often has no obvious symptoms. However, you should be aware of a persistent cough that doesn't go away after three weeks or gets worse. Other potential signs include: Recurrent chest infectionsChest pain when coughingPersistent breathlessnessUnexplained fatigue or low energyLoss of appetite or unexplained weight lossWhat Follows A Lung Cancer Diagnosis? According to the American Lung Association, it's important to be prepared for several key aspects of the journey. Here's what you can expect: Be Your Own AdvocateTake charge of your healthcare decisions. Ask questions, do your research, and ensure your needs are met. A friend, family member, or care coordinator can also help you advocate. Manage Emotional Changes It is normal to experience a range of emotions. Find healthy ways to cope, like talking to friends and family, journaling, joining a support group, or seeking professional help. Relationships May Shift Be prepared for your relationships to change. Some may grow closer, others more distant. It's also normal to feel misunderstood or to have different expectations from others. Embrace Lifestyle Changes Making healthy lifestyle choices is crucial. Quitting smoking, eating nutritious food, staying physically active, and managing stress are all vital for your recovery and long-term health. Prepare for Lasting Side Effects Some side effects from treatment might linger. Discuss any ongoing symptoms with your doctor and ask about connecting with a palliative care specialist to help manage these effects and improve your quality of life. Plan for Ongoing Checkups Your care continues after treatment. Before your final appointment, get an "end-of-treatment summary" from your doctor that outlines your diagnosis, treatments, and future follow-up schedule. 

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