Feminine wellness often highlights fitness, skincare, and nutrition, but breast health deserves equal, if not more, attention. Breast cancer is among the most common cancers affecting women globally. Early detection and preventive care significantly improve outcomes, which makes awareness and proactive measures essential. Small, consistent habits can make a life-saving difference.

We got in touch with health expert, Dr Shravan Subramanyam, Managing Director of BPL Medical Technologies, who emphasizes that integrating breast health into your routine is crucial for long-term wellness.

What Is Breast Cancer Awareness?

Breast health awareness emphasizes early detection and prevention of breast cancer through self-exams, regular screenings, and a healthy lifestyle. This is done to know your breasts’ normal appearance, scheduling clinical exams and mammograms, staying active, and limiting alcohol. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for women’s breast health.

Why Is Breast Health Checkup Important for Women?

Regular checkups are the cornerstone of early breast cancer detection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early identification of breast abnormalities greatly increases the chances of effective treatment and survival. Women who ignore screenings may face delayed diagnosis, which can complicate treatment.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Breast Health

1. Schedule Regular Screenings

Mammograms and clinical breast exams remain the most reliable tools for early detection. Experts suggest starting annual screenings at age 40, or earlier for women with a family history of breast cancer. Timely screening increases treatment success and can save lives.

2. Practice Monthly Self-Exams

Familiarize yourself with the natural feel and appearance of your breasts. Conducting a self-exam once a month—ideally a few days after your period—can help you notice any unusual changes, such as lumps, thickening, or discharge. Understanding what is normal for your body is the first step in identifying anything abnormal.

3. Know Your Family History

Discuss your family’s health history with relatives, including your mother, aunts, and grandmothers. If breast cancer is prevalent in your family, you may require earlier or more frequent screenings. Genetic counseling or testing for BRCA mutations may also be advised in some cases.

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Diet and exercise play a critical role in overall and breast health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, coupled with at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, can reduce cancer risk. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining a healthy weight further support breast wellness.

5. Don’t Ignore Hormonal Health

Hormonal changes due to birth control, pregnancy, or menopause can impact breast tissue. Discuss long-term hormonal treatments with your doctor and understand the associated risks. Regular check-ins with a gynecologist or endocrinologist help you stay informed about these changes.

6. Pay Attention to Physical Changes

Persistent pain, skin dimpling, sudden swelling, or other unusual physical changes should never be ignored. While these symptoms may not always indicate cancer, they require medical evaluation. The key rule: when in doubt, get it checked.

7. Make Breast Health a Conversation

Talking openly about breast health with friends, sisters, or colleagues can break stigma and encourage proactive care. Even a simple reminder to schedule a screening can make a significant difference.

Breast health should be an integral part of any wellness routine, just like skincare or exercise. By staying informed, scheduling regular screenings, monitoring your body, and adopting healthy habits, you can take charge of your own health. Small, consistent actions and early detection remain the most effective ways to protect yourself from breast cancer.

Every year, people across the world unite on World Arthritis Day to spread awareness about arthritis and related disorders. Observed annually on October 12, the day aims to draw attention to the everyday challenges faced by those living with arthritis, encourage early diagnosis, and promote better medical care and support systems.

As World Arthritis Day 2025 approaches, it’s a timely reminder to learn about its theme, importance, and the role each of us can play in improving the lives of those affected.

Why World Arthritis Day Matters

Arthritis is often mistaken for a simple case of joint pain, but it is far more complex. It includes a wide range of conditions that can impact a person’s mobility, independence, and overall well-being. One of the main goals of World Arthritis Day is to break these misconceptions, spread accurate information, and raise awareness that arthritis can affect anyone, regardless of age.

Raising awareness also encourages timely medical consultation, physiotherapy, and healthier lifestyle choices that can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

World Arthritis Day 2025 Theme

The theme for World Arthritis Day 2025 is “Realizing Your Dreams” or “The Courage to Dream.” This year’s message highlights the importance of personal aspirations and resilience among people living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). It inspires individuals to pursue their dreams while encouraging collaboration between patients, doctors, and advocates to turn those dreams into reality.

The theme serves as a reminder that arthritis is not just a physical condition, it is about preserving one’s independence, dignity, and quality of life.

When Is World Arthritis Day Celebrated?

World Arthritis Day is marked every year on October 12 around the globe. In India too, this day is recognised and observed to underline the importance of awareness and education about arthritis. With lifestyle changes and rising stress levels, arthritis is now being diagnosed in younger people as well, making awareness even more vital.

Ways to Raise Awareness on World Arthritis Day 2025

Spreading awareness is not limited to medical professionals or organizations. Every individual can help in small but meaningful ways. Some simple ideas include:

• Educational Programs: Schools, offices, and community groups can organize sessions to teach people about arthritis symptoms and preventive care.
• Social Media Campaigns: Sharing real-life stories, verified facts, and official theme posters can reach thousands online.
• Community Events: Walkathons or charity runs can raise both funds and awareness.
• Free Health Camps: Clinics and hospitals can offer free joint check-ups to encourage early diagnosis.

These collective efforts ensure that arthritis is not ignored or misunderstood, but openly discussed and addressed.

Tips for Living with Arthritis

Awareness is the first step, but supporting those who live with arthritis every day is just as important. Here are some ways to help manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life:

Stay Active, but with Care

Choose gentle exercises such as walking, yoga, or swimming to keep joints flexible and reduce stiffness without straining them.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Include anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, fatty fish rich in omega-3, nuts, and olive oil to help ease inflammation.

Get Enough Rest

Quality sleep helps the body recover. Avoid overexertion but stay active enough to prevent stiffness.

Use Supportive Tools if Needed

Walking sticks, braces, or other assistive devices can reduce stress on joints and make movement easier.

Maintain a Positive Outlook

Joining arthritis support groups or connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide motivation and emotional support.

For those seeking specialized treatment, visiting a reputed multispeciality hospital in Coimbatore can help patients receive comprehensive arthritis care, from diagnosis to therapy and rehabilitation, under one roof.

Months after recovering from COVID-19, many people continue to feel unwell. They speak of exhaustion that doesn’t fade, difficulty breathing, or an unsettling mental haze. What’s becoming increasingly clear is that recovery from the virus doesn’t always end when the infection clears. For countless survivors, Long COVID continues to affect both body and mind, often in ways that are deeply disruptive.

We got in touch with Dr Neetu Tiwari, MBBS, MD Psychiatry, Senior Resident, NIIMS Medical College & Hospital, Greater Noida, who told us more about the same.

What Is Long COVID?

Long COVID refers to symptoms that persist for weeks or even months after the acute phase of infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these symptoms can include fatigue, muscle pain, memory lapses, and shortness of breath. But beyond the physical, the virus appears to leave behind a psychological footprint that can be just as debilitating.

Many people who once described themselves as mentally sharp now say they struggle to concentrate or recall simple details. This condition, commonly referred to as “brain fog,” is one of the most reported cognitive symptoms. Others experience ongoing anxiety, irritability, or low mood, emotional states that may feel new or much stronger than before.

The Psychological Toll of Long COVID

For some, Long COVID has amplified pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. For others, it has triggered them for the first time. There’s a growing understanding among psychiatrists that this prolonged stress response is partly biological and partly environmental.

On a biological level, inflammation and prolonged immune activity may alter brain chemistry. This can influence mood regulation, memory, and cognitive performance. On a social level, months of isolation, disrupted routines, job insecurity, and the fear of reinfection have taken their toll. The mind, much like the body, has been in survival mode for far too long.

Why Mental Health Support Is Crucial

One of the biggest challenges in addressing Long COVID is recognizing that recovery is not just physical. Many survivors find themselves dismissed or misunderstood because their symptoms are invisible. Yet, ignoring the psychological component can delay overall healing.

Integrated care, where physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists work together — is crucial. Treatment may involve supportive psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and, in some cases, medication to manage anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. These interventions help patients cope with uncertainty while rebuilding emotional strength.

Reclaiming Mental Wellbeing After COVID

Recovery from Long COVID is not only about regaining physical stamina. It is also about rebuilding confidence, purpose, and connection. Experts emphasize that acknowledging distress is not a sign of weakness; it’s a step toward healing. Even simple habits, maintaining a routine, light exercise, staying connected with friends, or practicing breathing techniques can gradually improve resilience.

Long COVID has taught the world a difficult but necessary lesson: mental health deserves the same urgency and attention as physical health. In the months and years ahead, true recovery will depend not only on medical advances but on compassion, for ourselves and for those still struggling to find their way back to normal life.

Can the flu shot make you sick? Do healthy people really need it? Is it possible to catch the flu from the vaccine itself? With so much misinformation circulating, it’s natural to have doubts. Getting vaccinated against the flu, however, remains one of the simplest ways to protect yourself from severe infection.

While it may not guarantee complete immunity, the flu shot significantly lowers your risk of serious illness. Here, we answer some of the most common questions about flu shots and share key things to remember once you’ve had yours.

What Is a Flu Shot and Why Should You Get It?

Influenza, or the flu, is an infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs, all parts of the respiratory system. The illness is caused by a virus. Most people recover at home with rest, but in some cases, it can lead to serious health problems, especially among vulnerable groups.

The flu vaccine offers the best protection against the virus and its complications for nearly everyone. It reduces your risk of infection and can also prevent severe symptoms that might otherwise lead to hospitalization or death.

Each year, seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the three strains of influenza that experts predict will circulate the most during that flu season.

When Is the Flu Vaccine Available?

In the United States, flu vaccines typically become available in September. The flu spreads most actively during specific times of the year in both hemispheres, known as flu seasons. In North America, these usually stretch from October through May.

Because it takes roughly six months for vaccine production, distribution in the U.S. often begins in late summer.

After getting vaccinated, it takes about two weeks for your body to develop immunity. That’s why September or October is considered the best time to get the shot. However, if you miss that window, getting vaccinated later in the season can still offer valuable protection.

What to Avoid After a Flu Shot?

Getting your annual flu shot is a straightforward process, but a few simple choices before and after can make a difference in how you feel afterward. Medical professionals and nutrition experts suggest a few practical steps to help ensure your experience is smooth and comfortable.

Wear Something You Can Roll Up Easily

“Clothing that gives you easy access to the upper arm is ideal,” said Kenneth J. Perry, a South Carolina-based physician, in an interview with Fox News Digital. Because flu shots are given in the deltoid muscle, wearing a shirt with loose sleeves or layers you can remove easily helps avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Have a Light Snack Before You Go

“You don’t usually need to eat or drink beforehand unless it helps you feel more comfortable,” explained Dr. Michael A. Traub of Crystal Run Healthcare in New York. A small snack, however, can steady your blood sugar and prevent dizziness. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offering a beverage, snack, or reassurance before vaccination can reduce fainting. Something simple with protein and carbohydrates, such as a banana with peanut butter or yogurt with granola, can help you feel steady during and after your shot.

Stay Hydrated Before and After

There’s no need to drink excessive amounts of water, but staying hydrated supports comfort and recovery. Both the CDC and Immunize.org recommend drinking water before and after vaccination to maintain circulation and prevent fainting. A glass of water before your appointment and steady fluid intake afterward can help, particularly for people who tend to feel lightheaded during shots.

Know How to Ease Soreness

Mild soreness or fatigue after a flu shot is common. “Typical side effects include slight tiredness, headache, and body aches,” said Dr. Traub. Experts recommend gentle movement or light exercise to help reduce discomfort in the arm. Keeping the arm active encourages blood flow and can ease muscle stiffness.

Know What’s Normal and What’s Not

Minor aches or fatigue are expected side effects, but symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, rash, severe nausea, vomiting, or chest pain require medical attention. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The CDC advises annual flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, unless there is a medical reason to avoid it.

Getting vaccinated each year lowers your risk of severe illness and death caused by influenza, especially for those in high-risk groups.

People at greater risk include:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
• Young children, particularly those under one year old
• Individuals who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or recently postpartum during flu season