Can a toothache be the reason for someone's cancer? An England based doctor and health content creator @Choji_ES who posts on X, formerly Twitter on reproductive health related content revealed a case where a man went to the dentist due to pain in his jaw and when the tooth was pulled out, a cancer was found in his private part.

The same case also been mentioned by Baridueh Badon (MD, MSc, MBA), who allows posts healthcare content on the same microblogging platform, by the username @BadonB.

Case Study

In this case, a man went to a dentist for a simple toothache, only to discover that he had cancer. This happened to a 78-year-old healthy man, who suffered pain in his lower jaw and noticed a loose tooth. When he went to the dentist, he decided to get his tooth remove to ease his pain. However, despite the removal, his jaw started to swell again. Confused, the man was recommended for a CT scan and something unexpected happened.

It was Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

As per an African proverb, it is true that the head and the body are one; what affects one may touch the other.

What Is Metastatic Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is a part of a man's reproductive system. When it spreads to other parts of the body, like the jaw, it is called metastatic prostate cancer. But, why exactly the jaw? This is because the jawbone is rich in blood and active bone marrow, which makes it a comfortable place for cancer cells to settle and grow.

As per a 2023 study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and Pathology, titled Mandibular metastasis from prostate cancer that clinically mimicked osteosarcoma: A case report, noted that in men, 11% of jawbone metastases originated from the prostate gland.

What Are The Signs To Look For?

Warning Signs Dentists Look For:

• Persistent jaw pain or swelling
• Loose teeth without a clear reason
• Slow healing after a tooth extraction
• Numbness or tingling in the jaw

These may seem minor, but they could hint at something serious. Early detection is life-saving.

Regular Checkups And Its Importance

Prostate cancer is the 4th common cancer globally and is most prone to men who are over 40. Every year, it claims about 400,000 lives worldwide.

Take charge of your health

• Don't stay long with untreated STDs or UTIs (toilet infection)
• Have regular medical checkups
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Listen to your body’s whispers before they become screams

Case Study: Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy

Earlier in November, six-time Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage-4 prostate cancer, which was announced in February. This six-time Olympic champion revealed that he had a pain in his shoulder when he was 47, which did not go away. "I was still lifting weights in the gym, still physically active. You are used to having aches and pains, but this one did not go away."

Prostate Cancer, and types

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It occurs when abnormal cells form and grow in that gland.

Experts say that not all prostate cancer is deadly. There are cancers that are slow-growing and will not affect a man's lifespan, which is found in 1 in 3 men over 50. Then there is a small number of very aggressive prostate cancers which move quickly and cause harm, this is why regular screening is important.

Chris too has called for more, younger men to be tested, including those with a family history of the disease.

When human beings begin to age beyond the young adult stage in life, the body slowly starts deteriorating. While a lot of it can be slowed by exercising, a good diet, and other lifestyle changes, it is a natural part of life. Losing strength in your muscles is also another aspect of it. However, even if you aren’t as strong as you were before, one can always go back to training and exercising to regain some of it back.

Knowing whether you have lost strength can be tricky, but you can figure it out through a few strength tests. These tests can help you figure out what specific areas you need to work on and how to go about it.

Why Is It Important To Build Strength As You Age?

As we get older, focusing on making our muscles stronger becomes even more crucial than just doing activities that get our heart rate up. Building muscle helps our bodies fight against the natural loss of muscle and bone that comes with aging. This means you'll be able to keep doing everyday tasks without struggling and you'll be much less likely to get hurt from falls or other accidents. Strong muscles make all activities easier and safer as we age. So, while getting your heart pumping is still good, don't underestimate the power of building and maintaining muscle strength as you age.

Think of it as building a strong foundation for an active and independent future. You absolutely can and should begin incorporating exercises that challenge your muscles, no matter your current fitness level. This will pay off in feeling better, moving easier, and staying healthier as you continue to age.

Tests That Can Determine Your Strength Levels

A few simple tests can help you recognize potential weaknesses so that you can work on them in the future! A few things you should have before you start are a clock or stopwatch Just a way to keep time and a solid wall for support if needed. You might also want a soft mat for the exercises you do on the floor. You can do these exercises without shoes or in comfortable athletic shoes.

One-Foot Balance

Stand normally, then carefully lift one foot a little bit off the floor. See if you can stand on the other leg without holding onto anything for a full minute. This checks your balance, which relies on good muscle strength.

Sitting-Rising Test

Start standing up. Cross one leg over the other and carefully sit down on the floor with your legs crossed. See how easily you can sit down and then stand back up without using your hands, knees, or arms for support.

Wall Sit

Stand with your back flat against a strong wall. Step your feet forward a bit and then slide down the wall until your hips are at the same height as your knees. Make sure your knees are right above your ankles. Hold this position for as long as you can to test your leg strength.

Plank

Get down on the floor on your hands, making sure your hands are directly under your shoulders. Then, stretch your legs out behind you and put your toes on the ground. Try to keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, engaging your core muscles. Hold this position to test your core strength.

Push-Up

Start in the same position as the plank, but you can have your knees on the floor for an easier version. Slowly bend your elbows backward, keeping them at about a 45-degree angle from your body, and lower your chest almost to the floor. Then, push yourself back up. This tests your upper body strength.

While there have been many debates about sparkling water and whether it is safe for consumption, studies have shown that it has many benefits for our health but what is sparkling water aka carbonated water? Carbonated water is water which has been infused with carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbly drink. They are served as club soda, sparkling water, soda water etc. What makes it different from normal water is that the carbon dioxide in the sparkling water produces carbonic acid, which is a weak acid that causes a burning prickly sensation.

Research has shown that it can actually help improve our digestion, and they make a great addition to other drinks as well. Many of us love the refreshing fizz of sparkling water, but a doctor warns it might not be as healthy as still water for everyone. Dr. Julio Maset, known as @cinfasalud on Instagram, explains that while both sparkling and still water hydrate and have no calories, they aren't always interchangeable.

Sparkling water can help with digestion and ease that heavy feeling after a big meal. However, it's crucial to understand when still water is the better choice for your body.

Experts caution that some people should avoid sparkling water. If you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sparkling water might cause discomfort. Experts also point out that sparkling water is more acidic in the mouth, which could potentially erode dental enamel over time, though not as much as sugary drinks. To minimize this risk, it's best to drink it with meals and in moderation. The main takeaway is not to completely replace still water; it remains the top choice for daily hydration. However, sparkling water can be a healthy swap if it means cutting out sugary soft drinks.

Link Between Carbonation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

According to Livestrong, certain foods and drinks can trigger symptoms for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), even though the exact connection isn't fully understood. Carbonated drinks, including sparkling water, are on this list, alongside dairy, beans, wheat, cabbage, and citrus fruits.

While drinking carbonated beverages won't cause IBS or diarrhea, they can definitely trigger bloating and gas because you're literally consuming gas bubbles. If these bubbly drinks also contain sugar or artificial sweeteners, they're even more likely to cause diarrhea for those sensitive to them.

What Are Some Other Foods To Avoid In IBS

Dairy Products

Milk and dairy containing lactose can cause gas and bloating for many. Most adults don't make enough lactase to digest it. However, yogurt is often an exception, as its live cultures break down lactose, reducing gassy symptoms.

Foods High in Fructose

High-fructose corn syrup in processed foods can worsen IBS symptoms. Even healthy foods like apples, pears, and dried fruits are naturally high in fructose. For IBS, berries, citrus, and bananas might be better choices.

Fizzy Drinks and Caffeine

The bubbles in carbonated drinks like soda and seltzer can cause gas. Stick to water and lactose-free milk. Caffeine in coffee, tea, and cola can also increase diarrhea, a common IBS symptom.

Sugar-Free Gum

Many sugar-free gums use artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and xylitol, which can cause diarrhea. Chewing gum also makes you swallow more air, leading to extra gassiness and discomfort.

India is no stranger to the monsoon, but in recent times, untimely rainfall, during the summers has become a recurring and worrying pattern. Sudden downpours and extended wet spells, often hitting before or after the traditional monsoon season, have created favorable conditions for a surge in seasonal diseases. Public health experts are increasingly concerned that this erratic weather is putting millions of Indians at risk, particularly in urban areas where poor drainage and sanitation aggravate the problem.

Why Untimely Rainfall Is a Health Hazard

Unseasonal rains lead to prolonged humidity and stagnant water, two ideal conditions for the breeding of disease-carrying mosquitoes and the spread of bacteria and viruses. Overflowing drains, waterlogged streets, and contaminated water supplies become hotspots for infection. With climate change making such weather more frequent, India’s already burdened healthcare system faces further pressure during the monsoon and beyond.

Here Is a List of 10 Most Common Monsoon Diseases:

Dengue

Spread by the Aedes mosquito (often called the tiger mosquito), dengue is the most widespread monsoon disease. To prevent bites, apply mosquito repellent gel or lotion regularly.

Symptoms:

• High fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rashes
• Headache
• Low platelet count
• Hypersensitivity

Chikungunya

Caused by mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water, often in overhead tanks, coolers, or unused containers.

Symptoms:

• Intense joint pain
• High fever
• Fatigue
• Chills

Malaria

Another mosquito-borne illness that spikes during monsoon due to waterlogging.

Symptoms:

• Recurring high fever
• Chills and sweating
• Body ache
• Severe anemia

Cholera

Caused by consuming contaminated food or water, particularly where sanitation is poor.

Symptoms:

• Dehydration
• Muscle cramps
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Loss of skin elasticity

Typhoid

A highly contagious bacterial disease, often resulting from unhygienic food and water.

Symptoms:

• Prolonged high fever
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting

Viral Fever

Common during monsoon, this illness spreads easily due to temperature fluctuations and humidity.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Muscle and joint pain
• Inflammation of the throat

Diarrhea

Typically caused by unhygienic food or water, diarrhea can become dangerous if left untreated.

Symptoms:

• Watery stools
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Nausea

Influenza

Fluctuating weather often leads to cold and flu symptoms, which can spread quickly.

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Muscle ache
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Persistent cough

Leptospirosis

Transmitted from animals to humans, this bacterial infection becomes common in waterlogged areas.

Symptoms:

• High fever
• Headache
• Red eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Rashes

Stomach Infections

Caused by the consumption of unhygienic food, leading to infections like gastroenteritis.

Symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Low-grade fever

Staying Safe During the Monsoon

As India grapples with climate change-induced weather patterns, it is essential to stay prepared. Avoid street food, drink only boiled or filtered water, and use mosquito repellents. Basic hygiene practices like washing hands regularly and ensuring proper sanitation can go a long way in protecting yourself and your family during this unpredictable season.