Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Cancer ‘Completely Replaced’ This Man’s Finger And Toe Bones With Lesions After Weird Swelling

What started as a strange swelling in a man’s finger and toe turned out to be one of the most unusual and aggressive signs of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> spreading in the body—a sign so rare that it occurs in less than 0.1% of bone metastases. For this 55-year-old man, the swelling was not an injury, not gout, and not an infection. It was cancer, and it had “completely replaced” the bones in his digits with destructive lesions. His case has now been published in The New England Journal of Medicine, offering a rare glimpse into how far lung cancer can go—and how quickly it can devastate the body.

In the weeks leading up to his hospital visit, the man had already been diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the lung—a non-small-cell lung cancer that originates in the flat lining cells of the airways. But what brought him back to the hospital was unrelated to his breathing or chest discomfort. Instead, it was swelling in his right middle finger and right big toe, both of which had become red, tender, and clubbed—appearing similar to gout.

On physical examination, doctors found not only redness and swelling, but also firm masses and an ulcer near the toenail. The key clue came from radiographic scans: both the finger and the toe showed destructive lytic lesions, meaning the cancer had eaten through and completely replaced the bone tissue.

This was not a common complication of lung cancer—it was acrometastasis, a term used to describe metastases that occur in the bones below the elbows and knees. This is an extremely rare case event due to the low bone marrow content and limited blood supply in the digits, which makes them an unlikely destination for circulating cancer cells.

<h2>Why This Kind of Metastasis Is So Rare?</h2>

Most bone metastases are drawn to bone marrow-rich areas, like the spine, pelvis, ribs, and femur—places where cancer cells can settle and proliferate. By contrast, the bones of the fingers and toes have little marrow, less vascularization, and lower blood flow, making them inhospitable to cancer cells.

A 2021 review showed that acrometastasis accounts for only 0.1% of bone metastases and it tends to appear later in the disease course, often signaling terminal progression. It’s more frequently observed in men, and most commonly linked to lung, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancers.

In some cases, acrometastases are actually the first visible sign of cancer, leading to initial diagnosis but for this patient, they marked a serious progression.

From the outside, acrometastases can easily be mistaken for gout, infection (osteomyelitis), or inflammatory arthritis. Symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain are non-specific. But what distinguishes acrometastases is what’s happening inside the bone—a fact only visible through radiographic imaging.

In this case, scans of the patient’s finger and toe showed that the bone was essentially gone, replaced by malignant lesions. That finding immediately shifted the diagnosis from inflammatory or infectious causes to metastatic cancer.

The clinical takeaway is clear: not all swollen joints or digits are benign, especially in patients with a known cancer history. Imaging can be decisive when symptoms don’t add up.

<h2>What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung?</h2>

The patient’s primary cancer—squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung—is a type of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which makes up 85% of all lung cancers.

This type of cancer occurs in the central airways, which may explain why symptoms like persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, or voice hoarseness often appear early. Still, most cases are diagnosed late, typically at Stage III or IV because initial symptoms can be mild or misattributed to smoking-related conditions like bronchitis.

Common symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include:

<ul><li>Persistent cough</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Unexplained weight loss</li><li>Frequent respiratory infections</li><li>Chest or shoulder pain</li></ul>

As in this patient’s case, the diagnosis was made at an advanced stage, with metastases already present.

Given the aggressive progression and the rare nature of his bone metastases, the patient’s treatment plan was focused not on cure, but on relief. Doctors began palliative radiotherapy, aimed at reducing pain and preserving some function in the affected hand and foot.

Unfortunately, just three weeks after diagnosis, the patient passed away from refractory hypercalcemia, a severe condition where calcium levels rise uncontrollably in the blood, often driven by cancerous bone activity. In many cancer patients, high calcium is both a warning sign of metastasis and a cause of rapid decline.

Acrometastasis may be rare, but this case drives home a critical point: subtle signs like finger or toe swelling shouldn’t be ignored, especially in people with known cancer—or even in those at risk.

In clinical practice, missing the diagnosis can delay appropriate care or leave pain untreated. For patients, it’s a reminder to report unusual physical changes, even if they seem minor.

The case also underscores the need for more widespread lung cancer screening, especially for smokers and former smokers. Right now, lung CT screenings remain underutilized in the U.S., despite their ability to catch cancer earlier, when curative treatment is still possible.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and squamous cell carcinoma continues to pose treatment challenges due to its tendency to present late and spread unpredictably.

Health Conditions A-Z

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cancer

acrometastasis cancer

finger toe swelling cancer

rare bone metastasis

bone lesions cancer

cancer symptoms in toes

metastatic cancer signs

unusual cancer discovery

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What started as a strange swelling in a man’s finger and toe turned out to be one of the most unusual and aggressive signs of cancer spreading in the body—a sign so rare that it occurs in less than 0.1% of bone metastases. For this 55-year-old man, the swelling was not an injury, not gout, and not an infection. It was cancer, and it had “completely replaced” the bones in his digits with destructive lesions. His case has now been published in The New England Journal of Medicine, offering a rare glimpse into how far lung cancer can go—and how quickly it can devastate the body.In the weeks leading up to his hospital visit, the man had already been diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the lung—a non-small-cell lung cancer that originates in the flat lining cells of the airways. But what brought him back to the hospital was unrelated to his breathing or chest discomfort. Instead, it was swelling in his right middle finger and right big toe, both of which had become red, tender, and clubbed—appearing similar to gout.On physical examination, doctors found not only redness and swelling, but also firm masses and an ulcer near the toenail. The key clue came from radiographic scans: both the finger and the toe showed destructive lytic lesions, meaning the cancer had eaten through and completely replaced the bone tissue.This was not a common complication of lung cancer—it was acrometastasis, a term used to describe metastases that occur in the bones below the elbows and knees. This is an extremely rare case event due to the low bone marrow content and limited blood supply in the digits, which makes them an unlikely destination for circulating cancer cells.Why This Kind of Metastasis Is So Rare?Most bone metastases are drawn to bone marrow-rich areas, like the spine, pelvis, ribs, and femur—places where cancer cells can settle and proliferate. By contrast, the bones of the fingers and toes have little marrow, less vascularization, and lower blood flow, making them inhospitable to cancer cells.A 2021 review showed that acrometastasis accounts for only 0.1% of bone metastases and it tends to appear later in the disease course, often signaling terminal progression. It’s more frequently observed in men, and most commonly linked to lung, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancers.In some cases, acrometastases are actually the first visible sign of cancer, leading to initial diagnosis but for this patient, they marked a serious progression.What is Acrometastasis?From the outside, acrometastases can easily be mistaken for gout, infection (osteomyelitis), or inflammatory arthritis. Symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain are non-specific. But what distinguishes acrometastases is what’s happening inside the bone—a fact only visible through radiographic imaging.In this case, scans of the patient’s finger and toe showed that the bone was essentially gone, replaced by malignant lesions. That finding immediately shifted the diagnosis from inflammatory or infectious causes to metastatic cancer.The clinical takeaway is clear: not all swollen joints or digits are benign, especially in patients with a known cancer history. Imaging can be decisive when symptoms don’t add up.What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung?The patient’s primary cancer—squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung—is a type of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which makes up 85% of all lung cancers.This type of cancer occurs in the central airways, which may explain why symptoms like persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, or voice hoarseness often appear early. Still, most cases are diagnosed late, typically at Stage III or IV because initial symptoms can be mild or misattributed to smoking-related conditions like bronchitis.Common symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma include:Persistent coughShortness of breathUnexplained weight lossFrequent respiratory infectionsChest or shoulder painAs in this patient’s case, the diagnosis was made at an advanced stage, with metastases already present.Given the aggressive progression and the rare nature of his bone metastases, the patient’s treatment plan was focused not on cure, but on relief. Doctors began palliative radiotherapy, aimed at reducing pain and preserving some function in the affected hand and foot.Unfortunately, just three weeks after diagnosis, the patient passed away from refractory hypercalcemia, a severe condition where calcium levels rise uncontrollably in the blood, often driven by cancerous bone activity. In many cancer patients, high calcium is both a warning sign of metastasis and a cause of rapid decline.Acrometastasis may be rare, but this case drives home a critical point: subtle signs like finger or toe swelling shouldn’t be ignored, especially in people with known cancer—or even in those at risk.In clinical practice, missing the diagnosis can delay appropriate care or leave pain untreated. For patients, it’s a reminder to report unusual physical changes, even if they seem minor.The case also underscores the need for more widespread lung cancer screening, especially for smokers and former smokers. Right now, lung CT screenings remain underutilized in the U.S., despite their ability to catch cancer earlier, when curative treatment is still possible.Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and squamous cell carcinoma continues to pose treatment challenges due to its tendency to present late and spread unpredictably.

cancer ‘completely replaced’ this man’s finger and toe bones with lesions after weird swelling

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We often think of anxiety as an emotional or mental struggle- a racing heart before a big meeting, a persistent knot in the stomach, the endless loop of worst-case scenarios playing out in our minds but what if anxiety was doing more than just weighing on your mood? What if, over time, it was actually damaging your brain?

Chronic anxiety, if left untreated, doesn't just affect how you feel. Emerging neuroscience suggests it can also cause structural and functional damage to the brain, potentially speeding up the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

According to Dr. Prajwal Rao, DM Neurology and Head of the Department of Neurology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center in Pune, “We’re starting to view anxiety not just as a symptom of stress or a psychiatric diagnosis, but as a biological driver that may influence long-term brain health.” That insight is leading researchers and clinicians to reevaluate how they screen, diagnose, and treat anxiety—especially in older adults.

This is more than a <span>mental health</span> story. It’s a wake-up call about how your mind and body are more interconnected than we ever realized—and why ignoring chronic anxiety could have irreversible consequences.

<h2>How Does The Brain React on Chronic Stress?</h2>

At the core of this mind-body connection lies the body’s stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This system is built for short-term survival, it floods your body with cortisol to help you react in fight-or-flight situations. But when anxiety is chronic, the HPA axis stays overactivated, keeping cortisol levels high for too long.

Dr. Rao explains, “Sustained cortisol exposure has neurotoxic effects. It weakens the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Over time, this can lead to measurable cognitive decline.”

This means that someone living with long-term anxiety isn’t just emotionally fatigued—they may also be more vulnerable to diseases involving memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s.

Recent imaging studies support what neurologists like Dr. Rao have long suspected. People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) frequently show reduced hippocampal volume, a condition also observed in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. These findings suggest a troubling overlap between anxiety-related brain changes and those seen in neurodegenerative diseases.

But the damage doesn’t stop there. Chronic anxiety can also trigger neuroinflammation, the process by which the brain’s immune system begins attacking its own cells. Neuroinflammation has been implicated in a wide range of neurological diseases—from Parkinson’s to ALS—raising the stakes for early anxiety treatment.

<h2>Can Poor Sleep Be The Silent Aggravator of Neurodegeneration?</h2>

Another hidden piece of the puzzle is sleep. The brain’s self-cleaning system, known as the glymphatic system, becomes active primarily during deep sleep. It flushes out toxic proteins like beta-amyloid, the same proteins that clump together to form plaques in Alzheimer’s patients.

Chronic anxiety often disrupts sleep, reducing both its quality and duration. “When deep sleep is compromised, the brain loses its opportunity to detoxify itself,” says Dr. Rao. “This may allow harmful proteins to build up, accelerating cognitive decline.”

<h2>What Role Genetics Play For Increased Vulnerability?</h2>

While not everyone with anxiety will develop a neurodegenerative disease, some individuals may be more biologically susceptible than others. Genetics appears to play a role—especially in people who have both anxiety-prone temperaments and gene variants that affect stress response and neural resilience.

These individuals may have a double disadvantage, they’re more likely to experience anxiety, and their brains may be less equipped to handle the long-term effects of that stress. Early screening and intervention in such high-risk populations could be crucial in delaying or preventing serious brain-related illnesses.

<h2>Is Anxiety in Older Adults An Overlooked Danger?</h2>

One of the most concerning aspects of this connection is how frequently anxiety is underdiagnosed in older adults. Symptoms like restlessness, irritability or sleep problems are often written off as “normal aging” especially when there’s no obvious cause.

This is a missed opportunity, says Dr. Rao. “Anxiety in the elderly shouldn’t be dismissed—it may be a modifiable risk factor for neurodegeneration. By treating it proactively, we’re not only improving emotional wellbeing but potentially preserving cognitive function.”

<h2>What This Means for People With Anxiety?</h2>

Treating anxiety isn’t just about feeling better in the moment—it could be a long-term investment in your brain health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, physical exercise, and even certain medications can all help manage anxiety. But more importantly, they may help protect the brain from premature decline.

“It’s time we stop thinking of anxiety as just an emotional burden,” Dr. Rao says. “The brain and body are intimately connected. Supporting mental health is supporting brain health—and ultimately, whole-body health.”

As neuroscience continues to evolve, one truth is becoming clear: our emotional health is not separate from our physical wellbeing. Chronic anxiety, if left unchecked, may do more than drain your energy or mood. It may slowly erode the very structure of your brain.

The next time you’re tempted to push anxiety to the side or power through it, remember this—the mind can break the body. But with the right care, attention, and treatment, it can also be the first line of defense in protecting your most vital organ: your brain.

mental health

chronic anxiety and brain health

anxiety and alzheimers

anxiety neurodegeneration link

stress cortisol brain damage

anxiety and memory loss

mental health and aging

neuroinflammation anxiety

We often think of anxiety as an emotional or mental struggle- a racing heart before a big meeting, a persistent knot in the stomach, the endless loop of worst-case scenarios playing out in our minds but what if anxiety was doing more than just weighing on your mood? What if, over time, it was actually damaging your brain?Chronic anxiety, if left untreated, doesn't just affect how you feel. Emerging neuroscience suggests it can also cause structural and functional damage to the brain, potentially speeding up the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.According to Dr. Prajwal Rao, DM Neurology and Head of the Department of Neurology at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center in Pune, “We’re starting to view anxiety not just as a symptom of stress or a psychiatric diagnosis, but as a biological driver that may influence long-term brain health.” That insight is leading researchers and clinicians to reevaluate how they screen, diagnose, and treat anxiety—especially in older adults.This is more than a mental health story. It’s a wake-up call about how your mind and body are more interconnected than we ever realized—and why ignoring chronic anxiety could have irreversible consequences.How Does The Brain React on Chronic Stress?At the core of this mind-body connection lies the body’s stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This system is built for short-term survival, it floods your body with cortisol to help you react in fight-or-flight situations. But when anxiety is chronic, the HPA axis stays overactivated, keeping cortisol levels high for too long.Dr. Rao explains, “Sustained cortisol exposure has neurotoxic effects. It weakens the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Over time, this can lead to measurable cognitive decline.”This means that someone living with long-term anxiety isn’t just emotionally fatigued—they may also be more vulnerable to diseases involving memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s.Recent imaging studies support what neurologists like Dr. Rao have long suspected. People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) frequently show reduced hippocampal volume, a condition also observed in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. These findings suggest a troubling overlap between anxiety-related brain changes and those seen in neurodegenerative diseases.But the damage doesn’t stop there. Chronic anxiety can also trigger neuroinflammation, the process by which the brain’s immune system begins attacking its own cells. Neuroinflammation has been implicated in a wide range of neurological diseases—from Parkinson’s to ALS—raising the stakes for early anxiety treatment.Can Poor Sleep Be The Silent Aggravator of Neurodegeneration?Another hidden piece of the puzzle is sleep. The brain’s self-cleaning system, known as the glymphatic system, becomes active primarily during deep sleep. It flushes out toxic proteins like beta-amyloid, the same proteins that clump together to form plaques in Alzheimer’s patients.Chronic anxiety often disrupts sleep, reducing both its quality and duration. “When deep sleep is compromised, the brain loses its opportunity to detoxify itself,” says Dr. Rao. “This may allow harmful proteins to build up, accelerating cognitive decline.”What Role Genetics Play For Increased Vulnerability?While not everyone with anxiety will develop a neurodegenerative disease, some individuals may be more biologically susceptible than others. Genetics appears to play a role—especially in people who have both anxiety-prone temperaments and gene variants that affect stress response and neural resilience.These individuals may have a double disadvantage, they’re more likely to experience anxiety, and their brains may be less equipped to handle the long-term effects of that stress. Early screening and intervention in such high-risk populations could be crucial in delaying or preventing serious brain-related illnesses.Is Anxiety in Older Adults An Overlooked Danger?One of the most concerning aspects of this connection is how frequently anxiety is underdiagnosed in older adults. Symptoms like restlessness, irritability or sleep problems are often written off as “normal aging” especially when there’s no obvious cause.This is a missed opportunity, says Dr. Rao. “Anxiety in the elderly shouldn’t be dismissed—it may be a modifiable risk factor for neurodegeneration. By treating it proactively, we’re not only improving emotional wellbeing but potentially preserving cognitive function.”What This Means for People With Anxiety?Treating anxiety isn’t just about feeling better in the moment—it could be a long-term investment in your brain health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, physical exercise, and even certain medications can all help manage anxiety. But more importantly, they may help protect the brain from premature decline.“It’s time we stop thinking of anxiety as just an emotional burden,” Dr. Rao says. “The brain and body are intimately connected. Supporting mental health is supporting brain health—and ultimately, whole-body health.”As neuroscience continues to evolve, one truth is becoming clear: our emotional health is not separate from our physical wellbeing. Chronic anxiety, if left unchecked, may do more than drain your energy or mood. It may slowly erode the very structure of your brain.The next time you’re tempted to push anxiety to the side or power through it, remember this—the mind can break the body. But with the right care, attention, and treatment, it can also be the first line of defense in protecting your most vital organ: your brain.

world brain day: can your mind break the body? how chronic anxiety might be fueling neurodegeneration

Supriya Ramesh

Is Taking Rest Really That Important for Kids? Experts Explain How Much Sleep Shapes a Child’s Brain

Credits: Canva

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We often think of <span>sleep</span> as just giving rest to the body and mind, but for children, it is anything but passive. Behind closed eyelids, their brains are buzzing with essential activity like building memories, managing emotions, and growing in every sense of the word. On <span>World Brain Day</span>, we turned to experts to know if sleep is really the ultimate secret sauce for a child’s brain and body development.

<strong>What Happens in a Child’s Brain While They Sleep?</strong>

“Sleep is not merely a time of rest for children,” explains Dr. Puja Kapoor, paediatric neurologist and co-founder of Continua Kids. “It is a critical period during which their brain grows, repairs, and develops.” She says that while it may seem like kids are just recharging, what actually unfolds is a complex neurological process. 

When we sleep, our brain processes and stores everything we have done during the day as <span>memory</span>. "If we do not sleep well, our experiences do not consolidate into memory, and children may experience brain fog, irritability, and reduced learning capacity," she explains. 

According to her, this reformatting helps the brain function better the next day. “Without this rest, children may become anxious, irritable, and less capable of absorbing new information or coping with day-to-day tasks,” she adds.

<strong>Spot the Signs: Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?</strong>

Dr. Kapoor lists the <strong>tell-tale signs of <span rel="noindex">sleep deprivation</span></strong>: poor attention, emotional instability, <span>hyperactivity</span>, and trouble understanding or following instructions. And it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. “Newborns require around 16–18 hours of sleep; toddlers between 10–11 hours plus an afternoon nap; and older children around 8–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep,” she advises. For children under five, afternoon naps are essential for <span>brain development</span>.

<strong>Beware the Bright Screens and Late Meals</strong>

Modern habits can sabotage this much-needed rest. “Please end the use of TV or mobile phones at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime,” warns Dr. Kapoor. “The light emitted from screens inhibits <span>melatonin</span>, the hormone responsible for sleep, from being produced, which disrupts sleep cycles.” She recommends creating a soothing <span>bedtime routine</span> with soft lighting, quiet music, cosy bedding, or even a lukewarm foot bath to help kids transition into sleep mode. And yes, dinner matters too. “Going to bed hungry can further interrupt their sleep,” she says.

<strong>Sleep and Brain Growth: The Pulmonologist’s Perspective</strong>

Echoing these views is Dr. Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at Wellness Home Clinic and Sleep Centre, Delhi, who adds that the early years are a time of rapid brain development. “During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes new information, and strengthens neural connections,” he says. “It also supports <span>emotional regulation</span> and decision-making skills. Growth hormones essential for physical and neurological development are released during this time.”

Dr. Mittal also points to the long-term risks of poor sleep. “Sleep deprivation in children can result in inattention, memory problems, irritability, and hyperactivity symptoms often mistaken for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” he explains. Ongoing lack of sleep could even reshape areas of the brain responsible for emotional control and academic performance.

According to Dr. Mittal, warning signs of sleep deprivation include frequent mood swings, difficulty waking up, daytime sleepiness, or even clumsiness. These could point to not just fatigue but also underlying sleep disorders.

<strong>His solution? </strong>Structure. “Maintain consistent bedtime and wake-up times even on weekends,” he suggests. The sleep environment should be quiet, cool, and dark and definitely screen-free at least an hour before bed. “Encouraging calming activities like reading or listening to soft music can help signal the body that it is time to wind down,” he adds.

<strong>Treat Sleep Like a Daily Vitamin</strong>

Both Dr. Kapoor and Dr. Mittal agree that sleep is not just important; it is foundational. It impacts memory, learning, mood, physical growth, and even how well children adapt to their world.

Parents, take note: sleep is not optional. It is as essential as food, love, and education. By making bedtime a calm, screen-free, consistent routine, you are not just giving your child rest; you are investing in their future.

world brain day

sleep

brain development

memory

emotional regulation

sleep deprivation

hyperactivity

melatonin

screen time

bedtime routine

We often think of sleep as just giving rest to the body and mind, but for children, it is anything but passive. Behind closed eyelids, their brains are buzzing with essential activity like building memories, managing emotions, and growing in every sense of the word. On World Brain Day, we turned to experts to know if sleep is really the ultimate secret sauce for a child’s brain and body development.What Happens in a Child’s Brain While They Sleep?“Sleep is not merely a time of rest for children,” explains Dr. Puja Kapoor, paediatric neurologist and co-founder of Continua Kids. “It is a critical period during which their brain grows, repairs, and develops.” She says that while it may seem like kids are just recharging, what actually unfolds is a complex neurological process. When we sleep, our brain processes and stores everything we have done during the day as memory. "If we do not sleep well, our experiences do not consolidate into memory, and children may experience brain fog, irritability, and reduced learning capacity," she explains. According to her, this reformatting helps the brain function better the next day. “Without this rest, children may become anxious, irritable, and less capable of absorbing new information or coping with day-to-day tasks,” she adds.Spot the Signs: Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?Dr. Kapoor lists the tell-tale signs of sleep deprivation: poor attention, emotional instability, hyperactivity, and trouble understanding or following instructions. And it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. “Newborns require around 16–18 hours of sleep; toddlers between 10–11 hours plus an afternoon nap; and older children around 8–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep,” she advises. For children under five, afternoon naps are essential for brain development.Beware the Bright Screens and Late MealsModern habits can sabotage this much-needed rest. “Please end the use of TV or mobile phones at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime,” warns Dr. Kapoor. “The light emitted from screens inhibits melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep, from being produced, which disrupts sleep cycles.” She recommends creating a soothing bedtime routine with soft lighting, quiet music, cosy bedding, or even a lukewarm foot bath to help kids transition into sleep mode. And yes, dinner matters too. “Going to bed hungry can further interrupt their sleep,” she says.Sleep and Brain Growth: The Pulmonologist’s PerspectiveEchoing these views is Dr. Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at Wellness Home Clinic and Sleep Centre, Delhi, who adds that the early years are a time of rapid brain development. “During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes new information, and strengthens neural connections,” he says. “It also supports emotional regulation and decision-making skills. Growth hormones essential for physical and neurological development are released during this time.”Dr. Mittal also points to the long-term risks of poor sleep. “Sleep deprivation in children can result in inattention, memory problems, irritability, and hyperactivity symptoms often mistaken for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” he explains. Ongoing lack of sleep could even reshape areas of the brain responsible for emotional control and academic performance.Look Out for Red FlagsAccording to Dr. Mittal, warning signs of sleep deprivation include frequent mood swings, difficulty waking up, daytime sleepiness, or even clumsiness. These could point to not just fatigue but also underlying sleep disorders.His solution? Structure. “Maintain consistent bedtime and wake-up times even on weekends,” he suggests. The sleep environment should be quiet, cool, and dark and definitely screen-free at least an hour before bed. “Encouraging calming activities like reading or listening to soft music can help signal the body that it is time to wind down,” he adds.Treat Sleep Like a Daily VitaminBoth Dr. Kapoor and Dr. Mittal agree that sleep is not just important; it is foundational. It impacts memory, learning, mood, physical growth, and even how well children adapt to their world.Parents, take note: sleep is not optional. It is as essential as food, love, and education. By making bedtime a calm, screen-free, consistent routine, you are not just giving your child rest; you are investing in their future.

is taking rest really that important for kids? experts explain how much sleep shapes a child’s brain

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From Brain to Heart Health: Here is Why Black Seed Oil is Ayurveda’s Favourite

from brain to heart health: here is why black seed oil is ayurveda’s favourite

We all enjoy a nice, sweet treat every now and then. However, when we start overindulging in these desserts, that’s when it becomes a problem. It is a fact that sugar plays an important role in our daily intake, along with other whole foods that contain fiber, minerals, antioxidants as well as protein. But a big reason why we must consume it in moderation is because too much sugar can easily mess with your bodily functions. 

A recent study, according to the <span>Endocrine Society</span> news release, suggests that even small increases in <span>blood sugar</span>, levels that aren't high enough to be considered diabetes, could negatively impact a man's ability to father children and his sexual function. The research indicates that even these minor elevations in blood sugar are linked to problems with how sperm move and with getting or maintaining an erection. 

<h2>Blood Sugar's Impact Outweighs Age and Hormones </h2>

Surprisingly, this research found that these subtle changes in a man's blood sugar might affect his fertility and sexual health more significantly than the natural decline in hormone levels that comes with getting older. For a long time, it was thought that age and hormone levels were the main drivers of a man's declining sexual health. However, this study suggests that these changes are more closely related to small increases in blood sugar and other body changes tied to metabolism. 

The good news is that men can take active steps to protect or even improve their reproductive health. Making healthy lifestyle choices and getting appropriate medical care can make a big difference. This means that men have the power to help their bodies stay healthy in ways that support their sexual and reproductive well-being. Simple habits like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and losing any extra weight can help keep <span>blood sugar levels</span> in a healthy range. 

To understand these effects, researchers followed a group of healthy men over several years. The study started in 2014 with 200 men, ranging in age from 18 to 85, and continued to track them until 2020. By the end of the study period, 117 of these men were still participating. During this time, researchers carefully looked at various aspects of the men's health. They examined changes in their sperm quality, hormone levels, ability to have erections, and indicators of their metabolic health. This included checking things like their body fat levels (measured by BMI) and, importantly, their blood sugar levels. 

As the years passed, the men's hormone levels and general sperm characteristics mostly stayed within normal ranges. However, a significant finding emerged: sperm movement and erectile function saw a decline in men whose blood sugar levels went up, even if those levels were still below what's considered the diabetes threshold. This threshold is typically measured by a blood test called hemoglobin A1C, with 6.5% being the point for diabetes. The study also observed that while testosterone levels didn't directly affect a man's ability to get an erection, they did seem to influence his reported sexual desire. 

The researchers are hopeful that the information from this study will be valuable for doctors and their patients. They believe it can help create effective plans for men to maintain their sexual health. This research shows that it's within our control to support men's sexual and reproductive well-being, even as they age. 

It's worth noting that these findings were first shared at a medical conference. Information presented at such meetings is considered early and should be confirmed through publication in a scientific journal after being reviewed by other experts. 

diet & nutrition

endocrine society

blood sugar levels

blood sugar

does sugar impact hormones

Sugar age and hormones

We all enjoy a nice, sweet treat every now and then. However, when we start overindulging in these desserts, that’s when it becomes a problem. It is a fact that sugar plays an important role in our daily intake, along with other whole foods that contain fiber, minerals, antioxidants as well as protein. But a big reason why we must consume it in moderation is because too much sugar can easily mess with your bodily functions. A recent study, according to the Endocrine Society news release, suggests that even small increases in blood sugar, levels that aren't high enough to be considered diabetes, could negatively impact a man's ability to father children and his sexual function. The research indicates that even these minor elevations in blood sugar are linked to problems with how sperm move and with getting or maintaining an erection. Blood Sugar's Impact Outweighs Age and Hormones Surprisingly, this research found that these subtle changes in a man's blood sugar might affect his fertility and sexual health more significantly than the natural decline in hormone levels that comes with getting older. For a long time, it was thought that age and hormone levels were the main drivers of a man's declining sexual health. However, this study suggests that these changes are more closely related to small increases in blood sugar and other body changes tied to metabolism. Lifestyle Choices Can Help The good news is that men can take active steps to protect or even improve their reproductive health. Making healthy lifestyle choices and getting appropriate medical care can make a big difference. This means that men have the power to help their bodies stay healthy in ways that support their sexual and reproductive well-being. Simple habits like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and losing any extra weight can help keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. To understand these effects, researchers followed a group of healthy men over several years. The study started in 2014 with 200 men, ranging in age from 18 to 85, and continued to track them until 2020. By the end of the study period, 117 of these men were still participating. During this time, researchers carefully looked at various aspects of the men's health. They examined changes in their sperm quality, hormone levels, ability to have erections, and indicators of their metabolic health. This included checking things like their body fat levels (measured by BMI) and, importantly, their blood sugar levels. Key Findings As the years passed, the men's hormone levels and general sperm characteristics mostly stayed within normal ranges. However, a significant finding emerged: sperm movement and erectile function saw a decline in men whose blood sugar levels went up, even if those levels were still below what's considered the diabetes threshold. This threshold is typically measured by a blood test called hemoglobin A1C, with 6.5% being the point for diabetes. The study also observed that while testosterone levels didn't directly affect a man's ability to get an erection, they did seem to influence his reported sexual desire. The researchers are hopeful that the information from this study will be valuable for doctors and their patients. They believe it can help create effective plans for men to maintain their sexual health. This research shows that it's within our control to support men's sexual and reproductive well-being, even as they age. It's worth noting that these findings were first shared at a medical conference. Information presented at such meetings is considered early and should be confirmed through publication in a scientific journal after being reviewed by other experts. 

sugar can have a surprising affect on testosterone levels - does it aid in declining sexual health?

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