Heart attacks, strokes and other heart related diseases are one of the most common causes of death all over the world. The World Health Organization estimates that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cost 17.9 million lives each year. Researchers have studied multiple reasons as to why the number of heart-related deaths are so high and the answers are varying. Lack of exercise, bad food choices, stressful jobs etc.

However, what is surprising is that many people do not even realize how their habits are actually costing them their health. Many habits that we have come to see as normal or are actually the ones that are causing your heart health to suffer.

Cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj took to Instagram to warn that "your mornings are a high-alert window for your heart." He explained that the body's natural response to waking up can make it a high-risk time for heart-related events.

What Happens When You Wake Up?

Cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj shared that mornings can be a risky time for your heart. When you first wake up, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can make your blood thicker and your blood pressure go up. This combination puts more strain on your heart, which is why a lot of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths happen between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. He says that having a calm and gentle morning routine can help protect your heart and lower these risks.

Right Way to Start Your Day

Dr. Bhojraj says that a healthy morning routine can make a positive difference for your whole day. Here’s what he suggests you should and shouldn't be doing:

Avoid a Rushed Start

Jumping out of bed and going "from zero to 100" can be a shock to your system. This means you should avoid rushing into things like drinking coffee on an empty stomach, forgetting to drink water, or immediately starting work. These actions put unnecessary stress on your heart when it’s most at risk.

Hydrate First

Your body loses water while you sleep. The first thing you should do is drink a glass of water. This simple step helps to rehydrate your body, support your organs, and get your blood flowing smoothly, preparing you for the day ahead.

Take Your Medications on Time

If you have morning medications, it’s very important to take them consistently. Taking them on time helps keep your blood pressure and other vital functions stable, which protects your heart from the extra stress of the morning hours.

Eat a Protein-Rich Breakfast

Eating a breakfast with protein helps keep your blood sugar steady and gives you long-lasting energy. This keeps you from feeling a slump later in the day and reduces the urge to grab unhealthy snacks that can be bad for your heart over time.

Add Light Movement

Spend 10 to 15 minutes doing some light stretching or walking. This helps your blood flow and heart rate increase slowly and naturally. It gets your body ready for the day without the sudden shock of intense exercise, which can be hard on your cardiovascular system.

Actress Miriam Margolyes, known for her role as Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter films, recently spoke openly about her health issues. In a new interview, the 84-year-old admitted her lifestyle has taken a toll on her body, which she links to a lifelong struggle with her weight.

When asked about using Ozempic for weight loss, Margolyes firmly rejected the idea, stating, "That’s for diabetics. You shouldn’t take medicine meant for people who are really sick."

Her health struggles have also led to her considering her own mortality. After a recent heart procedure, she shared that she knows she "doesn’t have long left to live," likely within the next five to six years. Despite this, she expressed a strong desire to continue performing, even though she isn't "strong enough" for roles that don't involve a wheelchair.

Miriam Margolyes Health

In May 2023, Margolyes was hospitalized with a chest infection and underwent a heart procedure. She later updated fans on social media, thanking them for their support.

The procedure she had was a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI), a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. On a podcast, she explained that she had an aortic valve replaced with one from a cow. "I’ve got a cow’s heart now," she joked. "I’d never heard of that operation, but it saves you from having open heart surgery."

Beyond her heart issues, Margolyes has also been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a condition that causes chronic pain and makes it difficult for her to walk. She has registered as disabled and uses a walker and sticks, though she recently got a mobility scooter, which she called "a lot of fun."

Could Heart Health Issues Be Avoided With Exercise?

"I’ve let my body down," she said. "I haven’t taken care of it. I have to walk with a walker now. I wish I’d done exercise." Miriam admitted in the magazine interview. According to the National Institute on Aging, being physically active is pertinent for one’s health.

As you get older, your heart and blood vessels naturally change. While your resting heart rate usually stays the same, your heart may not be able to beat as fast as it used to during exercise or stressful situations.

As you get older, it's not unusual to feel your heart flutter or skip a beat from time to time. Most of the time, this is nothing to worry about. But if you feel like your heart is fluttering or racing very often, or if the feeling doesn't go away, it could be a sign of a heart rhythm problem called an arrhythmia. If this happens, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor, as it might need treatment.

How Does Aging Change Your Heart?

With age, your heart’s size and structure can change. The walls of your heart can get thicker, and its chambers can become bigger. This can make it harder for the heart to hold as much blood as it used to. A thicker heart wall also raises the risk for a common heart rhythm issue called atrial fibrillation, which can increase the chance of having a stroke.

The heart’s valves, which open and close to control blood flow, can also get stiffer and thicker. This can slow down or block the blood flow out of your heart, or they can become leaky. When this happens, fluid can start to build up in your lungs, legs, and feet.

How to Protect Your Heart and Brain

The natural changes in your heart that come with age can increase your risk of heart disease, which can limit your daily activities. It’s also interesting to know that many of the things that are bad for your heart are also bad for your brain. For example, high blood pressure can increase your risk of both heart disease and dementia later in life.

The good news is that you can take steps to protect both. By managing your blood pressure and taking good care of your heart, you are also helping to protect your brain and improve your overall well-being as you get older.

A 39-year-old woman in Belgrade, Serbia, died unexpectedly after suffering a massive brain hemorrhage during sexual activity involving a household kitchen tool. The case, published in a forensic medical report, sheds light on how sexual excitement and orgasm can trigger fatal complications in people with undiagnosed brain aneurysms.

Her ex-husband found her body on the living room couch. She was covered by a blanket, naked from the waist down, with a spring whisk partially inserted into her rectum. Police initially suspected foul play, but a forensic investigation ruled out external injuries or violence. The true cause of death was internal — a ruptured “berry aneurysm” in the brain.

Autopsy results revealed a massive subarachnoid hemorrhage bleeding into the space between the brain and its protective membranes. Clotted blood up to 6 millimeters thick surrounded the brainstem and base of the brain. Once clots were cleared, examiners found the source: a saccular aneurysm, more commonly known as a berry aneurysm, measuring 11 millimeters in diameter.

This berry-shaped bulge in an artery wall had ruptured at its dome, releasing blood into the brain. When such aneurysms burst, they can cause sudden, catastrophic pressure on brain tissue, cut off blood flow, and trigger immediate loss of consciousness or death.

In this case, the woman’s known history of hypertension (high blood pressure) made her especially vulnerable. According to experts, her orgasm likely caused a rapid spike in blood pressure that pushed the weakened artery wall beyond its breaking point.

What Role Sexual Activity Play in Fatal Aneurysms?

Sudden death after sexual activity is well-documented but remains rare, especially in women. Studies indicate that physical activity increases blood pressure, and orgasm may increase it even more. In a person with an as-yet undiagnosed aneurysm, this transitory boost can suffice to rupture it.

The forensic investigators determined that her death had resulted from anal self-stimulation with the whisk. While the object itself was not the cause of physical harm, the physiological alterations induced by orgasm were fatal.

Physicians behind the case emphasized that death scene investigation should be complemented by forensic autopsy in order to reconstruct such incidents. Lacking both, the events leading to her untimely death would have been uncertain.

What Is Berry Aneurysm?

A berry aneurysm is the most common type of brain aneurysm, named for its resemblance to a small berry dangling from an artery. These aneurysms develop where arteries branch at the base of the brain, often in the circle of Willis, a critical blood supply network.

Around 3–4% of the general population has a berry aneurysm, though most never rupture. They occur most often between ages 30 and 60, with women over 50 about twice as likely as men to develop them, partly due to declining estrogen levels.

Berry aneurysms can range from tiny, just a few millimeters, to over an inch in size. Larger aneurysms carry a higher risk of rupture. When a rupture occurs, the resulting subarachnoid hemorrhage is fatal in about half of cases, and survivors often suffer permanent neurological damage.

What Are The Symptoms of Berry Aneurysm?

Most berry aneurysms remain asymptomatic until rupture. Occasionally, larger aneurysms press on nearby nerves, causing:

• Pain around the eyes
• Drooping eyelid
• Dilated pupil
• Blurred or double vision

For many, the first sign of a problem is sudden, severe headache often described as “the worst headache of my life.” This can signal a rupture in progress and requires emergency medical attention.

Risk Factors Related to Berry Aneurysm

While some aneurysms are inherited, lifestyle and medical conditions play a significant role:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Certain infections or trauma
• Estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women

In the Serbian case, the woman’s hypertension created a chronic strain on her blood vessels, predisposing her to aneurysm formation and rupture.

The physiology of orgasm explains why this event turned fatal. Sexual arousal and climax trigger spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. For most people, these changes are safe and transient. But for individuals with fragile blood vessels, such as those with aneurysms, the sudden surge can rupture a weakened artery.

This “double burden” existing hypertension compounded by orgasm-induced pressure likely set the stage for the fatal outcome.

The circumstances may be unusual, but the underlying lesson is universal. Many people live with undiagnosed aneurysms, unaware of the risks. The Brain Aneurysm Foundation estimates that about one in 50 people has a brain aneurysm, but only a fraction will ever experience symptoms before rupture.

Can Aneurysms Be Prevented?

Not all aneurysms can be prevented, but the risks can be significantly reduced through a combination of lifestyle adjustments and proper medical care. Managing blood pressure is a key factor, which can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication if prescribed by a physician. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption also play a crucial role in maintaining vascular health and lowering aneurysm risk.

Regular medical checkups are important, particularly for individuals with a family history of aneurysms or stroke, as early detection can be life-saving. For those diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm, doctors may recommend careful monitoring, surgical clipping, or endovascular procedures to minimize the risk of rupture and prevent potentially fatal complications.

This woman’s death may appear sensational due to the circumstances, but it highlights a much larger health issue. Aneurysms are often silent until they become catastrophic. When combined with common conditions like hypertension, everyday activities even sex can become unexpectedly dangerous.

As one of the report’s authors noted, the takeaway is not to fear sexual activity, but to recognize the hidden impact of untreated high blood pressure and unrecognized vascular conditions.

The monsoon is a time of relief, romance, and revival but your skin may be anything but refreshed. When raindrops fall and humidity surges, skin may prove to be an unwelcome adversary. Breakouts, rashes, fungal infections, and dullness are usual grievances dermatologists hear in the rainy season. Unlike the hot, sun-baked days of summer, the monsoon offers a special combination of moisture, heat, and microbial activity that can disturb the skin's natural balance.

Moreover, the mix of sweat, soggy clothes, and environmental toxins is a recipe for congested pores and inflammation. So how do you indulge in the seasonal transformation without ruining the cost of skin well-being? We consulted Dr. Neha Virmani, MD, DNB (Dermatology), Founder of Inara Skin, Hair and Aesthetics, Mumbai, to demystify seven evidence-based skincare tips to have balanced, hydrated, and infection-free skin during monsoons.

Why Skin Behaves Differently in the Rainy Season?

Monsoon climate shows skin a seeming paradox. The skin may be soft and dewy due to excess humidity, but this moisture outside may be hiding internal dehydration and barrier compromise. According to Dr. Virmani, "Humidity makes sebum production increase, which, when mixed with sweat and pollution, clogs pores and aggravates acne. Most patients experience flare-ups at this time."

Rain indirectly aggravates acne by providing a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal pathogens on the skin surface. The combination of excess sebum, dampness, and friction from wet clothes can cause sudden breakouts, rashes, and infections if day-to-day hygiene is not adjusted according to season. Knowing these seasonal imperatives is the beginning of tailoring a monsoon-friendly skincare regimen.

Can Rain Trigger Acne?

The rainy season, when there is a surge in humidity, causes your skin to retain more sweat, oil, and toxins. This provides a tacky, damp coating on the surface of your skin that clogs pores and feeds bacteria—prime promoters for acne attacks. Wet clothing, prolonged wet hair, and moisture from wet fabrics add to the problem, particularly on the back, chest, and shoulders.

Also, changing weather can break down the skin barrier, causing inflammation and excess sebum. Even mild fungal infections can reproduce or exaggerate acne-like bumps.

So, though the rain itself isn't actually responsible for pimples, it creates conditions on your skin that can certainly cause more breakouts.

Here are seven dermatologist-approved, evidence-based skincare tips to keep your skin clean, healthy, and calm during the rainy months.

1. Cleanse Twice a Day

Your skin tends to acquire sweat, oil, and atmosphere dirt faster during the monsoon. Dr. Virmani recommends, "Washing twice daily removes residue without depriving the skin's natural shield. Over-washing can cause rebound oiliness and redness."

For oily or acne skin, she suggests light foaming cleansers with salicylic acid to exfoliate pores, along with niacinamide to combat inflammation. The objective is a balanced regimen that leaves skin clean, calm, and prepared to take in moisture and treatments.

2. Don't Skip the Moisturizer

Even with humid conditions, air during the monsoons can subtly dehydrate. "Most people think the skin is naturally hydrated since it feels wet," Dr. Virmani points out. "But trans-epidermal water loss can still happen, breaking down the skin barrier."

Choose water-based, gel-based, or light moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Select non-comedogenic, oil-free products for acne skin to ensure moisturization without pore clogging. Regular moisturizing helps in repairing skin, controlling oil secretion, and keeping the complexion hydrated.

3. Don't Let the Clouds Fool You

Cloudy skies do not eliminate UV exposure. Dermatologists emphasize year-round protection. Dr. Virmani says, “Even on overcast days, UV rays penetrate clouds and can cause pigmentation, premature aging, and uneven skin tone. Gel-based or matte-finish sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher are ideal for monsoon comfort.”

Reapplication every three to four hours is crucial, especially if you’re outdoors or sitting near windows. Sunscreen protects the skin from long-term damage, making it as vital as hydration or cleansing.

4. Be Proactive Against Fungal Infections

Rainy weather encourages fungal growth in hot, moist conditions. "Places such as underarms, inner thighs, and between toes are especially susceptible," Dr. Virmani outlines. "Preventive hygiene—proper drying following bathing, airy clothing, and footwear rotation—can cut down on infections dramatically."

Dermatologists can recommend anti-fungal powders or medicated shampoos for recurrent flare-ups. Foregoing it during the early stages is much simpler than battling chronic infection later in the season.

5. Be Mindful of Deeper Hydration

Sweat appearing on the skin may not be enough in monsoon-induced skin stress. For deeper hydration, injectable skin boosters like Profhilo can rehydrate under the surface, triggering collagen and elastin. Dr. Virmani states, "Treatments like Profhilo enhance skin quality from the inside out, restoring firmness and glow to those experiencing seasonal dullness."

Such bioremodelling treatments are especially effective for mature skin or anyone seeing loss of tone and vitality during rainy weather.

6. Revamp Your Makeup Routine

Heavy makeup clogs pores and ensnares oil and sweat, causing them to break out. Dr. Virmani recommends, "Swap full-coverage foundations for tinted moisturizers, primers, or BB creams. Keep your routine efficient and sparse, prioritizing SPF and multi-tasking products."

Evening cleansing is essential to take out sweat, makeup, and impurities. Healthy skin is the foundation of any successful makeup regimen, so skincare needs to precede it.

7. It's More Than a Clean Face

Monsoon hygiene is more than just a washed face. "Bacteria and fungi survive not only on skin but on towels, pillowcases, and makeup brushes too," says Dr. Virmani. Regular washing of textiles and cleaning of brushes minimizes infection potential and avoids sudden outbreaks.

Don't share towels, dry makeup tools, and change pillowcases every 2–3 days. Easy hygiene improvements can make a big impact in keeping skin healthy.

Monsoon skincare doesn't have to be complicated. As per Dr. Virmani, "Consistency, awareness, and the right care make all the difference." By properly cleansing, moisturizing, safeguarding against UV damage, and being watchful for fungal and bacterial threats, your skin can stay calm, balanced, and radiant during the rainy months.