Dear future husband, before we build a life together, there's something you must know—not only about me but also about the unseen weight that women bear daily. It's not simply about being exhausted. It's not simply about occasional pain. It's about the constant juggling of responsibilities that exhausts me mentally as well as physically.

Picture this: My day begins early, before sunrise, planning meals, answering emails or texts in my head before even opening my laptop, remembering birthdays, grocery shopping lists, doctor visits, and other deadlines which are not just mine but for my ageing parents too- all while dealing with period cramps that make me want to curl up in bed. When I finally sit down at night, my brain is still racing, calculating through tomorrow's to-do list. This is my life.

It's called the mental load—the constant, invisible work of keeping life in motion. It's the emotional burden of caring, planning, and predicting needs that go unseen. And when you throw stress, fatigue, and menstrual pain into the mix, the weight is too much to bear.

So, before we walk into forever, I want you to see this, to really get it. Because love isn't about sweeping gestures—it's about being present, acknowledging my demons, and bearing the burden of life with me.

This, dear future husband, is my life. It's not all about tiredness. It's about having a mental load so overwhelming that even when I'm lying in bed, my mind is always doing math, planning, and projecting. It's about living in a world where the responsibility of making everything tick gets disproportionately placed on me. And it's about accomplishing all of this with hormonal changes, period cramps, and emotional exhaustion that society tends to minimize.

Mental Load: It’s Not Just About Doing, It’s About Noticing

The mental load is the invisible work of managing a home and family—the planning, organizing, and remembering. It’s not just about who does the chores but about who notices when they need to be done. And more often than not, that person is me. Research confirms that women disproportionately shoulder the burden of household and emotional labor. This is not just a logistical test; it is an emotional pull that causes prolonged stress, weariness, and even conflicts between relationships.

As per Dr. Deeksha Kalra, Psychiatrist, "Most women have an unseen burden—the mental load. It's the endless planning, remembering, and worrying about everything from housework to emotional support for family members. Add stress, exhaustion, and cramps, and it becomes a heavy load. This isn't about being tired; it's about being mentally and physically exhausted, often without a break."

A study in The Journal of Marriage and Family points out that even when men and women divide physical labor in the household, women continue to bear most of the cognitive work of household management. This continued imbalance is a source of frustration and mental exhaustion, and even mundane tasks seem too much to handle.

Overlooked Toll of Period Pain and Hormonal Shifts

In addition to the endless list of things to do, there is the experience of menstrual wellness. Painful menstruation is more than just a nuisance; it brings mood swings, fatigue, and physical pain that even the most mundane tasks become unbearable. Conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis also increase these challenges, creating searing pain and fatigue that many women are forced to push through.

Dr. Nishi Singh, Fertility Specialist, says, "Women bear a huge and sometimes invisible societal burden of juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities, in addition to tolerating the physical and emotional anguish and stress of period cramps. Chronic stress affects reproductive health, elevating cortisol levels, which can result in irregular periods, delayed ovulation, and even sub-fertility. Psychological stress due to lack of support can be overwhelming. Women require more than just medical treatment; they require a supportive culture within the home, workplace, and medical centers."

The truth is that reproductive health is not simply about biology. Emotional and mental well-being are just as important. Women are supposed to suffer in silence, to "get through" their discomfort, even when their bodies are crying out for rest. And when this becomes a regular cycle month after month, year after year, it results in long-term health effects, from hormonal disorders to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Why Understanding and Support Matters?

So, dear future husband, let me tell you this: support isn't a showy thing. It's the little things that demonstrate that you notice me. It's recognizing my invisible labor, stepping in before I must ask you to, getting that when I tell you I am tired, I am not whining.

Dr. Kalra points out, "What would be helpful? Understanding, support, and mutual responsibility. A simple acknowledgement: 'I see you, and I respect you,' can make a tremendous difference. Small gestures, like taking over chores or providing space to rest, show care and respect. Mental load is not a 'woman's problem'; it is something that profoundly affects relationships. An actual supporting partnership is being aware of the invisible struggle and attempting to lighten the load together."

A good partnership involves not only splitting tasks in deed but in mind. It involves recognizing the mental and emotional weight I bear and actively making an effort to distribute it. It involves realizing that when I am in agony during my period, I am not being dramatic—I am genuinely distressed, and I need sympathy, not contempt.

Transformation begins with awareness. It begins with looking, really looking, at what the women in your world, whether that is your mom, your sis, your wife or your child, is bearing. It's about understanding that stress, fatigue, and period pain are not minor complaints but actual obstacles to health. It's about stepping up, stepping in, and sharing the burden.

Because at the end of the day, dear husband, I don't need a helper. I need a partner. Someone who notices the burden I bear and says, "I will now add some more to that, and let’s share the load together." Because when we carry life together, both of us thrive.

Dr Deeksha Kalra is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Artemis Hospitals in India

Dr. Nishi Singh is a Fertility specialist and Head of Fertility at PRIME IVF in India.

Many people believe that being diagnosed with cognitive degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's is just about forgetting things. However, it is not that simple. The Alzheimer's diagnosis comes with not just lost memories, but also changes in the way you think, the way you behave as well as losing the memories and important factors of your life.

One of the most devastating facts about these cognitive diseases is the difficulty in diagnosing them early. There has been a lot of research done on how to identify early signs and symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer's; however, their accuracy is still under scrutiny.

A recent research showed that a simple blood test can accurately spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Experts have found that these blood tests can reliably find dementia by looking at two specific proteins in the blood.

New Blood Test for Alzheimer's

Scientists are excited about a new blood test that can really well find early signs of Alzheimer's disease. This test looks for two proteins, amyloid beta 42/40 and p-tau217. These proteins are linked to sticky clumps that build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. The test is very good at finding people with memory problems, with a 95% success rate. This means it hardly ever missed a case. It also correctly said that people did not have dementia 82% of the time. This amazing new test has even been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.

Why This Test Is Important

The number of people getting dementia is expected to go up a lot. Because of this, it's really important to find out if someone has it quickly and correctly. Scientists say this new blood test works just as well as the harder and more uncomfortable tests used now. It's also much easier and cheaper. Levels of the p-tau217 protein were much higher in people with Alzheimer's. Next, they will test it on even more people, including those who might have early Alzheimer's but don't show any memory problems yet.

Experts think this blood test will make finding Alzheimer's much faster, easier, and available to more people. While it mainly helps with Alzheimer's, the test was also used on people with other types of dementia. This suggests it could help figure out what's causing memory problems.

Pushing for Blood Tests in the NHS

There's a big project called the Blood Biomarker Challenge. It's supported by large charities and aims to bring blood tests for dementia diagnosis to the NHS by 2029. These tests are seen as super important for making diagnoses quicker. This will give more people faster access to the care, support, and treatments they really need. Investing in these new tests and the staff to use them is key, especially as new treatments for dementia are coming soon.

What's Next for Diagnosis

This new study adds to more and more proof that blood tests can find the diseases that cause dementia, even in people with early memory issues. But, we still need more research to see how well these blood tests work for everyone in everyday life. This is because people in studies might not always be exactly like all the people affected by dementia. Projects like the Blood Biomarker Challenge in the UK are working to gather this proof. This work will be a big step in making diagnosis easier and faster, helping us get closer to finding a cure.

As the world continues to struggle with surges of COVID-19 alongside seasonal flu outbreaks, our attention naturally turns to the known protocols—masking, sanitizing, and social distancing. But amidst this heightened focus on respiratory health, have you ever caught yourself rubbing your eyes in public and instantly panicked, “Wait, what if I just exposed myself to COVID?”, I sure have! While we’ve masked up, sanitized hands religiously, and avoided touching elevator buttons with bare fingers, most of us have ignored a crucial entry point for viruses—our eyes.

From foggy glasses to burning dryness behind masks and marathon screen-time fatigue, your eyes have silently endured the pandemic’s worst. But here's the thing: your eyes aren’t just tired—they might actually be vulnerable to viral infection.

Your eyes are not only a window to the world, but also a possible gateway for infections like COVID-19. According to Dr. Anurag Wahi, ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, “The eyes are mucous membranes, just like the nose and mouth. They are exposed, vulnerable, and often touched without thinking. That makes them a potential entry point for viruses.”

While the primary transmission route for COVID-19 is through respiratory droplets, scientific studies and clinical observations have confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 can enter the body through the eyes. This happens when droplets land directly on the ocular surface during a cough or sneeze—or when a person touches a contaminated surface and then rubs their eyes.

Dr. Wahi explains, “We’ve seen patients with conjunctivitis and mild eye irritation test positive for COVID-19. Though eye-related symptoms are rare, they’re a warning sign that the virus can travel through ocular routes.”

More transmissible variants of COVID-19 have increased the likelihood of infections spreading even via minimal exposure, making eye hygiene and awareness more crucial than ever.

Unexpected Effects Of Long-Term Mask Use on Eyes

One of the lesser-known side effects of long-term mask use—especially poorly fitted masks—is mask-associated dry eye (MADE). When a mask directs air upward across the eyes, it speeds up tear evaporation. This results in redness, burning, irritation, or blurry vision, which may feel like mere discomfort but can indicate compromised ocular health.

“The issue became particularly evident among healthcare professionals who wore masks for prolonged periods,” says Dr. Wahi. “The lack of moisture and increased air flow over the eye’s surface led to an increase in dry eye cases.”

The problem is compounded by excessive screen time—a consequence of remote work, virtual classes, and increased digital consumption. Extended screentime can significantly reduce blink rate, affecting tear production and worsening dryness.

Smart Ways to Protect Your Vision

Keeping your eyes safe doesn’t require complex tasks, just informed action. Here's how you can keep your eyes safe and healthy:

1. Keep Hands Off Your Eyes

It may sound basic, but avoiding unnecessary eye contact with your fingers is one of the most effective protective habits. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses or applying medication. “People underestimate how often they touch their eyes unconsciously,” warns Dr. Wahi.

2. Use Protective Eyewear

For healthcare workers, public-facing professionals, or those entering high-risk environments like hospitals, glasses or face shields offer an extra layer of protection against airborne droplets.

3. Tackle Dryness With Eye Drops

If you’re experiencing irritation or blurry vision, lubricating eye drops can help. Choose preservative-free artificial tears to restore moisture. Also, ensure your mask is properly fitted. A snug fit over the nose—with a pinched wire—minimizes upward airflow.

4. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

To reduce digital eye strain, follow this golden rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eye muscles time to reset and recover, helping you blink naturally and maintain tear function.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Symptoms like persistent redness, irritation, light sensitivity, or blurred vision shouldn’t be brushed off as screen fatigue. These signs may indicate dry eye syndrome, allergies, or even early signs of ocular infection.

Dr. Wahi cautions, “If symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if they worsen, it’s important to see a specialist—especially if you’ve had a recent illness, fever, or exposure to COVID-19-positive individuals.”

Timely intervention can prevent complications and also ensure the symptoms are not related to systemic infections or autoimmune flare-ups triggered by the virus.

Don’t Overlook the Eyes in Your Hygiene Routine

We’ve come to associate pandemic hygiene with sanitizers, soap, and masks, but our eyes remain one of the most neglected entry points. This has to change.

“Eye care should be integrated into your daily COVID protection habits,” says Dr. Wahi. “Especially with newer variants and rising cases, it’s essential to treat the eyes not just as visual organs—but as parts of the body that need shielding, too.”

From children attending online classes to older adults stepping out for essentials, eye protection must become mainstream, not optional.

The pandemic has taught us that no part of our body operates in isolation. The eyes are connected not just to our nervous system, but to our immune defense as well. Neglecting them can leave us vulnerable in ways we didn’t expect.

And it’s not just about preventing COVID-19. Dry eyes, eye strain, and poor visual hygiene can lead to chronic problems if ignored. Preventive measures now can safeguard your long-term vision health.

Dr. Anurag Wahi, Ophthalmologist, Eye Surgeon and Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, Delhi in India

Bathroom habits can reveal a lot about our health. While you may think of your bathroom routines as normal, even small and seemingly unimportant signs could lead to devastating diagnosis. When it comes to periods and menstruation related illnesses, many women are often dismissed regarding their concerns. The notion that pain and discomfort surrounding menstruation is normal and should be tolerated, has stopped many women from getting proper diagnoses.

Diseases like endometriosis, Uterine fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Disorder/Syndrome (PCOS/PCOD) etc., affect many women worldwide, however the signs and symptoms of these diseases are often ignored or overlooked.

If you've noticed changes in your bowel habits, such as going to the toilet more or less often than usual, it might be time to see your doctor. The Endometriosis Foundation warns that this could be linked to an incurable condition affecting the bowel called Bowel Endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis, often shortened to "Endo," happens when tissue similar to the lining inside the womb starts growing outside of it. These growths, called lesions, can spread to many parts of the body. When these lesions affect your bowel or digestive system, it's called Bowel Endometriosis. The lesions can either stay on the surface of your bowel or grow deeper, causing a lot of discomfort and problems. This type of Endometriosis is most commonly found in the lower part of the intestine, where it can make it hard to empty your bowel.

Affecting many women globally, endometriosis is a chronic condition, with 190 million people experiencing it. It can cause extreme pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, urination etc. The World Health Organization explains that the causes of endometriosis is still unknown and has no cure. The only relief people get is from managing the symptoms with medication and in some cases surgery.

Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Endometriosis

Pain when you have a bowel movement is the most common sign that you might have bowel Endometriosis. In more serious cases, you might even see blood in your poop.

It's important to remember that the signs of bowel Endometriosis can be different for everyone. Some people might only have one or two symptoms, while others might experience many of them all at once.

The symptoms listed below are often linked to bowel Endometriosis, but this isn't a complete list. There might be other signs too:

• Pain when you have a bowel movement
• Pain in your pelvic area
• Changes in how often you go to the toilet, like constipation (hard to go) or diarrhea (loose stools)
• A dull ache, sharp pain, or cramping in your lower belly and/or back
• Swelling in your belly
• Pain during or after eating certain foods
• Pain during sex
• Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement more often or very urgently
• Feeling like you can't completely empty your bowel
• Seeing blood in your poop

When to See a Doctor

If you're having unusual pain that makes it hard to do daily things like go to school or work, or if you notice changes in your periods or bowel habits, think about whether it could be Endometriosis or another problem. It's really important to talk to a doctor right away. When you do, make sure to mention Endometriosis and ask if you need to see a specialist. And remember, you always have the option to get a second opinion if you want.