Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Did You Know? You're Wired To Monotask, Not Multitask

The world we are living in is constantly forcing us to do more than one thing simultaneously and we have made multitasking the new normal. Thanks to COVID-19 pandemic, we are now used to manage chores while attending a work meeting. But, is this really normal?

On a day to day basis, we process a lot of information, including what is happening at work, the news, social media and of course personal lives. While this is a common phenomenon, it can leave us confused with all the information overloaded and can lead to brain fog, impaired memory, and burnout. 

As per a survey by the <em>Movachen Agency</em>, where 2,000 people participated, half of them continued to work even during their vacation. This has further led to the increased blurred lines between work and rest. 

<span>Monotasking</span>. It means doing one thing at once, as the word 'mono' literally translates to 'one'. While it sounds simple, it could become a struggle for those who are used to multi-tasking, especially since it has left many of us with fractured attention. 

Multitask as a term and phenomenon came into existence from 1960s, when computers could perform multiple tasks at once. Ever since, with technology advancements, multitasking became common. 

A 2023 study, titled, <em>Biological stress responses to multitasking and work interruptions: A randomized controlled trial</em>, was the first comprehensive investigation into humans' biological stress as a response to multitasking and work interruptions. 

The findings show that we can adapt to stress of doing multiple things but only to a point. Eventually, it does lead to a lot of harm, and stress thus becomes chronic. 

Monotask can alleviate some of that stress on your brain, and it is a muscle that you could also rebuild. It can also help to:

<ul><li>Reduce stress</li><li>Reduce to-do list</li><li>Improve personal relationship</li><li>Improve quality of work</li></ul>

We’re all born with a natural talent for monotasking. If you just watch a child completely absorbed in stacking blocks or drawing, it is a perfect example of monotasking. They’re fully present, focused on one thing at a time.

As adults, though, we tend to lose that skill in the rush of multitasking. But the good news? You can rebuild your monotasking “muscle.” Start small, with simple everyday tasks, and you’ll find it easier to focus on bigger, more demanding ones later.

In his book The Twelve Monotasks, Thatcher Wine explains that focus is something we can train, through daily activities like walking, reading, eating, listening, even sleeping. These are opportunities to practice giving your full attention to just one thing.

Yes, this probably means putting your phone down. But it’s worth it. Try using a timer, short blocks of focused time followed by breaks, to help you ease in.

<h4>Here are a few easy ways to practice monotasking:</h4>

<ul><li><strong>Take a 10–20 minute walk:</strong> Leave your headphones, camera, and even your dog behind. No podcast, no playlist. Just walk. Feel your body move, breathe deeply, and tune in to the sounds around you. It might feel weird or boring at first, that’s part of the process.</li></ul>

<ul><li><strong>Eat without distractions: </strong>Step away from screens and take a real break for your meal. Savor each bite. Notice the textures, flavors, and how the food makes you feel. Eat mindfully.</li></ul>

<ul><li><strong>Look at one thing, deeply:</strong> Watch a sunset or the clouds drifting by. Study a tree, a flower, or a painting. The goal is to really see it, notice the colors, the movement, the details you’d usually miss.</li></ul>

Even activities like coloring, doing puzzles, washing dishes, or folding laundry can become great monotasking exercises when you give them your full attention.

Start where you are, go slow, and remember: doing one thing at a time isn’t a step back, it’s a step toward being more present and less scattered.

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monotasking

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The world we are living in is constantly forcing us to do more than one thing simultaneously and we have made multitasking the new normal. Thanks to COVID-19 pandemic, we are now used to manage chores while attending a work meeting. But, is this really normal?On a day to day basis, we process a lot of information, including what is happening at work, the news, social media and of course personal lives. While this is a common phenomenon, it can leave us confused with all the information overloaded and can lead to brain fog, impaired memory, and burnout. As per a survey by the Movachen Agency, where 2,000 people participated, half of them continued to work even during their vacation. This has further led to the increased blurred lines between work and rest. What is the alternative?Monotasking. It means doing one thing at once, as the word 'mono' literally translates to 'one'. While it sounds simple, it could become a struggle for those who are used to multi-tasking, especially since it has left many of us with fractured attention. Multitask as a term and phenomenon came into existence from 1960s, when computers could perform multiple tasks at once. Ever since, with technology advancements, multitasking became common. Why are you wired to monotask?A 2023 study, titled, Biological stress responses to multitasking and work interruptions: A randomized controlled trial, was the first comprehensive investigation into humans' biological stress as a response to multitasking and work interruptions. The findings show that we can adapt to stress of doing multiple things but only to a point. Eventually, it does lead to a lot of harm, and stress thus becomes chronic. So, how can monotask help you?Monotask can alleviate some of that stress on your brain, and it is a muscle that you could also rebuild. It can also help to:Reduce stressReduce to-do listImprove personal relationshipImprove quality of workHow can you monotask?We’re all born with a natural talent for monotasking. If you just watch a child completely absorbed in stacking blocks or drawing, it is a perfect example of monotasking. They’re fully present, focused on one thing at a time.As adults, though, we tend to lose that skill in the rush of multitasking. But the good news? You can rebuild your monotasking “muscle.” Start small, with simple everyday tasks, and you’ll find it easier to focus on bigger, more demanding ones later.In his book The Twelve Monotasks, Thatcher Wine explains that focus is something we can train, through daily activities like walking, reading, eating, listening, even sleeping. These are opportunities to practice giving your full attention to just one thing.Yes, this probably means putting your phone down. But it’s worth it. Try using a timer, short blocks of focused time followed by breaks, to help you ease in.Here are a few easy ways to practice monotasking:Take a 10–20 minute walk: Leave your headphones, camera, and even your dog behind. No podcast, no playlist. Just walk. Feel your body move, breathe deeply, and tune in to the sounds around you. It might feel weird or boring at first, that’s part of the process.Eat without distractions: Step away from screens and take a real break for your meal. Savor each bite. Notice the textures, flavors, and how the food makes you feel. Eat mindfully.Look at one thing, deeply: Watch a sunset or the clouds drifting by. Study a tree, a flower, or a painting. The goal is to really see it, notice the colors, the movement, the details you’d usually miss.Even activities like coloring, doing puzzles, washing dishes, or folding laundry can become great monotasking exercises when you give them your full attention.Start where you are, go slow, and remember: doing one thing at a time isn’t a step back, it’s a step toward being more present and less scattered.

did you know? you're wired to monotask, not multitask

Tanya Dutt

World Lung Cancer Day 2025: Is Pollution The New Cigarette For Your Lungs? 5 Habits To Save Your Breath

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When you stop for a moment, take a deep breath. How clean do you think is the air you just inhaled? If you live in a city or anywhere near heavy traffic, construction zones, or industrial areas chances are that breath carried more than just oxygen. Increasingly, health experts are raising a red flag: air pollution is becoming just as dangerous for your lungs as cigarette smoke. Unlike a lit cigarette, you can’t see it or smell it as easily, but the damage? It’s happening all the same—quietly, gradually, and across the globe.

On <span>World Lung Cancer Day</span>, it’s time to stop treating pollution as a background inconvenience and start seeing it for what it is: a major, modifiable threat to lung health.

We’ve long understood smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer, but the health narrative is shifting. Air pollution is catching up—and fast. According to the World Health Organization, over 7 million people die each year from air pollution, with billions more living with compromised respiratory health. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, didn’t mince words back in 2018 when he said, “Air pollution is the new tobacco.”

The culprits are tiny, invisible particles like PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide from vehicles, and toxins from burning biomass or fossil fuels. These pollutants don’t just irritate the lungs—they penetrate deep into lung tissue, triggering inflammation, reducing immune clearance, and increasing the risk of chronic respiratory illnesses and cancer. As the air gets dirtier, lung cancer in non-smokers—especially women and young adults—is on the rise.

<h2>Is Air Pollution Is the New Smoking?</h2>

We are already witnessing the consequences of environmental neglect warns Dr. Sachin Trivedi, Director of Medical Oncology at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre, further adding, "Cigarette smoking has been known to be the major cause of lung cancer over the past decades. But there is a more recent and equally threatening danger that is on the rise: air pollution."

Dr. Trivedi highlights that a significant number of lung cancer diagnoses are now occurring in non-smokers, suggesting a stronger role for environmental pollutants. From vehicle emissions and industrial fumes to household fuel burning, the sources of this silent threat are everywhere. These pollutants infiltrate deep into the lungs, sparking chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and even malignant mutations.

<h2>Why Lung Damage Due To Pollution Doesn’t Show Symptoms?</h2>

Even more concerning, these changes often don’t produce symptoms until the disease is advanced. Which is why early detection, lifestyle awareness, and pollution avoidance are critical. Dr. Trivedi urges individuals to recognize and act on subtle warning signs like chronic cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, especially among non-smokers who may not suspect lung cancer.

<h2>5 Lung-Saving Habits You Can Practice Daily</h2>

Despite the scale of the problem, Dr. Trivedi emphasizes that it’s possible to shield your lungs through smart, consistent habits:

<h4>1. Wear a Protective Mask Outdoors</h4>

Especially in high-traffic or industrial areas, an N95 mask can block harmful particles like PM2.5. It’s a frontline defense your lungs will thank you for.

Ventilation is key. Use exhaust fans in kitchens, avoid indoor smoking, and install HEPA-filter air purifiers in high-pollution zones. Urban homes need this extra layer of air hygiene.

<h4>3. Limit Outdoor Time on High AQI Days</h4>

Track air quality through reliable apps. Skip rush hour outings and outdoor workouts when air quality is poor. Exposure control is protection.

<h4>4. Eat an Antioxidant-Rich, Lung-Friendly Diet</h4>

What you eat matters. A diet high in vitamins A, C, and E from foods like berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, and nuts can counter oxidative lung damage. Turmeric and green tea also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

<h4>5. Don’t Dismiss Early Symptoms</h4>

A persistent cough or breathlessness isn’t always a passing cold. Get medical attention early—especially if you're a non-smoker experiencing unusual respiratory symptoms.

Dr. Devendra Parikh, Consultant in Surgical Oncology at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, adds in a perspective, "Chronic polluted air harms our lungs just as smoking does: it silently, over time, injures delicate tissue and raises cancer risk. He stresses that fine particles from cooking smoke, traffic fumes, or even poorly ventilated homes carry microscopic toxins that inflame lung tissue and trigger genetic changes." He further shares more ways in which you can protect yourself

<ul><li>Checking your local AQI each morning helps you make smarter decisions. When air quality dips, stay indoors and keep windows shut.</li><li>These devices capture up to 99.97% of fine particles, drastically improving indoor air. Even running a unit for a few hours can ease respiratory strain.</li><li>A proper N95 or KN95 mask creates a secure barrier against inhaling toxic particles. It’s essential during commutes or outdoor errands on high-smog days.</li><li>Simple breathwork techniques or pranayama for five minutes daily can help clear the lungs and improve capacity.</li><li>For those over 50 or with occupational exposure, low-dose CT scans can detect early signs of lung cancer—even before symptoms begin. Early action saves lives.</li></ul>

You can’t filter the world. But you can control your exposure, build resilient habits, and stay alert to what your lungs are telling you. The new reality is this: pollution is the new cigarette, and we can no longer afford to breathe without awareness. On World Lung Cancer Day and beyond—your breath is worth protecting. In cities where clean air isn’t guaranteed, your daily choices are your lungs’ best defense.

Pollution may feel as unavoidable as city noise, but it doesn’t have to be as destructive. By weaving these habits into your daily life, you give your lungs the best chance to clear toxins, reduce inflammation, and ward off the long-term threat of lung cancer. 

air pollution lung cancer

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world lung cancer day

When you stop for a moment, take a deep breath. How clean do you think is the air you just inhaled? If you live in a city or anywhere near heavy traffic, construction zones, or industrial areas chances are that breath carried more than just oxygen. Increasingly, health experts are raising a red flag: air pollution is becoming just as dangerous for your lungs as cigarette smoke. Unlike a lit cigarette, you can’t see it or smell it as easily, but the damage? It’s happening all the same—quietly, gradually, and across the globe.On World Lung Cancer Day, it’s time to stop treating pollution as a background inconvenience and start seeing it for what it is: a major, modifiable threat to lung health.We’ve long understood smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer, but the health narrative is shifting. Air pollution is catching up—and fast. According to the World Health Organization, over 7 million people die each year from air pollution, with billions more living with compromised respiratory health. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, didn’t mince words back in 2018 when he said, “Air pollution is the new tobacco.”The culprits are tiny, invisible particles like PM2.5 and PM10, nitrogen dioxide from vehicles, and toxins from burning biomass or fossil fuels. These pollutants don’t just irritate the lungs—they penetrate deep into lung tissue, triggering inflammation, reducing immune clearance, and increasing the risk of chronic respiratory illnesses and cancer. As the air gets dirtier, lung cancer in non-smokers—especially women and young adults—is on the rise.Is Air Pollution Is the New Smoking?We are already witnessing the consequences of environmental neglect warns Dr. Sachin Trivedi, Director of Medical Oncology at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre, further adding, "Cigarette smoking has been known to be the major cause of lung cancer over the past decades. But there is a more recent and equally threatening danger that is on the rise: air pollution."Dr. Trivedi highlights that a significant number of lung cancer diagnoses are now occurring in non-smokers, suggesting a stronger role for environmental pollutants. From vehicle emissions and industrial fumes to household fuel burning, the sources of this silent threat are everywhere. These pollutants infiltrate deep into the lungs, sparking chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and even malignant mutations.Why Lung Damage Due To Pollution Doesn’t Show Symptoms?Even more concerning, these changes often don’t produce symptoms until the disease is advanced. Which is why early detection, lifestyle awareness, and pollution avoidance are critical. Dr. Trivedi urges individuals to recognize and act on subtle warning signs like chronic cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained weight loss, especially among non-smokers who may not suspect lung cancer.5 Lung-Saving Habits You Can Practice DailyDespite the scale of the problem, Dr. Trivedi emphasizes that it’s possible to shield your lungs through smart, consistent habits:1. Wear a Protective Mask OutdoorsEspecially in high-traffic or industrial areas, an N95 mask can block harmful particles like PM2.5. It’s a frontline defense your lungs will thank you for.2. Maintain Clean Indoor AirVentilation is key. Use exhaust fans in kitchens, avoid indoor smoking, and install HEPA-filter air purifiers in high-pollution zones. Urban homes need this extra layer of air hygiene.3. Limit Outdoor Time on High AQI DaysTrack air quality through reliable apps. Skip rush hour outings and outdoor workouts when air quality is poor. Exposure control is protection.4. Eat an Antioxidant-Rich, Lung-Friendly DietWhat you eat matters. A diet high in vitamins A, C, and E from foods like berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, and nuts can counter oxidative lung damage. Turmeric and green tea also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.5. Don’t Dismiss Early SymptomsA persistent cough or breathlessness isn’t always a passing cold. Get medical attention early—especially if you're a non-smoker experiencing unusual respiratory symptoms.Dr. Devendra Parikh, Consultant in Surgical Oncology at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, adds in a perspective, "Chronic polluted air harms our lungs just as smoking does: it silently, over time, injures delicate tissue and raises cancer risk. He stresses that fine particles from cooking smoke, traffic fumes, or even poorly ventilated homes carry microscopic toxins that inflame lung tissue and trigger genetic changes." He further shares more ways in which you can protect yourselfChecking your local AQI each morning helps you make smarter decisions. When air quality dips, stay indoors and keep windows shut.These devices capture up to 99.97% of fine particles, drastically improving indoor air. Even running a unit for a few hours can ease respiratory strain.A proper N95 or KN95 mask creates a secure barrier against inhaling toxic particles. It’s essential during commutes or outdoor errands on high-smog days.Simple breathwork techniques or pranayama for five minutes daily can help clear the lungs and improve capacity.For those over 50 or with occupational exposure, low-dose CT scans can detect early signs of lung cancer—even before symptoms begin. Early action saves lives.You can’t filter the world. But you can control your exposure, build resilient habits, and stay alert to what your lungs are telling you. The new reality is this: pollution is the new cigarette, and we can no longer afford to breathe without awareness. On World Lung Cancer Day and beyond—your breath is worth protecting. In cities where clean air isn’t guaranteed, your daily choices are your lungs’ best defense.Pollution may feel as unavoidable as city noise, but it doesn’t have to be as destructive. By weaving these habits into your daily life, you give your lungs the best chance to clear toxins, reduce inflammation, and ward off the long-term threat of lung cancer. 

world lung cancer day 2025: is pollution the new cigarette for your lungs? 5 habits to save your breath

PCOS Isn’t Just Hormonal, It Might Be Fueling This Dangerous Heart Condition

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often dismissed as a reproductive or cosmetic issue—a condition marked by irregular periods, acne, and weight fluctuations. But the hormonal and metabolic underpinnings of PCOS go much deeper. New findings presented at ENDO 2025, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, now highlight a troubling link: PCOS may significantly increase the risk of vascular events in women with thrombotic disease, and these events are occurring at increasingly younger ages.

The research, presented by a team from Riverside University Health System Medical Center and supported by national health data, suggests that the combination of PCOS and thrombotic disease creates a more dangerous cardiovascular profile, one that might be going under-recognized in clinical settings.

The analysis drew on records from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), evaluating over 205,000 women hospitalized between 2016 and 2022 for thrombotic, atherosclerotic, or cerebrovascular diseases. The goal was to see how outcomes differed based on the presence or absence of comorbid PCOS. The findings were both significant and sobering:

Women with both PCOS and thrombotic disease had higher stroke rates (14.81%) compared to those without PCOS (11.91%).

A greater percentage of women with PCOS were under the age of 50 at the time of their vascular event compared to those without PCOS across all categories—thrombotic, atherosclerotic, and cerebrovascular.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/your-home-may-look-clean-but-these-8-spots-are-dirtier-than-you-think-article-152386902" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Your Home May Look Clean, But These 8 Spots Are Dirtier Than You Think</a>

Despite the younger age of presentation, in-hospital mortality rates were similar between women with and without PCOS, suggesting the seriousness of these events in younger populations is not being offset by age-related resilience.

Dr. Alexander Lim, DO, who presented the findings, noted, “We found that cardiovascular events in women with PCOS were more likely to occur at an earlier age. The risk tends to decrease with age, possibly due to underdiagnosis of PCOS in older women or survivorship bias.”

<h2>Why Metabolic Difficulties Due To PCOS Lead Vascular Complications?</h2>

To understand why PCOS might elevate vascular risk, it's crucial to look at its underlying pathology. PCOS is not just a hormonal disorder—it’s also deeply metabolic.

Women with PCOS frequently exhibit insulin resistance, even if they are not overweight. This insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and dyslipidemia—all conditions that significantly increase the risk of both arterial and venous thrombotic events.

Despite this, clinical management of PCOS often remains centered on cosmetic symptoms (like acne and hirsutism) or fertility concerns, rather than addressing the long-term metabolic and cardiovascular consequences. This treatment gap may explain why vascular events in women with PCOS catch both patients and providers off guard.

<h2>Why Current Testing May Be Failing Women?</h2>

Another striking aspect of the new research is that women with PCOS who experienced recurrent thrombotic events (strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms) often showed normal results in standard coagulation tests. This was identified in a diagnostic review by a coagulation management team and later verified through a national data set analysis using TriNetX, a large health research network.

Between 2013 and 2018, researchers used the TriNetX platform to analyze PCOS patients aged 15–75, excluding those with known thrombotic disorders, smoking history, or HIV. They found that thrombotic events occurred at significantly higher rates in women with PCOS compared to matched controls, even though clinical tests failed to detect abnormalities in coagulation.

What this suggests is that standard coagulation assays may not be sensitive enough to detect the unique thrombotic risk profile in PCOS, raising concerns about diagnostic error or delayed interventions.

This is the first large-scale study to systematically evaluate the rate and clinical presentation of thrombotic events in women with PCOS using national data and validated diagnostic algorithms like SPADE (Symptom-Disease Pair Analysis of Diagnostic Error).

By comparing outcomes 90 days prior to major thrombotic events, the researchers identified consistent symptom patterns—including subtle indicators—that could serve as early warning signs for intervention. However, the precise biological mechanisms behind thrombosis in PCOS remain poorly understood.

The message is clear: PCOS isn’t just a reproductive disorder—it’s a systemic, vascular-risk condition that can dramatically impact a woman’s health long before menopause. Clinicians need to think beyond fertility and skin health and recognize that young women with PCOS may be walking around with unrecognized cardiovascular vulnerabilities.

For women living with PCOS, this means that a heart-healthy lifestyle—including regular cardiovascular screening, metabolic management, and awareness of symptoms like chest pain, migraines, and swelling—needs to be part of long-term care, not just pregnancy planning.

heart health

women health

pcos and vascular risk

thrombotic disease in women

pcos stroke risk

hormonal disorders and heart disease

pcos and blood clots

cardiovascular risk pcos

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often dismissed as a reproductive or cosmetic issue—a condition marked by irregular periods, acne, and weight fluctuations. But the hormonal and metabolic underpinnings of PCOS go much deeper. New findings presented at ENDO 2025, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, now highlight a troubling link: PCOS may significantly increase the risk of vascular events in women with thrombotic disease, and these events are occurring at increasingly younger ages.The research, presented by a team from Riverside University Health System Medical Center and supported by national health data, suggests that the combination of PCOS and thrombotic disease creates a more dangerous cardiovascular profile, one that might be going under-recognized in clinical settings.The analysis drew on records from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), evaluating over 205,000 women hospitalized between 2016 and 2022 for thrombotic, atherosclerotic, or cerebrovascular diseases. The goal was to see how outcomes differed based on the presence or absence of comorbid PCOS. The findings were both significant and sobering:Women with both PCOS and thrombotic disease had higher stroke rates (14.81%) compared to those without PCOS (11.91%).A greater percentage of women with PCOS were under the age of 50 at the time of their vascular event compared to those without PCOS across all categories—thrombotic, atherosclerotic, and cerebrovascular.Also Read: Your Home May Look Clean, But These 8 Spots Are Dirtier Than You ThinkDespite the younger age of presentation, in-hospital mortality rates were similar between women with and without PCOS, suggesting the seriousness of these events in younger populations is not being offset by age-related resilience.Dr. Alexander Lim, DO, who presented the findings, noted, “We found that cardiovascular events in women with PCOS were more likely to occur at an earlier age. The risk tends to decrease with age, possibly due to underdiagnosis of PCOS in older women or survivorship bias.”Why Metabolic Difficulties Due To PCOS Lead Vascular Complications?To understand why PCOS might elevate vascular risk, it's crucial to look at its underlying pathology. PCOS is not just a hormonal disorder—it’s also deeply metabolic.Women with PCOS frequently exhibit insulin resistance, even if they are not overweight. This insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and dyslipidemia—all conditions that significantly increase the risk of both arterial and venous thrombotic events.Despite this, clinical management of PCOS often remains centered on cosmetic symptoms (like acne and hirsutism) or fertility concerns, rather than addressing the long-term metabolic and cardiovascular consequences. This treatment gap may explain why vascular events in women with PCOS catch both patients and providers off guard.Why Current Testing May Be Failing Women?Another striking aspect of the new research is that women with PCOS who experienced recurrent thrombotic events (strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms) often showed normal results in standard coagulation tests. This was identified in a diagnostic review by a coagulation management team and later verified through a national data set analysis using TriNetX, a large health research network.Between 2013 and 2018, researchers used the TriNetX platform to analyze PCOS patients aged 15–75, excluding those with known thrombotic disorders, smoking history, or HIV. They found that thrombotic events occurred at significantly higher rates in women with PCOS compared to matched controls, even though clinical tests failed to detect abnormalities in coagulation.What this suggests is that standard coagulation assays may not be sensitive enough to detect the unique thrombotic risk profile in PCOS, raising concerns about diagnostic error or delayed interventions.This is the first large-scale study to systematically evaluate the rate and clinical presentation of thrombotic events in women with PCOS using national data and validated diagnostic algorithms like SPADE (Symptom-Disease Pair Analysis of Diagnostic Error).By comparing outcomes 90 days prior to major thrombotic events, the researchers identified consistent symptom patterns—including subtle indicators—that could serve as early warning signs for intervention. However, the precise biological mechanisms behind thrombosis in PCOS remain poorly understood.The message is clear: PCOS isn’t just a reproductive disorder—it’s a systemic, vascular-risk condition that can dramatically impact a woman’s health long before menopause. Clinicians need to think beyond fertility and skin health and recognize that young women with PCOS may be walking around with unrecognized cardiovascular vulnerabilities.For women living with PCOS, this means that a heart-healthy lifestyle—including regular cardiovascular screening, metabolic management, and awareness of symptoms like chest pain, migraines, and swelling—needs to be part of long-term care, not just pregnancy planning.

pcos isn’t just hormonal, it might be fueling this dangerous heart condition, study warns

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Last August, Erica Kahn was enjoying a peaceful evening stargazing in Arizona’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The 33-year-old Massachusetts resident was on vacation, photographing the night sky. Bats flitted through the air, but she didn’t give them much thought, until one of them flew straight at her face.

In the chaos, the bat became lodged between her camera and her face. She screamed instinctively, and part of the bat ended up in her mouth. She still doesn't know exactly what part of the bat it was, but she estimates the contact lasted a few seconds. “It seemed longer,” she said.

The bat eventually flew away. Though she wasn’t sure if she’d been bitten, her father, a physician who was traveling with her, advised her to get treated for potential rabies exposure.

<h4>Scrambling for <span rel="noindex">Health Insurance</span></h4>

The problem? Just weeks earlier, Kahn had been laid off from her job as a biomedical engineer and had decided to forgo COBRA coverage, which would’ve let her stay on her former employer’s health insurance plan. The cost, around $650 a month, felt too steep for someone young and healthy.

She figured she could risk going uninsured for a while and quickly sign up for a plan if something happened. That decision turned out to be costly.

After the bat incident, Kahn purchased a private health policy for $311 a month from a Florida-based company called Innovative Partners LP. She even called them to confirm that emergency services or accident-related care would be covered. Feeling reassured, she went to a hospital in Flagstaff the next day and began her rabies vaccination series.

Kahn received four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days. Her first visit also included three injections of rabies immunoglobulin, a vital treatment that boosts the body’s ability to fight off the deadly virus. She continued her treatment at different clinics in Arizona, Colorado, and Massachusetts.

Across all four facilities, Kahn was charged a total of $20,749. The bulk of that, $17,079, came from Flagstaff Medical Center, which billed $15,242 for the vaccines and immunoglobulin alone.

To her shock, her insurance company denied all claims. Their explanation? The treatment occurred during the policy’s 30-day waiting period, and the company ruled that the services did not qualify as accident-related or life-threatening under their terms.

<h4>Appeals, Confusion, and Mounting Debt</h4>

Kahn tried to appeal the decision. She got a doctor at Flagstaff Medical Center to sign a letter supporting her claim, but she struggled to reach doctors at the other facilities. The insurance company gave her conflicting information about where to send appeal paperwork. In July, she learned that the insurer had not received any formal appeal.

Health policy expert Sabrina Corlette, from Georgetown University, reviewed Kahn’s situation and suggested the policy she purchased was likely a “fixed indemnity” plan, as reported by the Washington Post. 

These limited plans pay only a set amount per day for care, regardless of actual costs, and are not required to meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Corlette added that even if Kahn had purchased a more comprehensive plan, treatment that began the day after enrollment might not have been covered.

“This is why it’s so important to be insured before something happens,” Corlette said. “It’s not just about coverage, it’s about timing.”

Back when Kahn lost her job, she was still within the 60-day window to opt into COBRA. Had she done so and paid the premium, her coverage would have applied retroactively to the day she was laid off. She didn’t realize this until much later.

Now re-employed and covered under her new job’s insurance, Kahn is still chipping away at the debt from her run-in with the bat. She negotiated one $706 bill down to $420 and set up a $10-a-month payment plan for a separate $530 charge. But over $19,000 remains unpaid.

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Last August, Erica Kahn was enjoying a peaceful evening stargazing in Arizona’s Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The 33-year-old Massachusetts resident was on vacation, photographing the night sky. Bats flitted through the air, but she didn’t give them much thought, until one of them flew straight at her face.In the chaos, the bat became lodged between her camera and her face. She screamed instinctively, and part of the bat ended up in her mouth. She still doesn't know exactly what part of the bat it was, but she estimates the contact lasted a few seconds. “It seemed longer,” she said.The bat eventually flew away. Though she wasn’t sure if she’d been bitten, her father, a physician who was traveling with her, advised her to get treated for potential rabies exposure.Scrambling for Health InsuranceThe problem? Just weeks earlier, Kahn had been laid off from her job as a biomedical engineer and had decided to forgo COBRA coverage, which would’ve let her stay on her former employer’s health insurance plan. The cost, around $650 a month, felt too steep for someone young and healthy.She figured she could risk going uninsured for a while and quickly sign up for a plan if something happened. That decision turned out to be costly.After the bat incident, Kahn purchased a private health policy for $311 a month from a Florida-based company called Innovative Partners LP. She even called them to confirm that emergency services or accident-related care would be covered. Feeling reassured, she went to a hospital in Flagstaff the next day and began her rabies vaccination series.The Treatment and the ShockKahn received four doses of the rabies vaccine over 14 days. Her first visit also included three injections of rabies immunoglobulin, a vital treatment that boosts the body’s ability to fight off the deadly virus. She continued her treatment at different clinics in Arizona, Colorado, and Massachusetts.Then the bills arrived.Across all four facilities, Kahn was charged a total of $20,749. The bulk of that, $17,079, came from Flagstaff Medical Center, which billed $15,242 for the vaccines and immunoglobulin alone.To her shock, her insurance company denied all claims. Their explanation? The treatment occurred during the policy’s 30-day waiting period, and the company ruled that the services did not qualify as accident-related or life-threatening under their terms.Appeals, Confusion, and Mounting DebtKahn tried to appeal the decision. She got a doctor at Flagstaff Medical Center to sign a letter supporting her claim, but she struggled to reach doctors at the other facilities. The insurance company gave her conflicting information about where to send appeal paperwork. In July, she learned that the insurer had not received any formal appeal.Health policy expert Sabrina Corlette, from Georgetown University, reviewed Kahn’s situation and suggested the policy she purchased was likely a “fixed indemnity” plan, as reported by the Washington Post. These limited plans pay only a set amount per day for care, regardless of actual costs, and are not required to meet the standards of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Corlette added that even if Kahn had purchased a more comprehensive plan, treatment that began the day after enrollment might not have been covered.“This is why it’s so important to be insured before something happens,” Corlette said. “It’s not just about coverage, it’s about timing.”A Harsh Lesson in HindsightBack when Kahn lost her job, she was still within the 60-day window to opt into COBRA. Had she done so and paid the premium, her coverage would have applied retroactively to the day she was laid off. She didn’t realize this until much later.Now re-employed and covered under her new job’s insurance, Kahn is still chipping away at the debt from her run-in with the bat. She negotiated one $706 bill down to $420 and set up a $10-a-month payment plan for a separate $530 charge. But over $19,000 remains unpaid.

How A Bat-Scare Cost A 33-year-old Massachusetts Resident A Medical Bill Of 20,000

how a bat-scare cost a 33-year-old massachusetts resident a medical bill of $20,000

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