As Diwali approaches, the excitement of festivities is often accompanied by challenges that affect our skin—Delhi’s rising pollution levels, indulgence in sweets, and busy social schedules all take a toll. Air pollution spikes during the festival, increasing toxins in the air, while sugary treats lead to breakouts and dull skin. Amidst all the socializing, little time is left for skincare.

But worry not! With the right hydration hacks, you can maintain your glow even during this hectic, pollution-heavy festive season. Some ancient-meets-modern hydration tips that can help protect your skin from pollution, balance indulgences, and keep you glowing all through Diwali:-

1. Pollution-Proof Your Skin with Antioxidant-Rich Hydration

With Delhi’s air quality taking a serious hit, your skin needs extra protection from free radicals. Hydration isn’t just about drinking water—it’s about feeding your skin with antioxidants to fight pollution.

Hack: Start your morning with a glass of warm water infused with turmeric and mint. Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helps detoxify your skin from within. Mint soothes inflammation caused by pollution, keeping your skin calm and hydrated.

Follow this up with a hydrating serum enriched with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to create a protective barrier against pollutants while keeping your skin plump and hydrated.

2. Combat Sugar-Induced Breakouts with Detox Water

Diwali is a time for indulgence, especially when it comes to sweets. But sugar can dehydrate the skin and cause breakouts. To counteract this, balance your hydration to flush out toxins and prevent sugar spikes from affecting your skin.

Hack: Sip on detox water throughout the day. Prepare water infused with cucumber, lemon, and ginger. Cucumber is a natural hydrator, lemon flushes out toxins, and ginger helps improve digestion, keeping your skin clear from within. This simple detox keeps your skin hydrated, reduces bloating, and combats sugar’s impact.

3. Quick Hydration for Busy Days with Facial Mists

Between family gatherings and festive socializing, your schedule leaves little room for elaborate skincare routines. Hydration on-the-go is essential to maintain that festive glow.

Hack: Carry a hydrating facial mist with you. Choose a mist that includes ingredients like rosewater, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. Spritz it on your face throughout the day to instantly refresh and hydrate your skin. The mist locks in moisture and helps counter the drying effects of pollution and makeup, keeping your skin fresh even after hours of socializing.

4. Overnight Skin Revival with Facial Oils

After a long day of celebrations and exposure to pollution, your skin craves intensive hydration and nourishment. The best way to restore it overnight is with facial oils that repair and hydrate while you sleep.

Hack: Before bed, apply a lightweight facial oil such as rosehip or almond oil. These oils are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help repair skin damage caused by pollution and soothe irritation from the day’s stress. Facial oils also lock in moisture, ensuring you wake up with hydrated, plump skin.

5. Protect from Pollution with DIY Anti-Pollution Masks

The high AQI during Diwali clogs pores, leading to dull and irritated skin. A simple mask can help draw out pollutants while hydrating your skin.

Hack: Create a DIY anti-pollution mask using bentonite clay and rosewater. Bentonite clay helps to detoxify by drawing out impurities, while rosewater hydrates and soothes your skin. Apply this mask once a week during Diwali to keep your skin deeply cleansed, hydrated, and glowing despite the pollution.

6. Hydrate from the Inside with Ghee and Nuts

Amid the sweets and rich foods, it’s easy to overlook the nutritional balance needed to keep your skin healthy. However, traditional foods can actually help hydrate and nourish your skin.

Hack: Incorporate ghee and a handful of nuts into your daily diet. Ghee, in moderation, is an excellent source of hydration and helps improve skin elasticity. Nuts like almonds and walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that hydrate the skin from within, helping to fight dryness caused by pollution and the festive season’s heavy foods.

7. Post-Party Skin Rescue with Aloe Vera and Cucumber Mask

After late-night Diwali parties, your skin needs a quick pick-me-up. With limited time to recover before the next event, a soothing and hydrating mask can work wonders.

Hack: Apply a DIY aloe vera and cucumber mask. Aloe vera heals and hydrates, while cucumber cools and de-puffs tired skin. This quick mask restores hydration and leaves your skin looking fresh and ready for another day of celebrations.

This Diwali, despite the pollution, sweets, and packed schedule, your skin can still glow with the right hydration strategies. By combining ancient wisdom with modern skincare practices, you can protect your skin from the harsh effects of the festive season. From antioxidant-infused waters to facial oils and DIY masks, these hydration hacks will help you maintain radiant, hydrated skin throughout the celebrations.

Let your skin shine as brightly as the festive lights—stay hydrated, stay glowing!

Flu cases are on the rise and as of the January 3, 2026 data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 120,000 cases have been detected in clinical laboratories, apart from those detected in home tests. About 40,000 influenza cases were admitted to the hospital in the prior week and 17 influenza-related deaths reported in children, this season. Physicians across the US are constantly telling everyone, especially the vulnerable population to keep an eye on the symptoms. They have time and again also urged people to get vaccinated against the flu. The country is also seeing an overload of flu cases, with many calling it the 'worst flu season' ever.

The 2025-2026 flu season's main culprit is the influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, or the superflu. This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2 virus and has a history of being most contagious, staying longer on surface, which is why it is driving the most numbers of hospitalization this season.

Jesse Pines, Chief of Clinical Innovation for US Acute Care Solutions and a practising physician for over 20 years of experiences writes for Forbes the 5 must-know things about the flu.

5 Must-Know Things About Flu, From An ER Doctor

Identify the Symptoms

It is important to know what symptoms you have to know about the illness. This flu starts with high fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat and a headache. However, not everyone can have the similar symptoms. Children could experience gastrointestinal symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Older adults may have atypical symptoms, which may include not feeling hungry, dizziness, or weakness.

Read: Face Masks Are 'Inadequate', Says WHO, Must Be Swapped For Respirators

Vaccine Is A Must

While the flu vaccine for this season was made at least 7 to 8 months before, like usually it happens, which means the subclade K strain may not be this vaccine's target. However, data shows that despite this mismatch, it has a 72 to 75% effective rate in preventing emergency department visits and hospital admissions in children and adolescents, and 32 to 39% effectiveness in adults.

What To Do If You Have Flu Symptoms

The first response should be to contact your healthcare provider for prescription. Pines note that "Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir (Xofluza) are primary options". These are used to reduce the symptom duration, and prevent any further complications like pneumonia. It is most effective if started with in the 48 hours of symptoms.

Should You Seek Higher-Level Medical Care With Flu?

While many people recover at home, if you see your symptoms are not showing any signs of reduction beyond 4 to 5 days, you may need a higher levels of medical care for your flu. This could also be applied if your symptoms worsen suddenly after a few days.

How to Manage Post Flu Weakness?

While everyone is talking about flu and its treatment, not much attention is paid on what to do afterwards. Even after the treatment, one might feel the weakness during their recovery period. This has a scientific name, known as 'post-viral' syndrome, which means a lingering cough and fatigue for 2 to 3 weeks after the illness. This is the time when you gradually return to normal activities, but ensure to maintain adequate hydration, sufficient calorie and protein intake in your diet and adequate sleep.

The NHS has issued an alert for anyone taking a widely used heart medication. People are being advised to watch for serious warning signs, including yellowing of the skin or “nosebleeds lasting more than 10 minutes.”

What Is Propranolol?

Propranolol is a beta blocker that slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, helping lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s oxygen demand. It is also prescribed to ease symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling or excessive sweating, and can help prevent migraines. The medication is prescription-only but is commonly prescribed throughout the UK.

According to the Mirror, the British Heart Foundation reports that more than 50 million beta blocker prescriptions are issued in the UK each year, including for propranolol. Patients usually take it once a day, in either a standard or slow-release form.

While propranolol is generally safe, it does carry possible side effects. The NHS advises contacting 111 immediately if serious symptoms affecting the blood or kidneys appear.

The NHS notes: “Like all medicines, propranolol can cause side effects in some people, but many experience none or only minor effects. Side effects often ease as your body adjusts to the medication.”

Propranolol Side Effects

Common side effects include headaches, fatigue, weakness, cold fingers or toes, nausea, and stomach discomfort. While most people over 12 can safely take propranolol, the NHS recommends consulting a doctor first if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart failure, depression, or diabetes.

More serious reactions can occur, including yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, or dark urine. The NHS also warns of nosebleeds lasting longer than 10 minutes, unexplained bruising, or increased tendency to bruise easily.

Anyone experiencing these warning signs should contact a doctor or call 111 immediately. The NHS also cautions against stopping propranolol abruptly without medical guidance, as this could trigger severe heart problems, including chest pain or even a heart attack.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious With Propranolol

While propranolol is widely prescribed and generally safe for most adults, certain people need to monitor themselves more closely or consult their doctor before use. Those with low blood pressure, heart failure, slow heart rates, diabetes, respiratory conditions like asthma, or a history of depression may face higher risks of side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also speak to a healthcare professional before taking the medication.

The NHS emphasizes that even minor symptoms—like unusual fatigue, dizziness, or cold hands and feet—should not be ignored, especially if they worsen over time. Monitoring for these effects early can prevent more serious complications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience any side effects or unusual symptoms while taking propranolol or any other prescription medicine, seek medical attention immediately.

A California man died last weekend after eating so-called death cap mushrooms, marking the third fatality linked to the toxic fungi in the state since November.

Health officials say California is seeing an unusually high number of mushroom poisonings this season. Between November 18 and January 4, at least 35 cases were reported statewide. In a typical year, the number is usually fewer than five.

“This year’s figures are far beyond what we normally see,” said Sheri Cardo, a communications specialist with the California Department of Public Health.

California Resident Dies After Eating Death Cap Mushrooms

At least three people have now lost their lives in California due to death cap mushroom poisoning since November. Media reports indicate a sharp rise in cases tied to foraged wild mushrooms, with more than 35 poisonings recorded over the past three months.

“The numbers we’re dealing with this year are comparatively off the charts,” Cardo told NBC News.

The most recent death occurred in Sonoma County and was the first fatal wild mushroom poisoning reported there this season, according to county health officials.

Dr. Michael Stacey, interim health officer for Sonoma County, urged residents to avoid eating wild mushrooms unless they are purchased from reliable grocery stores or licensed sellers. He warned that death cap mushrooms can look strikingly similar to safe, edible varieties.

What Is Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning?

Death cap mushrooms, scientifically known as Amanita phalloides, are among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. They commonly grow beneath oak trees and can be found in parks, gardens, and wooded areas.

Experts say these mushrooms are often mistaken for edible types because of their appearance. Typical features include:

• A smooth cap that may appear whitish, pale yellow, light brown, or green
• White gills underneath the cap
• A white spore print
• A cup-like structure called a volva at the base of the stem
• A ring, known as an annulus, around the stem

Death Cap Mushroom Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin between six and 24 hours after ingestion. Early signs often include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

In many cases, symptoms ease or disappear after one or two days, which can create a false sense of recovery. By that point, however, the toxins may have already caused severe damage to the liver.

According to experts, the poison responsible, known as amatoxin, can seriously harm the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Without prompt treatment, the damage can be fatal.

U.S. Poison Centers receive an average of about 52 calls each year related to amatoxin exposure, said Hallen-Adams, though not every case is officially reported.

Is the Risk Easing?

The danger may now be starting to decline in parts of California. Mike McCurdy, president of the Mycological Society of San Francisco, said he has noticed far fewer death cap mushrooms during recent foraging trips.

Earlier this winter, McCurdy said he spotted hundreds of death caps during a two- to three-hour walk in Sonoma County. On a recent outing near Lafayette, California, he found just one. “I think we’re getting close to the end,” he said.