As we get older, keeping cholesterol levels healthy becomes more of a challenge. Even if you eat well and exercise regularly, your cholesterol could be higher and could get more difficult to manage. While some of the faults lie with our metabolism, which is the process our bodies use to turn food into energy, it basically starts to slow down around our 40s which can be done by change your diet, but many people skip this leading to a higher cholesterol levels.

While some believe that slower metabolism only makes it easier for one to gain weight but it also affects how well our bodies clear cholesterol. This natural change means that monitoring cholesterol becomes even more important as we age, you can change your daily habits, and when you have any medical issue, doctors will prescribe you medicine.

‘Statins’ are a class of medications that reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and help protect the arteries given to patients to reduce the amount of cholesterol the liver makes, so that it is easier to clear out.

How Do Statins Affect Your Sleep?

Some studies have found a link between taking statins and experiencing sleep problems. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Health Inequalities show that certain statins, specifically ‘atorvastatin’ and ‘rosuvastatin’, might cause issues like insomnia, waking up frequently at night, having trouble falling asleep, or waking up too early. As conclusive as these kinds of studies are, you it is important to consult a healthcare professional who can give you an advice based on your body needs and medical history.

When considering medication side effects, it's important to understand the "nocebo" effect.

What is The Nocebo Effect?

This is when people experience negative side effects simply because they expect them to happen. While this isn’t too common, this can happen when patients start reading about potential side effects or hearing about them from others. The nocebo effect can make it difficult to determine if a symptom is truly caused by the medication or by the expectation of experiencing a side effect. This is especially relevant when discussing subjective experiences like sleep quality.

A 2015 analysis published in Archives of Medical Science combined data from five studies that used these objective sleep monitoring techniques. While a small reduction in nighttime awakenings was observed, the effect was minimal. This suggests that the impact of statins on sleep might be less significant than some self-reported studies indicate.

Managing Cholesterol and Statin Use

If you have high cholesterol, it's essential to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage it. There are many ways you can manage your cholesterol, including lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. For some people, these changes may be enough to lower cholesterol levels. However, in other cases, medication like statins may be necessary. Sometimes, high cholesterol is caused by genetic factors, meaning diet and exercise alone won't be sufficient. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate course of action based on your individual risk factors.

Are There Any Side Effects to It?

These side-effects are often the reason why even healthcare professionals ask you to take these medicines as a last resort. Some of the more common side effects include muscle aches or pain, feeling dizzy, and experiencing digestive problems like an upset stomach. But another side effect that were reported by people was them experiencing sleeping issues. To understand this better it's important to study the research behind this connection.

When Diwali comes near, every Indian household gets into full cleaning mode. The week leading up to the festival is usually spent sweeping, scrubbing, and dusting every corner of the home. While this ritual is believed to invite prosperity, it can also have some hidden problem, dust mite allergy.

If you start sneezing uncontrollably, coughing, or notice a runny nose while cleaning, chances are you are reacting to dust mites. But how serious can this allergy get? Let’s understand.

What Is Dust Mite Allergy?

Dust mite allergy, also called house dust allergy, happens when your immune system becomes sensitive to the droppings and remains of microscopic dust mites. These tiny, spider-like organisms live in bedding, mattresses, carpets, curtains, and furniture, feeding on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, dust mite waste and dead bodies contain certain proteins that act as allergens. While these proteins are harmless to most people, some immune systems mistake them for dangerous invaders and trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, asthma, itching, or eczema.

Can Dust Mite Allergy Trigger More Chronic Diseases?

Yes, a dust mite allergy can worsen over time and contribute to chronic conditions. The National Institutes of Health states that long-term exposure can lead to diseases like asthma and chronic sinusitis due to persistent inflammation.

Here are some chronic diseases linked to dust mite allergy:

• Asthma: Dust mite allergens are one of the main causes of asthma and can provoke severe attacks. Ongoing inflammation may make the airways overly sensitive and lead to permanent changes in lung tissue.
• Chronic sinusitis: Continuous exposure can inflame and swell the nasal passages, resulting in long-term sinus blockage and infections.
• Atopic dermatitis (Eczema): Though not a chronic disease itself, eczema can be made worse by dust mites, causing persistent irritation.

Why it can lead to chronic disease:

• Chronic inflammation: The immune system’s response to dust mites inflames the nasal passages and lungs. Prolonged exposure keeps this inflammation active, gradually damaging tissues.
• Increased sensitivity: Constant inflammation heightens sensitivity to smoke, pollution, or dry air, making symptoms more intense.
• The “atopic march”: This term describes the way allergic conditions can evolve, for example, eczema in childhood developing into asthma or allergic rhinitis later, often linked to dust mite sensitivity.

How Can Dust Mite Allergy Affect Your Body?

When your body first encounters dust mite proteins, it creates antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to attack what it perceives as harmful allergens. On later exposure, your immune system reacts more strongly, releasing chemicals that trigger symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or congestion.

How To Treat Dust Mite Allergy: How To Stay Safe

The most effective way to manage a dust mite allergy is by reducing your exposure to dust mites. While it is impossible to remove them completely, minimizing contact helps prevent severe reactions. If symptoms appear, consult a doctor for the right medication. Those with asthma, sinusitis, or other chronic respiratory issues should avoid heavy cleaning during Diwali.

Here are some common treatment options available to treat dust-mite allergy. However, please note that you should take these only under the guidance of a medical professional:

• Antihistamines: Help control sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays: Reduce inflammation and ease congestion.

How To Manage Dust Mites While Cleaning For Diwali

A few steps can help control dust mites while keeping your home festive and clean:

• Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep humidity in check.
• Install a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
• Choose washable decorations and clean them regularly.
• Dust using a damp or oiled cloth instead of a dry one.
• Vacuum frequently with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
• Declutter your space to reduce dust buildup.
• Wash curtains and clean upholstered furniture often.
• If possible, replace carpets with wood, tile, vinyl, or linoleum flooring.

Recently the US has seen a rise in the numbers of measles cases, with outbreaks being recorded in states like Texas and South Colorina. According to the South Carolina Department of Health, the measles outbreak there as reached 16 confirmed cases, according to an October 14 announcement from state health officials. This figure includes five new cases linked to students exposed in school settings, specifically at two schools with significantly low vaccination rates.

The highly contagious viral disease was first identified in the state's Upstate region in early October by the South Carolina Department of Health. The majority of cases, a dozen, are concentrated in Spartanburg County.

What Is The Reason Behind The Rise In Measles Cases?

The South Carolina Department of Health found the highly contagious virus in the Upstate region earlier in October. Most cases, 12 of them, are in Spartanburg County. Because of this, nearly 140 unvaccinated students from two elementary schools are now staying home to prevent the spread.

The five new cases were students who were already isolating at home after being exposed at school. The exposures happened at two Spartanburg County schools with very few vaccinated students: Global Academy of South Carolina and Fairforest Elementary School according to media reports.

• Global Academy, a charter school with over 600 students, reported that only 17% of students had their required shots. Experts say 95% are needed to protect the community.
• Fairforest Elementary, a public school with over 760 students, had a slightly better rate of 85%.

Officials are worried because some people who got sick were not in contact with known cases or travelers. This suggests the measles virus is spreading easily in the community and could get worse. The state plans to offer free vaccines to help stop the spread.

Is There A Decline In The Vaccination Rates?

Low vaccination rates are causing problems across the entire country. In 2025, the U.S. has seen a record of over 1,500 measles cases in 44 different outbreaks. Most of the people who got sick were not vaccinated.

The U.S. got rid of measles in 2000, meaning new cases only came from people traveling from other countries. However, because more parents are choosing not to give their children the required vaccines, the disease has come back strongly.

Measles spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The air can stay contaminated for up to two hours. Symptoms, which appear one to two weeks later, include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed a few days later by a red rash.

Vaccines are excellent at preventing the disease. Getting the full two-dose shot (called MMR) gives 99% protection against measles and rubella, according to the National Health Services UK. They also mention how two doses also protect 88% of people against mumps. It is usually given around a child’s first birthday and again between ages 4 and 6.

Measles can be very dangerous. About 1 in 5 people who get it will need to go to the hospital. It can cause serious problems like pneumonia, which is a major cause of death in sick children or brain swelling, which can lead to deafness or other long-term disabilities.

World Spine Day is observed on October 16 every year to draw attention to the importance of spinal health and well-being. The initiative is supported by the World Federation of Chiropractic and other international health organizations to recognize the growing burden of spinal pain and disability world wide.

Many people may think that spinal injury is only prevalent among sports people, however, the fact is that spinal injuries, most common in low back pain is one of the most common injuries affecting millions worldwide and could happen by a wrong posture.

In 2020, low back pain affected 619 million people globally and is estimated to affect 843 million cases by 2050 It is also the single leading cause of disability worldwide. However, it can also be stopped by prevention, a step way before surgery. As Dr Amit Chakrabarty, Director of Neurosurgery at CK Birla Hospitals in Jaipur says, "The best spine surgery is the one you never need". He also emphasizes that spine care should be a continuum, beginning with prevention, extending through physiotherapy, and only resorting to surgery when absolutely necessary.

Spinal injuries come in all forms, from degenerative disc diseases, spinal cord injuries, tumors to slipped discs, however, the good news is that many of them are preventable through simple lifestyle measures.

Lifestyle Measures That Could Fix Spinal Problems

Dr Chakrabarty notes that these following lifestyle measures could help one prevent spinal injuries:

• Stay active as movement strengthens your spinal muscles
• Mind your posture as poor posture for long hours could cause chronic strain
• Ergonomic awareness is important as good body mechanics at work and home reduce stress on spine
• Seek timely care and do not ignoring back pain, tingling or numbness. As they could be the early signs of long-term complications
• Promote spine education by fostering spine-friendly environment from an early age

A Call For Awareness

Dr. Amitabha Chanda, Director of Neurosurgery, CMRI Kolkata, describes the spine as “the backbone of our body, supporting posture, enabling movement, and ensuring quality of life.” However, sedentary lifestyles, prolonged sitting, and poor ergonomics are making back problems increasingly common.

He advises incorporating regular exercise, stretching, and core strengthening into daily routines. “A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is equally vital for bone health,” he adds.

Dr. Chanda also warns against ignoring early signs like back stiffness or tingling, which may lead to irreversible complications if left untreated. “Spinal health is not just a medical concern but a daily commitment to movement, awareness, and care,” he stresses.

Standing Tall For Your Spine

This year's theme is also to 'Invest In Your Spine', which also encourages people to take proactive steps for spinal health through prevention, rehabilitation, and policy. As Dr Chakrabarty points out, "World Spine Day is not just a date on the calendar, it is a crucial reminder that spine health is central to overall well being."