Unwinding after work is a very important and is consider one of the best parts the day. The stress of work can affect the mental health of workers. According to American Institute of Stress, 47% of workers say that majority of their stress comes from work and 77% believe that work-related stress gas negatively affected their mental health.

Sometimes, you just need a break, this is where "Bed rotting" comes in. It is when you stay in bed for a long time, not to sleep, but to relax. This can be good for your health and if you're really stressed or tired, it might also help you calm down. It's like pressing a pause button which feels like a have permission to relax. It's a way to give yourself time to recharge when you feel like you're running on empty. It's a break from all the things you have to do every day.

Potential Disadvantages and Concerns

Staying in bed too long can cause problems. If you do it for more than a day or two, it might be a sign that you're feeling really down. You also miss out on spending time with friends and family. And if you don't do your work or go to school, you might feel even more stressed later. What you do in bed matters too. If you spend all your time on your phone, it can make you feel worse. You need to be careful not to let "bed rotting" become a habit. It's better to do it every once in a while, not all the time. In a 2005 review ‘Deconditioning in the hospitalized elderly’ the author explained how prolonged bed rest could mean a decline mental state as well as a functional loss in daily activities.

Your bed should be for sleeping. If you spend a lot of time in bed doing other things, your brain gets confused. It won't know when it's time to sleep. This can make it hard to fall asleep at night. Also, when you stay in bed, you're not moving around. This can make it harder to sleep well. If you watch TV or work in bed right before bedtime, your mind will be too active to fall asleep quickly. It's better to do those things somewhere else and only go to bed when you're ready to sleep.

Link on Mental Health

If you're feeling sad or worried, you might want to stay in bed all day. But this might make you feel worse. When you don't do anything, you stay in the same bad mood. It can make you feel even more sad and lonely. It's important to do things that make you feel good, even if you don't feel like it. The Sleep Foundation explains that moving around and doing fun things can help you feel better. If you stay in bed too much, it can become a bad habit and make you feel worse in the long run.

If you want to try "bed rotting," do it the right way. Do things that help you relax, like reading or meditating. Set a timer so you don't stay in bed too long. Think of it as a short break, not a way to live all the time. If you start to feel really sad or don't want to leave your bed, talk to someone. It's important to get help if you need it. "Bed rotting" should be a way to feel better, not a way to avoid your problems.

The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in 25 years, with more than 1,270 confirmed cases reported so far this year—surpassing the previous high of 1,274 cases in 2019. The data, compiled by Johns Hopkins University, has raised alarms among health officials, who believe the actual number of infections may be even higher due to underreporting.

Tragically, three people have died from the virus this year—two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico. All of them were unvaccinated.

“This move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses,” said Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, referencing ongoing declines in vaccination rates and policy shifts that threaten public health.

From Elimination to Outbreak

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known and was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, thanks to the widespread use of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. However, current outbreaks suggest a reversal of that progress.

The largest outbreak this year began in January in Gaines County, West Texas—a region with one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state. So far, that outbreak alone has led to over 750 confirmed cases and has spread to neighboring areas in New Mexico and Oklahoma, with possible links to Kansas.

Shockingly, nearly one in four kindergartners in Gaines County did not receive their required MMR vaccine during the 2024–25 school year.

Spread Through Travel and Everyday Contact

Measles spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also live on surfaces like doorknobs for several hours, making it especially hard to contain.

Air travel has further complicated containment efforts. In Colorado, an out-of-state visitor unknowingly spread the virus while contagious, leading to multiple cases—including individuals who were only at the airport at the same time.

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 8 people infected this year required hospitalization, and about 30% of all cases have been in children under the age of five. Most of these children were unvaccinated.

The Role of Vaccination

The MMR vaccine remains the most effective tool against measles. One dose offers 93% protection, while two doses provide 97% protection.

In response to the crisis, some states have taken emergency steps to protect infants. Several have lowered the age for the first MMR shot from 12 months to 6 months. The results have been encouraging—early vaccination rates among 6-month-olds in Texas are now eight times higher than in 2019.

New Mexico has also seen a significant rise in vaccination, and both states are working hard to protect their most vulnerable populations.

Still, nationwide vaccination rates remain below targets. The U.S. aims for 95% of kindergartners to receive both doses of the MMR vaccine, but this benchmark has been missed for the past four years. In the 2023–24 school year alone, over 125,000 kindergartners lacked at least one required vaccine.

A Shifting Public Health Landscape

Public health experts are concerned that growing distrust in vaccines and leadership changes at the federal level may further undermine efforts to control the disease.

As of now, the CDC does not have a permanent director in place, and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a long-time vaccine skeptic—has made controversial decisions. Though he recently expressed support for vaccines, his previous statements and the removal of key expert panels have left public health officials worried.

If outbreaks linked to the Texas region continue into 2026, the U.S. risks losing its measles elimination status. Experts say rebuilding public trust in vaccines and boosting routine childhood immunizations must become a national priority—before the disease becomes even harder to contain.

From crisp winters to hot summer and humid rains, each season brings unique joys—and unexpected shifts in our gut health. If you’ve ever found yourself bloated in the summer, constipated in the winter, or randomly battling stomach bugs during monsoon season, you’re not alone. Turns out, your digestive system is just as sensitive to seasonal changes as your skin or mood.

The gut, which contains trillions of bacteria (the gut microbiome), does more than break down food. It maintains immunity, modulates hormones, and even "talks" to the brain. But it's not bulletproof. Temperature, humidity, sunlight, changes in diet, and lifestyle variations throughout the seasons can upend this sensitive balance. Here's how seasons affect your gut—and what you can really do to maintain its equilibrium throughout the year.

Dr. Manoj Kutteri, Ayurvedic wellness expert explains, "Seasonal transitions deeply influence our body’s internal balance, especially gut health. According to Ayurveda, our jatharagni or digestive fire fluctuates with the seasons, impacting how we digest and absorb nutrients. Understanding and adapting to these natural rhythms through seasonal diets can prevent digestive issues and boost overall health."

Why Your Gut Feels the Weather?

1. Shifts in Diet = Shifts in Microbiome

Winter foods are heavy, rich, and warming—really, creamy soups, meat, and baked goods come to mind. Summer, on the other hand, gravitates towards raw salads, chilled smoothies, and hydrating fruits. These changes directly influence the population and diversity of your gut bacteria. A summer diet high in fiber increases good bacteria, whereas high sugar or fat in winter might feed bad bacteria.

2. The Weather Influences Digestion

Severe summer heat can delay digestion and make one more dehydrated, with symptoms such as bloating and fatigue. Cold temperatures, conversely, can decrease fluid consumption and bring about constipation with reduced activity levels.

3. Physical Activity

Warmer weather usually translates to more activity—hiking, swimming, walking—which stimulates digestion. But once winter arrives, many get sedentary. Less activity translates to slower gut motility, and that's where digestive problems begin to accumulate.

4. Mood and Mental Health

Fewer sun rays and shorter days during winter are associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which raises anxiety and stress—two of the biggest factors for gut diseases such as IBS. That "gut feeling" is not just figurative.

5. Immune System and Infections

Fall and winter seasons are usually associated with a peak in viral infections. Some of these, such as stomach flu, are direct attacks on your gut. Even respiratory infections can affect gut bacteria, particularly if antibiotics are prescribed.

Gut Survival Guide for Season-Specific Tips That Work

Dr Kutteri says, "In summer, the digestive fire tends to weaken due to external heat. The body craves more hydration and lighter foods. Eating heavy, oily meals can burden digestion, causing bloating, acidity, or sluggishness. To maintain gut balance, include hydrating foods like cucumbers, melons, coconut water, mint, and fresh buttermilk. Fermented foods and natural probiotics like curd, kanji, and pickled vegetables support gut flora and enhance gut and overall immunity. It’s also essential to stay well-hydrated with clean, filtered water or mild herbal infusions to aid digestion and prevent heat-related gut disturbances."

Spring: Cleanse & Reset Naturally

This is the ideal time to rejuvenate your gut after a rich winter diet. Supplement with seasonal greens such as spinach, asparagus, and peas—high in prebiotic fiber. They feed good gut bacteria and promote natural detoxification.

Summer: Hydration is Digestion's Best Friend

Heat and perspiration cause fluid loss. Dehydration thickens stool and slows down digestion. Drink water regularly during the day. Add hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and berries. Eat raw salads sparingly; they may irritate an upset gut.

During monsoons, digestive strength remains low, and the risk of waterborne infections increases and to this Dr Kutteri shares, "This season demands careful food hygiene. Avoid street food, non-seasonal produce, and raw salads. Drink boiled, cooled water to reduce microbial load. Simple fasting or light meals help reset the gut when symptoms like diarrhoea or indigestion arise. Spices like ginger, black pepper, Tulsi, Turmeric and asafoetida support digestion and reduce bloating."

Autumn: Warmth and Spice for Gut Comfort

Begin moving toward cooked, warming foods. Add seasonal vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, and beets. Spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric enhance digestion and anti-inflammation. Bone broths and mild spiced lentil soups make excellent winter staples.

Winter: Battle Constipation and Build Immunity

Increase your intake of vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, fatty fish for vitamin D, and fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt to support gut flora. Don’t skip meals and ensure you’re getting enough fiber to offset the natural slowdown in digestion.

"Winter, on the other hand, enhances jatharagni or digestive fire, allowing for the digestion of heavier foods. This is the time to nourish the body with warm, grounding meals rich in good fats, proteins, whole grains, root vegetables, ghee, and seasonal fruits like amla, lemon and guava. Herbal decoctions and warming spices (like cinnamon, cloves, and Tulsi) strengthen respiratory and gut immunity," Dr Kutteri further adds.

Why Seasonal Gut Issues Worsen?

Across all seasons, timely eating, respecting hunger cues, and consuming locally grown, seasonal foods help the body stay aligned with nature. Our ancient wisdom teaches that food is not just fuel, but medicine. Eating with awareness of the seasons ensures optimal digestion, absorption, and a healthy gut.

Waterborne Infections Rise With Temperature Swings

Weather changes may affect municipal water quality. Bacterial or parasitic infections peak during seasonal change. Stay with filtered or bottled water, particularly when traveling.

Food Hygiene Is a Year-round Risk

Street food, undercooked meats, and inadequately refrigerated sauces such as mayonnaise are fertile grounds for dangerous bacteria. Eat home-prepared meals, especially during heat or humidity.

Cravings for Raw Food Can Be Risky

That fresh summer salad might seem cool, but uncooked vegetables and condiments such as sandwich spreads can harbor germs if not cleaned well. Wash fruits extensively and shun street corner juices.

Home Is Where the Health Is

Homemade meals and hot meals minimize exposure to bacteria. Heating food to high temperatures exterminates germs, and scrubbing fruits under running or boiled water eliminates residual contaminants.

Don't Forget the Gut-Immune Connection

A robust immune system is your gut's strongest protection when the seasons change. Back it up with regular sleep, everyday activity, and an eating plan high in zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Probiotic foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, and miso restore bacterial equilibrium.

If digestion feels awry during a weather transition, don't dismiss it as stress or travel. Many times, it's your gut attempting to adjust to an environmental change without the assistance it requires.

Seasonal variations totally interfere with your digestion—but you can beat them to the punch. Prioritize foods that are gut-friendly, drink plenty of water, beware of hygiene traps, and keep movement and stress in check during all four seasons. Your gut likes routine and attention even when the weather is far from predictable.

Dr. Manoj Kutteri is a Ayurvedic and wellness expert, Medical Director & CEO, Atmantan Wellness Centre

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy have dominated headlines as the miracle tools for dropping pounds quickly. Touted as revolutionary treatments for obesity and Type 2 diabetes, these GLP-1 receptor agonists have reshaped the conversation around medically supervised weight loss. But now, experts are sounding the alarm: beneath the promise of rapid results lies a very real, very preventable risk—organ failure.

A simple but often-overlooked blood test that too many patients and providers are skipping.

Dubbed the "King Kong of weight loss injections," Mounjaro has been hailed for its dual benefits of reducing blood sugar and promoting weight loss. It’s now being rolled out through the NHS and is already widely available across private clinics in the U.S. and U.K.

But Joy, a seasoned nurse and clinical safety advocate, warns that these injections are not silver bullets. When prescribed without the proper pre-screening, they can trigger life-threatening side effects, especially in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, liver issues, or sky-high triglyceride levels—the latter being a key predictor for pancreatitis.

"One blood test can make the difference between safe treatment and potential organ failure,” she said. “And yet, in many cases, it’s not being done."

Link Between GLP-1 Drugs and Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, the inflammation of the pancreas—is a known risk associated with GLP-1 drugs. When left untreated, it can escalate into multiple organ failure, with symptoms ranging from severe abdominal pain to nausea, vomiting, dehydration, seizures and even death.

In fact, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is currently investigating more than 560 reported cases of pancreatitis linked to these medications. Alarmingly, 10 deaths have been documented. Many of these cases could likely have been avoided through early genetic screening and basic blood work.

Dr. Alison Cave, MHRA’s Chief Safety Officer, has emphasized that nearly one-third of adverse drug reactions could be prevented with personalized genetic testing—something that could soon become standard protocol before prescribing these drugs.

What’s the Critical Mistake People Are Making?

Let’s understand one thing, GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro can be safe and effective—when used correctly. The mistake, however, is in assuming they’re appropriate for everyone. Here’s where things go wrong:

• No baseline screening for triglyceride levels
• Skipping liver and kidney function tests
• Failing to monitor hydration and electrolyte balance
• Ignoring personal or family history of serious conditions like pancreatitis or thyroid cancer

Without identifying these red flags, patients are unknowingly putting themselves at risk for organ damage or worse.

Who Should Consider Weight Loss Injections?

These medications are typically recommended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or for those with a BMI of 27 or above who also have comorbid conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Clinical studies have shown that when used in conjunction with proper diet and exercise, drugs like semaglutide or liraglutide can help patients lose 10–15% of their baseline body weight—a significant improvement over traditional weight loss methods.

Aiding weight loss, these medications have also been found to improve blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, delivering broader metabolic benefits. However, even for those who meet the eligibility criteria, a thorough clinical evaluation is essential, as the risks and responses to these medications can vary widely from person to person.

Who Should Avoid These Weight Loss Injections?

Not all patients are ideal candidates for GLP-1 receptor agonists, and medical experts caution against their use in several cases. Individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) should avoid these medications due to potential risks. They are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, as their safety in these populations has not been established.

People with severe gastrointestinal issues or gallbladder disease may experience worsened symptoms, while those with uncontrolled mental health disorders particularly eating disorders could face complications related to appetite suppression and psychological side effects.

Patients with liver dysfunction or chronic dehydration are more vulnerable to adverse reactions such as dizziness, kidney problems, and neurological symptoms, highlighting the importance of a thorough medical evaluation before starting these treatments.

Is Genetic Testing the Future of Safe Prescriptions?

One of the biggest breakthroughs in this ongoing conversation is the push for personalized medicine. The MHRA is exploring how genetic predispositions could affect a patient’s reaction to weight loss drugs, paving the way for genomic screening as part of routine obesity care.

With adverse drug reactions costing the NHS £2.2 billion annually, personalized testing may not just save lives it could save healthcare systems billions.

If On Weight Loss Drugs Warning Signs to Watch For

People on GLP-1 drugs should immediately seek medical help if they experience:

• Severe or persistent stomach pain radiating to the back
• Vomiting that doesn't improve
• Signs of dehydration: dizziness, dry mouth, fainting
• Sudden confusion or blurred vision

Weight loss injections have undeniably changed the landscape of obesity treatment. But no treatment—no matter how promising—is without risk. The growing body of evidence shows that without proper screening, the very medications meant to restore health could push vulnerable patients into pancreatic crises, kidney failure, or worse.

The solution isn’t to scrap these drugs—it’s to use them smarter, with mandatory pre-screening, genetic testing, and ongoing medical supervision because the real weight we should be shedding is the burden of preventable harm.