Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Heart Attacks And Strokes Can Now Be Predicted 10 Years Before They Happen, Through This AI Test

Heart Attacks And Strokes Can Now Be Predicted 10 Years Before They Happen Through This AI Test

<span>Cardiovascular</span> health is one of the leading causes of deaths all over the world. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention states that every 34 seconds a person dies from cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Statistics show 919,032 deaths due to CVDs in the US in 2023. Globally the number is even bigger, hence why people are advised to take better care of their health, whether it is in terms of food, exercise or mental health. 

A big reason why we have been able to proactively avoid heart issues is because of the advancement in medicine through tests and research. These findings have helped us stay healthy and avoid issues in the future. Another such aid has been made through a recent study, which could predict heart events years before it even happens. 

A recent study done by the British Heart Foundation, suggest that a quick eye test, taking less than a minute, might be able to predict your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years. Scientists have developed an advanced computer system that analyzes digital pictures of the back of your eye. This technology can quickly provide a personalized assessment of your risk. The hope is that this simple and easy test could become a regular part of health check-ups, just like measuring blood pressure or cholesterol, helping doctors spot potential problems as early as possible. 

<h2>Peering into the Eye's Blood Vessels </h2>

This new technology uses the idea that the tiny blood vessels in your eyes can give important clues about the health of blood vessels throughout your entire body. This includes the ones that supply your heart and brain. It might seem surprising, but specialists say that your eyes are like a "window to your heart." If there's any damage or narrowing in the blood vessels at the back of your eye, it's likely that similar issues are happening in the blood vessels deeper inside your body, which could eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

<h2>Learning from Diabetic Eye Scans </h2>

Researchers taught this advanced computer system using eye scans from people who have type 2 diabetes. These individuals regularly have their eyes checked for a condition called diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar can harm the blood vessels in the retina. The system was first taught to recognize potential warning signs in these images, such as narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Then, it was allowed to examine every tiny detail within the pictures, including the size or shape of blood vessels, and was trained using a large collection of over 4,000 images. 

<h2>Accurately Predicting Cardiovascular Events </h2>

The AI technology was quite successful in predicting which individuals would experience serious heart problems, like heart attacks or strokes, within a decade. It was accurate about 70% of the time. Experts point out that this is a single, quick scan that is already done routinely and takes less than a minute. They believe it could become a very important part of overall health checks, alongside blood pressure and cholesterol tests, to help identify people who could benefit from medications or changes to their lifestyle. 

<h2>Game-Changer for <span rel="noindex">Heart Health</span> </h2>

Leaders in the field emphasize that the more precisely we can figure out someone's risk of a heart attack or stroke, the better we can prevent these events from happening. They see innovative advancements like using eye scans alongside other health checks as a key way to improve how we predict risk. This is very important if we want to reach the goal of preventing a significant number of heart attacks and strokes in the future. 

Experts also suggest that such advances could make it much easier for people at risk of stroke to take the necessary steps to prevent it. While there are still many practical questions about how and when this AI could be used in regular medical care, there's hope that future health plans will consider these technological advancements to save more lives. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Heart Health

cardiovascular

Heart Attacks And Stroke

AI predicts heart attacks and strokes

Can You predict Heart Attacks

Cardiovascular tests

Not Just A Migraine: Why Doctors Call Trigeminal Neuralgia The “Suicide Disease”

Triangle Of Death - How A Pimple Can Lead To Brain Damage?

Don't Let The Smiling 'Fit' Selfies On Social Media Fool You, Here's What Eating Disorders Can Look Like

Health & Wellness

Easy Breakfast Options To Try During Calorie Deficit

How To Stop Muscle Cramps Immediately

Why You Should Go For An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Foods To Lower Cortisol Levels In Your Body

High-Fiber Dips You Can Make At Home For The Week

Weekend Warrior Exercises To Makeup For Stressful Week

Experiencing Headaches At Word? Natural Remedies To Try

Yoga Poses That Enhance Digestion

Health Benefits of Walking Backwards

No Eggs? Egg-Alternatives You Can Add To Your Diet

Savory And Smart Ways To Add Broccoli To Your Diet

Calorie Burning Habits That Can Help You Shed Extra Pounds

Yoga Poses That Can Help With Bloating

Fiber-Rich Oatmeal Dishes You Can Have For Breakfast

Signs You Must Visit A Doctor For Your Back Pain

Avocado Meal Prep Ideas To Increase Healthy Fat In Your Diet

Arm Exercises You Can Do At Home

Quick-Office Lunches That Can Keep You Full-Longer

How Increased Screen Time Affects Children's Health

Homemade Recipe To Make Protein-Rich Pancakes With Healthy Alternatives

Push-Up Variations You Can Do At Home

Common Mistakes Running Mistakes People Make

Low-Calorie Foods That Keep You Full For Long

Yoga Poses That Help You Get Rid Of Back Pain

Natural Ways To Increase Protein In Your Diet

Managing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Tips To Try

How Much Protein Is Too Much?

High Fiber Indian Foods You Should Try

10 Easy Ways To Boost Daily Fiber Intake

Adding Walnut Oil To Your Diet? Benefits You Should Know

Drinks That Soothe Headaches And Migraines

Waist Exercises For More Toned Belly

This Is How Stress Affects Your Heart

Does Digital ‘Brain Rot’ Really Affect Your Health?

Dishes With Fermented Foods To Eat For Your Gut Health

Yoga Poses That Stimulate Good Bowel Health

Weekend Warrior Exercises For Full Body Movement

Weekend Meal Prep Ideas That Will Last You A Weekend

Easy Homemade Healthy Dishes For Long Afternoons

Silent Walking: Mental Health Booster That Keeps You Fit

Cardiovascular health is one of the leading causes of deaths all over the world. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention states that every 34 seconds a person dies from cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Statistics show 919,032 deaths due to CVDs in the US in 2023. Globally the number is even bigger, hence why people are advised to take better care of their health, whether it is in terms of food, exercise or mental health. A big reason why we have been able to proactively avoid heart issues is because of the advancement in medicine through tests and research. These findings have helped us stay healthy and avoid issues in the future. Another such aid has been made through a recent study, which could predict heart events years before it even happens. A recent study done by the British Heart Foundation, suggest that a quick eye test, taking less than a minute, might be able to predict your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years. Scientists have developed an advanced computer system that analyzes digital pictures of the back of your eye. This technology can quickly provide a personalized assessment of your risk. The hope is that this simple and easy test could become a regular part of health check-ups, just like measuring blood pressure or cholesterol, helping doctors spot potential problems as early as possible. Peering into the Eye's Blood Vessels This new technology uses the idea that the tiny blood vessels in your eyes can give important clues about the health of blood vessels throughout your entire body. This includes the ones that supply your heart and brain. It might seem surprising, but specialists say that your eyes are like a "window to your heart." If there's any damage or narrowing in the blood vessels at the back of your eye, it's likely that similar issues are happening in the blood vessels deeper inside your body, which could eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke. Learning from Diabetic Eye Scans Researchers taught this advanced computer system using eye scans from people who have type 2 diabetes. These individuals regularly have their eyes checked for a condition called diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar can harm the blood vessels in the retina. The system was first taught to recognize potential warning signs in these images, such as narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Then, it was allowed to examine every tiny detail within the pictures, including the size or shape of blood vessels, and was trained using a large collection of over 4,000 images. Accurately Predicting Cardiovascular Events The AI technology was quite successful in predicting which individuals would experience serious heart problems, like heart attacks or strokes, within a decade. It was accurate about 70% of the time. Experts point out that this is a single, quick scan that is already done routinely and takes less than a minute. They believe it could become a very important part of overall health checks, alongside blood pressure and cholesterol tests, to help identify people who could benefit from medications or changes to their lifestyle. Game-Changer for Heart Health Leaders in the field emphasize that the more precisely we can figure out someone's risk of a heart attack or stroke, the better we can prevent these events from happening. They see innovative advancements like using eye scans alongside other health checks as a key way to improve how we predict risk. This is very important if we want to reach the goal of preventing a significant number of heart attacks and strokes in the future. Experts also suggest that such advances could make it much easier for people at risk of stroke to take the necessary steps to prevent it. While there are still many practical questions about how and when this AI could be used in regular medical care, there's hope that future health plans will consider these technological advancements to save more lives. 

heart attacks and strokes can now be predicted 10 years before they happen, through this ai test

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

Nutrition

Over-the-Counter Vitamin B6 Linked To Nerve Damage: Hundreds Join Class Action In Australia

over-the-counter vitamin b6 linked to nerve damage: hundreds join class action in australia

A Common Medication That Leaves You Trapped 'In Your Own Half-Alive Corpse' Condition

a common medication that leaves you trapped 'in your own half-alive corpse' condition

Your Ethnicity May Be Putting You At Higher Risk For This Major Nerve Disorder

your ethnicity may be putting you at higher risk for this major nerve disorder

Diagnostic Anomaly: Rare Condition Turned Man’s Penis 'Rock Hard' Into Bone

diagnostic anomaly: rare condition turned man’s penis 'rock hard' into bone

When pain strikes your face like a bolt of lightning, it's not just a headache or a dental issue. It could be <span>Trigeminal Neuralgia</span> (TN), a condition so excruciating that it has been dubbed the “suicide disease”. Experts say it’s worse than a migraine, and sadly, most people don’t even know it exists until it hits them.

Dr. Namrata Dabas, HOD and Consultant, Pain and Palliative Care at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, explains that the trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve, carrying pain sensations from the face to the brain. “When it gets compressed or irritated, intense, electric shock-like pain is experienced by individuals, often on one side of their face,” she says. This kind of pain isn’t just bad; it’s chronic, and the triggers are disturbingly everyday: “eating, drinking, washing the face, or even a light breeze”.

Dr. Aparna Gupta, Associate Director of Neurology at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, calls this condition “nerve pain of the fifth nerve”, adding that “the pain in this condition is extremely severe and excruciating, mainly in the half of the face.” It’s not just the intensity but the unpredictability: “The pain can be episodic, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, or it can be chronic… in a waxing, waning manner or at times, it may spike at intervals.”

While TN has several possible causes, Dr. Dabas says that it’s “mostly caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by a nearby blood vessel loop.” Other times, it may follow a herpes zoster infection or result from a tumour pressing against the nerve. Still, she says, “TN is considered to be idiopathic, which means that no definite cause can be identified behind it in most situations.” Women and people over 50 are more likely to suffer from it.

Dr. Gupta agrees, adding that in some cases, “we found blood vessels which are surrounding the nerve, just destroying its sheath and causing the pain.” She also lists other causes like “a tumour compressing the nerve or a demyelinating condition called MS”.

It’s not just the pain; it’s how common daily actions can bring it on. Dr. Gupta points out that activities like “smiling, chewing or brushing or eating very hot or cold food like ice cream or hot coffees… all aggravate the pain.” The randomness and relentlessness of the condition can take a huge toll on mental health.

“An MRI is used to detect the underlying problem,” says Dr. Dabas. If a tumour or blood vessel compression is spotted, surgery is an option. Initially, doctors often start with neuropathic medications, but these can “cause side effects or stop working over time.” In those cases, she recommends a minimally invasive procedure: <span>radiofrequency ablation</span> of the trigeminal ganglion. “Performed under local anaesthesia, it uses radiofrequency ablation to burn a part of the trigeminal ganglion in a controlled manner,” she says. The relief is often immediate. 

Dr. Gupta also lists treatments ranging from “anti-seizure medication” to “a nerve block or a local Botox in the region where the pain occurs”. In cases where a blood vessel is the culprit, “a <span>microdiscectomy</span> is done.” And when it’s due to MS or a tumour, “it requires the primary treatment”.

trigeminal neuralgia

facial pain

nerve compression

electric shock pain

suicide disease

chronic pain

neuropathic treatment

radiofrequency ablation

microdiscectomy

nerve disorder

When pain strikes your face like a bolt of lightning, it's not just a headache or a dental issue. It could be Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), a condition so excruciating that it has been dubbed the “suicide disease”. Experts say it’s worse than a migraine, and sadly, most people don’t even know it exists until it hits them.What makes this pain so cruel?Dr. Namrata Dabas, HOD and Consultant, Pain and Palliative Care at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, explains that the trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve, carrying pain sensations from the face to the brain. “When it gets compressed or irritated, intense, electric shock-like pain is experienced by individuals, often on one side of their face,” she says. This kind of pain isn’t just bad; it’s chronic, and the triggers are disturbingly everyday: “eating, drinking, washing the face, or even a light breeze”.Dr. Aparna Gupta, Associate Director of Neurology at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, calls this condition “nerve pain of the fifth nerve”, adding that “the pain in this condition is extremely severe and excruciating, mainly in the half of the face.” It’s not just the intensity but the unpredictability: “The pain can be episodic, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, or it can be chronic… in a waxing, waning manner or at times, it may spike at intervals.”But what causes it?While TN has several possible causes, Dr. Dabas says that it’s “mostly caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve by a nearby blood vessel loop.” Other times, it may follow a herpes zoster infection or result from a tumour pressing against the nerve. Still, she says, “TN is considered to be idiopathic, which means that no definite cause can be identified behind it in most situations.” Women and people over 50 are more likely to suffer from it.Dr. Gupta agrees, adding that in some cases, “we found blood vessels which are surrounding the nerve, just destroying its sheath and causing the pain.” She also lists other causes like “a tumour compressing the nerve or a demyelinating condition called MS”.When a smile or a sip can set it offIt’s not just the pain; it’s how common daily actions can bring it on. Dr. Gupta points out that activities like “smiling, chewing or brushing or eating very hot or cold food like ice cream or hot coffees… all aggravate the pain.” The randomness and relentlessness of the condition can take a huge toll on mental health.Managing the unmanageable“An MRI is used to detect the underlying problem,” says Dr. Dabas. If a tumour or blood vessel compression is spotted, surgery is an option. Initially, doctors often start with neuropathic medications, but these can “cause side effects or stop working over time.” In those cases, she recommends a minimally invasive procedure: radiofrequency ablation of the trigeminal ganglion. “Performed under local anaesthesia, it uses radiofrequency ablation to burn a part of the trigeminal ganglion in a controlled manner,” she says. The relief is often immediate. Dr. Gupta also lists treatments ranging from “anti-seizure medication” to “a nerve block or a local Botox in the region where the pain occurs”. In cases where a blood vessel is the culprit, “a microdiscectomy is done.” And when it’s due to MS or a tumour, “it requires the primary treatment”.

not just a migraine: why doctors call trigeminal neuralgia the “suicide disease”

Tanya Dutt

Don't Let The Smiling 'Fit' Selfies On Social Media Fool You—Here's What Eating Disorders Can Look Like

What is Coeliac Disease That Affects 2 Million People in the U.S. Each Year?

what is coeliac disease that affects 2 million people in the u.s. each year?

Why The Obesity Crisis Won’t End Unless We Change The Way We Live, Eat And Move

why the obesity crisis won’t end unless we change the way we live, eat and move, say experts

'Anxious Mondays' Can Lead To Stress That Lasts Biologically For Months; Tips To Destress A Day Before

'anxious mondays' can lead to stress that lasts biologically for months; tips to destress a day before

Someone close to you seems fine, smiling, showing up for work, posting selfies, maybe even getting compliments like “You look great, have you lost weight?” You wouldn’t suspect they’re battling a serious <span>mental health</span> condition but what if they are? What if their struggle is happening beneath the surface—camouflaged by societal expectations, assumptions, or even praise?

This is exactly the danger when it comes to eating disorders—a class of complex, deeply psychological conditions that too often get misrepresented, misdiagnosed, or completely missed. Many people, including healthcare professionals, still picture eating disorders through one narrow lens: a visibly thin young woman, wasting away. That image is outdated and dangerously incomplete.

“People often suffer in silence simply because they ‘don’t look sick enough’ in the eyes of others,” says Dr. Ria Talwar, Counselling Psychologist &amp; Eating Disorders Specialist at Samarpan Health. “Many individuals living with severe symptoms of an eating disorder fall within what is considered a ‘normal’ or even higher body weight.”

Eating disorders don’t discriminate by gender, age, or size. And they don’t always show up as emaciation or dramatic weight loss. They can look like control, perfectionism, calorie counting masked as ‘health’, or persistent anxiety around meals. If we continue to rely on stereotypes, we miss the very people who most need support.

<h2>Common Misconceptions About What A Person With Eating Disorder Looks Like</h2>

Assumptions about how eating disorders look are not just incorrect—they’re actively harmful. Dr. Talwar highlights that comments like “You’ve lost weight, you look great” or “You should eat more, you’re disappearing” are often thrown around casually. But these statements can validate disordered behaviors or minimize distress. “They lead to a potential eating disorder being normalised, misunderstood, or even praised,” she says.

More dangerously, they build a mental narrative where people feel they need to appear visibly unwell to be taken seriously. This creates a hierarchy of suffering, where only the physically obvious cases are acknowledged. That mindset delays diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

What’s more, the reality is grim: eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, both from physical complications and suicide. Every delay in recognition comes at a potentially fatal cost.

Dr. Talwar emphasizes that many clients with long-standing disordered eating go years without anyone noticing—sometimes even themselves. “We regularly see individuals who have lived with a deeply unhealthy relationship with food for years before their struggle is recognized,” she notes.

<strong>Why? Because they don’t ‘look the part.’</strong>

This is especially true for people living in larger bodies, men, non-binary individuals, or people of color—groups that have been historically excluded from the narrow portrayal of who gets eating disorders.

In many cases, these disorders are a coping mechanism for emotional pain, anxiety, trauma, or a desire for control. Food becomes a way to self-soothe, punish, or numb when feelings become overwhelming. Some people engage in disordered eating as a form of self-harm, especially when traditional outlets like talking or crying aren’t safe or available.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/anxious-mondays-can-lead-to-stress-that-lasts-biologically-for-months-tips-to-destress-a-day-before-article-152318516" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Also Read: 'Anxious Mondays' Can Lead To Stress That Lasts Biologically For Months</a>

<h2>Eating Disorders Are Never Just About Food</h2>

Eating disorders are not about vanity or willpower. They are multi-layered mental health disorders, and food is just the symptom. Many times, they coexist with other conditions like:

<ul><li>Anxiety</li><li>Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)</li><li>Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)</li><li>Depression</li></ul>

In fact, perfectionism is a common thread—people set impossibly high standards for themselves, and when they fall short (as humans inevitably do), they use food as a way to regain control or punish themselves.

Dr. Talwar puts it plainly, “Food, weight, and appearance are surface-level expressions of deeper psychological distress.”

<h2>Subtle Signs Of Eating Disorder That May Be Easy To Miss</h2>

Often, the earliest signs of an eating disorder aren’t physical at all. They show up in behaviors and mood shifts. Teachers, parents, and even close friends may miss them if they’re only looking for weight loss. Dr. Talwar outlines key red flags:

<ul><li>A sudden obsession with “clean” eating or calorie tracking</li><li>Avoidance of meals or eating in secret</li><li>Anxiety or irritability before and after eating</li><li>Checking the mirror or weighing themselves compulsively</li><li>Social withdrawal, especially around food-related events</li><li>Bathroom visits right after meals</li></ul>

Sometimes, these behaviors are dismissed as “just being healthy” or “dieting.” But the difference is in the distress, rigidity, and secrecy. And often, the individual doesn’t even realize their behavior is harmful.

What helps most? Not confrontation—but compassionate conversation. Create a safe space, without judgment, where someone can speak freely. That’s often the first real step toward healing.

<h2>What Role Does Social Media Plays In Detection And Intervention?</h2>

In the digital age, social media can make eating disorders both more visible and more dangerous. It's a tool but how we use it matters. “Social media is a powerful force that cuts both ways,” Dr. Talwar says. On one hand, curated fitness journeys, diet fads, and aesthetic 'health' content can subtly glorify disordered eating. Young people are especially vulnerable to these unrealistic comparisons.

On the other hand, the internet has helped destigmatize the conversation. Many people realize they’re struggling when they see others openly share their recovery journeys, therapy tips, or mental health insights. Hashtags like #EDRecovery and #BodyNeutrality have helped people find community and support.

“Monitoring and navigating the medium requires media literacy, critical thinking, and accountability from platforms themselves,” says Dr. Talwar. More education, more empathy, and more intentional content can shift the narrative from comparison to connection.

<ul><li>Stop assuming you can tell who’s struggling by how they look</li><li>Reframe praise about weight loss—it may reinforce dangerous behaviors</li><li>Start conversations with empathy, not judgment</li><li>Advocate for broader training for healthcare providers, educators, and families to recognize diverse signs of eating disorders</li><li>Hold media accountable for promoting healthy and inclusive representations of bodies and food</li></ul>

Eating disorders don’t need to be visible to be serious. The pain is real—even if the person looks “fine.” Recovery starts with recognizing the truth, eating disorders wear many faces, and all of them deserve support. Let’s stop waiting for someone to look sick before we take their suffering seriously.

mental health

invisible eating disorders

eating disorder signs

body image stigma

disordered eating and anxiety

mental health and food

social media and eating disorders

Someone close to you seems fine, smiling, showing up for work, posting selfies, maybe even getting compliments like “You look great, have you lost weight?” You wouldn’t suspect they’re battling a serious mental health condition but what if they are? What if their struggle is happening beneath the surface—camouflaged by societal expectations, assumptions, or even praise?This is exactly the danger when it comes to eating disorders—a class of complex, deeply psychological conditions that too often get misrepresented, misdiagnosed, or completely missed. Many people, including healthcare professionals, still picture eating disorders through one narrow lens: a visibly thin young woman, wasting away. That image is outdated and dangerously incomplete.“People often suffer in silence simply because they ‘don’t look sick enough’ in the eyes of others,” says Dr. Ria Talwar, Counselling Psychologist & Eating Disorders Specialist at Samarpan Health. “Many individuals living with severe symptoms of an eating disorder fall within what is considered a ‘normal’ or even higher body weight.”Eating disorders don’t discriminate by gender, age, or size. And they don’t always show up as emaciation or dramatic weight loss. They can look like control, perfectionism, calorie counting masked as ‘health’, or persistent anxiety around meals. If we continue to rely on stereotypes, we miss the very people who most need support.Common Misconceptions About What A Person With Eating Disorder Looks LikeAssumptions about how eating disorders look are not just incorrect—they’re actively harmful. Dr. Talwar highlights that comments like “You’ve lost weight, you look great” or “You should eat more, you’re disappearing” are often thrown around casually. But these statements can validate disordered behaviors or minimize distress. “They lead to a potential eating disorder being normalised, misunderstood, or even praised,” she says.More dangerously, they build a mental narrative where people feel they need to appear visibly unwell to be taken seriously. This creates a hierarchy of suffering, where only the physically obvious cases are acknowledged. That mindset delays diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.What’s more, the reality is grim: eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, both from physical complications and suicide. Every delay in recognition comes at a potentially fatal cost.Dr. Talwar emphasizes that many clients with long-standing disordered eating go years without anyone noticing—sometimes even themselves. “We regularly see individuals who have lived with a deeply unhealthy relationship with food for years before their struggle is recognized,” she notes.Why? Because they don’t ‘look the part.’This is especially true for people living in larger bodies, men, non-binary individuals, or people of color—groups that have been historically excluded from the narrow portrayal of who gets eating disorders.In many cases, these disorders are a coping mechanism for emotional pain, anxiety, trauma, or a desire for control. Food becomes a way to self-soothe, punish, or numb when feelings become overwhelming. Some people engage in disordered eating as a form of self-harm, especially when traditional outlets like talking or crying aren’t safe or available.Also Read: 'Anxious Mondays' Can Lead To Stress That Lasts Biologically For MonthsEating Disorders Are Never Just About FoodEating disorders are not about vanity or willpower. They are multi-layered mental health disorders, and food is just the symptom. Many times, they coexist with other conditions like:AnxietyObsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)DepressionIn fact, perfectionism is a common thread—people set impossibly high standards for themselves, and when they fall short (as humans inevitably do), they use food as a way to regain control or punish themselves.Dr. Talwar puts it plainly, “Food, weight, and appearance are surface-level expressions of deeper psychological distress.”Subtle Signs Of Eating Disorder That May Be Easy To MissOften, the earliest signs of an eating disorder aren’t physical at all. They show up in behaviors and mood shifts. Teachers, parents, and even close friends may miss them if they’re only looking for weight loss. Dr. Talwar outlines key red flags:A sudden obsession with “clean” eating or calorie trackingAvoidance of meals or eating in secretAnxiety or irritability before and after eatingChecking the mirror or weighing themselves compulsivelySocial withdrawal, especially around food-related eventsBathroom visits right after mealsSometimes, these behaviors are dismissed as “just being healthy” or “dieting.” But the difference is in the distress, rigidity, and secrecy. And often, the individual doesn’t even realize their behavior is harmful.What helps most? Not confrontation—but compassionate conversation. Create a safe space, without judgment, where someone can speak freely. That’s often the first real step toward healing.What Role Does Social Media Plays In Detection And Intervention?In the digital age, social media can make eating disorders both more visible and more dangerous. It's a tool but how we use it matters. “Social media is a powerful force that cuts both ways,” Dr. Talwar says. On one hand, curated fitness journeys, diet fads, and aesthetic 'health' content can subtly glorify disordered eating. Young people are especially vulnerable to these unrealistic comparisons.On the other hand, the internet has helped destigmatize the conversation. Many people realize they’re struggling when they see others openly share their recovery journeys, therapy tips, or mental health insights. Hashtags like #EDRecovery and #BodyNeutrality have helped people find community and support.“Monitoring and navigating the medium requires media literacy, critical thinking, and accountability from platforms themselves,” says Dr. Talwar. More education, more empathy, and more intentional content can shift the narrative from comparison to connection.What Needs to Change?Stop assuming you can tell who’s struggling by how they lookReframe praise about weight loss—it may reinforce dangerous behaviorsStart conversations with empathy, not judgmentAdvocate for broader training for healthcare providers, educators, and families to recognize diverse signs of eating disordersHold media accountable for promoting healthy and inclusive representations of bodies and foodEating disorders don’t need to be visible to be serious. The pain is real—even if the person looks “fine.” Recovery starts with recognizing the truth, eating disorders wear many faces, and all of them deserve support. Let’s stop waiting for someone to look sick before we take their suffering seriously.

eating disorders

Why You Crave Comfort Food When You’re Stressed? Simple Tips To Stop Stress Eating

why you crave comfort food when you’re stressed? simple tips to stop stress eating

Rage Recedes After 50 In Women But Suppressed Anger Could Be Harming Your Health, Here's How

rage recedes after 50 in women but suppressed anger could be harming your health, here's how

Sweet But Risky? Common Sugar Substitute May Harm Brain Cells, Study Finds

sweet but risky? common sugar substitute may harm brain cells, study finds

Ayurveda

From Brain to Heart Health: Here is Why Black Seed Oil is Ayurveda’s Favourite

from brain to heart health: here is why black seed oil is ayurveda’s favourite

You wake up on Monday with a knot in your stomach. The week hasn’t started yet, but something about the shift from weekend to weekday stirs unease. Turns out, that feeling isn’t just in your head—it’s in your biology.

New research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders shows that Monday-specific anxiety doesn’t just spike your mood for the day—it leaves a biological trace for months. Scientists studying over 3,500 older adults found that those who reported anxiety on Mondays had significantly higher levels of cortisol—the body’s main stress hormone—two months later. Not just the next day. Not just that week. Two months.

This biological imprint, referred to by researchers as the “Anxious Monday” effect, hints at something much deeper: a cultural and physiological bond between the start of the week and long-term health risk—especially for the heart.

Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about hating your job. In fact, the study showed that even retirees—people who no longer face Monday morning meetings, work emails, or deadlines—showed the same spike in stress biomarkers.

This suggests that our nervous systems have been conditioned over a lifetime to associate Mondays with stress. The researchers propose that repeated exposure to structured weekly rhythms—decades of Monday wake-up calls, commutes, and school schedules—may wire our physiological stress response to treat Monday like a danger signal.

Professor Tarani Chandola, lead author and medical sociologist at the University of Hong Kong, explains, “Mondays act as a cultural stress amplifier. For some older adults, the week’s transition triggers a biological cascade that lingers for months. This isn’t about work—it’s about how deeply ingrained Mondays are in our stress physiology, even after careers end.”

<h2>How Does Monday Blues Have A Deep Biological Impact?</h2>

The study, based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), analyzed hair samples to detect long-term <span>cortisol levels</span>. Here's what stood out:

23% Higher Cortisol Levels: Participants who felt anxious on Mondays had 23% more cortisol in their hair, a biomarker of long-term stress.

Only Partially Linked to Mood: Interestingly, only 25% of this effect was explained by feeling anxious on Mondays. The remaining 75% was due to how strongly the body reacts to Monday anxiety, compared to other days.

Not Limited to the Workforce: The same cortisol patterns appeared in both working individuals and those who had long retired.

The physiological pathway at the center of this research is the HPA axis—the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis—which regulates how our body reacts to stress. Chronic dysregulation of this system (like from persistent cortisol elevation) has been tied to a wide range of health conditions:

<ul><li>Cardiovascular disease</li><li>Insulin resistance</li><li>Immune dysfunction</li><li>Mood disorders</li></ul>

<h2>Why Mondays May Be Linked to Heart Attacks?</h2>

If you’ve heard that heart attacks tend to spike on Mondays, this research may explain why. Previous epidemiological studies show a 19% increase in heart attacks on Mondays compared to other days. While we’ve often blamed this on workplace pressure or weekend lifestyle choices, the new data suggest a deeper biological reason.

The stress we associate with Mondays isn’t just an emotional reaction—it’s a neuroendocrine event. And repeated, low-grade Monday dread may create an invisible stress load that adds up over time, increasing <span>cardiovascular risk</span> long before we feel any symptoms.

The implications of this study go beyond personal wellness. If a single day of the week can consistently activate a harmful biological stress response across a population, then addressing Monday-specific anxiety could become a novel lever in reducing chronic disease risk—especially among aging adults. It also raises new questions for health practitioners:

<ul><li>Should stress management advice be tailored for the start of the week?</li><li>Can interventions that ease the Sunday-to-Monday transition actually lower long-term cortisol exposure?</li><li>Could community-based programs or calendar redesigns mitigate this cultural imprint?</li></ul>

We're looking at a public health opportunity hidden in plain sight.

<h2>Tips To Ease Stress and Anxiety Starting On Sunday</h2>

If Mondays are quietly sabotaging your biology, it makes sense to shift the strategy upstream—to Sunday. Here are evidence-backed ways to dial down Monday dread before it peaks:

Instead of mentally loading Monday with tasks and expectations, treat Sunday evening as a soft ramp into the week. Avoid telling yourself “I have a mountain of work ahead.” That mental rehearsal activates the stress response prematurely.

<h4>2. Create a Sunday ‘cool-down’ routine</h4>

A Sunday evening walk, warm bath, or 15-minute meditation session can reduce cortisol levels and ease the transition. Studies show that even 10 minutes of slow breathing can trigger the body’s relaxation response.

Poor sleep on Sunday night (sometimes called “Sunday scaries insomnia”) makes your body more vulnerable to stress hormones on Monday. Prioritize a consistent sleep window and limit screen time 2 hours before bed.

Make your Monday morning gentler where you can. Even small tweaks—like delaying meetings until mid-morning, eating a nourishing breakfast, or listening to music—can modulate the <span>HPA axis</span> response.

Over-stacking Mondays with responsibilities may reinforce the stress imprint. If possible, distribute demanding tasks throughout the week to create a more balanced cognitive load.

What this research really reminds us is that culture shapes biology. The seven-day week is a human invention, but our bodies have adapted to it in surprisingly profound ways.

As we age, the decades of rhythms—school bells, shift changes, family routines—don’t just fade. They form a sort of physiological memory that can quietly drive health outcomes well into retirement and among those rhythms, Monday holds a special place.

So if you’ve ever felt that Mondays hit harder than they should, you’re not imagining it—and now, science is backing you up. The challenge isn’t just to push through the day, but to understand how deeply it’s embedded in our biology. The opportunity? Start by reshaping your Sundays. Your heart may thank you months from now.

anxious mondays

cortisol levels

monday stress

cardiovascular risk

stress and aging

hpa axis

sunday destress tips

You wake up on Monday with a knot in your stomach. The week hasn’t started yet, but something about the shift from weekend to weekday stirs unease. Turns out, that feeling isn’t just in your head—it’s in your biology.New research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders shows that Monday-specific anxiety doesn’t just spike your mood for the day—it leaves a biological trace for months. Scientists studying over 3,500 older adults found that those who reported anxiety on Mondays had significantly higher levels of cortisol—the body’s main stress hormone—two months later. Not just the next day. Not just that week. Two months.This biological imprint, referred to by researchers as the “Anxious Monday” effect, hints at something much deeper: a cultural and physiological bond between the start of the week and long-term health risk—especially for the heart.Here’s the kicker: this isn’t just about hating your job. In fact, the study showed that even retirees—people who no longer face Monday morning meetings, work emails, or deadlines—showed the same spike in stress biomarkers.This suggests that our nervous systems have been conditioned over a lifetime to associate Mondays with stress. The researchers propose that repeated exposure to structured weekly rhythms—decades of Monday wake-up calls, commutes, and school schedules—may wire our physiological stress response to treat Monday like a danger signal.Professor Tarani Chandola, lead author and medical sociologist at the University of Hong Kong, explains, “Mondays act as a cultural stress amplifier. For some older adults, the week’s transition triggers a biological cascade that lingers for months. This isn’t about work—it’s about how deeply ingrained Mondays are in our stress physiology, even after careers end.”How Does Monday Blues Have A Deep Biological Impact?The study, based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), analyzed hair samples to detect long-term cortisol levels. Here's what stood out:23% Higher Cortisol Levels: Participants who felt anxious on Mondays had 23% more cortisol in their hair, a biomarker of long-term stress.Only Partially Linked to Mood: Interestingly, only 25% of this effect was explained by feeling anxious on Mondays. The remaining 75% was due to how strongly the body reacts to Monday anxiety, compared to other days.Not Limited to the Workforce: The same cortisol patterns appeared in both working individuals and those who had long retired.The physiological pathway at the center of this research is the HPA axis—the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis—which regulates how our body reacts to stress. Chronic dysregulation of this system (like from persistent cortisol elevation) has been tied to a wide range of health conditions:Cardiovascular diseaseInsulin resistanceImmune dysfunctionMood disordersWhy Mondays May Be Linked to Heart Attacks?If you’ve heard that heart attacks tend to spike on Mondays, this research may explain why. Previous epidemiological studies show a 19% increase in heart attacks on Mondays compared to other days. While we’ve often blamed this on workplace pressure or weekend lifestyle choices, the new data suggest a deeper biological reason.The stress we associate with Mondays isn’t just an emotional reaction—it’s a neuroendocrine event. And repeated, low-grade Monday dread may create an invisible stress load that adds up over time, increasing cardiovascular risk long before we feel any symptoms.The implications of this study go beyond personal wellness. If a single day of the week can consistently activate a harmful biological stress response across a population, then addressing Monday-specific anxiety could become a novel lever in reducing chronic disease risk—especially among aging adults. It also raises new questions for health practitioners:Should stress management advice be tailored for the start of the week?Can interventions that ease the Sunday-to-Monday transition actually lower long-term cortisol exposure?Could community-based programs or calendar redesigns mitigate this cultural imprint?We're looking at a public health opportunity hidden in plain sight.Tips To Ease Stress and Anxiety Starting On SundayIf Mondays are quietly sabotaging your biology, it makes sense to shift the strategy upstream—to Sunday. Here are evidence-backed ways to dial down Monday dread before it peaks:1. Preempt the stress narrativeInstead of mentally loading Monday with tasks and expectations, treat Sunday evening as a soft ramp into the week. Avoid telling yourself “I have a mountain of work ahead.” That mental rehearsal activates the stress response prematurely.2. Create a Sunday ‘cool-down’ routineA Sunday evening walk, warm bath, or 15-minute meditation session can reduce cortisol levels and ease the transition. Studies show that even 10 minutes of slow breathing can trigger the body’s relaxation response.3. Don’t let sleep slidePoor sleep on Sunday night (sometimes called “Sunday scaries insomnia”) makes your body more vulnerable to stress hormones on Monday. Prioritize a consistent sleep window and limit screen time 2 hours before bed.4. Reframe Monday morningsMake your Monday morning gentler where you can. Even small tweaks—like delaying meetings until mid-morning, eating a nourishing breakfast, or listening to music—can modulate the HPA axis response.5. Check your calendar pressureOver-stacking Mondays with responsibilities may reinforce the stress imprint. If possible, distribute demanding tasks throughout the week to create a more balanced cognitive load.What this research really reminds us is that culture shapes biology. The seven-day week is a human invention, but our bodies have adapted to it in surprisingly profound ways.As we age, the decades of rhythms—school bells, shift changes, family routines—don’t just fade. They form a sort of physiological memory that can quietly drive health outcomes well into retirement and among those rhythms, Monday holds a special place.So if you’ve ever felt that Mondays hit harder than they should, you’re not imagining it—and now, science is backing you up. The challenge isn’t just to push through the day, but to understand how deeply it’s embedded in our biology. The opportunity? Start by reshaping your Sundays. Your heart may thank you months from now.

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