The new work life requires one to chase deadlines, desk jobs and prolonged screen time, which are now the norms, thus, poor posture risk is at its peak than ever. It is because, according to a health specialist, inappropriate sitting positions may bring the impact to humans, as the way people sit can cause not only various physical problems such as headache and neck pain but can also exacerbate mental illness like anxiety and insomnia. A closer look into the issue shows that even such simple matters as sitting posture could provoke serious health problems than one could realize.

Sitting at my desk every day, I never imagined that my posture could impact my well-being. But the headaches, restless nights, and creeping anxiety told a different story. Adjusting my sitting position felt awkward initially, but gradually, I noticed fewer aches and a calmer mind. Small changes truly make a big difference.

Link Between Posture and Mental Well-being

According to the British Heart Foundation, a person spends an average of 66.5 hours per week sitting, which translates into three full days of inactivity. This has seen many spend most of that time seated at desks or in front of screens, and negative effects are becoming apparent from poor posture. In reality, research shows that the majority of people, including twenty-year-olds, suffer from bad posture, which becomes a ripple effect on the body and mind.

Bad postures are not just slouching or sitting crooked. The health issues it can set off are numerous. Medical professionals say that bad postures can cause long periods of tension in the neck and spine muscles. This tension may cause extremely stressful headaches because the constant stress put on the head, neck, and the thoracic spine can sometimes get unbearable. However, poor posture is not solely held responsible for this. Studies found that slouching aids negativity in thinking patterns that can actually impair mood and cause increased stress and sometimes even anxiety and depression.

Maybe the worst consequence of having an improper posture is lack of sleep, known as insomnia. A forward-tilted neck, which is commonly known as "tech neck," can cause muscle fatigue, chronic neck pain, and even difficulty unwinding at night. The tension that builds up in the muscles of the neck and back can make it hard to relax, thus making it harder to fall asleep. This, in turn, contributes to a cycle of poor sleep and heightened stress, which further worsens feelings of anxiety and mental fatigue.

Dangers of "Tech Neck"

Among the many sitting positions that can damage your health, one stands out as being the most harmful: the "tech neck." The head tilts forward when working on screens, which most workers at a desk are familiar with, and also happens for people who spend more hours on their phones. This is because the head appears to weigh much heavier in the neck when the posture is forward. For example, a 30-degree angle can make the head's effective weight go up to 40 pounds and put tremendous stress on the neck and spinal muscles.

This unnatural strain often leads to muscle fatigue and discomfort, which can spiral into chronic neck pain. Over time, this tension doesn't just affect physical comfort; it can trigger persistent headaches and hinder the body's ability to relax, making it more difficult to wind down after a long day of work.

Impact of Prolonged Sitting

The physical consequences of prolonged sitting extend beyond the neck. As humans, our biology was designed to stand and walk. In sitting for long periods of time, the cardiovascular system is disrupted and, therefore, less effective when it comes to the proper functioning of our heart. Sitting also disrupts our digestive system from its norm. The bowel operates better when we are standing up and walking around, a situation not paid much attention to as one sits most of the day.

A sedentary life also contributes to a range of serious health issues, including increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even certain kinds of cancer. Over three million deaths are caused globally by physical inactivity worldwide annually. The implications of sitting for too long extend far beyond back pain or stiff muscles; they are related to a whole range of chronic illnesses that can drastically affect the quality of life and even life expectancy.

It is very important to know that posture not only affects the body but can also determine the mental state. According to studies, sitting in a particular way affects cognitive functions and emotional health. For example, slouching in a chair has been said to increase negative thoughts that lead to increased anxiety. However, sitting upright has been proven to promote a more positive attitude that improves mood and self-confidence.

Poor posture can also lead to degradation in cognitive function. Posture can cause shallow breathing leading to low oxygen levels throughout the body and low concentration of oxygen reaching the brain that can impair memory, concentration and overall cognitive performance.

With the advanced use of screens and sedentary work environments, most are unknowingly compromising their mental sharpness by neglecting posture.

How to Sit Best Position

Fortunately, it is easy to improve a posture, which can yield profound effects on the physical health and mental condition. Medical experts recommend "S" posture because gravity is not directed to the spinal muscles. Now, let's see how you do it:

1. Toes and heels flat on the ground: Place your feet flat on the ground such that your knees are kept the same height as that of your hips. As the pressure on your lumbar is reduced, keeping everything in proper alignment as well.

2. Adjust Chair Height: If your chair is too high or too low, your knees may not be at the correct angle, leading to discomfort. Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet rest comfortably on the floor.

3. Back Against the Chair: Ensure that your back is supported by the chair's backrest. If necessary, use a cushion for added support.

4. Refrain from Forward Tilting: Keep your head in neutral, avoiding the forward tilt that leads to "tech neck." This reduces the strain on your neck and spine.

5. Take Frequent Breaks: Even with perfect posture, sitting for long periods can still be harmful. Stand up, stretch, or walk around every 30 minutes to improve circulation and reduce muscle stiffness.

The effect of poor posture goes way beyond mere physical discomfort. It can impact your mental health, your ability to sleep and concentrate, and more. With the increasing hours spent sitting at desks, in front of screens, and on the go, it is more important than ever to pay attention to our sitting habits. Small changes in how we sit can make all the difference in our overall well-being.

We can reduce the risks of headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain just by improving our posture and being proactive about reducing sedentary behavior. A healthy posture doesn't only look good; it also feels good, both for your body and mind. So go ahead and adjust your sitting position and give your body and mind the support they deserve to thrive.

Dr Fox, UK

"Every time I wear tight jeans or belt, I get these UTI-like infections on the next day. First time when I observe this thing, the symptoms were mild, but third time, the symptoms got worse..." wrote a 26-year-old on a Tele-medicine/consulting app, almost three years ago. Now, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health is highlighting something very similar that even clothing choices could create conditions favorable for UTI.

According to clinical experts, wearing tight jeans or other restrictive clothing can significantly elevate the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections are among the most common bacterial illnesses, particularly in women, and are characterized by symptoms such as burning sensation during urination, urinary urgency, and pain in the lower abdomen.

Does Tight Clothing Lead To UTI?

The urinary tract is protected by multiple defense mechanism, which also includes flushing action of urine, antimicrobial properties of mucosal surfaces, and the balance of resident microflora. However, due to prolonged use of tight jeans or any such non-breathable garments, the balance could be disrupted.

Tight clothing reduces airflow in the genital area and traps heat and sweat. The resulting warm, moist environment facilitates bacterial growth, particularly of Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is the leading cause of UTIs. Friction caused by tight garments further irritates the skin and mucosa, allowing bacteria to multiply and migrate towards the urethra and bladder.

Read: Can A UTI Cost You Your Limbs? Explains Doctor

What Does The Study Say?

The recent study also highlights that synthetic, restrictive clothing could in fact, increase bacterial colonization. Non-breathable fabrics like polyester or spandex can trap perspiration and prevent evaporation. It can thus create an ideal habitat for microbes. The risk is even heightened in hot and humid climates, where sweating is more pronounced.

Does It Mean That Suits Can Cause UTIs?

Not necessarily, it is not the spandex itself that causes UTI, it is the unhygienic condition of its usage. The tight clothing or swimwear do not cause UTI, it happens when you do not change or clean your intimate area after wearing such clothing for a long time. The recommendation is to remove such clothing, especially after sweating or strenuous activity.

Read: Urine Color Chart- What Is Normal Vs What's Not?

Who Are At More Risk Of UTI?

While UTI affects both the genders, women are at more risk of it, due to their anatomical and physiological factors. The female urethra is shorter than the male urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to ascend from the perineal area into the bladder. Statistically, almost half of all women will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime, compared to significantly lower prevalence in men.

There are also additional risk factors in women, which include hormonal fluctuations. During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels alters the vaginal flora, reducing protective lactobacilli and making the urinary tract more susceptible to infections. Furthermore, certain contraceptive methods, including diaphragms and spermicides, can disrupt the normal microbial balance and increase UTI risk.

Men and children may also develop UTIs. In pediatric cases, the prevalence is estimated at 1–2%, and in men, infections are often associated with underlying urological abnormalities or prostatic enlargement. Globally, healthcare systems treat approximately 8–10 million UTI cases annually.

What Are the Common Symptoms Of UTI?

• Dysuria (burning pain during urination)
• Increased urinary frequency and urgency
• Suprapubic or pelvic discomfort
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Urinary incontinence or urge incontinence
• Fatigue or malaise
• Flank pain or lower back pain (suggestive of kidney involvement)
• Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting in severe cases

A 27-year-old woman from Erith, south-east London, who was bitten by a tick as a teenager was diagnosed with Lyme disease last year. Now, she is educating others, telling them that even their old disease could suddenly come back to them, all thanks to Covid-19.

She is Maia Pavey. She has been bedridden for two years after a Lyme disease diagnosis. She now faces an uncertain future.

What Happened To Maia?

Express US reports that when she was a teenager and was part of the Scout activities, she had spent plenty time outside in wooded and grassy areas. This is when she was bitten by ticks. However, there were no noticeable symptoms back then. It was only after in March 2022, when she contracted Covid-19 that her health deteriorated. By August 2023, she was confined to her bed. She reported to be suffering from "crushing" fatigue, numbness, limb pain, dizziness, and nausea.

Maia's mother, Helene, who is 66, and a self-employed private tutor has been taking care of her daughter. She suspects that Lyme disease remained dormant for many years, before it was "reactivated" due to Covid-19.

"She was involved with a branch of the Scouts – they would go in the woods and walk through long grass," Helene said.

Maia was diagnosed with this bacterial infection in December 2024. Maisa was the owner of a photo lab studio in Wollwich, with her partner of seven years, Tristan Snow, 30. However, ever since her diagnosis, she has not been able to work or take care of herself.

The couple currently stays with Maia'a parents, Jason 55 Helene, and her brother Jake, 23.

Maia says, as is also reported by the Mirror that her "independence is gone completely". However, the family is trying to remain "as positive as possible".

Maia's current condition only allows her to eat or even use the restroom from her bed. She is only allowed to leave for urgent medical appointments.

Read: What Is Babesia That Could Block Your Lyme Disease Recovery?

Has Maia's Condition Improved Ever Since?

The ray of hope is the antibiotic treatment, which is delivered to her intravenously. It seems to help her condition improve, and she too is optimistic about managing her symptoms. "Educate yourself about tick-borne illnesses and the ways to avoid them or protect yourself," she says.

"If you know anyone who is suffering but doctors have disregarded their symptoms, consider checking whether it's Lyme disease via a Lyme literate specialist. And if you know someone dealing with a chronic illness, reach out to them regularly. They are probably quite lonely."

Read More: Justin Timberlake Reveals Lyme Disease Diagnosis: Here’s What That Means For His Health

Can Diseases Come Back Due To Covid?

As per a 2022 study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, it was reported that ancient diseases were making a comeback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the study does not mention whether a person who has been diagnosed with a disease earlier could reignite after contracting COVID-19.

As far as Lyme disease is concerned, the National Health Services (NHS), UK, states that it is typically more manageable when caught early. The NHS also notes that a circular or oval-shaped rash surrounding a tick bite can signal early Lyme disease in some individuals, however, both Maia and Helen disagreed noticing any such signs of tick bite.

Heart attacks used to be thought of as something that happened to people in their 60s or 70s. But walk into any cardiac ward in India today, and you’ll see a far younger crowd — men and women in their 30s and 40s. It’s a frightening shift, and one that makes us stop and ask: Why are young Indians suddenly facing such a big heart health crisis?

How Heart Disease Are Evolving?

Indian hearts have always been more prone to heart disease than Western hearts, but what's shocking is that it's appearing so early. Some of this is genetic. South Asians are predisposed to heart disease because of the way our bodies metabolize cholesterol and store fat. But genetics don't tell the whole story about why young people are ending up in emergency wards. It's the perfect storm of today's lifestyles, stress, and neglected health that's driving the issue.

Stress, Work Culture, and Sleepless Nights

Take the manner in which we toil and live nowadays. Long office hours, late-night deadlines, endless commutes, and the need to "hustle" are the norm. Throw in sleepless nights, irregular meals, and a perpetual state of being "on", it's no wonder the heart is strained. Chronic stress raises blood pressure, enhances sugar cravings, and fuels inflammation within the body, all of which speed up heart damage.

Lifestyle choices we don’t think twice about

Sedentary lifestyle, weekend binge drinking, and smoking are other major offenders. Hopping from the couch to swiping into the wee hours isn't only bad for your belly, it also decreases your "good" cholesterol and makes your blood vessels more rigid. Teenagers believe they're too active to be concerned, but the reality is, arteries don't distinguish between 35 and 65. Risk factors silently accumulate over the years until something breaks.

Hidden conditions that worsen it

What's most concerning is when young adults don't take seriously any condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Most people don't initiate follow-ups with their doctor when they are supposed to, because they feel "too young" to have these conditions. These "silent but deadly" conditions can reduce the function of the heart for years and have no symptoms. By the time you experience chest pain and/or shortness of breath, it may be too late.

The role of diet and pollution

Diets in India are changing too; traditional food is quietly fading into the background and is being replaced by processed foods, sugary beverages, and snacks heavy in trans-fats. Add to that the increasing incidence of air pollution in our cities, which inflames blood vessels and reduces oxygen supply, and now you also add another layer of risk.

What Can Protect Your Heart?

The scary part about this trend is that it feels sudden. The great thing is that a lot of this is preventable. Simple things, such as sensible meals, exercising every day, going to bed at a reasonable time, and reducing smoking and drinking, do make a difference. Routine health checks even simple blood pressure and cholesterol check in your 30s will get you ahead of any issues.". Stress reduction is no longer a luxury; whether yoga, meditation, or simply keeping the screens off for a bit, your heart requires downtime as much as your mind does.

Heart attacks among young Indians are no longer uncommon headlines; they're an expanding reality. But it doesn't have to be our fate. By paying attention to our bodies, honoring our boundaries, and prioritizing heart health every day, we can rewrite this narrative. Because no 35-year-old needs to be struggling to survive in a cardiac ICU when the issue could have been avoided by making tiny but consistent adjustments.