It was a cold winter evening, and I could feel the tension in my shoulders after a long day. My usual heating pad had quit, so I turned to a homemade solution: a rice bag heating pad. Surprisingly easy to make, it was also comforting and effective, providing just the relief I needed.

Why Use a Heating Pad?

Heating pads are known for their ability to reduce aches, ease joint stiffness, and soothe sore muscles. They work wonders for neck pain, back pain, menstrual cramps, and arthritis. Applying gentle heat to the affected area helps increase blood flow, which can reduce stiffness and encourage faster healing. Making your own rice bag heating pad at home is a quick, sustainable, and budget-friendly option for immediate pain relief.

How to Make a Rice Bag Heating Pad

Creating a heating pad requires only a few simple materials that you might already have at home. Here’s how you can make one with a sock and uncooked rice:

Materials

- An old, clean sock

- Uncooked rice (or alternatives like barley or oatmeal)

- Needle and thread (optional for extra security)

Instructions

1. Fill the Sock: Take your sock and fill it about three-quarters full with uncooked rice. Avoid overfilling, as you want it to be flexible enough to mold to different areas of your body.

2. Seal the End: Tie the sock tightly, or sew it shut if you want a more secure seal.

3. Heat It Up: Place the rice-filled sock in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. Carefully remove it, and test the temperature on your inner arm before applying it to your body.

For added versatility, you can also use this rice bag as a cold compress by storing it in the freezer.

How Heating Pads Work?

Applying heat, known as thermotherapy, to sore areas improves circulation, bringing oxygen-rich blood to aid in muscle relaxation and joint flexibility. Heating pads can be particularly effective for conditions like:

- Back and neck pain

- Menstrual cramps

- Migraine symptoms

- Arthritis and joint pain

Increased blood flow helps tissues heal faster by delivering more oxygen to damaged cells, which is essential in the recovery process.

Ozempic might have started as a breakthrough diabetes drug but its story has rapidly evolved into into something far more complicated and controversial. Initially used to suppress appetite and aid weight loss, the medication is now being questioned as an increasing number of patients experience incapacitating gastrointestinal side effects that don't necessarily resolve after withdrawing from the therapy. As the line blurs between miracle medication and medical mystery, it's time to move past the hype and question harder what Ozempic is actually doing in the body.

Over the past year, drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed from prescription treatments for diabetes and obesity into household names. Their popularity has soared not just in clinics but across TikTok and weight-loss forums, lauded for their dramatic slimming results. But as prescriptions rise, so do concerns — and a disturbing new question is gaining traction: Can these medications cause stomach paralysis and relentless vomiting?

The American U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed it received reports of these types of symptoms, and in one notable case, a Louisiana woman sued claiming serious gastrointestinal damage from Ozempic and another GLP-1 agonist, Mounjaro. With attention from the media mounting and patient testimonials mounting, let's sort through fact versus fear and examine the science behind the sensational accusations.

In order to get an idea of the possible side effects, it's important to break down how these medications act. Ozempic and Wegovy and their pharmaceutical relatives are members of a group called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They replicate the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, a naturally occurring substance secreted by the digestive system after consuming food. The hormone does three primary things: slows gastric emptying, suppresses hunger, and enhances insulin sensitivity.

It's this deceleration of stomach emptying — often referred to as the stomach's "braking system" — that is primarily to blame for both the weight-reduction effects and, perhaps, the concerning side effects being reported by users.

Can Ozempic Cause Stomach Paralysis?

Numerous users have reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a sense of intense fullness — all symptoms now being linked with gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis. Gastroparesis is an illness where the stomach resides too long in digestion, and although not officially recognized as a direct cause of GLP-1 agonists, case study reports and anecdotal data are growing.

FDA representatives have informed some of the media that they are considering these allegations. In the meantime, doctors such as Dr. Daniel Levinthal have admitted that slowing gastric emptying is a recognized side effect of these medications — something seen in trials and described as such on the drug information leaflets.

Most patients are able to endure these symptoms quite easily, especially if treatment begins with a low dose and is gradually increased. For the very small minority of users — particularly those with preexisting illness such as type 1 diabetes — the stomach slowdown can become more than just an annoyance. It can become a crippling condition.

In the first lawsuit of its type, a woman from Louisiana has filed a suit against the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro following severe and long-term gastrointestinal damage that she supposedly suffered. According to her, the medications induced stomach paralysis, which resulted in hospitalizations and permanent damage.

Although one court case doesn't establish causation, it raises significant questions about whether current prescription labels reflect fully possible long-term risks particularly because these drugs are being more commonly prescribed for weight control in healthy people.

Also Read: Bizarre Penis Changes, Eye Strokes, Creepy ‘Walking Dead’ Hands: Alarming Ozempic Side Effects Shocking The World

What is Cyclic Vomiting?

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is another condition that's been in the crosshairs of the Ozempic discussion. Unlike gastroparesis, with its chronic symptoms that are usually related to eating, CVS is an episodic illness that hits abruptly with severe bouts of vomiting followed by relatively good periods.

One of the users of Ozempic, according to CNN, reported experiencing CVS despite having discontinued the drug. Experts warn against pinpointing the same directly with GLP-1 drugs. CVS has a multifactorial set of causes from infection to stress and is not necessarily bound by the same biological process as gastroparesis.

Nevertheless, the lines are not clearly drawn. Certain specialists hint that for those with an inborn predisposition to gastrointestinal sensitivity, GLP-1 agonists may be a catalyst, exacerbating already-present problems or revealing underlying disorders.

So, who's at greatest risk? Endocrinologists say that those with type 1 diabetes, earlier gastrointestinal illness, or neuropathy involving the vagus nerve — the nerve that assists in regulating stomach emptying — may be at higher risk of having wild reactions. Type 2 diabetics also undergo these effects but typically with less severe symptoms that diminish over time.

Experts highlight the importance of proper medical monitoring. These drugs are effective agents, but they need close monitoring, particularly with dose escalation. Patients should be taught about diet changes and meal times to minimize side effects.

How to Use Ozempic To Supplement Your Diet?

As telemedicine and online prescriptions become more popular, more individuals are gaining access to weight-loss drugs — but not necessarily in the best of conditions. Specialists emphatically warn against self-medication or procuring these drugs via informal means.

Food habits, underlying illnesses, and other medications all contribute to how a person might react to GLP-1 medications. Skipping meals, eating high-fat meals, or eating hastily can increase gastrointestinal effects. Patients are advised by healthcare providers to:

• Begin with low doses and gradually titrate
• Consume frequent small meals
• Limit fatty or greasy meals
• Drink plenty of water and avoid meal skipping

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, asserts that GI side effects are well-established and well-documented, usually mild to moderate, and usually remitting over time. The company points to more than 15 years of clinical data attesting to the safety of their GLP-1 products, including continued post-market surveillance by the FDA.

Still, their public statement acknowledges that gastric emptying delay, nausea, and vomiting are all listed in the drug’s side effect profile, a crucial detail that patients must consider before beginning treatment.

Should you be concerned? Not at all but you should know. As with all drugs, Ozempic and its cousins have risks. For the majority, the side effects are mild and temporary. But for some, particularly those who have preexisting medical conditions, it can be worse.

If you're thinking of or taking a GLP-1 agonist, discuss your history with your doctor, keep an eye out for symptoms, and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. The potential for weight loss should never be at the expense of gut health and making savvy decisions is your best protection.

Sometimes signs of chronic and serious diseases can show up in the most unexpected ways and places. One such condition is Bronchiectasis. It is a chronic lung condition that damages your airways, leading to excessive phlegm production. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that this damage to your airways can hurt your lungs, as it will cause them to expand, become loose and scarred.

It has a big range of symptoms, some of which may seem unrelated to lungs. While there's typically no cure, the treatments available can help you manage the condition and also help you improve the quality of your life.

Bronchiectasis affects approximately one in 200 adults in the UK. The damage to your lungs and airways results in an overproduction of phlegm. This excess mucus can lead to various complications and presents a variety of symptoms.

However, an issue with conditions like this is that many times early warnings can go ignored or misidentified by people. Hence learning these crucial signs can help you get the treatment you need. Bronchiectasis may be a lung disease; however, its signs can be seen at your fingertips!

Unusual Early Warning Signs

According to Asthma + Lung UK, one surprising early indicator of bronchiectasis is "clubbing" of the fingertips. This refers to the swelling and rounding of the fingertips around the nails. It often occurs due to chronically low blood oxygen levels, which can be a consequence of lung diseases like bronchiectasis.

Pelvic Floor Issues

Lung conditions like bronchiectasis can put extra strain on your muscles, including those in your bladder, bottom, and pelvic floor. As a result, individuals with bronchiectasis may experience incontinence, such as slight urination or defecation, especially during exertion like coughing or laughing.

Common Bronchiectasis Symptoms

Beyond the more unusual signs, common symptoms of bronchiectasis include:

• A persistent cough with sputum (phlegm)
• Repeated chest infections
• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Chest pain or tightness

How Is Bronchiectasis Diagnosed

The American Lung Association explains that diagnosing bronchiectasis can be tricky because its symptoms often look like other lung problems. But getting an early diagnosis is really important to stop more damage to your lungs.

If your doctor thinks you might have bronchiectasis, they'll usually start by asking about your family's health history and ordering blood tests. These tests can help them figure out if you have an underlying condition that might be causing the bronchiectasis or if your body's infection-fighting cells are low.

Other tests include chest X-ray, lung function test which would measure how much can you breathe in and out, sputum culture, which will sample your phlegm to catch any infection. Sometimes, doctors order sweat test to see if you have cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that can lead to bronchiectasis.

In some severe cases, if bronchiectasis isn't getting better with treatment, doctors might suggest a bronchoscopy. This procedure involves putting a thin, flexible tube into your airways. It helps them find any blockages or sources of infection that are hard to see otherwise.

Managing Your Condition

While bronchiectasis is generally incurable, treatment aims to control symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. Management strategies include:

Lifestyle Changes

Quitting smoking is strongly advised to help manage the condition more effectively.

Respiratory Physiotherapy

A respiratory physiotherapist can teach you techniques to effectively clear excess phlegm from your airways.

Medication

These are often prescribed to fight chest infections and flare-ups. If you experience frequent flare-ups, long-term antibiotic use may be necessary.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery might be needed to repair lung damage or if a ruptured blood vessel in the lung leads to coughing up blood.

We all love a bit of touch up, whether on a regular day or for an event. For millions of women across the globe, threading is a regular part of their beauty routine. From shaping eyebrows to removing unwanted facial hair, this grooming technique is practiced weekly or monthly and is widely considered quick, safe, and inexpensive.

But a recent video from a doctor turned influencer has caused a stir online by claiming that threading — like tattooing and body piercing — can potentially spread Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection.

What Did The Doctor Say?

In a video that has garnered over 400,000 views within two days, Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine doctor from Navi Mumbai, narrates a case where three young women, all of whom had visited the same threading salon, tested positive for Hepatitis B with identical virus strains.

Dr Gabale says he investigated the case like a “medical mystery,” and found the common link between the patients was their visit to the same salon. Citing a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) bulletin, he claims that Hepatitis B has been known to spread through tattooing, razor-sharing, and “even cosmetic procedures like threading.”

According to him, threading can cause micro-abrasions, and if contaminated tools or threads are used, the virus could survive for days — even without visible blood.

Medical Experts Respond with Skepticism

However, not all doctors are convinced. A dermatologist based in Hyderabad acknowledges that if threading causes skin abrasions, transmission is “theoretically possible,” but stresses that no confirmed case has ever been recorded.

“Tattoos are a different story — they break the skin and do carry a risk. But threading is far more superficial,” he said. “If threading was truly risky, we’d have seen documented evidence by now, considering how common the practice is.”

He also criticized the influencer’s decision to disable comments on the video, making it harder for experts to counter misleading claims.

Missing Evidence and Misleading Sources

Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar also raised concerns. He pointed out a small disclaimer in the video saying it’s “only for educational purposes” and presents a theoretical risk — suggesting the doctor hadn’t treated any actual Hepatitis B cases linked to threading.

“The issue is that viewers may miss that disclaimer and assume the risk is real. But to date, not a single case report has linked Hepatitis B transmission to threading — that’s significant,” Dr Kumar explained.

About the WHO bulletin cited in the video, the doctor reportedly shared a screenshot of an unrelated 2010 article, which did not reference threading and wasn’t published by WHO.

Beauty Risks vs. Clickbait

Dr Kumar added that while there are documented links between Hepatitis B and procedures like tattooing, body piercing, manicures, or even shaving with unsterile equipment, threading has never been associated with such risk, reported The South First.

He warns against fear-mongering and called the video an example of “clickbait,” made worse by its origin — a doctor, not just an influencer.

“Threading doesn’t typically break the skin. Unlike tattooing or piercings, it doesn’t create the conditions necessary for virus transmission. We must focus on real risks — unprotected sex, reused medical needles, and poor hygiene in clinical settings — not unproven, hypothetical scenarios,” he said.