Ishita Roy

I Survived: "Women Are Not Taught To Touch Themselves...How Will They Know If They Have Breast Cancer?"

breast cancer awareness month

Every year in October, we observe <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">breast cancer</a> awareness month</span> and for the longest, to me, it was just an important health month to spread awareness about it. However, things changed for me, and it changed twice. 

The first time my life changed was back in June 2018, when my mother, a resident of Delhi, Dilshad Garden to be specific, 48 years old, discovered a lump in the left side of her chest. This is when I was just about to start my bachelor's from the University of Delhi. As excited as I was to live the university life, there was a lingering anxiety.

My mother, while resting one day, felt something on her chest. She tried to feel it, but could not. No one teaches women to touch themselves. It is still a taboo, and remains so when campaigns around breast cancers call breasts everything else, but what it really is - breasts!

This was also when my father was not in town, she called him and shared what she just found in her chest. He suggested to go see a gynaecologist. My mother went to someone she trusted, a gynaecologist, even I know of. The doctor asked her to get a breast X-ray, however, it had no clear results. 

After a medical examination, the doctor asked her to get a mammography done and suggested that she see a different doctor, but did not tell her who to consult. My mother was confused, "I did not even know it could be something serious, I thought it's just a lump," she said as she narrated the story to me. 

"I went to Savita Vihar because there was no imaging lab that had mammography services around our house," my mother told me. However, the mammography results were also not clear. "It was clear that lump existed, but no one was ready to tell me if it was cancerous. Then I was suggested to get a fine needle aspiration (FNA) done," she explained.

As fancy as it sounds, the procedure is not so fancy. FNA is done using a thin needle and syringe to extract fluid from a suspicious area of the body and is then diagnosed to rule out any <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span>ous condition. "We got this done in Preet Vihar because that was the only nearby place where FNA was performed. When we got the reports, it had numbers, but no one told us what it was. The guy who handed the reports came out with a long sad face. Even though we did not know if it was cancer, his expressions were enough of a hint," she said. 

With the reports, my mother and my father went to a family doctor, a general surgeon of a nursing home in Laxmi Nagar, which now remains closed. This was though far from our house; it was close to Preet Vihar, where she had gotten her FNA. The doctor suggested that she get her lump removed. "This is when your dad asked him if he should take me to a hospital to an oncologist because we were doubting if it was cancerous. But the doctor said there was no need and that it would take us ages to get one appointment with a doctor in big hospitals, so we just got it removed. We sent it for biopsy at two different imaging labs," she recalled.

The reports came out from both the labs, and there it was. My mother had Stage 1 <span>breast cancer</span>, but was not told, till after her first surgery. She then finally went to Max Hospital in Vaishali and consulted an oncologist. "The doctor there said that I would be put on medications, but that would be enough, I was happy that there won't be any surgeries," she said. 

However, life had other plans. Her new doctor also suggested that she get her lump sample transferred to Max Hospital from the previous imaging labs for another biopsy. "After the biopsy at Max Hospital, I was told that there were cells which could still be active around the area of my left breast where the lump was found. The doctor said that if we hadn't removed the lump, then they could've performed a comprehensive test around the area on my breast where the lump was detected to see whether cells were multiplying. If they were, they would have taken care of that in just one surgery. However, the only way to know now whether any cells are multiplying is through another surgery," she explained. 

This was an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), where a lymph node from her armpit was to be removed and sent for biopsy in the middle of surgery. If it came positive then the nodes would be removed from her armpit, if it came out negative, then the area would be stitched, with just one of the tested samples of lymph nodes removed. 

While the tests were negative, which meant no cells were active, this surgery made her weak. She could not lift her left arm and had numbness around her left hand for more than one year.

Even though she was cancer-free, she was now suggested radiation therapy. "It was a difficult time because it was painful and it felt like my body was burning. I smelled like burnt flesh. I would feel really hot even when the AC was on," she said.

She was then prescribed medicines that lowered her estrogen levels. These medicines were called "life-saving drugs" and were prescribed to her for 5 years. I remember getting these medicines every three months from a CGHS-designated medical dispensary, near RK Ashram Marg at subsidised rates because otherwise they were very costly. 

The medicines lowered her estrogen levels because estrogen stimulates hormone receptor-positive breast cancers to grow, lowering the estrogen level can help slow the cancer's growth or help prevent it from coming back. However, this did not sit well with her menstrual cycle. 

Due to low estrogen levels, her periods became irregular, however, it did not ring any bell because she was anyway nearing her menopausal age. Upon one of the regular checkups, it was found that her uterus which was supposed to be 3 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick, grew 6 times its original size. "This happened because low levels of estrogen messed up my periods and instead of bleeding out, all the blood was collected inside my uterus. The doctor suggested that I get a uterus cleaning done every month, or get it removed. To me, removal sounded more feasible than to visit the hospital every month," she explained.

After my mother got her uterus removed, she bled uncontrollably and had to be operated again. This led to two abdominal operations on the same day, creating a lump or swelling near the site of the scar. This later led to a hernia, leading to another operation. Meanwhile, she was still on her medications, and it was slowly affecting her memory, she started to forget things.

Sometimes I would come back from college in the afternoon and she would open the door and go back to sleep and would forget in the evening that I was home. She would wake up in shock seeing me at home, asking when I came. It was a difficult time. I had never seen my mother like this. She was always smart and had the best memory. She was like our Google map before it was even a thing. Now she could not remember if her daughter was back home.

These medicines had other side effects too, like weak bones, lack of calcium, high blood pressure and other hormonal imbalances. Due to her hernia, her spermatic veins also swelled and caused varicose veins. 

However, like any other phase, this too had to pass and it did. After 5 years of continuous pain, weaknesses, surgeries, and all of us trying to be there for her, in April 2023, after all her tests were done, she was finally off her "life-saving drugs". She will soon turn 55, and is living her life, travelling between India and Japan, with the three kids she loves the most, which includes not my sister and I, but a rabbit, and two Indies that our family adopted!

Hearing her narrate her story changed my life because, before today, I did not know that she was misled till she had her first surgery. I did not know that the stigma around breast cancer was so strong that not only did people not mention it, but medical professionals too did not guide her. Maybe there would have been one less surgery or maybe her hand wouldn't have gone numb for one whole year had she been guided and her diagnosis been done right.

One thing she told my sister and me is what she learned from her radiologist at Max Hospital. "When she asked me how I got to know about the lump, I told her I just randomly noticed one day. She asked me, 'Randomly? Do you not check yourself?' I told her that nobody checks themselves, women are not taught to do it. How will they know they have breast cancer? There should be more awareness and people should come out to talk about it."

This is not a remote area where people are not aware. This is the capital city. Still, due to a lack of awareness, there was a delay and ambiguity that guided my mother's diagnosis of breast cancer. This is why, breast <span>cancer awareness</span> month for me, is the utmost important period to spread awareness. 

Her radiologist's advice was: If you are a menstruator, check your breasts and armpits for any lumps on every 3rd day of your period.

If you have hit your menopause, then select any date of a month and check your breasts on that date every month.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Breast Cancer

breast cancer awareness month 2024

cancer

reproductive health

cancer awareness

cancer survivor

Aamir Khan Opens Up About His Son Junaid's Struggle With Dyslexia

Against Medical Evidence, Louisiana Lawmakers Deny Abortion Access To Rape Victims

National Eggs Day: Is It Safe To Eat Eggs Amidst The Current Bird Flu Climate?

Health & Wellness

Heatwave To Monsoon: Health Concerns With Seasonal Changes

Standing Exercises That Help You Burn Calories

Reasons To Do Dancing As A Workout

Why Summer Fruits Are A Great Addition To Your Diet?

What Should You Avoid For Your Bladder?

Lower-Body Exercises For Strong Foundation

Healthy Drinks That Improve Your Digestion

World Tobacco Day: Unexpected Ways Smoking Can Affect You

Seasonal Mood Swings? How Weather Affects Mental Health

Is Calorie Counting Healthy? Dos And Don’ts

Heat-Related Illnesses That You Should Know

Menstrual Hygiene Day: Tips On Period Hygiene

​Add These High Protein Vegetarian Meals To Your Diet​

Top 10 Workouts That Burn Most Calorie

Makhana Season – Healthy &amp; Quick Foxnut Recipes

Monsoon Ahead – Tips On Building Rainy Season Immunity

Do You Have Prickly Heat Rash – Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Healthy No-Cook Recipes You Can Try

How Do You Calorie Count – Numbers And Nutrients

Unexpected Signs Of Dehydration – Safety And Precaution Measures

Leg Exercises You Can Do At Home To Build Strength

Foods That Promote Skin Elasticity

Must-Do Chest Exercises You Can Try At Home

What Are The Symptoms Of JN.1 COVID-19 Strain?

Why Does Sleeping Become Harder As You Age?

High-Fiber Healthy Drinks You Should Try

10 Dumbbell Exercise Variations For Upper-Body Strength

A Parent’s Guide To Pets: Important Points To Consider For Your Child’s Health

Food Anxiety Is Real – How Your Food Intake Affects Your Anxiety

World Osteoporosis Month: Ways To Strengthen Your Bones

Brain Exercises To Keep You Cognitively Sharp

Easy Recipes To Make When You Don’t Wish To Cook

Physical Signs Of High Cortisol

9 Healthy Plant-Based Protein Rich Dishes To Try

What Happens When You Have Low Blood Pressure?

Throw These Toxic Bathroom Items Away To Protect Your Health

This Is What Cricket Superstar Virat Kohli Eats In A Day

Signs You Are Experiencing Sensory Overload

Shoulder Exercises You Should Do For Defined Shoulders

Best Foods To Eat When You Are Fasting

Every year in October, we observe breast cancer awareness month and for the longest, to me, it was just an important health month to spread awareness about it. However, things changed for me, and it changed twice. "It Is Just A Lump"The first time my life changed was back in June 2018, when my mother, a resident of Delhi, Dilshad Garden to be specific, 48 years old, discovered a lump in the left side of her chest. This is when I was just about to start my bachelor's from the University of Delhi. As excited as I was to live the university life, there was a lingering anxiety.My mother, while resting one day, felt something on her chest. She tried to feel it, but could not. No one teaches women to touch themselves. It is still a taboo, and remains so when campaigns around breast cancers call breasts everything else, but what it really is - breasts!This was also when my father was not in town, she called him and shared what she just found in her chest. He suggested to go see a gynaecologist. My mother went to someone she trusted, a gynaecologist, even I know of. The doctor asked her to get a breast X-ray, however, it had no clear results. After a medical examination, the doctor asked her to get a mammography done and suggested that she see a different doctor, but did not tell her who to consult. My mother was confused, "I did not even know it could be something serious, I thought it's just a lump," she said as she narrated the story to me. "I went to Savita Vihar because there was no imaging lab that had mammography services around our house," my mother told me. However, the mammography results were also not clear. "It was clear that lump existed, but no one was ready to tell me if it was cancerous. Then I was suggested to get a fine needle aspiration (FNA) done," she explained.As fancy as it sounds, the procedure is not so fancy. FNA is done using a thin needle and syringe to extract fluid from a suspicious area of the body and is then diagnosed to rule out any cancerous condition. "We got this done in Preet Vihar because that was the only nearby place where FNA was performed. When we got the reports, it had numbers, but no one told us what it was. The guy who handed the reports came out with a long sad face. Even though we did not know if it was cancer, his expressions were enough of a hint," she said. With the reports, my mother and my father went to a family doctor, a general surgeon of a nursing home in Laxmi Nagar, which now remains closed. This was though far from our house; it was close to Preet Vihar, where she had gotten her FNA. The doctor suggested that she get her lump removed. "This is when your dad asked him if he should take me to a hospital to an oncologist because we were doubting if it was cancerous. But the doctor said there was no need and that it would take us ages to get one appointment with a doctor in big hospitals, so we just got it removed. We sent it for biopsy at two different imaging labs," she recalled.The "C" WordThe reports came out from both the labs, and there it was. My mother had Stage 1 breast cancer, but was not told, till after her first surgery. She then finally went to Max Hospital in Vaishali and consulted an oncologist. "The doctor there said that I would be put on medications, but that would be enough, I was happy that there won't be any surgeries," she said. However, life had other plans. Her new doctor also suggested that she get her lump sample transferred to Max Hospital from the previous imaging labs for another biopsy. "After the biopsy at Max Hospital, I was told that there were cells which could still be active around the area of my left breast where the lump was found. The doctor said that if we hadn't removed the lump, then they could've performed a comprehensive test around the area on my breast where the lump was detected to see whether cells were multiplying. If they were, they would have taken care of that in just one surgery. However, the only way to know now whether any cells are multiplying is through another surgery," she explained. This was an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), where a lymph node from her armpit was to be removed and sent for biopsy in the middle of surgery. If it came positive then the nodes would be removed from her armpit, if it came out negative, then the area would be stitched, with just one of the tested samples of lymph nodes removed. While the tests were negative, which meant no cells were active, this surgery made her weak. She could not lift her left arm and had numbness around her left hand for more than one year.Cancer Never Truly Goes AwayEven though she was cancer-free, she was now suggested radiation therapy. "It was a difficult time because it was painful and it felt like my body was burning. I smelled like burnt flesh. I would feel really hot even when the AC was on," she said.She was then prescribed medicines that lowered her estrogen levels. These medicines were called "life-saving drugs" and were prescribed to her for 5 years. I remember getting these medicines every three months from a CGHS-designated medical dispensary, near RK Ashram Marg at subsidised rates because otherwise they were very costly. The medicines lowered her estrogen levels because estrogen stimulates hormone receptor-positive breast cancers to grow, lowering the estrogen level can help slow the cancer's growth or help prevent it from coming back. However, this did not sit well with her menstrual cycle. Due to low estrogen levels, her periods became irregular, however, it did not ring any bell because she was anyway nearing her menopausal age. Upon one of the regular checkups, it was found that her uterus which was supposed to be 3 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick, grew 6 times its original size. "This happened because low levels of estrogen messed up my periods and instead of bleeding out, all the blood was collected inside my uterus. The doctor suggested that I get a uterus cleaning done every month, or get it removed. To me, removal sounded more feasible than to visit the hospital every month," she explained.After my mother got her uterus removed, she bled uncontrollably and had to be operated again. This led to two abdominal operations on the same day, creating a lump or swelling near the site of the scar. This later led to a hernia, leading to another operation. Meanwhile, she was still on her medications, and it was slowly affecting her memory, she started to forget things.Sometimes I would come back from college in the afternoon and she would open the door and go back to sleep and would forget in the evening that I was home. She would wake up in shock seeing me at home, asking when I came. It was a difficult time. I had never seen my mother like this. She was always smart and had the best memory. She was like our Google map before it was even a thing. Now she could not remember if her daughter was back home.These medicines had other side effects too, like weak bones, lack of calcium, high blood pressure and other hormonal imbalances. Due to her hernia, her spermatic veins also swelled and caused varicose veins. However, like any other phase, this too had to pass and it did. After 5 years of continuous pain, weaknesses, surgeries, and all of us trying to be there for her, in April 2023, after all her tests were done, she was finally off her "life-saving drugs". She will soon turn 55, and is living her life, travelling between India and Japan, with the three kids she loves the most, which includes not my sister and I, but a rabbit, and two Indies that our family adopted!The Second Time My Life ChangedHearing her narrate her story changed my life because, before today, I did not know that she was misled till she had her first surgery. I did not know that the stigma around breast cancer was so strong that not only did people not mention it, but medical professionals too did not guide her. Maybe there would have been one less surgery or maybe her hand wouldn't have gone numb for one whole year had she been guided and her diagnosis been done right.Touch Yourself!One thing she told my sister and me is what she learned from her radiologist at Max Hospital. "When she asked me how I got to know about the lump, I told her I just randomly noticed one day. She asked me, 'Randomly? Do you not check yourself?' I told her that nobody checks themselves, women are not taught to do it. How will they know they have breast cancer? There should be more awareness and people should come out to talk about it."This is not a remote area where people are not aware. This is the capital city. Still, due to a lack of awareness, there was a delay and ambiguity that guided my mother's diagnosis of breast cancer. This is why, breast cancer awareness month for me, is the utmost important period to spread awareness. To All The Women:Her radiologist's advice was: If you are a menstruator, check your breasts and armpits for any lumps on every 3rd day of your period.If you have hit your menopause, then select any date of a month and check your breasts on that date every month.

I Survived: 'Women Are Not Taught To Touch Themselves...How Will They Know If They Have Breast Cancer?'

i survived: "women are not taught to touch themselves...how will they know if they have breast cancer?"

Health and Me

Health News

against medical evidence, louisiana lawmakers deny abortion access to rape victims

Your Kiss Might Carry More Than Love- It Could Also Spread Anxiety, New Study Finds

your kiss might carry more than love- it could also spread anxiety, new study finds

Like, Comment, Share: How Social Media Triggers Dopamine Loops, Comparison Anxiety And Rewires Your Brain

like, comment, share: how social media triggers dopamine loops, comparison anxiety and rewires your brain with anxiety?

Fitness

Exercise Proven ‘Better Than Drugs’ To Prevent Colon Cancer Recurrence, Study Trial Shows

exercise proven ‘better than drugs’ to prevent colon cancer recurrence, study trial shows

<em><span rel="noindex">Taare Zameen Par</span></em> actor and director <span>Aamir Khan</span> has recently opened up about his son Junaid's struggles with <span>dyslexia</span>, days ahead of the release of<em> <span rel="noindex">Sitaare Zameen Par</span></em>, which would be a spiritual sequel to the film. 

The film aims to put focus on specially-abled individuals. 

The 2007 release, as notes the 2009 study published in Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, titled <em>Taare Zameen Par and dyslexic savants</em>, portrays the tormented life at school and at home of a child with dyslexia and his eventual success after his artistic talents are discovered by his art teacher at the boarding school. 

The film shifts its focus on <span>learning disability</span>, which, explains the study, is usually defined as an unexpected, specific, and persistent failure to acquire efficient academic skills despite conventional instruction and adequate intelligence and sociocultural opportunity. Although all fields can be affected, it seems that learning problems can be classified into two categories:

<ul><li>The largest group of children has problems with language skills including reading and spelling, this is the dyslexia group, with the basic phonologic processing disabilities</li><li>The other group have greater problems with problem solving, with arithmetic and visuospatial problems, and with motor and tactile perceptual problems. These children are from a large group of those with nonverbal learning disabilities. It comprises the children with dyscalculia.</li></ul>

As per Filmfare, the actor talked about his son Junaid's struggles and said, ""Maybe this is the first time I'm saying it... The person I'm going to talk about has already spoken about this publicly. So now I can talk about it openly. I'm talking about Junaid - my son Junaid... <span>Junaid is dyslexic</span>."

He also revealed the script of <em>Taare Zmeen Par</em>, which had been penned by Amole Gupte, thus directly and deeply bore an impact on him. 

"I used to scold Junaid. I was like Nandkishore Awasthi in the beginning," he said, in a reference to the film's protagonist's strict and frustrated father.

"I would tell him, 'Junaid, how can someone write so badly? No one can even read this'. When he used to read, he would say 'from' instead of 'for'. Whenever he saw an 'F', he would just guess the word - of, from, for."

In fact in a previous interview, Junaid also accepted that he has dyslexia and both his parents learned about this learning disability only after they heard the script of <em>Taare Zameen Par</em>. 

Neither of my parents were particular (about my results)... I was also diagnosed with dyslexia very early on. So, I think they were mindful of that, especially in schooling... When they heard the script of <em>Taare Zameen Par</em>, they were like, 'Ek second... We have seen this in our lives'. And actually, it was at that point that they took me to a specialist, and I was diagnosed with dyslexia," he had said.

As per the British Dyslexia Association, it is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. 

The International Dyslexia Association describes is as a language-based learning disability, which refers to a cluster of symptoms with specific language skills, particularly reading. 

About 13–14% of the school population nationwide has a handicapping condition that qualifies them for special education. Current studies indicate that one half of all the students who qualify for special education are classified as having a learning disability (LD) (6–7%). About 85% of those students have a primary learning disability in reading and language processing. Nevertheless, many more people— perhaps as many as 15–20% of the population as a whole—have some of the symptoms of dyslexia, including slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, poor writing, or mixing up similar words. Not all of these will qualify for special education, but they are likely to struggle with many aspects of academic learning and are likely to benefit from systematic, explicit, instruction in reading, writing, and language.

Amir Khan

aamir khan

Junaid is dyslexic

dyslexia

health and wellness

junaid dyslexia

Taare Zameen Par

Sitaare Zameen par

learning disability

Taare Zameen Par actor and director Aamir Khan has recently opened up about his son Junaid's struggles with dyslexia, days ahead of the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, which would be a spiritual sequel to the film. The film aims to put focus on specially-abled individuals. What Was The Film About?The 2007 release, as notes the 2009 study published in Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, titled Taare Zameen Par and dyslexic savants, portrays the tormented life at school and at home of a child with dyslexia and his eventual success after his artistic talents are discovered by his art teacher at the boarding school. The film shifts its focus on learning disability, which, explains the study, is usually defined as an unexpected, specific, and persistent failure to acquire efficient academic skills despite conventional instruction and adequate intelligence and sociocultural opportunity. Although all fields can be affected, it seems that learning problems can be classified into two categories:The largest group of children has problems with language skills including reading and spelling, this is the dyslexia group, with the basic phonologic processing disabilitiesThe other group have greater problems with problem solving, with arithmetic and visuospatial problems, and with motor and tactile perceptual problems. These children are from a large group of those with nonverbal learning disabilities. It comprises the children with dyscalculia.What Did Aamir Khan Say?As per Filmfare, the actor talked about his son Junaid's struggles and said, ""Maybe this is the first time I'm saying it... The person I'm going to talk about has already spoken about this publicly. So now I can talk about it openly. I'm talking about Junaid - my son Junaid... Junaid is dyslexic."He also revealed the script of Taare Zmeen Par, which had been penned by Amole Gupte, thus directly and deeply bore an impact on him. "I used to scold Junaid. I was like Nandkishore Awasthi in the beginning," he said, in a reference to the film's protagonist's strict and frustrated father."I would tell him, 'Junaid, how can someone write so badly? No one can even read this'. When he used to read, he would say 'from' instead of 'for'. Whenever he saw an 'F', he would just guess the word - of, from, for."In fact in a previous interview, Junaid also accepted that he has dyslexia and both his parents learned about this learning disability only after they heard the script of Taare Zameen Par. Neither of my parents were particular (about my results)... I was also diagnosed with dyslexia very early on. So, I think they were mindful of that, especially in schooling... When they heard the script of Taare Zameen Par, they were like, 'Ek second... We have seen this in our lives'. And actually, it was at that point that they took me to a specialist, and I was diagnosed with dyslexia," he had said.What Is Dyslexia?As per the British Dyslexia Association, it is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. The International Dyslexia Association describes is as a language-based learning disability, which refers to a cluster of symptoms with specific language skills, particularly reading. About 13–14% of the school population nationwide has a handicapping condition that qualifies them for special education. Current studies indicate that one half of all the students who qualify for special education are classified as having a learning disability (LD) (6–7%). About 85% of those students have a primary learning disability in reading and language processing. Nevertheless, many more people— perhaps as many as 15–20% of the population as a whole—have some of the symptoms of dyslexia, including slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, poor writing, or mixing up similar words. Not all of these will qualify for special education, but they are likely to struggle with many aspects of academic learning and are likely to benefit from systematic, explicit, instruction in reading, writing, and language.

aamir khan opens up about his son junaid's struggle with dyslexia

Aarushi Bhadury

Is It Safe To Eat Eggs Amidst The Current Bird Flu Climate?

Nutrition

FDA Issues Severe Tomato Recall Warning in Southern US

fda issues severe tomato recall warning in southern us

Is 'Histamine Intolerance' The Hidden Reason Behind Your Bloating And Brain Fog?

is 'histamine intolerance' the hidden reason behind your bloating and brain fog?

CDC Recommends All International Travelers To Get Measles Vaccine

cdc recommends all international travelers to get measles vaccine

Measles Vaccination Rates Fall In US, Map Reveals Counties At High Risk For Outbreaks

measles vaccination rates fall in us, map reveals counties at high risk for outbreaks

National Egg Day falls on 3rd June and is observed to mark the decades of research and debates regarding nutrient-rich food. Whether it was the simple question of ‘how many eggs can you eat?’ Or are they safe for kids to eat, etc. With the current on-going bird flu cases, many people are concerned about whether eating eggs is safe or not. 

Over the last month, the H5N1 bird flu has spread to 107 groups of birds (both commercial farms and backyard flocks) across 18 states, affecting nearly 18 million birds. Since the outbreak began in 2022, 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been killed to stop the virus from spreading. To put this in perspective, the U.S. has about 380 million egg-laying chickens and over 9 billion broiler chickens. 

<h2>Is It A Threat To Human Safety? </h2>

Despite the widespread bird flu in animals, experts say the chance of humans catching the illness is still low. Since March 2024, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S., with only one death linked to it. Experts emphasize that properly handled, stored, and cooked eggs are safe and won't lead to bird flu infections in people. Nonetheless, the outbreak has raised worries about the virus spreading to humans and has also caused egg prices to jump, leading to a nationwide egg shortage. 

Recently, an 11-year-old Cambodian kid passed on due to zoonotic transmission of bird flu, this is the fourth confirmed case of human bird flu, and all cases so far have been fatal. However, the cases have not yet caused a food safety threat. The The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food. Safe handling and preparation is very important, when it comes to cooking poultry, eggs or any other animal products, one must make sure there is not cross contamination between the raw and cooked food. 

<h2>Safety Tips for Eggs and Other Products </h2>

The bird flu has also been found in dairy cows. However, experts say pasteurized milk is safe to drink because the heating process kills the virus. Some raw milk products, though, might carry a risk. Raw pet food has also been linked to bird flu illness and deaths in cats. Importantly, bird flu has not been found in chicken or beef for human consumption. Still, experts advise cooking all meat thoroughly to kill any potential virus traces. 

FDA provides simple steps to lower the risk of illness when it comes to eggs. They suggest choosing pasteurized eggs. When buying and storing eggs, the FDA recommends: 

<ul><li>Only buying eggs that have been kept refrigerated.</li><li>Storing eggs at home in a clean refrigerator.</li><li>Using eggs within 3 weeks of buying them.</li><li>Refrigerating egg dishes like casseroles and eating them within 3 or 4 days.</li></ul>

One expert recommends avoiding cracked eggs or those past their expiration date. They also note that organic eggs are not necessarily safer than non-organic ones, as both follow the same safety rules. 

While pasteurized eggs have a lower risk of infection because pasteurization effectively kills viruses, including bird flu, and bacteria. When cooking eggs, FDA officials advise:

<ul><li>Washing hands, utensils,, and work surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after touching raw eggs.</li><li>Cooking eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.</li><li>Making sure scrambled eggs are fluffy and not runny.</li><li>Cooking casseroles and other dishes with eggs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.</li><li>Serving cooked eggs right away. Don't leave egg dishes out for more than 2 hours.</li><li>Using an insulated cooler to transport eggs and egg products for picnics or gatherings.</li><li>Reheating any leftover egg products from the fridge to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.</li></ul>

National Eggs Day

Is It Safe To Eat Eggs

Eggs and Bird flu

Is It Safe To Eat Egg in bird flu

are eggs healthy

how many eggs should you eat daily

National Egg Day falls on 3rd June and is observed to mark the decades of research and debates regarding nutrient-rich food. Whether it was the simple question of ‘how many eggs can you eat?’ Or are they safe for kids to eat, etc. With the current on-going bird flu cases, many people are concerned about whether eating eggs is safe or not. Over the last month, the H5N1 bird flu has spread to 107 groups of birds (both commercial farms and backyard flocks) across 18 states, affecting nearly 18 million birds. Since the outbreak began in 2022, 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been killed to stop the virus from spreading. To put this in perspective, the U.S. has about 380 million egg-laying chickens and over 9 billion broiler chickens. Is It A Threat To Human Safety? Despite the widespread bird flu in animals, experts say the chance of humans catching the illness is still low. Since March 2024, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the U.S., with only one death linked to it. Experts emphasize that properly handled, stored, and cooked eggs are safe and won't lead to bird flu infections in people. Nonetheless, the outbreak has raised worries about the virus spreading to humans and has also caused egg prices to jump, leading to a nationwide egg shortage. Recently, an 11-year-old Cambodian kid passed on due to zoonotic transmission of bird flu, this is the fourth confirmed case of human bird flu, and all cases so far have been fatal. However, the cases have not yet caused a food safety threat. The The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains that there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food. Safe handling and preparation is very important, when it comes to cooking poultry, eggs or any other animal products, one must make sure there is not cross contamination between the raw and cooked food. Safety Tips for Eggs and Other Products The bird flu has also been found in dairy cows. However, experts say pasteurized milk is safe to drink because the heating process kills the virus. Some raw milk products, though, might carry a risk. Raw pet food has also been linked to bird flu illness and deaths in cats. Importantly, bird flu has not been found in chicken or beef for human consumption. Still, experts advise cooking all meat thoroughly to kill any potential virus traces. FDA provides simple steps to lower the risk of illness when it comes to eggs. They suggest choosing pasteurized eggs. When buying and storing eggs, the FDA recommends: Only buying eggs that have been kept refrigerated.Storing eggs at home in a clean refrigerator.Using eggs within 3 weeks of buying them.Refrigerating egg dishes like casseroles and eating them within 3 or 4 days.One expert recommends avoiding cracked eggs or those past their expiration date. They also note that organic eggs are not necessarily safer than non-organic ones, as both follow the same safety rules. Safest Way to Cook Eggs While pasteurized eggs have a lower risk of infection because pasteurization effectively kills viruses, including bird flu, and bacteria. When cooking eggs, FDA officials advise:Washing hands, utensils,, and work surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after touching raw eggs.Cooking eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.Making sure scrambled eggs are fluffy and not runny.Cooking casseroles and other dishes with eggs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.Serving cooked eggs right away. Don't leave egg dishes out for more than 2 hours.Using an insulated cooler to transport eggs and egg products for picnics or gatherings.Reheating any leftover egg products from the fridge to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

national eggs day: is it safe to eat eggs amidst the current bird flu climate?

Weight-Loss Drug Ordered Online Leaves UK Woman With Hole In Esophagus

How The Drug 'Creon' Works And Why Its Shortage Is Forcing Cancer Patients To Skip Meals

how the drug 'creon' works and why its shortage is forcing cancer patients to skip meals

Are Menopause Symptoms Affected By A Vegan Diet?

are menopause symptoms affected by a vegan diet?

‘23 Going On 53’: Doctor Claims She Reversed Her Biological Age By 30 Year

‘23 going on 53’: doctor claims she reversed her biological age by 30 year

tIn an age of quick fixes and instant results, the promise of rapid weight loss—especially through online pharmacies—can feel like a miracle. But behind the glossy ads and glowing testimonials lies a growing and dangerous trend: self-medicating with powerful weight-loss drugs without proper medical guidance.

<h4>Aimee’s Story: A Search for Help Turns Life-Threatening</h4>

Aimee Chapman, a 34-year-old from Southampton, had been struggling with her health for some time. Like many others, she hoped that shedding some weight might ease her symptoms and help doctors take her more seriously. When she came across weight-loss injections online, they seemed like the perfect solution—easy to order, promising fast results, and no waiting room required.

And at first, they worked. Within just four months, Aimee lost nearly 60 pounds. But soon, the results took a terrifying turn. She felt weak, dizzy, and collapsed frequently. She stopped eating and began vomiting—sometimes up to 60 times a day. When she saw blood in her vomit, she still thought it was a virus. But her body was telling a different story.

One day, after experiencing severe chest pain, Aimee was rushed to the hospital. What doctors discovered was both rare and dangerous: a hole in her esophagus—the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This hole allowed food and fluids to leak into her chest cavity, risking deadly infections. Her liver also began to fail, and she was immediately taken to the ICU.

Aimee spent two weeks in the hospital. Though she narrowly avoided needing a liver transplant, doctors confirmed the cause was linked to the weight-loss injections—but couldn’t determine exactly how the damage occurred. Even after being discharged, her body continued to show signs of distress: she lost large amounts of hair, likely from nutritional deficiencies caused by the sudden and drastic <span>weight loss</span>.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder that “easy” weight loss solutions can come with life-altering consequences.

<h4>The Real Risks of Self-Medicating</h4>

Aimee’s experience is not an isolated one. As the popularity of online weight-loss treatments grows, so do the risks—especially when people bypass healthcare professionals. These medications often contain powerful ingredients that can have serious side effects, interact with existing health conditions, or, in rare cases like Aimee’s, cause permanent damage.

Many online sellers are not regulated, and the quality and safety of the drugs they offer cannot be guaranteed. What seems like a shortcut can quickly turn into a health emergency.

<h4>Your Health Deserves Medical Oversight</h4>

If you’re considering weight-loss treatments, always speak with a qualified medical professional. A trusted doctor can help you explore safer, personalized options—whether that means supervised medication, dietary plans, or lifestyle changes.

bizarre health accidents

weight loss

weightloss drug

weight loss drug leaves woman enjured

UK health

tIn an age of quick fixes and instant results, the promise of rapid weight loss—especially through online pharmacies—can feel like a miracle. But behind the glossy ads and glowing testimonials lies a growing and dangerous trend: self-medicating with powerful weight-loss drugs without proper medical guidance.Aimee’s Story: A Search for Help Turns Life-ThreateningAimee Chapman, a 34-year-old from Southampton, had been struggling with her health for some time. Like many others, she hoped that shedding some weight might ease her symptoms and help doctors take her more seriously. When she came across weight-loss injections online, they seemed like the perfect solution—easy to order, promising fast results, and no waiting room required.And at first, they worked. Within just four months, Aimee lost nearly 60 pounds. But soon, the results took a terrifying turn. She felt weak, dizzy, and collapsed frequently. She stopped eating and began vomiting—sometimes up to 60 times a day. When she saw blood in her vomit, she still thought it was a virus. But her body was telling a different story.One day, after experiencing severe chest pain, Aimee was rushed to the hospital. What doctors discovered was both rare and dangerous: a hole in her esophagus—the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This hole allowed food and fluids to leak into her chest cavity, risking deadly infections. Her liver also began to fail, and she was immediately taken to the ICU.The Medical Warning SignsAimee spent two weeks in the hospital. Though she narrowly avoided needing a liver transplant, doctors confirmed the cause was linked to the weight-loss injections—but couldn’t determine exactly how the damage occurred. Even after being discharged, her body continued to show signs of distress: she lost large amounts of hair, likely from nutritional deficiencies caused by the sudden and drastic weight loss.Her story serves as a powerful reminder that “easy” weight loss solutions can come with life-altering consequences.The Real Risks of Self-MedicatingAimee’s experience is not an isolated one. As the popularity of online weight-loss treatments grows, so do the risks—especially when people bypass healthcare professionals. These medications often contain powerful ingredients that can have serious side effects, interact with existing health conditions, or, in rare cases like Aimee’s, cause permanent damage.Many online sellers are not regulated, and the quality and safety of the drugs they offer cannot be guaranteed. What seems like a shortcut can quickly turn into a health emergency.Your Health Deserves Medical OversightIf you’re considering weight-loss treatments, always speak with a qualified medical professional. A trusted doctor can help you explore safer, personalized options—whether that means supervised medication, dietary plans, or lifestyle changes.

weight-loss drug ordered online leaves uk woman with hole in esophagus

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

I Survived: 'Women Are Not Taught To Touch Themselves...How Will They Know If They Have Breast Cancer?'

Quick Stories

Aamir Khan Opens Up About His Son Junaid's Struggle With Dyslexia

National Eggs Day: Is It Safe To Eat Eggs Amidst The Current Bird Flu Climate?

Weight-Loss Drug Ordered Online Leaves UK Woman With Hole In Esophagus

Health Conditions A-Z

Aamir Khan Opens Up About His Son Junaid's Struggle With Dyslexia

Against Medical Evidence, Louisiana Lawmakers Deny Abortion Access To Rape Victims

National Eggs Day: Is It Safe To Eat Eggs Amidst The Current Bird Flu Climate?