Health and Me

Riya Baibhawi

Is There A Right Way To Absorb Vitamin D From Sunlight?

Vitamin D—also known as the sunshine vitamin—is one of the most important nutrients we need. While it is widely available in the form of <span>sunlight</span>, some people who get less exposure to it opt for foods rich in this nutrient (like seaweeds) or resort to supplements.

However, for those taking it directly from the sun, it does not mean directly standing in the sun. To get <span>Vitamin D</span>, it requires a proper time and exposure to certain parts of the body to sunlight. For the uninitiated, Vitamin D is synthesised from cholesterol on your skin when it is exposed to the sun. 

Expose your skin to the sun in the middle of the day, particularly in summer. At noon, the sun is at its highest point, and its UVB rays (UV rays with shorter wavelengths) are most intense. That means you need less time in the sun to make sufficient vitamin D.

There is empirical evidence that supports it. A study in Riyadh, <span>Saudi Arabia</span>, investigated the best times for sun exposure to boost vitamin D levels. Researchers exposed ampoules containing a vitamin D precursor to sunlight hourly from sunrise to sunset in July and December. They found that in summer, the optimal time for vitamin D production was from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with peak hours between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. In winter, the window narrowed to 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with peak production also between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The study concluded that the best time for sun exposure in Riyadh during summer is from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and after 2:00 PM, while in winter, it’s from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This approach is a cost-effective and enjoyable way to prevent vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D Is Synthesised By Cholesterol In Your Skin

Vitamin D is made from cholesterol in the skin. That means you need to expose lots of skin to the sunlight to make enough. Some scientists recommend exposing around a third of the area of your skin to the sun. The <span>British Skin Foundation</span> recommends daily sunlight exposure of 10-15 minutes for lighter skin and 25-40 minutes for darker skin.

Why Are So Many Indians Vitamin D Deficient?

<ul><li>Low sun exposure due to urban living, pollution, and indoor lifestyles.</li><li>Dietary gaps, with many people unable to afford Vitamin D-rich foods like fish, eggs, and fortified dairy.</li><li>Dark skin tones which need more sun exposure to produce Vitamin D naturally.</li><li>Cultural clothing and sunscreen use, which reduce the skin’s ability to absorb UVB rays.</li><li>High testing and supplement costs, further worsened by 18% GST on supplements.</li><li>Rising obesity and chronic diseases which interfere with Vitamin D metabolism. </li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Sunlight

vitamin d

british skin foundation

Vitamin D sunlight

saudi arabia

Does Sun Make You Age Faster?

Gardening To Dancing - Study Shows Women Can Tackle Menopause With New Hobbies

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Enjoying Hobbies As An Adult Is More Important Than You Realize

Screentime Matters For Parents Too, Here's How It Causes Issues

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These Things Are Causing You To Lose Sleep

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Foods People With PCOS Should Avoid

Do Sleep Trackers Actually Work? Things You Should Know About

Avoiding These Proteins Is Causing Your Health To Deteriorate

Not Sure Whether It Is Fatigue Or Burnout? Answer These 10 Questions

Experiencing Drained Energy Mid-Day? 10 Ways To Fix It

Vitamin D—also known as the sunshine vitamin—is one of the most important nutrients we need. While it is widely available in the form of sunlight, some people who get less exposure to it opt for foods rich in this nutrient (like seaweeds) or resort to supplements.However, for those taking it directly from the sun, it does not mean directly standing in the sun. To get Vitamin D, it requires a proper time and exposure to certain parts of the body to sunlight. For the uninitiated, Vitamin D is synthesised from cholesterol on your skin when it is exposed to the sun. What Is The Best Time?Expose your skin to the sun in the middle of the day, particularly in summer. At noon, the sun is at its highest point, and its UVB rays (UV rays with shorter wavelengths) are most intense. That means you need less time in the sun to make sufficient vitamin D.There is empirical evidence that supports it. A study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, investigated the best times for sun exposure to boost vitamin D levels. Researchers exposed ampoules containing a vitamin D precursor to sunlight hourly from sunrise to sunset in July and December. They found that in summer, the optimal time for vitamin D production was from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with peak hours between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. In winter, the window narrowed to 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, with peak production also between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The study concluded that the best time for sun exposure in Riyadh during summer is from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and after 2:00 PM, while in winter, it’s from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This approach is a cost-effective and enjoyable way to prevent vitamin D deficiency.Vitamin D Is Synthesised By Cholesterol In Your SkinVitamin D is made from cholesterol in the skin. That means you need to expose lots of skin to the sunlight to make enough. Some scientists recommend exposing around a third of the area of your skin to the sun. The British Skin Foundation recommends daily sunlight exposure of 10-15 minutes for lighter skin and 25-40 minutes for darker skin.Why Are So Many Indians Vitamin D Deficient?Low sun exposure due to urban living, pollution, and indoor lifestyles.Dietary gaps, with many people unable to afford Vitamin D-rich foods like fish, eggs, and fortified dairy.Dark skin tones which need more sun exposure to produce Vitamin D naturally.Cultural clothing and sunscreen use, which reduce the skin’s ability to absorb UVB rays.High testing and supplement costs, further worsened by 18% GST on supplements.Rising obesity and chronic diseases which interfere with Vitamin D metabolism. 

is there a right way to absorb vitamin d from sunlight?

Aarushi Bhadury

Nutrition

Why Should You Consider Blackcurrant Supplements?

why should you consider blackcurrant supplements?

Fitness

Practice This Yoga Pose For Enhanced Flexibility And Mobility

practice this yoga pose for enhanced flexibility and mobility

2 Overlooked Early Signs Of Dementia That Get Mistaken As Everyday Issues

2 overlooked early signs of dementia that get mistaken as everyday issues

Gaining Weight Before THIS Age Can Double Your Chances Of Dying Early

gaining weight before this age can double your chances of dying early

Known as the last stage of the reproductive years for a woman, <span>menopause</span> is a normal part of aging for women. While some women have no symptoms or mild symptoms of menopause, others can face issues like hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or a combination of these. 

One other factor of this issue is isolation, as people are not aware of most of these issues. According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, 34% women are not diagnosed with the symptoms of menopause and do not know when they are going through it. 20% of them go through 12 months before their transition through menopause is formally identified by their healthcare providers as well. 

As such, many of them are unaware of certain things like what issues that could be facing, and what can make their symptoms better. A new survey commissioned by the <span>Vitabiotics Menopace</span> vitamins showed that women are tackling menopause with are not letting menopause hamper their health or hobbies. 

<h2>How Do <span rel="noindex">Hobbies Help Women With Menopause</span>? </h2>

The research highlighted that a significant portion of these women – one in four – were motivated to take up a new activity primarily to focus on their health and overall wellbeing during menopause. Furthermore, one in five sought these new pursuits as a way to cope with stress or anxiety, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing the emotional aspects of this life stage. 

Beyond health benefits, starting new activities has had a positive impact on women's self-esteem. Eleven percent of respondents reported an increase in their confidence, with some even feeling empowered to make career changes. The study also identified additional benefits, such as a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of continued independence, and the joy of having something exciting to anticipate. 

<h2>What Does Dealing With Menopause Look Like? </h2>

According to the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal feeling strong and in control during menopause can help women see this time in a better way and take good care of themselves. It's important to help women understand menopause better and learn how to deal with it, maybe through special programs. 

Most of the things that have been done to help women with menopause are about teaching them things, getting them to move more, eating healthy food, managing stress, being healthy in general, and trying to stop certain diseases and weak bones. Teaching women about their health is one way to help them feel better about menopause and learn how to deal with the changes. This is part of helping women stay healthy overall. 

Helping women feel strong and in control during menopause is important for their health as they get older. It can also help them enjoy this later part of their lives. What we found in this study can help people do more research on how to keep women healthy and feeling empowered during menopause. 

<h2>Exercises That Can Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms </h2>

Do things like fast walking, running a little, riding a bike, or swimming. These get your heart going and can help you feel less stressed during menopause. Start easy and do it for longer as you get stronger. 

<h4><span rel="noindex">Strength Training</span> </h4>

After menopause, your bones can get weaker, so it's good to lift weights or use stretchy bands. This helps your bones and muscles get stronger and can also help you burn fat. 

Yoga and just relaxing can help with menopause feelings. Slow, gentle yoga moves can make you feel less tense and more peaceful in your mind. 

If you don't like running, try dancing! It's good for your muscles, keeps you flexible, and gives you energy. There are lots of different kinds of dancing to try. 

These machines can give you a good workout without being too hard on your body. The elliptical is easier on your knees than running. 

Zumba is a fun dance workout with Latin music that lots of people like. It helps you burn energy and move your muscles. 

<h4>Active Chores at Home and in the Yard </h4>

Doing harder chores like gardening can also be exercise! It gets your heart rate up and uses big muscles in your legs and middle. Start easy and do more as it gets easier.

Women Can Tackle Menopause With New Hobbies

strength training

vitabiotics menopace

society for womens health research

Menopause

Hobbies Help Women With Menopause

Known as the last stage of the reproductive years for a woman, menopause is a normal part of aging for women. While some women have no symptoms or mild symptoms of menopause, others can face issues like hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or a combination of these. One other factor of this issue is isolation, as people are not aware of most of these issues. According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, 34% women are not diagnosed with the symptoms of menopause and do not know when they are going through it. 20% of them go through 12 months before their transition through menopause is formally identified by their healthcare providers as well. As such, many of them are unaware of certain things like what issues that could be facing, and what can make their symptoms better. A new survey commissioned by the Vitabiotics Menopace vitamins showed that women are tackling menopause with are not letting menopause hamper their health or hobbies. How Do Hobbies Help Women With Menopause? The research highlighted that a significant portion of these women – one in four – were motivated to take up a new activity primarily to focus on their health and overall wellbeing during menopause. Furthermore, one in five sought these new pursuits as a way to cope with stress or anxiety, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing the emotional aspects of this life stage. Beyond health benefits, starting new activities has had a positive impact on women's self-esteem. Eleven percent of respondents reported an increase in their confidence, with some even feeling empowered to make career changes. The study also identified additional benefits, such as a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of continued independence, and the joy of having something exciting to anticipate. What Does Dealing With Menopause Look Like? According to the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal feeling strong and in control during menopause can help women see this time in a better way and take good care of themselves. It's important to help women understand menopause better and learn how to deal with it, maybe through special programs. Most of the things that have been done to help women with menopause are about teaching them things, getting them to move more, eating healthy food, managing stress, being healthy in general, and trying to stop certain diseases and weak bones. Teaching women about their health is one way to help them feel better about menopause and learn how to deal with the changes. This is part of helping women stay healthy overall. Helping women feel strong and in control during menopause is important for their health as they get older. It can also help them enjoy this later part of their lives. What we found in this study can help people do more research on how to keep women healthy and feeling empowered during menopause. Exercises That Can Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms Cardio Do things like fast walking, running a little, riding a bike, or swimming. These get your heart going and can help you feel less stressed during menopause. Start easy and do it for longer as you get stronger.  Strength Training After menopause, your bones can get weaker, so it's good to lift weights or use stretchy bands. This helps your bones and muscles get stronger and can also help you burn fat.  Yoga Yoga and just relaxing can help with menopause feelings. Slow, gentle yoga moves can make you feel less tense and more peaceful in your mind. Dancing If you don't like running, try dancing! It's good for your muscles, keeps you flexible, and gives you energy. There are lots of different kinds of dancing to try. Elliptical and StairMaster These machines can give you a good workout without being too hard on your body. The elliptical is easier on your knees than running. Zumba Zumba is a fun dance workout with Latin music that lots of people like. It helps you burn energy and move your muscles. Active Chores at Home and in the Yard Doing harder chores like gardening can also be exercise! It gets your heart rate up and uses big muscles in your legs and middle. Start easy and do more as it gets easier.

gardening to dancing - study shows women can tackle menopause with new hobbies

Screentime Is Leading To Insomnia, Researchers Say

Should You Turn Off Your Wifi Router Before Sleep?

should you turn off your wifi router before sleep?

70% Of People Experience Hallucinations Before Falling Asleep, But Is It Normal?

70% of people experience hallucinations before falling asleep, but is it normal?

Yoga Can Help Reduce Chronic Pain, Here's How

yoga can help reduce chronic pain, here's how

Gardening Helps Slow Down Cognitive Decline

gardening helps slow down cognitive decline

Thousands of people struggle to <span>sleep</span> across the world. A survey of 45,202 young adults in <span>Norway</span> has discovered that screen-scrolling in bed drives up your risk of <span>insomnia</span> by 59 per cent and cuts your sleep time by 24 minutes. Scientists have found another reason to put the phone down: a survey of 45,202 young adults in Norway has discovered that using a screen in bed drives up your risk of insomnia by 59% and cuts your sleep time by 24 minutes. However, social media was not found to be more disruptive than other screen activities.

"The type of screen activity does not appear to matter as much as the overall time spent using screens in bed,” said Dr Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, lead author of the article in Frontiers in Psychiatry. “We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities, suggesting that screen use itself is the key factor in sleep disruption — likely due to time displacement, where screen use delays sleep by taking up time that would otherwise be spent resting.”

Sleep is critical to our mental and physical health, but many of us don’t get enough. At the same time, an increasing number of people are accustomed to using screens in bed, which may be associated with poor sleep. Screen use is thought to impact sleep in four ways: notifications disturb sleep, screen time replaces sleeping time, screen activities keep you wakeful so you take longer to fall asleep, or light exposure delays circadian rhythms.

"Sleep problems are highly prevalent among students and have significant implications for mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being, but previous studies have primarily focused on adolescents,” said Hjetland. “Given the widespread use of screens in bed we aimed to explore the relationship between different screen activities and sleep patterns. We expected that social media use might be more strongly associated with poorer sleep, given its interactive nature and potential for emotional stimulation.”

The findings of this study suggest that it’s not just the content that keeps people awake but the overall duration of screen exposure before bedtime. When people spend prolonged hours scrolling through screens, they might not only be reducing their sleep window but also disrupting their sleep cycles. This can have a cascading effect on overall health, affecting mood, concentration, and even immunity.

Reducing screen time before bed could be a simple yet effective strategy to enhance sleep quality. Setting a digital curfew, using blue light filters, and engaging in relaxing bedtime routines like reading a book or practicing mindfulness can help counteract the negative impact of screens. Sleep experts also recommend creating a sleep-conducive environment by dimming the lights and avoiding stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime.

With screen usage becoming a significant part of modern life, it’s essential to be mindful of how digital habits influence sleep patterns. The consequences of chronic sleep deprivation extend beyond feeling tired the next day — they can increase the risk of mental health issues, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. By taking small steps to reduce screen time in bed, individuals can make significant improvements to their sleep health and overall well-being.

Sleep

norway

Insomnia

Sleep disorders

Screentime

Thousands of people struggle to sleep across the world. A survey of 45,202 young adults in Norway has discovered that screen-scrolling in bed drives up your risk of insomnia by 59 per cent and cuts your sleep time by 24 minutes. Scientists have found another reason to put the phone down: a survey of 45,202 young adults in Norway has discovered that using a screen in bed drives up your risk of insomnia by 59% and cuts your sleep time by 24 minutes. However, social media was not found to be more disruptive than other screen activities."The type of screen activity does not appear to matter as much as the overall time spent using screens in bed,” said Dr Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, lead author of the article in Frontiers in Psychiatry. “We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities, suggesting that screen use itself is the key factor in sleep disruption — likely due to time displacement, where screen use delays sleep by taking up time that would otherwise be spent resting.”Sleep is critical to our mental and physical health, but many of us don’t get enough. At the same time, an increasing number of people are accustomed to using screens in bed, which may be associated with poor sleep. Screen use is thought to impact sleep in four ways: notifications disturb sleep, screen time replaces sleeping time, screen activities keep you wakeful so you take longer to fall asleep, or light exposure delays circadian rhythms."Sleep problems are highly prevalent among students and have significant implications for mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being, but previous studies have primarily focused on adolescents,” said Hjetland. “Given the widespread use of screens in bed we aimed to explore the relationship between different screen activities and sleep patterns. We expected that social media use might be more strongly associated with poorer sleep, given its interactive nature and potential for emotional stimulation.”The findings of this study suggest that it’s not just the content that keeps people awake but the overall duration of screen exposure before bedtime. When people spend prolonged hours scrolling through screens, they might not only be reducing their sleep window but also disrupting their sleep cycles. This can have a cascading effect on overall health, affecting mood, concentration, and even immunity.Reducing screen time before bed could be a simple yet effective strategy to enhance sleep quality. Setting a digital curfew, using blue light filters, and engaging in relaxing bedtime routines like reading a book or practicing mindfulness can help counteract the negative impact of screens. Sleep experts also recommend creating a sleep-conducive environment by dimming the lights and avoiding stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime.With screen usage becoming a significant part of modern life, it’s essential to be mindful of how digital habits influence sleep patterns. The consequences of chronic sleep deprivation extend beyond feeling tired the next day — they can increase the risk of mental health issues, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. By taking small steps to reduce screen time in bed, individuals can make significant improvements to their sleep health and overall well-being.

screentime is leading to insomnia, researchers say

Parents Spot A Strange ‘Glow’ In Son’s Left Eye; A Googled ‘Home Test’ Confirmed Their Worst Fears

Men Shouldn't Ignore This Common Cancer Symptom That Keeps Them Awake At Night

men shouldn't ignore this common cancer symptom that keeps them awake at night

When Does The Allergy Season Start And What Should Be In Your Toolkit?

when does the allergy season start and what should be in your toolkit?

Chronic Epstein-Bar Virus: Can A Common Viral Infection Cause Fatal Brain Damage?

chronic epstein-bar virus: can a common viral infection cause fatal brain damage?

'It was Sobering': John Cena's Cancer Diagnosis Changed His Perspective On Life

'it was sobering': john cena's cancer diagnosis changed his perspective on life

Shane, who had welcomed his second born son Kooper a year ago, noticed a strange glow in their child’s eye. Young Kooper’s parents, from Wales, explained that although after noticing this glow, they did not think much of it. They saw a white patch in their son’s eyes in low light, which prompted them to google the symptoms with one suggesting shining light directly into his eyes, which made the glow apparent! What they didn’t know at the time is that their son would soon be diagnosed with a rare form of <span>cancer</span> that affects kids under the age of six: Retinoblastoma. 

Cancer is the leading cause of death in children and adolescents, it is one such disease that can unilaterally affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or any other factors. Every year more than 300,000 kids are diagnosed with cancer globally, according to the Indian Cancer society. 

According to the American Cancer Society, Retinoblastoma is the most common type of eye cancer among children, it accounts for about 2% of all childhood cancer. However, it is a rare cancer affecting 3.3 cases per 1 million people under the age of 20 

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that 80% of children with cancer are cured, a surprising statistic showed that less than 30% of children are cured, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). 

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) emphasizes that common indicators of retinoblastoma include a white glow in the eye – which may only be visible under specific lighting conditions or in photographs – a squint, a change in the eye's appearance, or swelling of the eye. 

Often, only a single symptom might be present. While a photo can reveal the tell-tale white glow, it's not always the case. Therefore, CHECT strongly advises seeking professional medical advice even if a photo doesn't show a glow but other symptoms are apparent. 

<h2>Kooper’s Diagnosis And Initial Complications </h2>

Shane described the anxious period leading up to the diagnosis, "I noticed it on a Friday, and we decided to take him to the doctor first thing on Monday. The weekend was filled with panic, endless online searches, and imagining the worst – it was a terrifying experience. The doctor referred us to the local hospital a couple of days later, which was another unsettling time of uncertainty. We had read that there could be other reasons for the obscured red reflex in his eye, so we clung to the hope of a different diagnosis." The family had an appointment at Birmingham Women and Children's Hospital in December 2024. 

Shane reflected on receiving the devastating news, "I don't think anything can truly prepare you to hear that your one-year-old has cancer, might lose his eye, or might never see out of it again – it was an incredibly emotional time. We immediately called our parents and used WhatsApp groups to inform the rest of the family. They had already suspected retinoblastoma after our initial hospital visit, so this was confirmation. We used the information provided at the hospital to reassure them and explain the treatment plan. The doctor discussed various chemotherapy options and also offered genetic testing, which we opted for, considering Kooper has an older brother and for Kooper's future and potential children." 

<h2>Treatment for Retinoblastoma and Side Effects </h2>

Kooper has started receiving chemotherapy as the primary treatment for his retinoblastoma. His father, Shane, explained that the treatment plan has involved multiple approaches so far, including delivering chemotherapy drugs directly into an artery, using laser therapy, and administering chemotherapy via injections. The effectiveness of these different methods has varied. 

A recent medical examination indicated that the main tumor in Kooper's eye had reduced in size. However, the doctors also noted the growth of smaller clusters of cancerous cells, known as spores, within his eye. Because of this, there's hope that the most recent treatment, the chemotherapy injection, will be successful in addressing this new development. 

Shane also described a difficult side effect that Kooper experiences after each treatment session. For several days following his chemotherapy, when he is on steroid medication, Kooper becomes very distressed. This period of discomfort makes it impossible for his parents to send him to nursery, which is challenging as they both work. Despite these difficulties, Shane mentioned that Kooper surprisingly seems to enjoy his visits to the hospital. 

According to The National Eye Institute retinoblastoma is a rare form of cancer that forms in the retina, it can cause blindness as well as can be life threatening. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss as well as from spreading cancer 

The most common thing parents notice with this eye cancer is that the black circle in the middle of their child's eye looks white when light shines on it. Often, this shows up in flash photos. The National Eye Institute explains that other symptoms include. 

<ul><li>Eyes that look crossed or one eye that wanders.</li><li>An eye that looks sore, puffy, or red.</li><li>Eyes that seem watery all the time.</li><li>Not being able to see very well.</li><li>Falling down more often.</li><li>Bumping into things.</li><li>Having trouble getting around the house.</li><li>Holding toys and books very close to the face to see them better.</li></ul>

real life cancer story

cancer in children

kid diagnose with rare cancer

Google home test revealed child's cancer

strange white glow in kid's eyes

Cancer

Shane, who had welcomed his second born son Kooper a year ago, noticed a strange glow in their child’s eye. Young Kooper’s parents, from Wales, explained that although after noticing this glow, they did not think much of it. They saw a white patch in their son’s eyes in low light, which prompted them to google the symptoms with one suggesting shining light directly into his eyes, which made the glow apparent! What they didn’t know at the time is that their son would soon be diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that affects kids under the age of six: Retinoblastoma. Cancer is the leading cause of death in children and adolescents, it is one such disease that can unilaterally affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or any other factors. Every year more than 300,000 kids are diagnosed with cancer globally, according to the Indian Cancer society. According to the American Cancer Society, Retinoblastoma is the most common type of eye cancer among children, it accounts for about 2% of all childhood cancer. However, it is a rare cancer affecting 3.3 cases per 1 million people under the age of 20 The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that 80% of children with cancer are cured, a surprising statistic showed that less than 30% of children are cured, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Unexpected Symptom Of Cancer The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) emphasizes that common indicators of retinoblastoma include a white glow in the eye – which may only be visible under specific lighting conditions or in photographs – a squint, a change in the eye's appearance, or swelling of the eye. Often, only a single symptom might be present. While a photo can reveal the tell-tale white glow, it's not always the case. Therefore, CHECT strongly advises seeking professional medical advice even if a photo doesn't show a glow but other symptoms are apparent. Kooper’s Diagnosis And Initial Complications Shane described the anxious period leading up to the diagnosis, "I noticed it on a Friday, and we decided to take him to the doctor first thing on Monday. The weekend was filled with panic, endless online searches, and imagining the worst – it was a terrifying experience. The doctor referred us to the local hospital a couple of days later, which was another unsettling time of uncertainty. We had read that there could be other reasons for the obscured red reflex in his eye, so we clung to the hope of a different diagnosis." The family had an appointment at Birmingham Women and Children's Hospital in December 2024. Shane reflected on receiving the devastating news, "I don't think anything can truly prepare you to hear that your one-year-old has cancer, might lose his eye, or might never see out of it again – it was an incredibly emotional time. We immediately called our parents and used WhatsApp groups to inform the rest of the family. They had already suspected retinoblastoma after our initial hospital visit, so this was confirmation. We used the information provided at the hospital to reassure them and explain the treatment plan. The doctor discussed various chemotherapy options and also offered genetic testing, which we opted for, considering Kooper has an older brother and for Kooper's future and potential children." Treatment for Retinoblastoma and Side Effects Kooper has started receiving chemotherapy as the primary treatment for his retinoblastoma. His father, Shane, explained that the treatment plan has involved multiple approaches so far, including delivering chemotherapy drugs directly into an artery, using laser therapy, and administering chemotherapy via injections. The effectiveness of these different methods has varied. A recent medical examination indicated that the main tumor in Kooper's eye had reduced in size. However, the doctors also noted the growth of smaller clusters of cancerous cells, known as spores, within his eye. Because of this, there's hope that the most recent treatment, the chemotherapy injection, will be successful in addressing this new development. Shane also described a difficult side effect that Kooper experiences after each treatment session. For several days following his chemotherapy, when he is on steroid medication, Kooper becomes very distressed. This period of discomfort makes it impossible for his parents to send him to nursery, which is challenging as they both work. Despite these difficulties, Shane mentioned that Kooper surprisingly seems to enjoy his visits to the hospital. What is Retinoblastoma? According to The National Eye Institute retinoblastoma is a rare form of cancer that forms in the retina, it can cause blindness as well as can be life threatening. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss as well as from spreading cancer The most common thing parents notice with this eye cancer is that the black circle in the middle of their child's eye looks white when light shines on it. Often, this shows up in flash photos. The National Eye Institute explains that other symptoms include. Eyes that look crossed or one eye that wanders.An eye that looks sore, puffy, or red.Eyes that seem watery all the time.Not being able to see very well.Falling down more often.Bumping into things.Having trouble getting around the house.Holding toys and books very close to the face to see them better.

parents spot a strange ‘glow’ in son’s left eye; a googled ‘home test’ confirmed their worst fears

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Is There A Right Way To Absorb Vitamin D From Sunlight?

Quick Stories

Does Sun Make You Age Faster?

Gardening To Dancing - Study Shows Women Can Tackle Menopause With New Hobbies

Parents Spot A Strange ‘Glow’ In Son’s Left Eye; A Googled ‘Home Test’ Confirmed Their Worst Fears

Health Conditions A-Z

Does Sun Make You Age Faster?

Is There A Right Way To Absorb Vitamin D From Sunlight?

Gardening To Dancing - Study Shows Women Can Tackle Menopause With New Hobbies