On October 16, the 31-year-old singer Liam Payne, famed for the boy band One Direction died of a fall from the balcony of the Casasur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, as confirmed by the Policia Federal Argentina.

Liam Payne Was Struggling With Mental His Mental Health

Payne had always been vocal about his mental health and his issues with addiction even before his death. He explained that it was difficult to deal with so much face and so he used alcohol to cope with it. "There have been a lot of people in trouble with mental health that aren’t really getting the help that they need, and I think that’s a bit of a problem in our industry," he said in an interview with Men's Health Australia in 2019. However, he also said that he was lucky to get back into a sense of normality.

In 2023, he also announced six months of sobriety and told his fans in a YouTube video that he'd spend 100 days in a rehab facility in Louisiana. He also said that it was a Hans Zimmer concert in January 2023, that inspired him to give up drinking.

"I watching this beautiful symphony, I was having a drink, and I thought, 'You know what? This isn't really serving me at all. I don't really need this right now,' It's the first time I've ever put a drink down and gone to someone else, 'You finish this, I don't need this right now.' And I haven't picked one up since, which has almost been six months, which I'm excited about," he said.

In an episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast in 2021, Payne said that he even experienced suicidal thoughts during his time in One Direction.

"I was worried how far my rock bottom was going to be," he said. "Where's rock bottom for me? And you would never have seen it. I'm very good at hiding it. No one would ever have seen it... There is some stuff that I have definitely never, never spoken about. It was really, really, really severe. And it was a problem. And it was only until I saw myself after that, I was like, 'Right, I need to fix myself," he said.

Payne also said that he had become "somebody he did not really recognise anymore".

Liam Payne's Death And Pink Cocaine

While he talked about his sobriety, the hotel reported a different scene. His death is under investigation, however, there are reports that drugs like paraphernalia, unknown powder, and anti-anxiety medications were found in his room. As per the toxicology results, a cocktail of drugs, "pink cocaine", ketamine (also related to Matthew Perry's death), MDMA, and methamphetamine were also found in his system.

The police have suggested that a drug-induced hallucination may have caused the fall, but have not yet confirmed anything.

As per the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Use, pink cocaine is a powdery mixture of ketamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (locally known as molly), and it may not actually contain cocaine as the name suggests. It gets its pink colour from food colouring.

How Does Pink Cocaine Affect Your Body?

Everyone's body reacts differently to drug cocktails, and since pink cocaine is a micture of many drugs and street drugs, therefore, body's reaction can vary.

A report by NBC News, quotes Bridget Brennan, the special narcotics prosecutor for New York, "To begin with, you don’t know what the substance is, but secondly, people don’t all react the same way to any drugs. This stuff is not manufactured under pharmaceutical conditions, there’s no certainty to it. It’s a crapshoot any time you take any street drugs."

While the side effects vary, it can include anxiety, hallucination, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure and elevated body temperature.

Right before Payne's death, a hotel receptionist also reported to 911 about a distressed guest who was intoxicated and was "breaking the whole room". The caller also said that the guest was "in a room that has a balcony, and, well, we are a little afraid that he might do something life-threatening".

An autopsy found that the singer had 25 injuries which were compatible with those produced by a fall from height and as per the Argentina National Prosecutor's Office, his cause of death was, "poly traumatism, internal and external haemorrhage".

Periods can be a mild inconvenience for some and for others, they're a cause of disabling pain, mood swings, or health complications. As medical science continues to advance, one question keeps raising eyebrows and eyebrows: Is it actually safe to miss your period on the pill? The short answer? Yes, and in many cases, it can even be beneficial but before tossing aside your placebo pills, it’s important to understand what’s happening to your body, the science behind menstrual suppression, and the myths versus facts surrounding it.

For many people, the motivation to skip a period is rooted in convenience. Maybe you’re planning a beach vacation, attending a wedding, or simply want to avoid the monthly disruption that comes with cramps and mood swings.

Beyond lifestyle, others find relief from more severe health conditions. Painful cramps, mood swings, endometriosis, anemia, and even fibroids are all legitimate reasons for wanting to control or prevent menstruation.

People with chronic pelvic pain, hormonal issues, or neurological conditions like menstrual migraines can also benefit from less frequent menstruation.

What Happens When You Skip a Period on Birth Control?

The menstrual cycle induced while on the pill is not actually a period it's a withdrawal bleed from the placebo (hormone-free) week. If you avoid that week and stick with active pills or use other continuous birth control like the ring or implant without interruption, you stop that withdrawal bleed.

"There is no medical need for the body to bleed each month with the use of hormonal birth control. It's a pattern created decades ago to imitate the natural cycle not because the body requires it.

By keeping the hormones at a steady level through continuous use, users can actually abolish regular bleeding altogether.

Even with the evidence for menstrual suppression, falsehoods prevail in cyberspace. Social media influencers such as those on TikTok advise against "suppressing natural processes" or assert that long-term hormonal birth control causes infertility.

Medical practitioners warn against such a tide of online misinformation. There is no scientific evidence that avoiding periods through birth control negatively impacts fertility. These stories usually come without context, are not peer-reviewed, and give rise to unnecessary fear.

Depending on anecdotal guidance rather than medical experience can be hazardous particularly when it impacts reproductive choices.

What Are The Risks Involved?

Though missing your period with birth control is safe medically for most, it's not completely side effect-free. One typical problem is breakthrough spotting or bleeding, particularly if you miss several cycles consecutively.

It's also worth mentioning that since menstruation is a visual indicator of pregnancy detection, becoming period-free could make it more difficult to detect an unplanned pregnancy early on. That is why correct and consistent use of your contraceptive is paramount.

In exceptional circumstances, long-term use of hormonal birth control can marginally boost the risk of blood clots or cardiovascular problems, particularly in smokers or those with existing conditions but missing your period doesn't add to those risks above the baseline created by the birth control itself.

If you're thinking about missing your period consistently, talk to a health care provider. You'll figure out the best option together — whether that is extended-cycle pills, hormonal IUDs, rings, patches, or implants.

Your health care provider will also assess if you're a good fit based on your history, lifestyle, and general wellness objectives. Most importantly, they'll walk you through what to anticipate and how to watch for any unusual symptoms.

Skipping your period using hormonal birth control is not only safe, it can be incredibly beneficial for many people. Whether you’re looking to gain more control over your schedule, reduce painful symptoms, or manage a chronic health issue, menstrual suppression is a validated, doctor-approved choice.

Nevertheless, it is a personal choice that can be made with a doctor's counsel. With proper information and assistance, you can gain control over your cycle according to your lifestyle and health.

With the world continuing to inch away from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a fresh wave of infections is again causing concern—this time fueled by new subvariants of the Omicron variant. Southeast Asia, more so urban areas in Singapore, Hong Kong, and sections of India, is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 infections propelled by the JN.1 variant and its sub-lineages LF.7 and NB.1.8 but is it a new pandemic in the making?

How severe is the new variant? And what should you do if you become infected? All three of these countries have officially reported an increased surge in infections. In India, while numbers are still low by comparison, Kerala is the leader in new cases (69 as of mid-May), followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Delhi. Experts explain the acceleration of cases not due to increased virulence but due to behaviors such as erosion of immunity and fatigue around prevention strategies.

Most recent data from Southeast Asian health ministries reveal a sudden surge in cases of Covid-19 in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health's rare update—its first since nearly a year ago—recorded a 28% jump in weekly cases to 14,200 for the week to May 3. The daily hospital admissions have also increased about 30%.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is also experiencing a sharp peak. The Centre for Health Protection indicated the positivity rate of respiratory samples rose from 1.7% mid-March to 11.4%, greater than the August 2024 peak. There have been 30 fatalities in 81 severe adult cases in the past month, the majority involving individuals over 65 and with existing medical conditions.

The trend is concerning and part of a wider pattern sweeping across the region. Thailand experienced fresh clusters of infections following its heavily publicized Songkran holiday in April, and mainland China's test positivity rates have risen by over double since late March, approaching that of its summer 2024 wave.

The new wave of COVID has brought the JN.1 variant of Omicron into the spotlight, which is responsible for the latest surge in numbers. In India alone, there are 257 active cases, and the discussion about safety, new policies and health issues has started.

The present surge in COVID-19 cases is being majorly spurred by new Omicron subvariants, most notably JN.1. That variant and its offspring LF.7 and NB.1.8, are being found highly contagious. "These variants are too easy to spread and disrupt the body's immunity and cause another infection," says Dr. Harish Bhatia, Senior Chest Specialist & Director & Head Dept. Of Respiratory Medicine

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a "variant of interest," subsequently promoting it to a "variant of concern." Nevertheless, world health authorities continue to assert that the public health risk is low at this point.

Is JN.1 More Dangerous Than Previous Variants?

The JN.1 strain, though better at spreading, has not indicated signs of making healthy people sicker. "The good part," Dr. Bhatia explains, "is that this variant seems to produce milder disease in healthy individuals."

But there is an exception. The old, the immunocompromised, or those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are still at increased risk of developing complications. For them, even a "mild" strain could be a potentially deadly affair. It's a warning that COVID-19 is not yet "just another cold."

Symptoms Of Covid-19 JN.1 Variant To Watch For

The symptoms of JN.1 and its sub-lineages are very similar to those of previous Omicron variants, affecting the upper respiratory system. Typical symptoms are:

• High temperature
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Exhaustion or tiredness
• Mild gastrointestinal distress (in some individuals)

The majority of individuals recover with rest at home, but the duration and intensity depend on one's immune response and health condition.

Covid-19 JN.1: How Long Will You Be Sick?

Experts say that the average recovery period for a light COVID-19 disease caused by the JN.1 variant is 5 to 7 days. Yet, some of the symptoms—especially fatigue and cough—can persist for 2 to 3 weeks.

Dr. Bhatia suggests that in case of persistence of the symptoms beyond 10 days or deterioration—particularly high-grade fever or respiratory difficulty—medical help must not be delayed. "It is important to listen to your body and not overlook warning signs," he adds.

Covid-19 JN.1: What to Do If You Get Infected?

In case you test positive for COVID-19, here is what public health officials suggest:

Isolate for a minimum of 5 days, or until your symptoms resolve. For extra caution, isolate up to 10 days.

• Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Symptomatic treatment with paracetamol for fever and muscle pain is often adequate.
• Keep track of your symptoms, particularly if you fall into a high-risk group.
• Get professional assistance if you have difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or unrelenting high fever.
• Notify close contacts to watch for symptoms and test as necessary.
• Prevent contact with high-risk individuals for a minimum of 10 days.

Although hospitalization is not necessary for healthy persons in most cases, early diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid complications.

Covid-19 JN.1: How to Stay Safe?

Though the world has transitioned away from the period of global emergency of the pandemic, the virus keeps mutating. Remaining guarded is still important—particularly during surges such as this one.

Dr. Bhatia points out, "Wearing a mask in public places, regularly washing your hands, keeping your vaccinations current—including booster shots—and keeping your distance from someone who is infected are still effective measures."

Besides, the immunocompromised individuals or those with vulnerable family members should take extra precautions and advise their healthcare professionals about preventive drugs or vaccines beyond the primary doses.

COVID-19 is frequently no longer making headlines as it did in 2020, but its presence is certainly not done yet. The advent of JN.1 and other subvariants is a grim reminder that the virus continues to mutate—and so must our strategy against it.

Dr. Harish Bhatia is Senior Chest Specialist & Director & Head Dept. Of Respiratory Medicine with MGS Hospital and the Founder Director of Rebreathe Clinic.

Sleep hygiene is the best way to ensure your brain’s well-being. When you stay awake for too long, or sleep for more than the usual hours, it throws off your body clock and affects your health. Sleeping for the recommended 7-9 hours improves your brain performance, mood, health as well as your long-term well-being. Not only does lack of sleep lead to heart diseases, but also obesity and other disorders like dementia.

Other than these issues, sleep hygiene involves other things like your bedtime routine, what kind of mattress you sleep in as well as what position you sleep in. Different studies have been done on the same, and research shows sleeping on your back could also affect your brain

A study showcased in the Alzheimer's Association International Conference indicates that sleeping on your back, called the supine position, might be linked to a higher risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. While this research shows a strong connection, it doesn't yet prove that back sleeping causes these conditions. The study adds to earlier findings suggesting a link between back sleeping and neurodegenerative diseases.

The idea that back sleeping could contribute to neurodegeneration isn't entirely new. It was first explored in mouse studies back in 2015. Later, in 2019, human studies involving individuals with neurodegenerative diseases showed that sleeping on their backs for more than two hours a night was connected to a higher risk of these conditions. The latest study further explored this by comparing healthy individuals with those experiencing mild cognitive impairment or various neurodegenerative disorders. They found that people with brain conditions spent significantly more time sleeping on their backs.

Back Sleeping Doesn't Directly Cause Dementia

While these findings are certainly interesting and could point to sleep position as a factor we can change to reduce our risk of brain diseases, it's crucial to acknowledge some limitations. First, these results have only been presented at a scientific meeting and haven't yet gone through a thorough review by other experts before being published. Also, the groups of people in the study weren't perfectly matched in terms of age and gender, which could affect the findings. Finally, the study was sponsored by a company that sells sleep tracking devices, so there's a potential for bias.

How Back Sleeping Might Impact Brain Health

Experts believe that sleeping on your back might harm brain health because it could hinder your body's ability to efficiently clear out harmful substances. During sleep, your brain has a "waste management system" called glymphatic clearance that flushes out neurotoxins. This process naturally becomes less efficient as we age. When you lie on your back, it might not allow blood to drain from your brain as effectively as it should, potentially slowing down this critical cleansing. In contrast, sleeping on your side appears to promote better blood flow and waste removal. Additionally, sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts sleep and can lead to even more toxin buildup in the brain over time, further contributing to neurodegeneration.