For decades, moderate alcohol consumption—typically defined as one to two drinks per day—was thought to provide certain protective benefits for heart health. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) has now issued a strong scientific statement saying that belief no longer holds up against emerging evidence. The AHA, along with many cardiologists in India, including those in Kolkata, are urging caution and reconsideration of alcohol's role in heart health.

Rethinking the “Protective” Myth

According to the AHA statement released on June 9, new studies using improved research methods have cast doubt on earlier findings that suggested alcohol might reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes. While some observational studies hinted at cardioprotective effects, experts now say the data lacks consistency and credibility.

The idea that moderate drinking might lower the risk of certain heart conditions emerged from flawed or outdated studies, many of which didn’t adequately account for lifestyle, dietary patterns, or underlying health issues in participants.

Complex and Controversial Links

The relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease is far from straightforward. The AHA points out that alcohol use has long been linked with a range of heart-related conditions—including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure. While excessive alcohol consumption has always been known to be harmful, even moderate intake may not be as safe as once believed.

Cardiologists caution that no randomized controlled trial has definitively shown alcohol in any form to be beneficial for heart health. Claims that wine—especially red wine—may have positive effects apply only in very specific contexts, and do not justify broad public recommendations.

When Moderation Isn’t Enough

Experts highlight that for certain individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure, reducing or even eliminating alcohol consumption may be the only safe course. This is because alcohol—even when consumed moderately—can aggravate hypertension and make it harder to control.

There’s also uncertainty around stroke risk. While heavy drinking undeniably increases the likelihood of strokes, the impact of low to moderate drinking remains unclear due to conflicting data. This uncertainty challenges the assumption that light drinking is harmless.

Addiction and Lifestyle Risks

Health professionals continue to warn that all forms of substance use, including alcohol and tobacco, contribute to lifestyle diseases and chronic health conditions. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. However, India’s revised Dietary Guidelines, prepared by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, do not make any mention of alcohol at all—highlighting a gap in national-level public health messaging.

The global burden of alcohol-related health issues is immense. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that alcohol-related conditions could cost the U.S. nearly $1.87 trillion between 2011 and 2050, equivalent to about 1.45% of the country’s GDP. The NIH also criticized the lack of clear public messaging, which has allowed myths about alcohol’s safety to persist for decades.

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforced this warning. In a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, it declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that does not affect health. WHO has also set a goal of reducing harmful alcohol use globally by 10% between 2013 and 2025.

Deaths due to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are climbing at an alarming rate across the United States, with certain groups being disproportionately affected. A new study published on June 11 in JAMA Network Open found that ALD-related deaths rose nearly 9% each year between 2018 and 2022—more than double the rate of increase seen from 2006 to 2018.

Experts believe this sharp uptick is partly linked to increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other contributing factors include chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension, which can worsen liver health. “It puts numbers to what we’re seeing in the hospital, in the clinic,” said Dr. Brian Lee, a liver specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, in a report to STAT News.

Worsening Trends Among Women and Indigenous Populations

While men still experience more deaths from ALD—17 per 100,000 in 2022—women’s death rates have risen more sharply. In 2022, 8 out of every 100,000 women died from alcohol-related liver disease, a significant jump from 3 per 100,000 at the beginning of the study period. Women’s mortality rate grew at approximately 4.3% per year—almost twice the rate seen in men.

The study also revealed a devastating impact on Indigenous communities. American Indian and Alaska Native adults had the highest cirrhosis death rate in 2022, at 33 per 100,000 people. Additionally, alcohol-associated hepatitis deaths in these groups more than doubled between 2010 and 2022.

Dr. Nasim Maleki, a psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School, noted that although the pandemic has eased, its long-term effects—particularly in marginalized communities—are still unfolding. “The pandemic itself came under control, but the disparities that came with it continued and lingered,” she said.

Young Adults at Higher Risk Than Before

A particularly troubling trend is the increase in alcohol-associated hepatitis deaths among people aged 25 to 44. This condition can develop quickly and is marked by symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, and liver pain—even in individuals who haven't been heavy drinkers for long.

Liver experts warn that the worst effects of pandemic-related drinking might still be ahead. “Alcohol-related cirrhosis takes time to develop. So we may not see the true extent of the consequences until five, probably 10, years from now, which is very concerning,” said Dr. Robert Wong of Stanford University.

Why Women Face Unique Risks

One reason for the sharper rise among women lies in biology. Cisgender women metabolize alcohol differently than cisgender men, which means their organs may suffer more damage from lower levels of alcohol consumption over time. That’s why current federal guidelines recommend no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, compared to two for men.

“You’d be surprised by how shocked people are when they hear that drinking more than two drinks per day is considered heavy drinking by federal definitions,” Dr. Lee added.

Public Health Response and the Way Forward

In 2021, over 12,000 deaths from “unspecified liver cirrhosis” were linked to excessive drinking, although that may not always be evident from death certificates. Marissa Esser, who previously led the alcohol program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted this hidden toll before the program was disbanded earlier this year.

The American Medical Association is now calling for more public education on alcohol’s risks, including its link to breast cancer. It is also urging clearer labeling on alcoholic beverages to help consumers make informed choices.

Though some data suggests a slight drop in alcohol use since its peak in 2020, it remains uncertain whether this will reduce deaths in the coming years. For now, ALD continues to be the leading reason for liver transplants in the U.S., and alcohol-associated hepatitis is the fastest-growing cause.

As the summer sun rises high, everyone anticipates relief from seasonal sniffles. Yet increasingly, more and more people are falling ill with cold-like symptoms in warmer weather too. The twist? A new Covid strain—NB.1.8.1—is spreading low-key around the world, from Asia to America and the UK. The challenge is distinguishing between a run-of-the-mill summer cold and a COVID-19 infection.

Typically, respiratory illnesses peak in the colder months when more time is spent indoors and dry air allows viruses to be more easily susceptible. Summer, however, is not virus-free. Parainfluenza virus Type 3, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, and even rhinoviruses are still causing issues in warmer climates. Social events, travel, lack of rest, more alcohol consumption, and air conditioning all set the stage for infections.

Complicating the situation further this summer is the discovery of the NB.1.8.1 Covid strain. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) only recently started monitoring it, scientists are closely monitoring its trajectory and possible implications.

Initially discovered in China in January 2025, NB.1.8.1 has a number of mutations that have caught the eye of the world's health authorities. The good news? There is as yet no evidence to suggest it results in more serious disease. In fact, U.K. Health Security Agency statistics indicate a modest rise in COVID cases with 5.2% of patients positive—up from 4.5% last week.

To date, just 13 of the confirmed NB.1.8.1 cases in the U.K. have been sequenced, the majority of them in April and May. While uncommon at present, the fact that it shares features with other variants of Covid means caution is still crucial.

Summer Colds vs. NB.1.8.1 Covid: Why It's Hard to Tell the Difference?

Both summer colds and Covid-19 have common symptoms such as:

• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting

However some symptoms will tend more towards Covid, such as:

• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of taste or smell, new
• Gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea

There is no guaranteed way to tell the difference between a summer cold and Covid without doing a diagnostic test. Mild COVID-19 symptoms are easily mistaken for other seasonal viruses.

What Exactly Is a Summer Cold?

Colds—seasonal or not—are viral illnesses that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, fomites (contaminated surfaces), or close proximity. The main culprits are rhinoviruses, especially during the winter months, but the warmer months experience an upsurge in viruses such as parainfluenza, enteroviruses (coxsackie and echovirus), and adenoviruses.

Summer activities—weddings, concerts, holidays—promote intimate contact between groups, and typical summer behaviors such as drinking, bad sleep, and poor diet compromise immune systems. Air conditioning units, by dehydrating nasal passages, also impair the body's resistance to viral invaders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges anyone with cold-like symptoms to monitor closely. Covid-19 symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and vary from mild to severe. The virus can be contagious two days before symptoms emerge and up to 10 days—or more—in immunocompromised individuals.

If you’re feeling unwell, the best course of action is to:

• Stay home and rest
• Wear a mask if around others
• Get a COVID-19 test
• Talk to your healthcare provider

Timely treatment, such as antiviral therapy with Paxlovid, is ensured through accurate diagnosis, particularly among high-risk individuals.

Can Vaccines Protect Against NB.1.8.1?

While a newer vaccine aimed at fall variants is being developed, the existing vaccines remain protective against NB.1.8.1. The variant is of the "drifter" type from the Omicron lineage, which indicates earlier immunity could still help prevent severe disease.

Dr. Aaron Chen, a Johns Hopkins University virologist, observes, "Although mutation is unavoidable, current vaccines remain effective in preventing hospitalization and complications from new variants, such as NB.1.8.1."

How To Avoid Getting Sick This Summer?

There's no surefire way to completely avoid viruses, unfortunately. But here are some practical tips from experts:

• Drink plenty of water and moderate your booze
• Consume a nutrient-dense diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
• Get good rest and reduce stress levels
• Clean those surfaces that are touched most often such as airplane trays, phones, and exercise equipment
• Supplement with vitamin D if one is deficient since it enhances immune function
• Wash hands frequently, do not share food or beverages, and wear a mask in public indoor areas

What If You Do Get Sick?

Most people recover from summer colds and mild Covid-19 at home. Supportive care—hydration, over-the-counter pain relief, and rest—is typically enough. Nasal decongestants and lozenges can ease symptoms, while more serious or persistent cases warrant medical consultation.

If you suspect Covid, getting tested is crucial—not only for your health but for the wellbeing of those around you.

The terrifying crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad killing 241 people with just one British passenger surviving has sent shockwaves around the world. Although flying is statistically one of the safest ways to travel, such traumatic incidents can revive old terrors in even the most experienced of travelers. To the 25 million Americans who already suffer from aerophobia, the technical name for the fear of flying, this awful news might be more than just upsetting. It might be debilitating.

Mental health experts caution that such events can amplify already-existing anxiety, fueling catastrophic thinking and resulting in severe avoidance of travel. And yet, despite the fear, there are ways to deal with flight anxiety that are evidence-based and even get over it.

What is Aerophobia?

Aerophobia refers to a severe, irrational fear of flight. While some may equate it with fear of a plane crash, most individuals afflicted by the condition actually fear more the sense of intense panic that grips them before or in transit. This encompasses fear of confinement in an airplane, losing control of one's flight, or experiencing a panic attack at altitude.

"Aviophobia or aerophobia is very prevalent," states Clinical Psychologist Akansha Tayal. "Prevalence rates are 10% to 35%, and most people feel very uncomfortable, particularly when faced with reports of aviation accidents. The fear itself is usually irrational and disproportionate to the real danger posed."

Symptoms tend to occur across three areas:

Physical: Palpitations of the heart, sweating, dizziness, nausea.

Emotional: Irritability, restlessness, overwhelming fear.

Cognitive: Catastrophic thinking, obsessive worry, avoidance activities.

Even as frightening as crashes might appear, aviation safety has only enhanced. According to a 2023 analysis by MIT scientists, the probability of being killed in a commercial airline accident around the world is approximately 1 in 13.7 million. Even so, the public eye and emotional intensity of aviation disasters often overshadow their statistical infrequency when it comes to those suffering with aerophobia.

This psychological effect availability bias is the reason why tragic headlines seem so close to home and threateningly personal. "Our brains are hardwired to respond to threat cues," says Ms Tayal. "Even an unlikely event will feel like a personal risk when it's sensationalized or emotionally jarring."

How to Recognize the Signs of Flight Anxiety?

If you're avoiding travel, unwilling to get on airplanes, or preoccupied with air safety, you might have clinical aerophobia. In addition to discomfort, you might experience:

• Panic attacks during or prior to flying
• Flight avoidance media
• Overresearching crash records or airline safety
• Repetitive behaviors (reviewing weather forecasts, switching seats)
• Interference with sleep prior to departure or illness due to tension

Expert-Backed Strategies to Overcome Aerophobia

While aerophobia can feel paralyzing, it’s highly treatable. Experts recommend a mix of self-help techniques and professional interventions.

1. Cognitive Restructuring

Challenge irrational fears by learning facts about flight safety. Avoid sensational news and instead focus on what you’re looking forward to. Keep a mental list of safe flight experiences.

2. Relaxation Techniques

Practice slow breathing with a soothing word such as "peace." It reduces the heart rate and quenches stress hormone activity. Mindfulness techniques and progressive muscle relaxation can also keep your body connected.

3. Cope Ahead Visualization

Rehearse a peaceful flight experience in your mind—from getting on the plane to arrival. Visualization can get your brain thinking about flying as an ordinary, safe thing.

4. Use Distraction Tools

Crossword puzzles, backward counting, reading, or soothing videos can break the worry loop mid-flight.

5. Support System

Travel with a supportive friend and inform them of your triggers. Advance briefing with sympathetic airline personnel can also smooth pre-flight anxiety.

6. Gradual Exposure Therapy

Begin with short flights or utilize flight simulators to rewire gradually, exposing yourself to incrementally longer flights. Safe repetition is shown to decrease sensitivity over time.

7. Professional Assistance is Effective

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy are gold-standard treatments. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Virtual Reality Therapy are increasingly proving to be effective treatments.

"Any psychologist can help the person walk through CBT in order to cope with irrational thoughts," Ms Tayal says. "For tackling these maladaptive thoughts and irrational fears, we do graded exposure, EMDR, or virtual reality. Relaxation training, mindfulness, and grounding are all important too."

Coping Tools to Practice on the Ground

Grounding Techniques: Utilize the 5 senses to remain engaged in the moment.

Mindfulness: Practice non-judgmental attention to your thoughts and bodily sensations.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Release tension to decrease physiological arousal.

Professional Monitoring: When anxiety arises from underlying trauma or generalized anxiety disorder, a psychiatrist may assist in regulating underlying causes.

Can Aerophobia Come Back After Treatment?

Yes—but long-term results are promising. Research indicates that individuals treated with CBT tend to sustain outcomes for three years or longer. Occasional therapy "booster shots" or regular practice of coping techniques can ward off relapse.

How to Prevent and Manage Aerophobia?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent aerophobia, but there are some habits of daily living that can definitely minimize its effect. Steering clear of such stimulants as alcohol or caffeine prior to a flight will keep anxiety under control. Open discussion of your apprehension with intimate family members, friends, or a support group is also crucial, as it helps lessen the emotional load. Shying away from solitary confinement is equally crucial—sharing space with people who are going through the same thing can provide reassurance and confirmation. Finally, remaining attuned to your own mental health and being proactive in seeking assistance early, particularly if symptoms persist or intensify, can make a tangible difference in dealing with flight-related anxiety.

Flight anxiety exists, and tragedies such as the Air India crash can be daunting but you are not alone, and your fear is not something to be ashamed of. With appropriate tools, techniques, and support, the skies don't have to be so frightening.