The United States have been long suffering from various disease, and now is the season of ticks. On the rise is Lyme disease, and tick bites have recorded the a 5-year high ER visits in Northeast, reports 12 News. The Health and Me had previously reported on the surge that ERs across the US is experiencing, wit the highest in July, since 2017. he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that close to 31 million Americans suffer from tick bites every year, and this summer saw a sharp increase, particularly in the Northeast.

The CDC says that the Fordham Tick Index, which monitors tick activity in southern New York, Connecticut, and northern New Jersey, is now at a "very high" risk level, 9 out of 10.

What Could Be The Reason For This High?

Experts are attributing this surge to environmental shifts, growing deer numbers, and more human presence within woodlands.

Not Just The US, But UK Too Issues A Public Health Warning

Previously Health and Me also reported that with the unexpected wave of heat in the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a public warning against a small, almost invisible threat that could send you to the hospital.

Taking simple steps can help you avoid these bugs that could leave you with flu-like symptoms lasting for weeks.

Case Study

Amid the tick season, Health and Me reported on a case of an 8-year-old boy who has Lyme disease. The case points out on the cases of how, when symptoms ignored, or with lack of caution and awareness can ticks become a real threat.

Lyme Disease: How Worried Should One Be Of Ticks?

Most tick-borne diseases in the United States are rare, with one big exception, reports the New York Times (NYT). Lyme disease is far more common than any other tick-related illness.

In fact, it's 12 times more prevalent than the next most common disease, anaplasmosis. In some regions, up to 50% of adult ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme, making it the leading tick-borne illness in the country.

“That’s our biggest concern,” said Erika Machtinger, an entomologist and head of the vector-borne disease team at Pennsylvania State University Extension, as noted by the NYT. “There aren’t vaccines in development for anything else; there is for Lyme disease.”

While Lyme disease is typically treatable, especially if antibiotics are taken within 72 hours of a bite, it can be tricky to diagnose. When missed, it may lead to lingering symptoms that persist for years after treatment.

Location Matters Most

Ticks exist throughout most of the continental U.S., but risk levels vary greatly by location. Some places have ticks that barely transmit disease, while others see thousands of Lyme cases each year.

“Where you live matters more than anything,” explained Jean Tsao, an ecologist and Lyme expert at Michigan State University, reports NYT.

That can influence everything — from what one wears on a hike to how they move through outdoor spaces.

For instance, in Arizona, where tick-related illnesses are rare, residents might wear shorts and sandals without much concern.

But in Michigan, where Lyme disease is on the rise, Tsao recommends wearing long pants, socks with shoes, and clothing treated with Permethrin, a fabric-safe repellent.

“I never walk into the woods with Tevas or Chacos anymore,” she said. “And I wouldn’t say I’m paranoid.”

How Common Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, where tick populations have been established for decades. In 2023, Rhode Island reported over 2,800 cases, while Texas had only 27. Areas newly seeing Lyme-carrying ticks, like parts of Michigan, may still have fewer cases, but the numbers are rising.

Even urban parks can pose a risk, as ticks only need a few host animals like birds, rodents, or raccoons to survive.

Tick Type Makes a Difference

Not all ticks are equally dangerous. The blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the primary carrier of Lyme bacteria.

Other types, like the lone star tick or dog tick, can transmit disease but pose less of a threat.

Blacklegged ticks go through three life stages, and take a blood meal at each. Adults are most likely to carry Lyme, while larvae rarely do. Surprisingly, most Lyme infections happen during the nymph stage, when ticks are smaller and harder to see.

These tiny nymphs often attach in areas that are hard to inspect. “The toilet is a great place to check for ticks,” said Machtinger. “You can reach all your crevices. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true.”

If someone finds a tick, the first step is to identify the species. This can be done via a healthcare provider, a tick ID website, or local university extension services. Ticks can be stored in a Ziploc bag or between strips of Scotch tape for identification. If the tick is a deer tick and the bite occurred within 72 hours, a single dose of antibiotics can reduce the risk of illness. Otherwise, one should monitor for rashes and flu-like symptoms.

Tick Behavior Basics

Ticks can bite anywhere on the body, but they tend to favor warm, hidden areas like the groin, armpits, and behind the ears. Where the tick attaches can also depend on activity. For example, a tick found while hiking is likely to be on the lower body, while one from gardening might show up on an arm.

Those with darker skin tones may find ticks harder to detect. “You have to get to know your freckles really, really well,” said Machtinger.

The good news? Ticks don’t bite immediately, and they typically need 24 hours to transmit Lyme after attaching. That means regular tick checks, especially after spending time outdoors, are highly effective. Showering soon after outdoor activity can also help wash off ticks before they embed.

Additionally, ticks die quickly in a clothes dryer, making it a good idea to tumble dry outdoor clothes on high heat after an outing.

Despite their reputation, ticks are delicate creatures that can be hard to study in labs. Over time, scientists who work with them may even find them "almost cute," Machtinger added. While most people may never go that far, understanding the real risks they pose, and how to prevent them, can take some of the fear out of tick season.

Breast cancer treatment has evolved significantly over the past few decades, moving from radical removal approaches to more personalized and tissue-preserving techniques. Today, surgeons no longer view breast conservation surgery (BCS) and mastectomy as competing options, but as equally effective strategies chosen based on individual patient needs.

With the growing availability of reconstructive surgery in Kolkata, patients now also have better cosmetic and psychological outcomes regardless of the surgical path they choose.

Understanding The Two Surgical Options

When faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, understanding the available surgical options is crucial for making an informed decision. Each approach is designed to effectively treat the disease while considering the patient’s long-term health, comfort, and quality of life.

What Is Breast Conservation Surgery (BCS)?

Breast conservation surgery, or lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, is a procedure that involves the removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue while preserving most of the breast.

The main objective is to remove cancer without altering the natural shape and appearance of the breast. Radiation therapy is usually administered after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and minimize the chances of recurrence.

What Is A Mastectomy?

Mastectomy is the removal of the whole breast tissue, and in other cases, the lymph nodes and skin around the breast. It can be done on either breast or both breasts based on the type of cancer and risk factors.

After a mastectomy, patients can choose to have breast reconstruction with the help of modern surgical procedures, such as those provided in reconstructive surgery in Kolkata, which can help to restore the shape and symmetry of the breast.

Major Differences Between BCS And Mastectomy

The basic distinction is the degree of tissue excision. BCS leaves the majority of the breast, but a mastectomy takes away all of it.

Notably, several studies indicate that both methods have equal chances of survival in the long term in early-stage breast cancer.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Opt For What?

Not every patient is suited for the same surgical approach, as the choice largely depends on individual clinical factors. Tumor size, stage, location, and overall health all play a crucial role in determining eligibility. Understanding who can opt for which procedure helps ensure both effective treatment and optimal long-term outcomes.

Candidates for Breast Conservation Surgery

BCS is usually prescribed to patients with:

• Stage I or II breast cancer
• Tumors smaller than 5 cm
• One tumor in one area
• No radiation therapy contraindications
• Some cases do not have high-risk genetic mutations like BRCA

It might not apply to patients who have more than one tumor in other parts of the breast or those with advanced disease.

Candidates for Mastectomy

Mastectomy may be suggested when:

• The tumor is huge in comparison with the size of the breast
• It has several tumors in various quadrants
• Cancer is metastatic (Stage III or IV)
• The genetic risk of recurrence is high in the patient
• Radiation therapy is not an option or choice

Moreover, other patients might opt to undergo mastectomy to have a sense of security or to alleviate the fear of recurrence.

Advancements In Breast Surgery

The current surgical advances have greatly enhanced the results, particularly in patients who want to preserve their breasts.

Oncoplastic Surgery

Among the most remarkable developments is the oncoplastic breast surgery that involves the use of both cancer resection and plastic surgery. This enables the surgeons to excise bigger tumors without altering the shape and symmetry of the breast.

This has increased the eligibility of BCS so that more women can avoid mastectomy and still have safe control of cancer.

Improved Imaging and Targeting

Modern imaging techniques have assisted surgeons in accurately identifying tumors so that they can be fully removed without damaging normal tissue. This enhances cosmetic outcomes as well as oncological safety.

Advanced Reconstruction Methods

The emergence of reconstructive surgery in Kolkata has given patients who have undergone mastectomy the opportunity to have an immediate or delayed reconstruction with the help of implants or autologous tissue.

Reconstruction has been brought to improve psychological well-being, body image, and quality of life.

Influencing Factors of Surgical Decision-Making

The decision to use BCS or mastectomy is not only a medical choice, but a very personal one, which depends on several factors:

1. Cancer Stage and Tumor Characteristics

The main determinants include tumor size, location, and spread. BCS is more appropriate in early-stage cancers, whereas mastectomy is usually necessary in advanced cases.

2. Survival and Recurrence Outcomes

It has always been demonstrated that the survival rates are the same with BCS (including radiation) and mastectomy in the case of early-stage cancers. Nevertheless, BCS can be slightly more likely to recur locally, which can be treated.

3. Patient Preference

A major role is played by emotional and psychological factors. There are those patients who want to keep their breasts, and others opt to undergo a mastectomy to have peace of mind. Studies show fear of recurrence is a major driver for choosing mastectomy.

4. Access to Radiation Therapy

Since BCS requires post-operative radiation, access to treatment facilities can influence the decision. Patients without easy access may opt for a mastectomy.

5. Cosmetic and Quality-of-Life Concerns

BCS tends to provide superior cosmetic results and satisfaction. Nevertheless, the modern methods of reconstruction have also helped to enhance the results of mastectomy patients considerably.

What Do Surgeons Recommend Today?

Modern breast surgeons support a multidisciplinary patient-centered approach. Instead of prescribing a single solution, they consider:

• Clinical (tumor size, stage, genetics)
• Access to care and patient lifestyle
• Motivational preparedness and individual interests

Surgeons are increasingly preferring breast conservation surgery in most of the early-stage cases because of its good results and quality-of-life advantages. Nevertheless, mastectomy is necessary in more complicated or risky cases.

Conclusion

The debate between breast conservation surgery and mastectomy is no longer about which is superior, but about which is most appropriate for the individual patient. Oncoplastic techniques and reconstructive surgery in Kolkata have advanced, and patients now have a choice of safer, more personalized, and cosmetically satisfying options.

Heart failure has quietly emerged as one of India’s most serious and underestimated health challenges, driven by a rise in hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and delayed diagnosis of heart disease.

Due to a shortage of donor organs and a long waiting period before receiving the right treatment, end-stage heart failure patients in India faced a lot of difficulties a few years ago.

Today, advancements in heart transplant techniques are changing the situation from what was once an untreatable condition to a second chance at life.

Data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) shows a significant year-on-year rise in heart transplants, with 253 transplants done in 2024, showcasing improved organ donation awareness, better coordination between hospitals, and stronger transplant networks.

What was once considered the only option is now emerging as a life-saving solution, offering patients not just a second chance but a return to a more meaningful and active life.

Why Are Heart Transplants Needed?

A heart transplant offers hope and gives a second life to patients whose hearts no longer support the body even after the best available medical aid.

Although it is never performed instantly, it becomes necessary whenever conditions of the heart result in end-stage heart failure, where the pumping function of the heart is compromised.

Also read: Harish Rana’s Family Donated His Heart Valves And Corneas After His Death From Passive Euthanasia

When medications and modern technologies cannot supply an adequate amount of blood and oxygen to the organs, patients experience extreme breathlessness, fluid buildup, fatigue, and repeated hospitalizations, making even simple activities like walking, eating, or lying flat exhausting.

As the flow of blood continues to deteriorate, failure is also expected in other vital organs such as the kidneys and liver. It is at this point that the transplantation of the donor heart is considered the only treatment option to ensure that the blood flow is normalized.

How Heart Transplantation Transforms Life?

Heart transplant is not just a surgical replacement of a failing organ, but a complete life restoration for patients with end-stage heart failure.

Its benefits include:

• Normalizes Heart Functioning: A healthy donor heart can immediately restore normal and effective blood flow. This will reduce weakness and fatigue that makes carrying out everyday tasks rather difficult.
• Enhances Survival Rates: Patients diagnosed with end-stage heart failure can only experience the best post-transplant survival outcomes when they undergo the transplant procedure as compared to other medical treatments.
• Enhances Quality of Life: The patients are able to attain independence once again as they are able to walk, sleep, travel, and socialize with their families and friends.
• Prevents Frequent Hospitalization: The successful transplant procedure prevents constant hospitalization, especially in cases with deteriorating heart failure, infections, and organ dysfunction.
• Protects Other Vital Organs: By restoring adequate blood flow, heart transplantation helps reverse damage to the kidneys, liver, and lungs caused by prolonged heart failure
• Permits Return to Normal Roles and Responsibilities: Patients regain their ability to work, take care of others, and carry out their daily responsibilities, which helps their emotional well-being.

Scottish Olympic legend Liz McColgan has warned athletes to wear sun protection during their training hours to protect their skin from “lasting consequences”.

Liz McColgan shared the health warning to athletes after undergoing surgery to remove lesions on her face.

The Olympic silver medalist from Dundee shared post-surgery photographs on the social media platform Instagram and lamented that, as a young runner, she never focused on wearing sun protection.

Avoiding sun cream because she felt it made her "sweat more" was her “ignorance”, said the 61-year-old former athlete.

“As a young athlete, I trained and raced in all weathers. Sun protection was never something I gave much thought to. In fact, I avoided it. I didn’t like the feeling of creams on my skin - I thought they made me sweat more, so I convinced myself I was better off without them. Looking back, that was ignorance,” Liz McColgan said.

“Recently, I had to undergo surgery to remove two lesions on my face. It was a stark reminder that the choices we make early on - especially the ones we dismiss as unimportant - can have lasting consequences,” she added.

Liz McColgan noted that athletes keep all their focus on "performance - mileage, sessions, recovery, nutrition”, but simple things like protecting their skin are often ignored.

“Yet it’s just as much a part of our overall health and wellbeing as any training session,” she said.

Sharing the health message to both young and old athletes, McColgan said, “Take sun protection seriously. Whether you’re training, racing, or even just spending time outdoors, protecting your skin matters.”

McColgan won a silver medal in the same event at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. In 1991, she went on to win the 10,000m World Championships title in Tokyo.

Also read:5 Simple Do's And Don'ts For Healthy Skin

Why Sunscreen Is Essential

Using sunscreen protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes

• skin cancer,
• premature aging,
• painful sunburns.

Should Sunscreen Be Used Indoors Too?

Sunscreen is meant to be part of a daily skincare routine. But most people reach for sunscreen when heading to the beach or stepping out for a long day in the sun.

According to dermatologists, sunlight can still reach you indoors.

Dr Khushboo Jha, Chief Dermatologist Consultant at Metro Hospital, explains that sunlight entering through windows can still affect the skin.

“While standard window glass blocks most UVB rays, which cause sunburn, UVA rays can still pass through. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are linked to long-term concerns such as premature aging, uneven pigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity,” she said.

These UVA rays are often overlooked because they do not cause immediate redness or burning like UVB rays. However, over time, they can lead to visible signs of skin aging and pigmentation.

Also read: Why Should You Must Apply Sunscreen Inside A Plane?

A Practical Approach To Daily Skincare

Dermatologists suggest viewing sunscreen as a preventive skincare habit rather than a rigid rule.

Dr Jha recommends incorporating sunscreen into your morning routine, particularly if your day includes stepping outdoors or spending time in naturally lit environments.

In simple terms, if daylight reaches your workspace or you plan to go outside later in the day, applying sunscreen in the morning is a small step that can help protect your skin over time.