Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Man Dies After Tick Bite ‘Blew Up’ His Brain: What Kind Of Ticks Carry The Deadly Powassan Virus?

With summer season on, tick season begins—ushering in a new wave of concern for emerging infectious diseases. Among them is the <span>Powassan virus</span> (POWV), a rare but deadly tick-borne illness that recently claimed the life of 62-year-old Kevin Boyce from Massachusetts, sending shockwaves through the medical community and his grieving family. His story is not just tragic—it's a critical warning for the public as tick-borne illnesses quietly surge across the country.

In April 2024, Kevin Boyce experienced what he initially believed to be flu-like symptoms—headaches, vomiting, and body fatigue. Within days, those symptoms escalated dramatically. He collapsed in his home and was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with Powassan virus, a rare virus transmitted by tick bites. Despite aggressive treatment, Kevin succumbed to the virus after his brain experienced severe swelling—an extreme complication known as encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

His family describes the ordeal as watching “his brain blow up,” underlining the silent danger of a virus that many Americans have never heard of.

The Powassan virus is named after the town of Powassan, Ontario, where it was first identified in 1958. Though rare, it is part of a group of viruses known as flaviviruses—the same family that includes Zika, dengue, and West Nile virus.

The virus is transmitted by the Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the black-legged or deer tick, which is also responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. However, unlike Lyme, which typically requires more than 24 hours of tick attachment to transmit, Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health.

<h2>Symptoms of Powassan Virus carried in Ticks</h2>

Symptoms of Powassan virus typically appear between 7 to 30 days after a tick bite. These symptoms may include:

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Weakness</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Loss of coordination</li><li>Seizures</li><li>Difficulty speaking</li></ul>

In severe cases, the virus causes encephalitis (brain inflammation) or myelitis (spinal cord inflammation), which can lead to permanent neurological damage. According to Yale Medicine, about 10% of these severe cases are fatal, and approximately 50% of survivors suffer from long-term neurological complications.

<h2>What Kind Of Ticks Carry The Powassan Virus?</h2>

The Powassan virus is primarily carried by two types of ticks in the United States:

Ixodes scapularis – commonly known as the black-legged tick or deer tick, found predominantly in the Northeast and upper Midwest.

Ixodes cookei – also known as the groundhog tick, which is more often found in wooded or rural areas, especially near wildlife like woodchucks and skunks.

Of these, the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) poses the greater public health risk, as it also transmits Lyme disease, and it's more likely to bite humans. Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the tick attaches—much faster than other tick-borne infections like Lyme.

Because of their size (as small as a poppy seed in the nymph stage) and tendency to attach in hard-to-notice areas, these ticks often go undetected, making early prevention and tick checks critical after spending time outdoors.

<h2>Is Prevention Is the Only Protection?</h2>

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Powassan virus is the absence of any vaccine or antiviral treatment. Unlike Lyme disease, which can be treated with antibiotics, Powassan has no direct medical countermeasures. The only approach is preventative care—which makes awareness critical.

To avoid tick bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend the following:

<ul><li>Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, preferably light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks</li><li>Tuck pants into socks or use tape to seal clothing gaps</li><li>Use insect repellents containing DEET, permethrin, or picaridin</li><li>Stick to the center of hiking trails to avoid brushing against tick-laden bushes</li><li>Check for ticks on your body, clothes, pets, and gear immediately after being outdoors</li><li>Shower and wash clothes in hot water soon after returning inside</li></ul>

If a tick is found, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers as soon as possible

Recent findings from the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC) reveal a startling truth: while Powassan virus remains rare in reported cases, it may be significantly underdiagnosed.

A study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection, led by microbiologist Stephen Rich, highlights that many people bitten by Powassan-positive ticks don’t develop symptoms or seek healthcare. In their passive surveillance study, none of the 38 people bitten by infected ticks reported subsequent illness, suggesting that mild or asymptomatic cases are flying under the radar.

The same research revealed that black-legged ticks bite over 1.36 million people annually in the U.S., based on data from the TickReport testing service in Massachusetts. While Lyme disease has a known high transmission rate, the estimated exposure to Powassan virus ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 people annually, many of whom may never realize they were infected.

Despite being rare historically, Powassan virus is on the rise in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. In 2024 alone, 54 cases were reported nationwide, with 12 cases in Massachusetts. Over the last decade, human cases have increased fourfold, signaling that the threat is becoming more prevalent.

According to the CDC, since 2004, the U.S. has recorded 311 hospitalizations and 44 deaths due to Powassan virus, a number that experts warn may be just the tip of the iceberg.

<ul><li>Climate change, which extends the tick season and habitat</li><li>Growing deer populations, which host these ticks</li><li>Human encroachment into wooded areas, increasing tick exposure</li></ul>

Even more concerning, ticks that test positive for Powassan virus are often co-infected with other dangerous pathogens, including:

<ul><li>Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)</li><li>Babesia microti (Babesiosis)</li><li>Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Anaplasmosis)</li><li>Borrelia miyamotoi</li></ul>

This means a single tick bite could expose a person to multiple serious illnesses, compounding the risk and complicating diagnosis.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

powassan virus

deadly tick disease

tick-borne illness symptoms

encephalitis from tick

massachusetts tick virus

summer outdoor health tips

prevent tick bites

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With summer season on, tick season begins—ushering in a new wave of concern for emerging infectious diseases. Among them is the Powassan virus (POWV), a rare but deadly tick-borne illness that recently claimed the life of 62-year-old Kevin Boyce from Massachusetts, sending shockwaves through the medical community and his grieving family. His story is not just tragic—it's a critical warning for the public as tick-borne illnesses quietly surge across the country.In April 2024, Kevin Boyce experienced what he initially believed to be flu-like symptoms—headaches, vomiting, and body fatigue. Within days, those symptoms escalated dramatically. He collapsed in his home and was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with Powassan virus, a rare virus transmitted by tick bites. Despite aggressive treatment, Kevin succumbed to the virus after his brain experienced severe swelling—an extreme complication known as encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.His family describes the ordeal as watching “his brain blow up,” underlining the silent danger of a virus that many Americans have never heard of.What Is Powassan Virus?The Powassan virus is named after the town of Powassan, Ontario, where it was first identified in 1958. Though rare, it is part of a group of viruses known as flaviviruses—the same family that includes Zika, dengue, and West Nile virus.The virus is transmitted by the Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the black-legged or deer tick, which is also responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. However, unlike Lyme, which typically requires more than 24 hours of tick attachment to transmit, Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health.Symptoms of Powassan Virus carried in TicksSymptoms of Powassan virus typically appear between 7 to 30 days after a tick bite. These symptoms may include:FeverHeadacheVomitingWeaknessConfusionLoss of coordinationSeizuresDifficulty speakingIn severe cases, the virus causes encephalitis (brain inflammation) or myelitis (spinal cord inflammation), which can lead to permanent neurological damage. According to Yale Medicine, about 10% of these severe cases are fatal, and approximately 50% of survivors suffer from long-term neurological complications.What Kind Of Ticks Carry The Powassan Virus?The Powassan virus is primarily carried by two types of ticks in the United States:Ixodes scapularis – commonly known as the black-legged tick or deer tick, found predominantly in the Northeast and upper Midwest.Ixodes cookei – also known as the groundhog tick, which is more often found in wooded or rural areas, especially near wildlife like woodchucks and skunks.Of these, the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) poses the greater public health risk, as it also transmits Lyme disease, and it's more likely to bite humans. Powassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes after the tick attaches—much faster than other tick-borne infections like Lyme.Because of their size (as small as a poppy seed in the nymph stage) and tendency to attach in hard-to-notice areas, these ticks often go undetected, making early prevention and tick checks critical after spending time outdoors.Is Prevention Is the Only Protection?Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Powassan virus is the absence of any vaccine or antiviral treatment. Unlike Lyme disease, which can be treated with antibiotics, Powassan has no direct medical countermeasures. The only approach is preventative care—which makes awareness critical.To avoid tick bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend the following:Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, preferably light-colored clothing to easily spot ticksTuck pants into socks or use tape to seal clothing gapsUse insect repellents containing DEET, permethrin, or picaridinStick to the center of hiking trails to avoid brushing against tick-laden bushesCheck for ticks on your body, clothes, pets, and gear immediately after being outdoorsShower and wash clothes in hot water soon after returning insideIf a tick is found, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers as soon as possibleRecent findings from the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEWVEC) reveal a startling truth: while Powassan virus remains rare in reported cases, it may be significantly underdiagnosed.A study published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection, led by microbiologist Stephen Rich, highlights that many people bitten by Powassan-positive ticks don’t develop symptoms or seek healthcare. In their passive surveillance study, none of the 38 people bitten by infected ticks reported subsequent illness, suggesting that mild or asymptomatic cases are flying under the radar.The same research revealed that black-legged ticks bite over 1.36 million people annually in the U.S., based on data from the TickReport testing service in Massachusetts. While Lyme disease has a known high transmission rate, the estimated exposure to Powassan virus ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 people annually, many of whom may never realize they were infected.Why Powassan Cases Are Rising?Despite being rare historically, Powassan virus is on the rise in the United States, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. In 2024 alone, 54 cases were reported nationwide, with 12 cases in Massachusetts. Over the last decade, human cases have increased fourfold, signaling that the threat is becoming more prevalent.According to the CDC, since 2004, the U.S. has recorded 311 hospitalizations and 44 deaths due to Powassan virus, a number that experts warn may be just the tip of the iceberg.The rise in infections may be fueled by:Climate change, which extends the tick season and habitatGrowing deer populations, which host these ticksHuman encroachment into wooded areas, increasing tick exposureCo-Infections and ComplexityEven more concerning, ticks that test positive for Powassan virus are often co-infected with other dangerous pathogens, including:Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)Babesia microti (Babesiosis)Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Anaplasmosis)Borrelia miyamotoiThis means a single tick bite could expose a person to multiple serious illnesses, compounding the risk and complicating diagnosis.

man dies after tick bite ‘blew up’ his brain: what kind of ticks carry the deadly powassan virus?

Ishita Roy

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In a landmark medical feat, doctors at SMS Hospital in Jaipur have successfully removed a 210-centimetre-long trichobezoar—a dense, compact mass of hair—from the stomach of a 14-year-old girl from Barara village in Agra district, Uttar Pradesh. This extraordinary case is believed to be the longest trichobezoar ever removed globally, surpassing the previous world record of 180 cm.

<h4>Rare Case Presents Major Surgical Challenge</h4>

The case posed significant surgical challenges. The trichobezoar had extended from the stomach into the small intestine, complicating the procedure. Surgeons were determined to extract it in one piece to avoid making multiple incisions in the intestine, which could increase complications.

Despite the complexity of the situation, the surgical team completed the operation within two hours and did not require a blood transfusion. In an impressive display of surgical precision, the entire hairball was removed intact.

<h4>Persistent Symptoms Lead to Diagnosis</h4>

The girl had been experiencing persistent abdominal pain and vomiting for over a month. Upon arrival at SMS Hospital, doctors noted a hard, elongated mass in her abdomen, stretching from her stomach to the area near her navel. A Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT) scan revealed an unusually enlarged stomach filled with a foreign substance, prompting immediate intervention.

Doctors diagnosed the young patient with Pica, a psychological disorder in which individuals develop cravings for non-edible substances. Dr. Jeevan Kankaria from the hospital’s surgery department explained that the girl initially started eating chalk in school under peer influence. Over time, this progressed into the consumption of hair and other non-food items.

“During surgery, we found not only hair but also wooden pieces, rubber bands, stones, threads, and other inedible materials entangled in the mass,” said Dr. Kankaria, who led the surgical team.

“When we measured the trichobezoar after removal, it was 210 cm long, which we believe is the longest ever taken out from a human stomach,” Dr. Kankaria stated. The hospital is now in the process of submitting the case to the Guinness World Records for official recognition. Dr. Kankaria already holds four Guinness World Records for previous surgical milestones.

<h4>Patient’s Recovery and Future Outlook</h4>

The girl, a Class 10 student from a farming family, is currently recovering well under observation at SMS Hospital. Her post-operative condition is stable, and doctors expect to discharge her soon.

This rare case highlights the critical need for early intervention in psychological disorders such as Pica and the importance of awareness among parents and educators. Dr. Kankaria stressed that behavioral and psychological support will be essential in the patient’s long-term recovery to prevent recurrence.

As the medical team awaits potential recognition from the Guinness World Records, this groundbreaking surgery stands as a testament to the precision, planning, and teamwork of doctors at SMS Hospital—and serves as a crucial reminder of the unusual ways psychological disorders can manifest physically.

health and wellness

hairball removal

doctors remove big hairball

rare surgery

ct scan

In a landmark medical feat, doctors at SMS Hospital in Jaipur have successfully removed a 210-centimetre-long trichobezoar—a dense, compact mass of hair—from the stomach of a 14-year-old girl from Barara village in Agra district, Uttar Pradesh. This extraordinary case is believed to be the longest trichobezoar ever removed globally, surpassing the previous world record of 180 cm.Rare Case Presents Major Surgical ChallengeThe case posed significant surgical challenges. The trichobezoar had extended from the stomach into the small intestine, complicating the procedure. Surgeons were determined to extract it in one piece to avoid making multiple incisions in the intestine, which could increase complications.Despite the complexity of the situation, the surgical team completed the operation within two hours and did not require a blood transfusion. In an impressive display of surgical precision, the entire hairball was removed intact.Persistent Symptoms Lead to DiagnosisThe girl had been experiencing persistent abdominal pain and vomiting for over a month. Upon arrival at SMS Hospital, doctors noted a hard, elongated mass in her abdomen, stretching from her stomach to the area near her navel. A Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT) scan revealed an unusually enlarged stomach filled with a foreign substance, prompting immediate intervention.Pica: The Psychological RootDoctors diagnosed the young patient with Pica, a psychological disorder in which individuals develop cravings for non-edible substances. Dr. Jeevan Kankaria from the hospital’s surgery department explained that the girl initially started eating chalk in school under peer influence. Over time, this progressed into the consumption of hair and other non-food items.“During surgery, we found not only hair but also wooden pieces, rubber bands, stones, threads, and other inedible materials entangled in the mass,” said Dr. Kankaria, who led the surgical team.A Record-Breaking Removal“When we measured the trichobezoar after removal, it was 210 cm long, which we believe is the longest ever taken out from a human stomach,” Dr. Kankaria stated. The hospital is now in the process of submitting the case to the Guinness World Records for official recognition. Dr. Kankaria already holds four Guinness World Records for previous surgical milestones.Patient’s Recovery and Future OutlookThe girl, a Class 10 student from a farming family, is currently recovering well under observation at SMS Hospital. Her post-operative condition is stable, and doctors expect to discharge her soon.This rare case highlights the critical need for early intervention in psychological disorders such as Pica and the importance of awareness among parents and educators. Dr. Kankaria stressed that behavioral and psychological support will be essential in the patient’s long-term recovery to prevent recurrence.As the medical team awaits potential recognition from the Guinness World Records, this groundbreaking surgery stands as a testament to the precision, planning, and teamwork of doctors at SMS Hospital—and serves as a crucial reminder of the unusual ways psychological disorders can manifest physically.

doctors removed 210cm long hairball from teen's stomach

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On <span>World No Tobacco Day</span>, Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, sheds light on how tobacco affects women differently than men. While the overall dangers of <span>smoking</span> are well known, Dr. Rajpurohit emphasizes the need to understand the biological, hormonal, and social dimensions that make women more vulnerable to tobacco-related diseases and challenges in quitting.

<h4>Biological Differences Make Women More Sensitive to Nicotine</h4>

“Women metabolize nicotine more slowly than men, which results in prolonged exposure to its harmful effects,” says Dr. Rajpurohit. This slower metabolism, combined with hormonal changes across a woman’s life—such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause—can heighten nicotine’s addictive properties.

For instance, estrogen, a key female hormone, may increase sensitivity to nicotine, making it harder for women to quit. “This also explains why withdrawal symptoms might be more severe in women,” he adds.

Women who smoke are more susceptible to certain diseases than their male counterparts, warns Dr. Rajpurohit.

Though men historically had higher rates of lung cancer, the gap has narrowed as more women took up smoking. “Women are not only developing lung cancer at younger ages, but they may also face more aggressive forms of the disease,” he says, pointing to biological differences in lung structure and function.

Smoking significantly raises the risk of heart disease in women, especially those using hormonal contraceptives. “Smoking can cause the arteries to harden and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. When combined with birth control pills, the risk becomes even higher,” he explains.

<h4>Reproductive and Pregnancy Complications</h4>

Smoking affects fertility and reproductive health. It can lead to complications such as ectopic pregnancies, miscarriage, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. “Women in their childbearing years should be especially cautious, as smoking during this period can have lasting effects on both the mother and child,” Dr. Rajpurohit stresses.

He also highlights severe pregnancy-related risks like placental abruption (where the placenta detaches from the uterus) and placenta previa (when the placenta blocks the cervix), both of which can endanger maternal and fetal health.

<h4>Hormonal Imbalance and Fertility Issues</h4>

Nicotine disrupts hormonal balance, impacting ovulation and menstrual cycles. Women who smoke often report irregular periods and find it more difficult to conceive. “The damage is not just temporary—prolonged tobacco use can lead to long-term reproductive challenges,” says Dr. Rajpurohit.

<h4>Why Women Find It Harder to Quit</h4>

Quitting smoking can be a more difficult journey for women due to psychological, hormonal, and social factors.

“Many women smoke to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. This emotional dependence can complicate their efforts to quit,” Dr. Rajpurohit explains. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also influence cravings and mood, making it harder to resist smoking.

Additionally, women may lack adequate support from family or peers. “Social encouragement plays a huge role in smoking cessation, and women often find themselves without the backing they need,” he says.

To help women quit, he recommends a tailored approach involving behavioral therapy, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and personalized quit plans. “These strategies must take into account individual stressors, emotional needs, and social settings,” he adds.

<h4>Secondhand Smoke and Societal Pressures</h4>

Women are often exposed to secondhand smoke in domestic environments, putting them at risk for the same diseases as smokers. “The dangers of passive smoking are real and can lead to respiratory illness, heart disease, and even pregnancy complications,” says Dr. Rajpurohit.

He also draws attention to how societal norms and advertising have historically influenced women’s smoking behavior. “Tobacco companies once marketed cigarettes to women as symbols of empowerment and liberation. Unfortunately, this portrayal led many to underestimate the health risks,” he notes.

In certain cultures, smoking among women may be normalized or not taken seriously, which further prevents intervention and support.

<h4>Empowering Women Through Awareness and Support</h4>

“Women face unique challenges when it comes to tobacco use, and we must address them with empathy and targeted strategies,” Dr. Rajpurohit concludes. On World <span>No Tobacco Day</span>, he urges women to seek help and become aware of the specific risks they face.

For those struggling with tobacco addiction, he recommends consulting healthcare professionals and exploring support systems that cater specifically to women’s needs. “The goal is not just to quit but to stay tobacco-free for life,” he says.

world no tobacco day 2025

world no tobacco day

no tobacco day

tobacco day

Smoking

smoking kills

On World No Tobacco Day, Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director of Medical Oncology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, sheds light on how tobacco affects women differently than men. While the overall dangers of smoking are well known, Dr. Rajpurohit emphasizes the need to understand the biological, hormonal, and social dimensions that make women more vulnerable to tobacco-related diseases and challenges in quitting.Biological Differences Make Women More Sensitive to Nicotine“Women metabolize nicotine more slowly than men, which results in prolonged exposure to its harmful effects,” says Dr. Rajpurohit. This slower metabolism, combined with hormonal changes across a woman’s life—such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause—can heighten nicotine’s addictive properties.For instance, estrogen, a key female hormone, may increase sensitivity to nicotine, making it harder for women to quit. “This also explains why withdrawal symptoms might be more severe in women,” he adds.Higher Risk of Certain DiseasesWomen who smoke are more susceptible to certain diseases than their male counterparts, warns Dr. Rajpurohit.Lung CancerThough men historically had higher rates of lung cancer, the gap has narrowed as more women took up smoking. “Women are not only developing lung cancer at younger ages, but they may also face more aggressive forms of the disease,” he says, pointing to biological differences in lung structure and function.Heart DiseaseSmoking significantly raises the risk of heart disease in women, especially those using hormonal contraceptives. “Smoking can cause the arteries to harden and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. When combined with birth control pills, the risk becomes even higher,” he explains.Reproductive and Pregnancy ComplicationsSmoking affects fertility and reproductive health. It can lead to complications such as ectopic pregnancies, miscarriage, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. “Women in their childbearing years should be especially cautious, as smoking during this period can have lasting effects on both the mother and child,” Dr. Rajpurohit stresses.He also highlights severe pregnancy-related risks like placental abruption (where the placenta detaches from the uterus) and placenta previa (when the placenta blocks the cervix), both of which can endanger maternal and fetal health.Hormonal Imbalance and Fertility IssuesNicotine disrupts hormonal balance, impacting ovulation and menstrual cycles. Women who smoke often report irregular periods and find it more difficult to conceive. “The damage is not just temporary—prolonged tobacco use can lead to long-term reproductive challenges,” says Dr. Rajpurohit.Why Women Find It Harder to QuitQuitting smoking can be a more difficult journey for women due to psychological, hormonal, and social factors.“Many women smoke to manage stress, anxiety, or depression. This emotional dependence can complicate their efforts to quit,” Dr. Rajpurohit explains. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also influence cravings and mood, making it harder to resist smoking.Additionally, women may lack adequate support from family or peers. “Social encouragement plays a huge role in smoking cessation, and women often find themselves without the backing they need,” he says.To help women quit, he recommends a tailored approach involving behavioral therapy, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and personalized quit plans. “These strategies must take into account individual stressors, emotional needs, and social settings,” he adds.Secondhand Smoke and Societal PressuresWomen are often exposed to secondhand smoke in domestic environments, putting them at risk for the same diseases as smokers. “The dangers of passive smoking are real and can lead to respiratory illness, heart disease, and even pregnancy complications,” says Dr. Rajpurohit.He also draws attention to how societal norms and advertising have historically influenced women’s smoking behavior. “Tobacco companies once marketed cigarettes to women as symbols of empowerment and liberation. Unfortunately, this portrayal led many to underestimate the health risks,” he notes.In certain cultures, smoking among women may be normalized or not taken seriously, which further prevents intervention and support.Empowering Women Through Awareness and Support“Women face unique challenges when it comes to tobacco use, and we must address them with empathy and targeted strategies,” Dr. Rajpurohit concludes. On World No Tobacco Day, he urges women to seek help and become aware of the specific risks they face.For those struggling with tobacco addiction, he recommends consulting healthcare professionals and exploring support systems that cater specifically to women’s needs. “The goal is not just to quit but to stay tobacco-free for life,” he says.

no tobacco day does smoking affect women differently than men?

Aarushi Bhadury

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“I thought having done it all before, second time around I’d know exactly what to expect from the 4th trimester. But my expectations were all shot to hell in June when, 10 days after Louie was born, I was diagnosed with skin <span>cancer</span>.” 

<span>Hannah Penn</span>, a mother, as well as a working professional, who has been in her industry with 17 years of experience, never thought the devastating diagnosis of cancer was in books for her. Being diagnosed with skin cancer shortly after her second child's birth, she expressed her gratefulness for the quickness of the diagnosis and the swift way it was dealt with. 

“I write this today eternally grateful and lucky enough to have had successful surgery, catching the cancer before it spread to further organs. The first urgent operation was carried out within 40 minutes of me being diagnosed” 

News like this can be difficult for people to handle, shaking them to the core. However, Hannah took it in stride, and not only tackled the disease, but she also started working on ways to stop this. 

As a worried mother, she looked into risk factors, causes and who are at risk for it. It was them that she came across statistics that showed that construction workers, who made 8% of UK’s workforce, were the most at risk. In fact, 44% of deaths associated with melanoma were occupational deaths of construction workers. Understanding the severity of this, she worked with a group of professionals to create a protective vest of sorts that could aid a lot of workers and keep them safe. 

<h2>An Innovative Approach to Cancer: UV-Alert Vest </h2>

Hannah and her team, from Pablo Creative Agency, came up with the UV-U-SEE logo and "The <span>Higher Vis Vest</span>." These vests have a special silicone patch filled with material that changes color in the sun. 

As the sun's strong UV rays get stronger, the patch changes from white to pink and then to red. This color change tells the worker and others nearby to put on sunscreen and be careful not to get sunburned. It's a simple way to remind them to protect themselves right away. 

Hannah explained that getting cancer treatment while having a very young child was really hard for her. She worried about how the treatments might affect her baby, especially since her cancer was growing while she was pregnant. 

This personal struggle made her look into facts about cancer risk. She was trying to find out if her children would be more likely to get melanoma because she had it. That's when she found surprising information about construction workers. She realized that if she had a way to see her own danger, these workers needed one too. 

<h2>How Her Illness Uncovered The Critical Gap In Safety </h2>

Hannah was really surprised that there were no rules for skin protection on building sites, given how risky it is. Since nothing like this existed, she decided to create her own product. She felt that everyone facing such a high risk needed a clear way to see the danger they were in. 

Besides construction, Hannah thinks this idea can help anyone who spends a lot of time outside, like people working at music festivals, athletes playing sports, or even just people going to the shops. 

Hannah strongly believes that skin cancer can be prevented in most cases – about 86%. With the right steps and awareness, many lives can be saved. She said melanoma is like a "silent killer" that's easy to ignore. She was lucky her cancer was found in time and hopes her invention will help save other people too. Her team was very passionate about using their skills to highlight this deadly risk in construction and change how people act.

Cancer

Surviving Skin Cancer

hannah penn

UV Ray Vests for Skin Cancer

Mom Who Invented UV Alert Vests

Higher Vis Vest

UV Rays and Melanoma

Cancer Survivor Story

“I thought having done it all before, second time around I’d know exactly what to expect from the 4th trimester. But my expectations were all shot to hell in June when, 10 days after Louie was born, I was diagnosed with skin cancer.” Hannah Penn, a mother, as well as a working professional, who has been in her industry with 17 years of experience, never thought the devastating diagnosis of cancer was in books for her. Being diagnosed with skin cancer shortly after her second child's birth, she expressed her gratefulness for the quickness of the diagnosis and the swift way it was dealt with. “I write this today eternally grateful and lucky enough to have had successful surgery, catching the cancer before it spread to further organs. The first urgent operation was carried out within 40 minutes of me being diagnosed” News like this can be difficult for people to handle, shaking them to the core. However, Hannah took it in stride, and not only tackled the disease, but she also started working on ways to stop this. As a worried mother, she looked into risk factors, causes and who are at risk for it. It was them that she came across statistics that showed that construction workers, who made 8% of UK’s workforce, were the most at risk. In fact, 44% of deaths associated with melanoma were occupational deaths of construction workers. Understanding the severity of this, she worked with a group of professionals to create a protective vest of sorts that could aid a lot of workers and keep them safe. An Innovative Approach to Cancer: UV-Alert Vest Hannah and her team, from Pablo Creative Agency, came up with the UV-U-SEE logo and "The Higher Vis Vest." These vests have a special silicone patch filled with material that changes color in the sun. As the sun's strong UV rays get stronger, the patch changes from white to pink and then to red. This color change tells the worker and others nearby to put on sunscreen and be careful not to get sunburned. It's a simple way to remind them to protect themselves right away. Hannah explained that getting cancer treatment while having a very young child was really hard for her. She worried about how the treatments might affect her baby, especially since her cancer was growing while she was pregnant. This personal struggle made her look into facts about cancer risk. She was trying to find out if her children would be more likely to get melanoma because she had it. That's when she found surprising information about construction workers. She realized that if she had a way to see her own danger, these workers needed one too. How Her Illness Uncovered The Critical Gap In Safety Hannah was really surprised that there were no rules for skin protection on building sites, given how risky it is. Since nothing like this existed, she decided to create her own product. She felt that everyone facing such a high risk needed a clear way to see the danger they were in. Besides construction, Hannah thinks this idea can help anyone who spends a lot of time outside, like people working at music festivals, athletes playing sports, or even just people going to the shops. Hannah strongly believes that skin cancer can be prevented in most cases – about 86%. With the right steps and awareness, many lives can be saved. She said melanoma is like a "silent killer" that's easy to ignore. She was lucky her cancer was found in time and hopes her invention will help save other people too. Her team was very passionate about using their skills to highlight this deadly risk in construction and change how people act.

surviving skin cancer inspired this mother to develop protective vests to cut melanoma risk

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