Radon, an invisible, odorless gas, has long been known to increase the risk of lung cancer. But despite this direct connection, new data reveals that the majority of Americans neither test for it in their homes nor consider it a major health threat.

A recent survey conducted by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC) found that about 75% of Americans haven’t tested their homes for radon. More than half of the respondents admitted they aren’t worried about being exposed to this environmental carcinogen in their homes or communities. This is concerning, given that radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the U.S.

“Radon is a lesser-known public health risk factor for lung cancer,” said Dr. David Carbone, a thoracic medical oncologist and director of the Thoracic Oncology Center at OSUCCC’s Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. “Because lung cancer is typically thought to be a ‘smoker’s disease,’ most people don’t consider radon as a real risk factor. But anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. And research tells us that radon is contributing to the development of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers.”

The survey, conducted by SSRS between February 2 and 4, included responses from over 1,000 U.S. adults. It found that 55% of people were unconcerned about radon exposure. This indifference is troubling, especially since radon could be contributing to the estimated 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases that occur in non-smokers.

Radon is a radioactive gas produced when naturally occurring radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, and radium break down in soil, rock, and water. “Buildings act like chimneys, drawing in radon from the ground,” said Dr. Danny Nguyen, a medical oncologist at City of Hope Orange County. “When too much radon gets trapped inside a building, it can be deadly.”

Although smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, radon exposure is considered the second most significant risk factor. The danger increases even more when a person is exposed to both radon and tobacco smoke.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises mitigation efforts if indoor radon levels exceed 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), though actions can be considered at levels above 2 pCi/L. These measures usually involve installing a soil depressurization system to vent radon outdoors.

Experts stress the importance of testing all homes—regardless of age or type. “It is a myth that radon exposure is only a problem in older homes,” Nguyen noted. Radon tests are widely available and can be done professionally or with affordable at-home kits.

Carbone also emphasized testing other environments like schools and workplaces, where people spend substantial time. “Risk is cumulative, and we would have no idea that we were being exposed to radon unless all of these areas are tested,” he said.

Although screening guidelines primarily target smokers, those with potential radon exposure should talk to their doctors. Early detection is key—when caught early, lung cancer cure rates can reach up to 95%.

You're at the dinner table and someone slurps soup, another begins tapping a pen, and your heart begins racing, your muscles lock up, and you're filled with fury you can't explain. If this sounds familiar, you're not being "too sensitive." You may be one of millions dealing with misophonia, a little-understood sensory disorder finally receiving long-overdue notice.

On July 9, World Misophonia Awareness Day, experts and advocacy groups are urging for global recognition of this condition that impacts almost 1 in 5 adults, but too often remains misunderstood or undiagnosed. Initiated by non-profit soQuiet, the day is dedicated to advancing discussion, research, and support for those whose lives are deeply affected by what the rest of us tune out—usual, ordinary sounds.

What Is Misophonia?

Misophonia, literally "sound hatred," is more than not liking noise. It's an intense, automatic emotional and physical response to certain sounds, usually created by someone else. Chew, sniffle, heavy breathing, throat clearing, even pen clicking.

These stimuli trigger strong reactions in individuals with misophonia, from annoyance, stress, and revulsion to outright panic or fury. For some, it's a single stimulus. For others, it's multiple. The psychological weight can be overwhelming, so that everyday encounters such as dining at a restaurant or working in an open office become a daily war.

And though most people write it off as being irritable or melodramatic, the science disagrees.

An increasing amount of research is revealing what's actually going on in the brains of individuals with misophonia. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience indicates that misophonia is potentially associated with a specific "neural signature"—unique brain pathways that are more active in perceiving sound and emotion.

In misophonics, increased interconnectivity between the sound-processing auditory cortex and the emotion-regulating limbic system may be what makes some sounds ring alarm bells. It's a brain in overdrive, responding in the same way to a throat clear or chewing noise as it would to a bodily threat.

A reflexive fight-or-flight response—hands sweat, heart throbs, and logical thinking yields to a frantic need to flee or strike out.

Why Misophonia Is Unheard And Misunderstood?

Perhaps one of the most infuriating things for people with misophonia is that others just don't get it. It doesn't help that they are invisible and their reactions are usually termed overreactions, even rudeness.

Worse still, it has the potential to overlap with or be confused with other mental illnesses such as OCD, anxiety, PTSD, or even autism spectrum disorders. That is why diagnosis becomes complicated and many suffer silently, particularly older people who might have spent decades without ever hearing the term "misophonia."

The stigma may result in isolation, strain on relationships, and depression, particularly when individuals are stuck in environments where they cannot escape to be safe from trigger sounds—such as school, work, or home mealtime.

Misophonia is not just about being uncomfortable—it's about survivability. Most with the condition report avoiding parties, leaving jobs, or having trouble with day-to-day activities just to prevent exposure to triggers. Picture wearing noise-canceling headphones just to get through your workplace. Or having every meal in solitude, because even the sound of eating is too much. In a world that's getting noisier, adaptation is a full-time profession.

How Misophonia Affects the Brain?

Misophonia's not so much about what you're hearing—it's about how your brain interprets that sound. New research indicates that individuals with misophonia exhibit heightened activity and connectivity within brain areas that handle sound processing, emotional control, and the body's defense mechanism.

One of the most important regions engaged is the anterior insular cortex, which assists you in assessing the emotional meaning of sensory input. In misophonia, this region seems to hyperreact, sending messages that something harmless—such as someone chewing—is threatening. This activates the limbic system, which controls emotion and survival reactions, placing the individual in a fight-or-flight state very quickly.

Imagine it like a smoke alarm blaring at burnt toast like it is a raging house fire. That exaggeration is what makes misophonia so debilitating. A person with misophonia has a complete body stress response when they hear a trigger sound, even though rationally, they know the sound is not harmful.

Brain imaging studies suggest this is not about overreacting by choice—it’s a neurological mismatch, where emotional and auditory systems are too tightly wired together. That’s why even brief exposure to trigger sounds can feel unbearable and linger long after the sound stops.

Common Trigger Sounds of Misophonia

Misophonia triggers are different for different people but most follow predictable patterns. They're not loud or startling noises—they're typically repetitive, mundane sounds easily tuned out by other people but for the misophonic person, which can trigger an almost immediate adrenaline rush of anger, panic, or disgust. The following are the most typical categories of trigger sounds:

Drinking and eating noises: Smacking lips, slurping, chewing, gulping, crunching, and loud swallowing are the worst. Chewing gum is a very frequent offender.

Sounds associated with breathing: Sniffling, heavy breathing, nose blowing, or snoring are common culprits. Even a faint wheeze can be offending for some.

Sounds of the mouth and throat: Throat clearing, coughing, yawning, or audible kissing sounds.

Repetitive sounds of activity: Tapping on the pen or feet, mouse clicking, typing, drumming fingers, or even paper or plastic bag rustling.

Environmental and ambient sounds: Ticking clock, ringing telephone, dripping water, or sounds of animals such as barking.

Surprisingly, several individuals comment on how the proximity or origin of the noise is important. A TV chewing noise might be mildly annoying—but if it's coming from someone sitting directly next to them, the response can be volcanic. This serves to illustrate that misophonia is not about the sound type or volume but also relationship, context, and physical proximity.

Knowing these triggers can inform treatment and coping mechanisms, particularly when seeing therapists and learning to recognize patterns and decrease emotional reactivity over time.

Is Misphonia Treatable?

Misophonia is finally being studied, understood, and treated. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is showing promising results. A 2020 study published in Depression and Anxiety found that more than a third of patients undergoing CBT saw a meaningful reduction in misophonia symptoms—and these improvements held up a year later.

CBT involves finding individual noise triggers and reframing the emotional response to them. It's training the brain to break the anxiety or anger spiral, not allow it to get the best of you. In extreme cases, therapy is also paired with anti-anxiety medication to decrease reactivity, particularly when CBT alone doesn't work. Other coping strategies are:

• Wearing noise-canceling headphones
• Using white noise machines or soothing background music
Deep breathing or muscle relaxation exercises

But most importantly, others' awareness and knowledge is the strongest support of all.

Why is Family and Social Support Important?

For individuals with misophonia, having family members know what the condition is and what it's like makes a huge difference. Family members tend to unwittingly become trigger points—chewing at the dinner table, throat clearing, playing music out loud.

Dismissal and blame only exacerbate the emotional toll. Specialists maintain that education and compassion are essential. Accepting that the response is involuntary—and not a personal affront—is critical. Offering professional assistance and using supportive measures in the home can assist in creating safe, respectful spaces for those affected.

World Misophonia Awareness Day isn't only for patients—it's for everyone. By recognizing that some sensory stimuli can be triggering, offices, schools, and public places can start to make changes that are inclusive.

Misophonia isn't a trait, it's a real, life-changing condition that's worthy of attention and understanding. As the research expands and the stories get out there, we get closer to a world where individuals with misophonia don't merely exist—but thrive.

The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in 25 years, with more than 1,270 confirmed cases reported so far this year—surpassing the previous high of 1,274 cases in 2019. The data, compiled by Johns Hopkins University, has raised alarms among health officials, who believe the actual number of infections may be even higher due to underreporting.

Tragically, three people have died from the virus this year—two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico. All of them were unvaccinated.

“This move will further fuel the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses,” said Dr. Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association, referencing ongoing declines in vaccination rates and policy shifts that threaten public health.

From Elimination to Outbreak

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known and was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, thanks to the widespread use of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. However, current outbreaks suggest a reversal of that progress.

The largest outbreak this year began in January in Gaines County, West Texas—a region with one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state. So far, that outbreak alone has led to over 750 confirmed cases and has spread to neighboring areas in New Mexico and Oklahoma, with possible links to Kansas.

Shockingly, nearly one in four kindergartners in Gaines County did not receive their required MMR vaccine during the 2024–25 school year.

Spread Through Travel and Everyday Contact

Measles spreads easily through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can also live on surfaces like doorknobs for several hours, making it especially hard to contain.

Air travel has further complicated containment efforts. In Colorado, an out-of-state visitor unknowingly spread the virus while contagious, leading to multiple cases—including individuals who were only at the airport at the same time.

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 8 people infected this year required hospitalization, and about 30% of all cases have been in children under the age of five. Most of these children were unvaccinated.

The Role of Vaccination

The MMR vaccine remains the most effective tool against measles. One dose offers 93% protection, while two doses provide 97% protection.

In response to the crisis, some states have taken emergency steps to protect infants. Several have lowered the age for the first MMR shot from 12 months to 6 months. The results have been encouraging—early vaccination rates among 6-month-olds in Texas are now eight times higher than in 2019.

New Mexico has also seen a significant rise in vaccination, and both states are working hard to protect their most vulnerable populations.

Still, nationwide vaccination rates remain below targets. The U.S. aims for 95% of kindergartners to receive both doses of the MMR vaccine, but this benchmark has been missed for the past four years. In the 2023–24 school year alone, over 125,000 kindergartners lacked at least one required vaccine.

A Shifting Public Health Landscape

Public health experts are concerned that growing distrust in vaccines and leadership changes at the federal level may further undermine efforts to control the disease.

As of now, the CDC does not have a permanent director in place, and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a long-time vaccine skeptic—has made controversial decisions. Though he recently expressed support for vaccines, his previous statements and the removal of key expert panels have left public health officials worried.

If outbreaks linked to the Texas region continue into 2026, the U.S. risks losing its measles elimination status. Experts say rebuilding public trust in vaccines and boosting routine childhood immunizations must become a national priority—before the disease becomes even harder to contain.

From crisp winters to hot summer and humid rains, each season brings unique joys—and unexpected shifts in our gut health. If you’ve ever found yourself bloated in the summer, constipated in the winter, or randomly battling stomach bugs during monsoon season, you’re not alone. Turns out, your digestive system is just as sensitive to seasonal changes as your skin or mood.

The gut, which contains trillions of bacteria (the gut microbiome), does more than break down food. It maintains immunity, modulates hormones, and even "talks" to the brain. But it's not bulletproof. Temperature, humidity, sunlight, changes in diet, and lifestyle variations throughout the seasons can upend this sensitive balance. Here's how seasons affect your gut—and what you can really do to maintain its equilibrium throughout the year.

Dr. Manoj Kutteri, Ayurvedic wellness expert explains, "Seasonal transitions deeply influence our body’s internal balance, especially gut health. According to Ayurveda, our jatharagni or digestive fire fluctuates with the seasons, impacting how we digest and absorb nutrients. Understanding and adapting to these natural rhythms through seasonal diets can prevent digestive issues and boost overall health."

Why Your Gut Feels the Weather?

1. Shifts in Diet = Shifts in Microbiome

Winter foods are heavy, rich, and warming—really, creamy soups, meat, and baked goods come to mind. Summer, on the other hand, gravitates towards raw salads, chilled smoothies, and hydrating fruits. These changes directly influence the population and diversity of your gut bacteria. A summer diet high in fiber increases good bacteria, whereas high sugar or fat in winter might feed bad bacteria.

2. The Weather Influences Digestion

Severe summer heat can delay digestion and make one more dehydrated, with symptoms such as bloating and fatigue. Cold temperatures, conversely, can decrease fluid consumption and bring about constipation with reduced activity levels.

3. Physical Activity

Warmer weather usually translates to more activity—hiking, swimming, walking—which stimulates digestion. But once winter arrives, many get sedentary. Less activity translates to slower gut motility, and that's where digestive problems begin to accumulate.

4. Mood and Mental Health

Fewer sun rays and shorter days during winter are associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which raises anxiety and stress—two of the biggest factors for gut diseases such as IBS. That "gut feeling" is not just figurative.

5. Immune System and Infections

Fall and winter seasons are usually associated with a peak in viral infections. Some of these, such as stomach flu, are direct attacks on your gut. Even respiratory infections can affect gut bacteria, particularly if antibiotics are prescribed.

Gut Survival Guide for Season-Specific Tips That Work

Dr Kutteri says, "In summer, the digestive fire tends to weaken due to external heat. The body craves more hydration and lighter foods. Eating heavy, oily meals can burden digestion, causing bloating, acidity, or sluggishness. To maintain gut balance, include hydrating foods like cucumbers, melons, coconut water, mint, and fresh buttermilk. Fermented foods and natural probiotics like curd, kanji, and pickled vegetables support gut flora and enhance gut and overall immunity. It’s also essential to stay well-hydrated with clean, filtered water or mild herbal infusions to aid digestion and prevent heat-related gut disturbances."

Spring: Cleanse & Reset Naturally

This is the ideal time to rejuvenate your gut after a rich winter diet. Supplement with seasonal greens such as spinach, asparagus, and peas—high in prebiotic fiber. They feed good gut bacteria and promote natural detoxification.

Summer: Hydration is Digestion's Best Friend

Heat and perspiration cause fluid loss. Dehydration thickens stool and slows down digestion. Drink water regularly during the day. Add hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and berries. Eat raw salads sparingly; they may irritate an upset gut.

During monsoons, digestive strength remains low, and the risk of waterborne infections increases and to this Dr Kutteri shares, "This season demands careful food hygiene. Avoid street food, non-seasonal produce, and raw salads. Drink boiled, cooled water to reduce microbial load. Simple fasting or light meals help reset the gut when symptoms like diarrhoea or indigestion arise. Spices like ginger, black pepper, Tulsi, Turmeric and asafoetida support digestion and reduce bloating."

Autumn: Warmth and Spice for Gut Comfort

Begin moving toward cooked, warming foods. Add seasonal vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, and beets. Spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric enhance digestion and anti-inflammation. Bone broths and mild spiced lentil soups make excellent winter staples.

Winter: Battle Constipation and Build Immunity

Increase your intake of vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, fatty fish for vitamin D, and fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt to support gut flora. Don’t skip meals and ensure you’re getting enough fiber to offset the natural slowdown in digestion.

"Winter, on the other hand, enhances jatharagni or digestive fire, allowing for the digestion of heavier foods. This is the time to nourish the body with warm, grounding meals rich in good fats, proteins, whole grains, root vegetables, ghee, and seasonal fruits like amla, lemon and guava. Herbal decoctions and warming spices (like cinnamon, cloves, and Tulsi) strengthen respiratory and gut immunity," Dr Kutteri further adds.

Why Seasonal Gut Issues Worsen?

Across all seasons, timely eating, respecting hunger cues, and consuming locally grown, seasonal foods help the body stay aligned with nature. Our ancient wisdom teaches that food is not just fuel, but medicine. Eating with awareness of the seasons ensures optimal digestion, absorption, and a healthy gut.

Waterborne Infections Rise With Temperature Swings

Weather changes may affect municipal water quality. Bacterial or parasitic infections peak during seasonal change. Stay with filtered or bottled water, particularly when traveling.

Food Hygiene Is a Year-round Risk

Street food, undercooked meats, and inadequately refrigerated sauces such as mayonnaise are fertile grounds for dangerous bacteria. Eat home-prepared meals, especially during heat or humidity.

Cravings for Raw Food Can Be Risky

That fresh summer salad might seem cool, but uncooked vegetables and condiments such as sandwich spreads can harbor germs if not cleaned well. Wash fruits extensively and shun street corner juices.

Home Is Where the Health Is

Homemade meals and hot meals minimize exposure to bacteria. Heating food to high temperatures exterminates germs, and scrubbing fruits under running or boiled water eliminates residual contaminants.

Don't Forget the Gut-Immune Connection

A robust immune system is your gut's strongest protection when the seasons change. Back it up with regular sleep, everyday activity, and an eating plan high in zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Probiotic foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, and miso restore bacterial equilibrium.

If digestion feels awry during a weather transition, don't dismiss it as stress or travel. Many times, it's your gut attempting to adjust to an environmental change without the assistance it requires.

Seasonal variations totally interfere with your digestion—but you can beat them to the punch. Prioritize foods that are gut-friendly, drink plenty of water, beware of hygiene traps, and keep movement and stress in check during all four seasons. Your gut likes routine and attention even when the weather is far from predictable.

Dr. Manoj Kutteri is a Ayurvedic and wellness expert, Medical Director & CEO, Atmantan Wellness Centre