Sometimes social media challenges can have harmful outcomes, the thirst for stardom causing people to go so far that they hurt themselves. This Russian influencer Mariana Vasiuc tried to outdo the multiple renditions of the trending Nicki Minaj stiletto trending, however that did not fare well for her. The challenge came from Nicki Minaj’s ‘High School’ music video from 2013, which has inspired many to copy her sitting while balancing on one leg, wearing heels.

In the post, the mom influencer shared the ‘challenge fail’ video of her taking a big fall. In the clip she could be seen trying to balance on top of a tub of baby formula, which was stacked on top of a saucepan, while wearing a pair of high heels while someone was helping her balance by holding her hand.

However, as soon as she let go of the hand, the saucepan slips off from underneath her, causing her to fall off the counter, in the caption of the deleted post she had mentioned sustaining a compression flexion fracture. She quite literally broke her back trying to brave the challenge. Here is what you need to know about the injury and how much time it could take her to recover.

What Is a Compression Fracture?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, compression fracture is a small break or crack in one of the bones of your spine, called a vertebra. The break happens in the main part of the vertebra, which is a thick, rounded section at the front of each bone. This fracture weakens the bone, causing the spine to collapse. Over time, this can lead to changes in your posture.

These fractures most often occur in the thoracic spine (the middle section of your back). They're commonly caused by osteoporosis, which weakens bones, but can also be the result of a traumatic injury (like a car accident) or a tumor that has spread to the spine.

Healthcare providers may treat these fractures with medication, a back brace, or surgery, depending on the severity and cause. You might hear your doctor use terms like "spinal compression fracture" or "vertebral compression fracture" to describe this condition.

Types of Compression Fractures

There are three main types of compression fractures. The most common is a wedge fracture, where the front of the vertebra collapses, causing the bone to take on a wedge shape. A crush fracture is when the entire vertebra breaks and collapses on itself. The most serious type is a burst fracture, where the vertebra shatters and bone pieces spread in multiple directions.

Compression fractures can also be classified as either stable or unstable. A stable fracture is when the broken bone typically stays in place. An unstable fracture is when bone fragments move out of place, potentially interfering with nearby nerves and tissue.

Risk Factors for Compression Fracture

Compression fractures are very common. An estimated 1 to 1.5 million of them happen every year in the United States. You may have a higher risk of a compression fracture if you:

• Are a woman who has gone through menopause.
• Are 50 years of age or older.
• Have a condition that affects your bone strength, like osteoporosis.
• Have had a compression fracture before.

How Can You Identify A Compression Fracture?

Compression fractures are caused by pressure on the vertebrae that leads to the bones breaking and collapsing. It can happen due to weakened bones from aging are more likely to fracture. Severe osteoporosis can even lead to fractures from simple actions like coughing, sneezing, or twisting. In Mariana’s case it happened due to trauma from a fall. Similarly, it can also happen in an car accident, or other physical impact can cause these fractures.

The symptoms of a compression fracture can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, you may not notice any symptoms at all.

• Sudden back pain that gets worse with movement and better with rest.
• Limited mobility, making it difficult to stand, walk, bend, or twist.
• Tingling or numbness in your back due to pinched nerves.
• Tenderness at the site of the fracture.
• Muscle weakness or spasms.
• A loss of height is a common sign, as the bone collapse can make you shorter.

How Long Does Recovery Take For A Compression Fracture?

The Cleveland Clinic explains that some types of compression fractures can heal on their own, however it can take months to heal. Your healthcare provider may gives you treatment options like a brace to make sure your spine heals properly.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

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PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
• Manage stress effectively
• Prioritize sufficient sleep
• Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
• Treat thyroid disorders
• Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
• Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes

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She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

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How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
• Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

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By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.

Half of all American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, yet many don’t even know it. High blood pressure occurs when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Recently, cases of high blood pressure have been rising rapidly in the U.S. and globally. As these numbers climb, regularly checking your blood pressure becomes essential.

According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults, around 122 million people, have high blood pressure, a leading preventable cause of heart disease, stroke, and early death. Shockingly, only about one in four have their condition under control. To help you stay on top of your numbers, here’s a detailed guide to understanding blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Readings ExplainedBlood pressure is written as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 120/80 mm Hg, which can be read as “120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.”

The first number, or systolic pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps.

The second number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

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Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day depending on activity, stress, and other factors. A healthy reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic readings are 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings are 80 mm Hg or higher.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines by the American Heart Association

• Earlier Treatment: People with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or more are advised to start medication along with lifestyle changes.
• Personalized Risk Assessment: Doctors may use the PREVENT™️ calculator to estimate 10-year risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
• Expanded Lab Testing: Tests such as the urine albumin:creatinine ratio help tailor treatment plans.
• Lifestyle First: Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.
• Alcohol Limits: Men: 2 drinks/day; women: 1 drink/day.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

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Home monitoring is particularly important for:

• Anyone already diagnosed with high blood pressure.
• People starting or adjusting high blood pressure treatments, to see if they are working.
• Individuals who require closer monitoring, especially those with risk factors for high blood pressure or related health conditions.