Panic attacks, anxiety, tremors are common for people to experience, and until recently there was not a sustainable solution for it. However, some women revealed how they use this popular heart medicine, propranolol, to not only reduce these symptoms, but to also ensure that they perform better in different situations like dates and presentations.

Described by many influencers to be a ‘magic pill’ that helps us calm down their jitters, new data shows a rise in the number of prescriptions for propranolol. However, is it safe? And what are the health implications of using the same?

How Beta-Blockers Like Propranolol Work

According to Cedar Sinai experts, when you face a stressful situation, your body goes into "fight-or-flight" mode. This response is triggered by stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which make your heart beat faster and your blood pressure rise. Doctors explain that beta-blockers interrupt this process. They prevent those stress hormones from causing those physical reactions.

• Selective beta-blockers mainly affect your heart.
• Nonselective beta-blockers, on the other hand, have a broader effect, including on the brain.

Experts note that for anxiety-related issues like panic attacks or performance anxiety, nonselective beta-blockers can "turn down the volume" on your body's stress response. This allows you to think more clearly and cope better.

Propranolol For Anxiety: Does It Help?

Doctors often prescribe a nonselective beta-blocker called propranolol to help with anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD. It's usually taken as needed for specific stressful situations, not for daily use.

One of its benefits is that it works quickly—in about 20 to 30 minutes—without causing sleepiness or brain fog, which is a common side effect of other fast-acting anxiety medications.

Doctors explained that many patients are more open to trying propranolol because it's typically known as a heart medication, which helps remove the stigma some people feel about taking "psych meds."

Propranolol for Migraines: Does It Help?

According to the National Library of Medicine, Beta-blockers are a common and effective type of medicine used to prevent migraines. The most frequently used one is propranolol.

Treatment with propranolol typically starts at a low dose of 40 mg per day. This can be gradually increased up to 320 mg daily, if needed. It's important to be patient, as it can take up to 12 weeks at the right dose before you notice the full benefits of the medication.

Is Propranolol Safe for Pregnant Women?

The role of propranolol in pregnancy has been an important conversation. Some important notes about propranolol and pregnancy that were addressed in the MothertoBaby medical journal are

Getting Pregnant

It is not known if propranolol makes it harder to get pregnant. It can, however, cause erectile dysfunction in men, which could make conception difficult.

Miscarriage

There have been no studies to see if propranolol increases the risk of miscarriage.

Birth Defects

Every pregnancy has a 3-5% chance of birth defects. It is not known if propranolol increases this risk. However, studies on beta-blockers in general have not shown a higher chance of birth defects.

Other Pregnancy Issues

Some studies have linked propranolol to slower baby growth, but it’s not clear if this is caused by the medicine itself or the health condition being treated. The medication does not appear to increase the risk of other problems like premature birth.

Baby's Health After Birth

If you take propranolol in late pregnancy, your baby might have temporary symptoms like a slow heart rate or low blood sugar. Not all babies will have these symptoms, but it’s crucial to tell your healthcare providers so they can monitor your baby and provide the best care.

Long-Term Effects

No studies have been done to see if propranolol affects a child's learning or behavior later in life.

If you are pregnant or planning to be, it’s important to talk to your doctor before stopping or changing how you take your medication. They can help you weigh the benefits of treating your condition against any potential risks.

A disease that globally affects people, numbers ranging in the millions, Diabetes is a silent killer that many people suffer with. 2022 stats showed that the number of people who were living with diabetes was 830 million, which steadily rose from the 200 million in 1990. According to the World Health Organization, more than half of the people who had diabetes live or are living without getting medication for it. A lot of them didn’t even know they had diabetes, and a recent study revealed how many exactly.

Before you know the number ask yourself a question: Do you know your blood sugar level?

This is a question that either people who have gotten their sugar levels tested would know, or cautious people who get regular check ups would know. A new study suggests that many people with diabetes don't, which could lead to serious health issues down the line. According to a study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, a staggering 44% of people aged 15 and older who have diabetes are undiagnosed.

The study, which looked at data from 204 countries, found that about one in nine adults worldwide has diabetes. In the U.S. alone, 11.6% of Americans have the condition. While higher-income countries are generally better at diagnosing people, the problem is widespread. Globally, only 56% of people with diabetes are aware of their condition.

Why Are So Many Diabetic People Undiagnosed?

A surprising finding is that younger people are much less likely to be diagnosed. Only 20% of young adults with diabetes know they have it. This is partly because routine screenings are more often recommended for people over 35. Many people with diabetes don't experience clear symptoms until complications—like heart, kidney, or nerve damage—start to appear, which is more common in older adults.

Early diagnosis is crucial. Experts say that knowing you have diabetes early allows for timely management that can prevent or delay these severe, long-term complications.

Many people with diabetes have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular screenings are so important. However, be on the lookout for these common signs:

• Increased thirst or hunger
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Unexpected weight loss
• Fatigue

Even after diagnosis, there's another challenge: proper management. The study found that only about 40% of people with treated diabetes were able to get their blood sugar under control. This highlights the need for better support and treatment plans to help people manage their condition effectively.

Can You Prevent Diabetes?

While you can't prevent Type 1 diabetes, you can significantly lower your risk of developing the more common Type 2 diabetes. Here are some simple steps you can take:

Improve your diet. Eat fewer red and processed meats, and incorporate more plant-based foods, like a Mediterranean diet.

Limit ultra-processed foods. Choose whole foods like fruits and nuts over highly processed snacks.

Stay active. Regular physical activity, such as a 15-minute walk each day, can lower your risk of developing diabetes and other chronic diseases.

When you hear the word cancer, your first instinct may be fear but not all diagnoses carry the same weight. One of the most misunderstood terms in oncology is Stage 0 cancer, also called carcinoma in situ. It is, in fact, the earliest stage possible, where abnormal cells are detected but have not yet spread.

Cancer is rarely a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. Among its many stages, Stage 0 stands out as a unique opportunity, an early alert rather than a full-blown disease. Also known as carcinoma in situ, it signals the presence of abnormal cells confined to their original location, offering patients the best chance for effective intervention and cure.

To demystify what this really means for patients and families, we spoke with Dr. Nikhil Suresh Ghadyalpatil, Director of Medical Oncology at Apollo Cancer Centre, Hyderabad, who has treated countless patients diagnosed at this critical stage.

What Is Stage 0 Cancer Diagnosis?

Stage 0 cancer, or carcinoma in situ, represents the earliest form of cancer. Abnormal cells exist but remain localized, without invading surrounding tissues or spreading to other organs. Though non-invasive, these cells have the potential to progress, making timely detection and treatment essential to prevent future complications.

Dr. Ghadyalpatil explains it with a simple analogy, “Think of Stage 0 cancer like finding a weed seed in your garden before it sprouts. You’ve caught it at the very beginning, before it has grown roots or spread.”

At this stage, the cells are considered cancerous but remain “in situ,” meaning “in their original place.” They haven’t invaded surrounding healthy tissue or metastasized to other parts of the body.

That’s important because once abnormal cells begin spreading, treatment becomes more complex. At Stage 0, the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of successful treatment, often with less invasive procedures.

Myths Around Stage 0 Cancer Diagnosis

The diagnosis often sparks confusion. Patients wonder if it’s “real cancer” or just a warning sign.

Myth 1: Stage 0 isn’t true cancer.

“The cells are cancerous, just non-invasive,” says Dr. Ghadyalpatil. “If untreated, many can progress to invasive cancer. That’s why we treat it seriously at this stage.”

Myth 2: I should have noticed symptoms.

In reality, Stage 0 rarely causes pain, lumps, or any visible changes. It’s typically picked up during routine screenings—a mammogram, Pap smear, colonoscopy, or skin check. “Patients often blame themselves for missing signs, but the truth is, the screening test did exactly what it was supposed to do: catch cancer early,” Dr. Ghadyalpatil emphasizes.

Myth 3: It will definitely become invasive.

Not all Stage 0 cancers turn dangerous. But since doctors cannot predict which cases will progress, the safer medical approach is to treat or closely monitor.

How Is Stage 0 Cancer Detected?

Stage 0 cancers are often silent, causing no symptoms, and are usually discovered through routine screenings. Mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and skin checks are the most common methods, often followed by a biopsy to confirm abnormal cells. Early detection is key to achieving high treatment success and long-term survival. Because the disease is silent, screenings are the unsung heroes.

• Mammograms detect Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) in breast tissue.
• Pap smears reveal precancerous or cancerous changes in cervical cells.
• Colonoscopies identify and remove polyps with abnormal cells before they evolve.
• Skin checks help dermatologists catch non-invasive skin cancers early.

Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is examined under a microscope.

What Are The Treatment Options for Stage 0 Cancer Diagnosis?

A Stage 0 diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean aggressive therapy. Treatment is personalized based on the cancer type and location. Surgery is the most common route. Doctors remove the abnormal cells and sometimes a margin of healthy tissue for safety.

Radiation therapy may follow surgery to eliminate residual cells and reduce recurrence risk. Hormone therapy can be recommended for hormone-sensitive cancers, lowering the chance of future disease.

Active surveillance is an option in some cases, especially when the risk of progression is low. Doctors may suggest close monitoring with regular checkups instead of immediate treatment.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure those abnormal cells don’t get a chance to cause harm,” says Dr. Ghadyalpatil. “But it doesn’t always mean drastic treatment. In many cases, simple procedures and follow-up are enough.”

Why Early Cancer Detection Changes Prognosis?

The greatest message a Stage 0 cancer diagnosis carries is hope. It underscores the effectiveness of preventive healthcare.

“This is proof that routine screenings save lives,” stresses Dr. Ghadyalpatil. “When we catch cancer at Stage 0, the prognosis is excellent. Patients have the best possible chance of a cure.”

Unlike later stages where cancer spreads and treatments become more complex, a Stage 0 diagnosis often means:

• Less invasive treatment
• Shorter recovery periods
• Significantly higher survival rates

For patients, hearing the word “cancer” can trigger anxiety, even when it’s Stage 0. That’s why oncologists emphasize context. “I always tell my patients, you caught it at the right time. This is not a death sentence, it’s a wake-up call that your screening worked,” says Dr. Ghadyalpatil.

This reassurance helps patients focus on proactive steps instead of panic.

Stage 0 diagnoses also highlight broader questions about preventive healthcare. Many people delay or avoid screenings due to fear, stigma, or cost. Yet, as Dr. Ghadyalpatil points out, “Screenings are our frontline defense. Without them, Stage 0 cancers would silently progress, robbing us of the window for simple, effective treatment.”

Investing in regular checkups isn’t optional, it’s essential. A Stage 0 cancer diagnosis is not the end of the road; it’s the beginning of timely action. With proper treatment and monitoring, most people go on to live full, healthy lives.

“The most important thing,” Dr. Ghadyalpatil concludes, “is to understand that Stage 0 cancer is an opportunity. You’ve caught it early. Now, with the right medical plan, you can move forward with confidence.”

Doing well at work, being acknowledged and being celebrated for it is one of the best feelings to have. But is that all? Have you ever wondered how being celebrated like that ends up with that person as target of criticism and harsh words?

For many people, especially women, achieving success at work can come with an unexpected mental health cost. This is because of something called "Tall Poppy Syndrome," where people who stand out and succeed are intentionally "cut down" by others. Instead of celebrating their achievements, colleagues may show silent resentment, undermine them, or even bully and exclude them. A report was done to understand who this issue affects as well as how it affects them.

What is The Tallest Poppy Syndrome?

Tall Poppy Syndrome is more than just jealousy; it's a desire to punish people for their success so they don't outshine others. A major study called The Tallest Poppy Report found that while anyone can experience this, it has a particularly damaging effect on women's mental well-being. The report found that many women who succeed are told their achievements "make everyone else look bad," which can be a deeply hurtful and isolating experience.

How Does Being Cut Out In Office Affect People?

When people feel like they're being "cut down" at work, it can have serious emotional and mental health consequences. Many people in a recent study felt they had to hide their accomplishments to avoid a negative reaction. This can lead to anxiety and feeling emotionally distant from their job. The constant criticism and undermining can also cause a significant loss of confidence and lead to burnout. In some cases, people become so emotionally exhausted that they decide to quit their jobs altogether.

How To Identify Signs Of Tall Poppy Syndrome

You can spot signs of Tall Poppy Syndrome when people try to make others look bad just because they're successful. This behavior usually comes from a place of insecurity and comparison. Look for these key signs:

Disparaging remarks

People might make rude remarks about someone's success, luck, looks, or wealth to make them seem less deserving.

Undermining others

They might try to subtly mess up someone's work or minimize their achievements.

Focus on comparison

The behavior is often driven by thinking things like, "Why do they have more friends or more success than me?" This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and resentment.

Making others feel small

The goal is to bring a person down so they no longer stand out or seem like they're "overachieving."

Refusal to celebrate success

Instead of being happy for someone's accomplishments, they might react with coldness or social exclusion

How Can You Protect Your Mental Health At Office?

If you find yourself on the receiving end of this behavior, remember that it's a reflection of someone else's insecurity, not your worth. Instead of shrinking back, focus on protecting your mental well-being.

Find Your Allies

Seek out people at work who genuinely support and celebrate you. This positive support can help build your resilience and sense of belonging.

Document Your Success

Keep a record of your accomplishments. Having this tangible evidence can help protect your confidence when others try to undermine you.

Change Your Mindset

Remind yourself that someone’s negativity is often a sign that you are doing something remarkable and worth noticing. Your success should never feel like a liability.

By choosing to support and celebrate each other, especially for women, we can create a workplace culture where success is shared, not feared, which ultimately benefits everyone's mental health.