While we know high cholesterol causes heart diseases and health problems, did you know, according to the World Health Organization, raised cholesterol has been attributed for 2.6 million deaths across the globe?

High cholesterol has become an increasing issue for many people. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, between 2027 to 2020 10% of adults from the age of 20 or older had high cholesterol. More than 47 million people could benefit from cholesterol medicine. Even 7% of kids from the ages of 6 to 19 have high total cholesterol.

To combat this, people often adopt a healthy diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes to control cholesterol, however, ever thought why is high cholesterol such a bad thing? It’s important to understand that within reasonable amounts, cholesterol is necessary for your body to make hormones, vitamin D as well as help you digest food. Cholesterol is a waxy fat like substance that is found in the cells of your body.

When you have too much cholesterol in your blood stream it can form plaques by combining with other substances. These stick to the walls of your arteries, restricting blood flow and this build up is known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to heart diseases like coronary heart disease which is a condition where your coronary arteries become narrow or blocked.

Signs You May Have High Cholesterol

It is said that there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, and it can only be diagnosed through a blood test. But how can a person know before the problem becomes worse?

A common sign would be deposits on your eyelid skin known as Xanthelasma or in the collective tissue xanthoma. Xanthelasmas are small, yellowish bumps of cholesterol that develop near the inner corner of the eye. The Cleveland Clinic explains that these form as cholesterol deposits build up under the skin.

A surprising fact is that you can also have cholesterol in your eye, this condition is known as corneal arcus. This appears as a faint white ring that circles the iris, which is the colored part of your eye. Cardiologist Francisco Lopez-Jimenez from the Mayo Clinic explains that this arc may eventually form a complete ring around the iris.

Experts at the National Health Services UK (NHS) are urging people to be aware of these two facial symptoms that might signal high cholesterol. They note that certain factors increase your likelihood of having high cholesterol, including being over 50, being male, having gone through menopause, or having South Asian or sub-Saharan African heritage. It can also be inherited, a condition known as familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH).

How Can You Make This Better?

According to the Heart UK without treatment, FH can lead to heart disease at a very young age. However, once diagnosed, it can be managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle. FH means that a person's cholesterol levels can become much higher than others, even with a healthy lifestyle, because their body processes cholesterol differently.

To effectively manage high cholesterol, NHS guidelines advise several key lifestyle modifications. These include, reducing the intake of saturated fats, adopting a healthy and balanced diet rich in nutritious foods, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol consumption.

Medical experts emphasize that allowing cholesterol levels to become too high can lead to the blockage of blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of developing serious cardiovascular events such as heart problems or a stroke. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with your GP if you have any concerns about your cholesterol levels.

Lymphedema is a progressive and chronic condition resulting from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues of the body, causing swelling. Swelling results when the lymphatic system cannot effectively drain protein-rich fluid from the interstitium—a fluid-filled space between internal structures such as organs and muscles and the skin.

Lymphedema swelling may appear in different areas of the body, depending on the severity and advancement of the condition. The most frequently involved areas are the arms and legs, where fluid accumulation is typically most apparent. Lymphedema may, however, involve more sensitive or less conspicuous areas like the genitals, face, and neck. Sometimes the swelling can be in the wall of the chest or even the oral cavity itself, causing inconvenience and functional compromise. The place of swelling depends on the nature of the etiology—either primary or secondary lymphedema—and can actually have a deep impact on a patient's life.

Outside of physical pain and deformity, lymphedema frequently has psychological and social costs. Patients can suffer from pain, decreased mobility, and emotional distress because of swelling that is noticeable or because of ongoing therapy.

Primary vs. Secondary Lymphedema: What's the Difference?

Primary Lymphedema is uncommon and usually resultant from birth defects or genetic mutations in the lymphatic system. It occurs in about 1 out of 100,000 individuals.

Secondary Lymphedema is more prevalent, occurring in approximately 1 in 1,000 individuals in the U.S. It arises as a result of injury or blockage of lymph vessels by external factors, including:

• Cancer therapies (such as radiation or surgery)
• Infections
• Trauma
• Chronic venous insufficiency

Primary lymphedema is comparatively uncommon, occurring in about 1 in 100,000 people. It is a result of congenital or genetic malformations of the lymphatic system. Dr. Manokaran clarifies, "This condition can occur at birth, during puberty, or even later in adulthood. It usually happens without a visible cause but is based on the patient's genetic structure."

Diagnosis is generally based on careful patient history and sophisticated imaging procedures like lymphangiograms, lymphoscintigrams, or MR lymphangiograms, which provide visualization of structural defects in the lymphatic channels.

Treatment starts conservatively with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression bandaging, and stringent skin hygiene to minimize fluid accumulation and prevent infections. For advanced cases, surgical interventions such as lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) are options. "Microsurgical procedures such as LVA are game-changers for patients whose symptoms don't respond to conservative therapies," explains Dr. Manokaran.

Secondary lymphedema is much more prevalent, affecting about 1 in 1,000 individuals in the United States — frequently as a consequence of cancer therapy, infection, trauma, or surgery. "The etiology is widespread," states Dr. Manokaran, "from parasitic infection in the tropics to post-mastectomy swelling in breast cancer patients."

Infection-related cases can be managed initially with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. But when the condition is chronic, more aggressive interventions are required. These involve surgical removal of fibrotic tissue or advanced reconstructive techniques such as lymph node transfer or super microsurgery, especially when lymphatic function has been severely impaired.

Patient history continues to be a mainstay of diagnosis in secondary lymphedema, since knowledge of the precipitating event can influence the entire treatment strategy.

Symptoms of Lymphedema

Though caused by different factors, both forms of lymphedema share common symptoms, such as:

• Swelling in limbs or proximal regions such as the chest, genitals, and face
• Limited range of motion
• Heaviness and tightness of limbs
• Pain, changed sensations, and color changes in the skin

These symptoms can hinder daily functioning, so early identification is important. "Delayed treatment can lead to irreversible tissue damage," warns Dr. Manokaran.

Is Lymphedema Reversible?

Complete healing is still a pipedream, particularly in cases of advanced status. Still, in stage 1 (early-stage lymphedema), usually reversal is feasible through vigilant treatment. The intent is symptom management, diminishment of swelling, and forestalling progression of the disease.

Early detection is important. Those at risk — including cancer patients, those with a family history, or those in endemic areas — need to watch their bodies carefully and take preventative measures such as lymphatic massage and compression garments.

Management Strategies to Live with Lymphedema

Maintain Skin Integrity

Since lymphedema can impair skin health, daily skin care and moisturizing are very important. Even small cuts or scrapes can quickly become infected, so it's important to clean wounds immediately and apply sunscreen and insect repellent when in the sun.

Adopt Supportive Habits

Loose clothing, resting swollen extremities, and the avoidance of constrictive jewelry can all help alleviate discomfort. Proper sitting — with legs flat and the avoidance of leg crossing — can also facilitate smooth fluid movement. Compression wear for regular travelers, particularly by plane, is highly advisable.

Track Symptoms

A symptom diary assists both patients and practitioners in making adjustments to treatment programs. Be on the lookout for changes in swelling, coloration of the skin, or feelings.

Maintain Emotional Wellness

Chronic illness may have psychological consequences. Meeting with support groups or talking with a mental health professional can bring emotional relief and strengthen resilience. "Patients shouldn't underestimate the value of mental health care to treat lymphedema," asserts Dr. Manokaran.

Nourish the Body

A healthy, balanced diet packed with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein benefits the lymphatic system. A healthy intake of water maintains fluid balance in the body.

Although primary and secondary lymphedema are different in cause and treatment processes, both need early diagnosis, individualized treatment, and a multidisciplinary team approach. With greater awareness, patient activism, and improved medical and surgical procedures, living well with lymphedema is absolutely feasible.

Dr. G. Manokaran, MBBS, MS General Surgery, MCh Plastic Surgery at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chennai in India

People believe that meditation is a simple and easy process that can help you feel peaceful and well. However, to achieve peacefulness through meditation one needs practice, and they also must understand the nuances of meditation. According to the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), meditation refers to a variety of practices that help you focus on your mind and body. It has a lot of benefits, according to a 2012 survey 1.9% of US citizens practiced meditation and NCCIH also explains that it helps not just with anxiety, stress, depression, pain but also with withdrawal symptoms of nicotine, alcohol or opioids.

These claims were also supported by a recent study done on opioid cravings which revealed that mindful meditation can actually help nullify these cravings.

What is Opioid Addiction?

MedlinePlus explains that opioid addiction is a long-term illness where people feel a very strong, uncontrollable need to use opioid drugs, even if they don't need them for pain anymore. Opioids are a group of medicines that affect the body's nerves to make you feel good and less pain. Doctors sometimes prescribe these, like oxycodone or fentanyl, for really bad or ongoing pain. But some opioids, like heroin, are illegal and only used to get high.

When someone is addicted to opioids, they have a powerful urge to use them again and again. This can happen even if they were first prescribed the medicine by a doctor and took it as they were told. Many of these prescription opioids end up being misused or given to other people. People who become addicted might start to care more about getting and using the drugs than anything else in their life, which can cause big problems with their work and family.

Meditation's Impact on Opioid Cravings

According to research published in the JAMA Psychiatry in April 2025 there is encouraging news for those battling opioid addiction. The research showed that practicing mindfulness meditation can have a significant impact on reducing the intense urges to use the drug. In fact, when compared to standard support groups, people who learned mindfulness techniques experienced a remarkable 50% decrease in their opioid cravings. This suggests that training the mind through meditation could be a powerful tool in helping individuals regain control over their desires and move towards recovery.

Opioid addiction diminishes the brain's capacity to experience natural rewards, fueling drug cravings. This research indicates that mindfulness training can help rebuild this ability, lessening cravings and potentially preventing opioid misuse by enhancing responses to positive stimuli. The study utilized Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), an eight-week program combining mindfulness meditation with cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology. This comprehensive approach targets addiction, emotional distress, and chronic pain, addressing the multifaceted challenges of opioid dependence.

Brain Changes and Emotional Regulation Through Mindfulness

Using brain imaging and other measures, researchers observed that at the beginning of the study, individuals with opioid addiction showed a weaker response in their brains when they looked at things that are typically joyful, like happy babies. This reduced ability to feel positive emotions was linked to stronger drug cravings. However, as participants engaged in the MORE program, their brains started to react more strongly to these positive cues.

The positive findings of this study are not isolated. Earlier research on the MORE program also demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing opioid misuse, with participants showing a substantial 45% decrease over a nine-month period. This impact was nearly three times greater than that of standard group therapy. Beyond the individual benefits, economic analyses suggest that investing in MORE therapy could lead to significant cost savings for society by preventing fatal overdoses, reducing the need for expensive healthcare interventions, lowering crime rates associated with addiction, and increasing productivity in the workforce.

Why More Studies Like This Should Be Encouraged?

While the results of this study and previous work on MORE are very encouraging, the researchers emphasize that this is an ongoing area of investigation. They highlight the need for more extensive studies involving larger groups of people over longer periods to fully understand how mindfulness-based treatments can help the brain heal and support long-term recovery from opioid addiction.

Diseases can often have different effects on men and women due to obvious biological differences as well as hormonal- between the genders like the levels of certain hormones as well as the body's capacity to do certain tasks, etc. While conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can also have a different effect on them. There are also other factors like psychological factors like men ignoring their health. A survey done by the Cleveland clinic showed that 65% of men avoid medical care for as long as they can, 44% men do not see a primary care provider regularly as 49% admitted that they do not keep up with a healthy diet.

A new study published in the PLOS Medicine journal reported that men are more likely to die from high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS and diabetes than women. The study revealed that this higher mortality rate appears to be linked to men being less likely to seek and consistently engage with medical care for these conditions.

What Causes Disparity Between Sexes?

One of the points highlighted in the study was that interestingly, men and women are each equally susceptible to the diseases. So the problem did not lie in a genetic or biological reason, it was rather the fact that men did not receive the proper treatment needed for their conditions. The key difference lies in what happens after a diagnosis. Men, for various reasons, appear less likely to actively participate in their healthcare, which can mean delaying doctor visits, not adhering to medication schedules, or not prioritizing regular check-ups. This difference in engagement has serious consequences for their long-term health outcomes.

Given these findings, researchers are emphasizing the urgent need to find better ways to encourage men to take a more active role in looking after their health. This includes promoting the importance of preventive care, so men are more likely to get regular screenings and catch potential problems early. It also means addressing the barriers that might prevent men from seeking medical attention when they need it and ensuring they feel comfortable and supported in engaging with healthcare services consistently over time to manage conditions effectively.

Why Should Men And Women's Health Managed Differently?

Researchers involved in the study highlights a crucial point: the medical world needs to recognize that men and women often experience and deal with their health in different ways. Healthcare providers need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and develop strategies that are sensitive to these gender-specific behaviors and attitudes towards health. This might involve tailoring communication, making services more accessible and appealing to men, and designing treatment plans that better align with their lifestyles and preferences to improve adherence and ultimately lead to better health outcomes.

The research also uncovered that the primary factors contributing to health problems can sometimes differ between men and women. For example, in a large majority of the countries studied, men were significantly more likely to be smokers, which is a major risk factor for developing high blood pressure.

On the other hand, women in most countries had higher rates of obesity. These different risk factors, combined with the observed differences in how men and women seek and engage with healthcare services, help to explain the concerning disparities in death rates from these common diseases. Understanding these variations is a vital step towards creating more equitable healthcare for everyone.

How Men Can Manage Diabetes and High BP

To effectively manage both high blood pressure and diabetes, men can focus on several key lifestyle changes. Creating a healthy eating plan, even still enjoying favorite foods in moderation, is crucial. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes weekly, helps lower blood glucose and blood pressure. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is also vital. Additionally, getting enough sleep, managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms, and limiting salt and alcohol intake are important steps. For those who smoke, quitting and avoiding secondhand smoke is strongly recommended. Regular blood pressure monitoring is also essential for proactive management.