The realm of literature, in intersection of personal health struggles and creativity often produces profound narratives that resonate deeply with readers. This has been the case for authors like Sophie Kinsella, Isha Chopra, and John Green, who have turned their experiences with serious health issues into compelling stories that not only entertain but also inspire and educate.

Their journeys highlight the transformative power of writing in the face of adversity, emphasizing how health challenges can fuel creativity and empathy in storytelling.

In their narratives, these authors confront significant health issues while weaving compelling stories. Kinsella’s battle with glioblastoma, Chopra’s experiences with bipolar disorder, and Green’s struggles with OCD reveal how health challenges can shape not only personal lives but also the creative process. Through their struggles, they offer readers both insight and inspiration.

Sophie Kinsella's Journey Through Glioblastoma

Sophie Kinsella, renowned for her best-selling “Shopaholic” series, recently shared her battle with glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Kinsella revealed her diagnosis, which she had kept private for over a year to allow her five children to process the news and adapt to their new normal. "I’ve wanted for a long time to share with you a health update and I’ve been waiting for the strength to do so,” she explained, emphasizing her desire to protect her family during such a challenging time.

Despite the difficulties associated with her diagnosis, Kinsella has maintained a resilient spirit. Under the care of a dedicated medical team, she has undergone surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and while she experiences fatigue and memory issues, she remains optimistic.

“At the moment all is stable and I am feeling generally very well,” she shared, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from her readers and loved ones. The release of her latest novel, "The Burnout," has provided her with a sense of purpose, as it has resonated with many readers during her health struggles.

Kinsella's story serves as a reminder of the strength that can be found in vulnerability. By sharing her journey, she not only raises awareness about brain cancer but also connects with readers who may be facing similar challenges, offering them hope and solidarity. Her willingness to confront her illness publicly illustrates the healing power of storytelling.

Isha Chopra Finding Strength in Bipolar Disorder

Similarly, Isha Chopra's memoir, "Finding Order in Disorder," chronicles her personal battle with bipolar disorder. Initially, her goal was not to write a book but to reflect on her life experiences. However, as she documented her reflections, Chopra realized that her story could have a broader impact, reaching others grappling with mental health issues. “I knew if I bared my soul in my writings... I could possibly reach out to people going through similar ordeals,” she explained.

Chopra’s memoir extends beyond her individual experience; it speaks to a wide audience, including teenagers facing their first mental health diagnoses and individuals in abusive relationships. By articulating her struggles and the hurdles faced by her loved ones, she provides a voice to those often silenced by stigma. Her narrative demonstrates how confronting one’s health challenges can lead to a collective understanding of mental health issues, fostering empathy and support among readers.

John Green's Narration of OCD

John Green, known for his poignant young adult novels, also draws from his personal experiences with mental health in his writing. His latest work, "Turtles All the Way Down," features a protagonist, Aza Holmes, who struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Green’s decision to infuse his own experiences into Aza’s character was both cathartic and challenging. “It was very hard to write,” he admitted, emphasizing that Aza’s mental state reflects the realities of living with OCD.

In his narrative, Green confronts the stigma surrounding mental illness while also highlighting the complexities of living with such conditions. He expresses a desire to portray OCD authentically, steering clear of romanticizing the disorder. “I do think we stigmatize mental illness a lot in our culture,” he notes, underlining the urgent need for better mental health resources and understanding.

Impact of Health Struggles on Creative Expression

The stories of Kinsella, Chopra, and Green reveal a profound truth: health struggles can be a wellspring of inspiration for novelists. Writing becomes a therapeutic outlet, allowing them to process their experiences while simultaneously reaching out to readers who may feel isolated in their struggles.

1. Each author's journey illustrates the strength of the human spirit in the face of daunting health challenges. Their stories inspire others to persevere despite hardships.

2. By sharing their vulnerabilities, these authors foster a sense of community among readers, reminding them they are not alone in their battles.

3. Their narratives highlight important health issues, drawing attention to conditions like cancer and mental illness, and encouraging open discussions about these topics.

4. The exploration of health struggles allows for the development of rich, relatable characters, deepening readers' emotional engagement with the narrative.

5. For many authors, writing serves as a form of therapy, helping them navigate their own experiences while providing solace to others.

6. By incorporating their health struggles into their stories, these authors challenge societal perceptions of illness, promoting a more compassionate understanding of mental health.

7. Their resilience and determination resonate with readers, instilling hope and encouraging them to seek support and understanding in their own health journeys.

Through their powerful narratives, these authors illuminate the intricate relationship between health struggles and creativity, demonstrating that even in the darkest times, stories can shine a light of hope, understanding, and connection.

Journaling, much like the writings of Kinsella, Chopra, and Green, serves as a therapeutic outlet for processing health struggles. By documenting emotions and experiences, individuals can gain clarity, release pent-up feelings, and foster resilience, turning personal challenges into powerful narratives that inspire both themselves and others.

Positive Impact of Journaling on Health

1. Emotional Clarity: Journaling helps individuals articulate their feelings, leading to better emotional understanding and reduced stress.

2. Stress Reduction: Writing about daily challenges can lower anxiety levels, providing a healthy outlet for pent-up emotions.

3. Improved Mental Health: Regularly reflecting on thoughts can decrease symptoms of depression and promote a positive mindset.

4. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Journaling fosters introspection, allowing individuals to recognize patterns in their thoughts and behaviors.

5. Boosted Immunity: Studies suggest that expressive writing can lead to improved physical health by boosting immune function and reducing illness.

For years, people have joked about how women seem to enjoy showers that could probably cook noodles. If you are someone who loves cranking up the water temperature until the bathroom looks like a steam room, you may have wondered whether there is an actual reason behind it. According to UK surgeon and content creator Dr Karan Rajan, the answer lies in biology. Women are not simply choosing scalding showers for fun. Their bodies are wired differently, and that affects how they experience temperature.

Higher Core Body Temperature

Dr Rajan explains that, on average, women have a slightly higher core body temperature than men. It might sound like this would keep them warmer, but in reality, it does the opposite. When the core is warm but the surrounding environment is cool, that contrast makes cold air feel even colder. So a mildly chilly room may feel more uncomfortable for women, leading them to turn to hotter showers to compensate.

This idea has gone viral online. In a popular TikTok clip, creator couple Micah and Sarah joked about preparing for a shared shower. Micah pretended to train for the extreme heat by dipping his hand in boiling water. The internet quickly chimed in with comments like “My husband says I am training for hell” and “He calls it lobster time”. The jokes were relatable because many couples experience this temperature divide, but not many knew the science behind it until now.

Hormones Add to the Chill

Hormones play a major role too. Estrogen affects blood flow to the extremities, which includes hands, feet and even earlobes. Research shows that women’s extremities can be up to three degrees colder than men’s. Dr Rajan points out that this becomes more noticeable during ovulation when estrogen levels peak. Women on hormonal birth control may also experience increased sensitivity because estrogen stays higher for longer periods.

So even when the core stays warm, the toes and fingers may feel unusually cold. A very warm shower becomes a quick and comforting fix for this temperature imbalance.

Lower Metabolic Rates

Another biological factor is metabolic rate. Women generally have a lower resting metabolic rate than men, meaning they produce less body heat throughout the day. This naturally makes them feel colder and more drawn to hotter water while bathing. Women also tend to have more body fat and less muscle mass, which influences how the body responds to temperature changes.

What Doctors Say

Australian GP Dr Jasmina Dedic Hagan supports these findings, as reported in Body and Soul. She explains that women typically have warmer cores, cooler skin, and a higher layer of insulating fat around the body. On top of that, they have reduced circulation in the extremities because the body prioritises keeping reproductive organs warm. With less muscle mass, the body’s heat-producing brown fat does not function in quite the same way as it does in men.

So Is It Just Preference?

Not entirely. While some women truly enjoy the sensation of a very hot shower, much of it is tied to biology. From hormones to metabolism to circulation, several factors work together to make warmer showers feel soothing and sometimes even necessary. So the next time someone teases you about loving lava-level water, you can tell them it is simply science at work.

When you are burning up, even a simple shower can feel confusing. Should you cool your body quickly with cold water or soothe your aches with something warm? Fever is a natural defense mechanism, but the symptoms it brings can make you feel miserable. The right water temperature can help ease discomfort and support your recovery.

Below is a simple breakdown of how fever affects your body, followed by practical shower tips and additional ways to safely bring your temperature down.

How Fever Resets Your Body’s Thermostat

During an infection, your immune system releases chemicals called pyrogens. These signals tell the hypothalamus, which is your internal thermostat, to raise your core temperature. The added heat slows the growth of certain viruses and bacteria and helps immune cells work more efficiently.

This temperature rise is why you feel:

• Chills as your body works to reach the new set point
• Sweating when the fever begins to settle
• Faster heart rate and quicker breathing, which increase fluid loss

Knowing this matters because water that is too cold can trigger intense shivering, which drives your temperature higher. Water that is too hot can widen your blood vessels and increase sweating, which may worsen dehydration.

Cold, Lukewarm, or Hot: Which Shower Helps Most?

Each water temperature works differently with a fever. Understanding these differences helps you choose what your body needs at that moment.

Cold showers cool your skin quickly. They may feel refreshing if you are overheated, but they often trigger shivering. That shivering can raise your core temperature and is especially risky in children.

Lukewarm or tepid showers are the safest choice for most people with fever. This temperature allows gentle heat loss through the skin without causing shivering. It helps you cool down gradually while keeping your body comfortable.

Warm or hot showers can help relieve muscle aches or sinus congestion, especially for adults. However, they can increase sweating and may slightly raise your temperature. Avoid them if you are already overheated or dehydrated.

Simple Shower Tips When You Have a Fever

• Start with lukewarm water to safely reduce temperature and ease discomfort.
• If you feel flushed and sweaty, splash cold water only on pulse points such as the wrists and neck.
• Use warm showers only for congestion relief and follow up with hydration and light clothing.
• If you feel dizzy, sit on a chair outside the shower and let steam fill the bathroom while you take a gentle sponge bath.

Other Safe Ways to Bring Down a Fever

Rest

Your body is already working hard to fight the infection. Light activity can raise your temperature further, so give yourself time to rest and recover.

Stay Hydrated

Fever increases the risk of dehydration, especially if you have vomiting or a poor appetite. Sip water, oral rehydration solutions, or electrolyte drinks. Chilled fluids can also help lower your temperature.

Stay Cool

Keep your room slightly cool and wear loose, breathable clothing. If you have chills, use a light blanket but avoid overheating. You can place a cool cloth on your forehead or under the arms for short intervals.

Medication

Over the counter fever reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can safely lower fever. Always follow dosage guidelines. Avoid aspirin in children because it can lead to Reye's syndrome.

What Not to Do

• Do not take cold showers or ice baths because they trigger shivering and can raise your temperature.
• Avoid alcohol rubs since the alcohol can be absorbed through the skin.
• Do not take extra doses of fever medicine thinking it will work faster.
• Always read medication labels carefully to avoid accidental overdosing.

Turns out, kidney disease is not just a ‘kidney’ problem anymore, it can, in fact, affect other organs, and could even be linked to other chronic conditions, revealed a recent study.

In the US, more than 1 in 7 adults are affected by chronic kidney disease or (CKD). This means that 35.5 million Americans are affected by it, and what makes it worse is that 9 out of 10 people do not even know they have CKD, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Amid all these numbers thrown on to, something more concerning lies. A recent Lancet study shows a link between the rise in CKD and other chronic diseases. We are talking about chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

So, What Does The Study Say?

The researcher saw that 14 percent of adults who are over the age 20 or older, which makes 788 million Americans who had CKD in 2022. The biggest problem is not the disease itself, but the unawareness. Doctors, experts, and researchers from time and again have pointed out how kidney disease is often asymptomatic, this is why it is ignored until it becomes advanced. However, at that point the patients could already need dialysis or even an organ transplant. This gap in early diagnosis and treatment is what has made CKD the ninth leading reason of death, worldwide.

When you kidney functions naturally, it works as the powerhouse of filtration. A pair of healthy kidneys are able to filter and process more than 150 liters of fluid from the blood. These organs are also responsible for filtering out the waste and toxins through your urine. Not just that, but your kidneys also help in red blood cells production that keeps you healthy. When all of that does not happen, it can eventually impact every other organ in your body.

Like they say, everything is connected, and it surely is. For instance, somewhere around 20% of the blood that your heart pumps goes to your kidneys. If someone has diabetes and high blood pressure, it could damage the blood vessels and lead to protein in the urine and a slower filtration rate. It can then lead to other chronic infections, autoimmune disorders, and even genetic variants.

Kidney-Body Relation

If you leave your kidney disease untreated, it could lead to kidney failure. This is when you would be more in need of dialysis or a transplant. Doctors have pointed out that most people do not die of chronic kidney disease, rather it impacts their quality of life, worsening their cardiovascular conditions. It can lead to complications like a heart attack, a stroke, or a heart failure.

How Does This Happen?

People who have kidney diseases are at an increased risk for high blood pressure. Due to hurdles in the process of filtration, plaque build ups and hardens the arteries. This in return increases stress on the heart. In fact, the American Heart Association also defined the link between kidney and heart as 'cardiovascular-kidney metabolic syndrome'. This defines a health disorder that is a condition of the overlap of obesity, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases.

The bleed out of CKD is not just limited to your heart. The National Institute of Health, US points out that along with heart complications and high blood pressure, CKD could also lead to anemia, mineral and bone disorder, metabolic acidosis, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances in the blood.

So, What Is The Best Way To Keep Yourself Safe?

The first way is to note any symptoms and get yourself diagnosed. Look for signs like loss of appetite, unexplained nausea or vomiting. Do you feel tired often? Are you having trouble concentrating? Is there any change in how often you go pee?

Other symptoms like a change in your urine color or texture, or feeling itchy or dry, muscle cramps, unexplained weight loss or skin conditions could also signal towards kidney diseases.

However, not always does CKD show symptoms, experts suggest that to be one step ahead, it is important to undergo regular health checkups, including blood culture. General guidelines usually point towards getting a blood test done every 3 to 6 months. For someone with high blood pressure, diabetes or any other disease, the current guidelines say that those people should get regular blood and urine tests to screen for kidney disease. But what really happens is that though these tests exist, they are still used far too little. Doctors point out that many patients skip them because collecting a urine sample feels inconvenient, and overall awareness about kidney disease remains low. As a result, research shows that only about 35 percent of people with diabetes, and just 4 percent of those with high blood pressure, actually end up getting the recommended urine screening.

A ray of hope is that there are now several effective tools to slow the progression of kidney disease. Along with traditional options like ACE inhibitors, newer classes of medications including certain heart failure drugs and GLP-1 drugs. These medicines have shown to help protect kidney function. Although these newer treatments are not widely used yet, their adoption is steadily increasing.

What is important to remember is to also always consult your GP to ensure all preventative measures are followed carefully.