UK Set To Be Hotter Than Bali - What Happens To Your Lungs In Heat And How To Protect Them?

Updated Aug 12, 2025 | 04:00 PM IST

SummaryAs UK temperatures soar, understanding the health implications of heat and how it affects people is important. Often overlooked, your lung health may also suffer due to this.
UK Set To Be Hotter Than Bali - What Happens To Your Lungs In Heat And How To Protect Them?

(Credit-Canva)

UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health warning, as temperatures are likely to hit the mid-30 degree Celsius, which is hotter than Bali this week. The officials have warned that this heat is likely to affect your health, which includes the potential rise of death, especially among people over the age of 65s as well as people with pre-existing health conditions.

When high temperatures hit, they can significantly impact your health, particularly your lungs. With a heatwave expected, people with lung conditions like asthma are advised to be especially careful.

How Heat Affects Your Lungs

According to the Canadian Lung Association your body works to maintain a stable internal temperature, but this requires extra energy during extreme heat and humidity. If you have COPD, your body is already using a lot of energy just to breathe. The additional strain from trying to stay cool can impact your breathing and increase the risk of a flare-up. Similarly, for people with asthma, extreme temperatures can cause the air to become stagnant and trap pollutants, which can also trigger an asthma attack.

It's also important to know the signs of heat stroke and when to seek medical attention. If your lung symptoms worsen, and your action plan isn't helping, contact your doctor. If you can't reach them, go to the emergency room.

In hot weather, it's not just the heat you have to worry about. High levels of pollen and air pollution often happen at the same time. These can also make it very hard to breathe. They can even lead to more people needing to go to the emergency room. A study by Asthma + Lung UK found that one out of every three people with a lung condition said that hot weather made their symptoms worse.

Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat

To help manage your symptoms during a heatwave, consider these recommendations:

Stay in a Cool Environment

When it's hot and humid, especially if the air is polluted, the safest thing to do is to stay indoors. Try to find a place that has air conditioning and clean air. This could be your home, or you can visit a public place like a library, community center, or shopping mall.

Keep Your Home Cool

Close all your windows, doors, curtains, and blinds during the day. This helps to stop the sun and heat from getting inside. If your home doesn't have air conditioning, you can open a window at night to let in the cooler air, but only if the air outside is clean and not polluted. Using fans can also help move the air around and make you feel cooler.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

Try to avoid hard work, intense exercise, or any other strenuous activities. The hottest part of the day is usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you need to go outside, it's best to do it early in the morning or later in the evening when it's not as hot.

Stay Hydrated and Dress Appropriately

It's very important to drink lots of water all day long to stay hydrated. If you go outside, wear loose, light-colored clothes. This helps your body stay cool. Wearing a hat will also protect you from the sun.

Monitor Air Quality

Look up the Air Quality Index or Air Quality Health Index for your area. This will tell you how clean the air is and if it might affect your breathing.

Know Your Symptoms and Medication

Always have your rescue inhaler with you, and take your other daily medicines exactly as your doctor told you to. Be aware of the warning signs that your condition is getting worse. This might include more coughing, feeling short of breath, or having more phlegm. If you have a COPD action plan, follow it as soon as you notice these symptoms.

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How India’s New HPV Vaccine Drive Could Prevent 80,000 Cancer Deaths Every Year

Updated Feb 26, 2026 | 02:25 PM IST

SummaryIn India, thousands of women still die every year because they're diagnosed late and don't have enough access to regular screening. The HPV vaccine doesn't mess with fertility or hormones. It just teaches your body to fight off certain types of the virus.
How India’s New HPV Vaccine Drive Could Prevent 80,000 Cancer Deaths Every Year

Credit: Canva

Cervical cancer is still one of the most common cancers for women in India. It's mostly caused by a persistent infection with the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV for short.

This virus spreads through sexual contact and often doesn't show any symptoms early on. A lot of women don't even realize they have the virus until abnormal cell changes start to show up.

The World Health Organization says that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if people get vaccinated and screened on time.

Also Read: Woman Lost Weight On Mounjaro But Her Breasts Didn't Stop Growing, This Is Why...

In India, thousands of women still die every year because they're diagnosed late and don't have enough access to regular screening. That's where the new nationwide HPV vaccination drive is starting to make a difference.

Let’s Talk About The HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine basically protects against the types of the virus that are most often linked to cervical cancer. You get it as a shot, and it works best if you get it before you're exposed to the virus, usually when you're a young teenager. But it can still help even if you get it later.

India's really pushing to get this vaccine out there, which is a big change in how they're handling public health. The idea is pretty straightforward and impactful: protect young girls before the virus can do any damage. By focusing on school-aged kids and making sure parents know about it, they're trying to fix a problem that's been around for ages.

Why Is This Drive So Important?

Cervical cancer doesn't just pop up overnight. It usually takes years for an HPV infection to turn into cancer. This long window gives us a chance to prevent it. Vaccination stops the infection at the start, and screening catches early cell changes before they get serious.

Public health experts think that if enough people get vaccinated, we could prevent up to 80,000 cancer deaths in India every year over time. That number isn't just a statistic. It's about saving the lives of mothers, daughters, and sisters with a simple preventive measure.

The vaccine has been studied a lot worldwide and has strong safety and effectiveness data. Countries with high vaccination rates are already seeing big drops in HPV infections and precancerous lesions.

Also Read: 15 States Sue Trump Administration Over Revised Vaccine Schedule

Busting Myths And Building Trust

Even though there's solid science behind vaccines, there's still a lot of wrong info out there. Some parents are concerned about safety or what might happen down the road. Others think getting vaccinated makes kids sexually active sooner, but studies don't back that up.

Getting the facts straight is super important for dealing with these worries. The HPV vaccine doesn't mess with fertility or hormones. It just teaches your body to fight off certain types of the virus.

Getting communities involved, having healthcare pros on board, and running educational campaigns are all crucial for building trust. When families learn that this vaccine can prevent cancer, more people are on board.

Beyond Shots: Screening Matters

Vaccination isn't the only answer. Women who are already sexually active still need regular cervical screening. Pap smears and HPV testing are still super important for catching things early. India's bigger plan includes making screening programs at primary healthcare centers stronger. When vaccination and screening work together, the impact gets way bigger.

Getting Closer To Wiping Out Cancer

The World Health Organization wants to get rid of cervical cancer as a public health issue this century, and India's vaccination plan fits right in with that big goal.

This isn't just about medicine; it's about really caring for women's health and stopping problems before they start. In a country where getting cancer treatment can be tough, prevention is our best bet.

Cervical cancer is mostly preventable. If we keep vaccinating, have good screening, and make sure everyone knows the facts, we could save thousands of lives every year. This campaign is a huge step towards a future where cervical cancer is rare, not something we just expect.

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Lupita Nyong’o Opens Up About Fibroids Returning, Doubling 12 Years After Surgery

Updated Feb 26, 2026 | 11:06 AM IST

SummaryFrom 30 uterine fibroids that were removed via myomectomy in 2014, Lupita Nyong’o now has about 50 of them. The largest fibroid is the size of an orange. The noncancerous growths that form inside or on the uterus cause heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods.
Lupita Nyong’o Opens Up About Fibroids Returning, Doubling 12 Years After Surgery

Credit: Instagram

Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o has revealed that her fibroids have returned after undergoing surgery in 2014 -- now doubling up to 50, raising awareness about the often-overlooked health condition in women.

Speaking at the Today show, the Oscar-winning star Nyong’o said that she was first diagnosed with fibroids, a noncancerous tumor -- about 30 in number -- in 2014.

The growths made of muscle and tissue were removed with myomectomy, the fibroid-removal surgery.

However, the fibroids came back after over a decade, with the largest being the size of an orange, Nyong’o said.

She noted that the doubled-up fibroids are causing her more pain, while her treatment options remain largely the same.

“The first time I got the fibroids taken out, they took out 23,” she said on the show. “And this time, I’ve been informed two years ago that I have over 50.”

“And I’m being faced with the same options,” she added. “Surgery or live with the pain.”

Even as she is contemplating her treatment options, the A Quiet Place: Day One star opened up about feeling left alone and scared for her reproductive health during the initial phase.

She is now speaking out and connecting with other women suffering like her. Nyong’o is also advocating and raising money for scientists to research less invasive and non-invasive treatment methods for fibroids.

I was told that fibroids were something women live with. In refuse to accept that. Millions of women are suffering in silence, and we deserve better answers, better care and better options," Nyong’o wrote in a post on Instagram.

What Are Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form inside or on the uterus. They are very common, affecting an estimated 40 to 80 percent of people with a uterus between the ages of 30 and 50.

In some cases, fibroids do not cause any noticeable symptoms, which means many people may not realize they have them. However, when symptoms are present, they often include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods
  • Longer or more frequent periods
  • Pelvic pressure or pain
  • Frequent urination or trouble urinating
  • Growing stomach area
  • Constipation
  • Pain in the stomach area or lower back, or pain during sex

Obesity and a higher body mass index (BMI) are the most common risk factors that can increase the chances of developing fibroids. Others include family history, not having children, early onset of menstruation (getting your period at a young age), and late age of menopause.

How To Treat Fibroids? Can They Recur?

There are several tests that can be done to confirm fibroids and determine their size and location.

These tests can include ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy.

Myomectomy is a commonly used surgical procedure to remove fibroids. There are several types of myomectomy, and they are used depending on the location of the fibroids, their size, and number.

The types of myomectomy procedures include hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, laparotomy, hysterectomy, uterine fibroid embolization, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Even after a successful myomectomy, new fibroids can still develop. The recurrence risk is more common among young adults (under age 40) with many fibroids. The risk is less among people near menopause or with few fibroids.

Visit your doctor if you have:

  • Pelvic pain that doesn't go away
  • Heavy or painful periods that limit what you can do
  • Spotting or bleeding between periods
  • Trouble emptying your bladder
  • Ongoing tiredness and weakness, which can be symptoms of anemia, meaning a low level of red blood cells.

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Unique Symptoms Of Sepsis: What To Know About TIME

Updated Feb 26, 2026 | 11:09 AM IST

SummaryDog lick caused sepsis in UK woman, leading to coma and quadruple amputation. Experts highlight TIME warning signs: temperature changes, infection, mental confusion, extreme illness. Early recognition and urgent care crucial to prevent organ damage and death.
Unique Symptoms Of Sepsis: What To Know About TIME

Credits: Canva

Sepsis that happened by a lick from a pet dog led to a woman losing all four of her limbs. Health and Me had previously reported that a Birmingham based woman, 56-year-old pharmacy worker Manjit Sangha caught sepsis from the lick of her pet dog. She spent her night in coma in the hospital and had to lose all her limbs. This happened because bacteria from dog's lick entered her body through a cut or a scratch. This led to sepsis, where the immune system's reaction to infection damaged the body's own tissues and organs.

This has brought a lot of attention on what sepsis is and what are the symptoms one must be aware of. As per the Sepsis Alliance, one must know about TIME to be aware of sepsis.

Unique Symptoms of Sepsis

TIME stands for temperature, infection, mental decline and extremely ill. If you notice these symptoms, rush to the hospital.

  • T for Temperature: If you notice your body temperature rising or falling
  • I for Infection: If you see signs or symptoms of any infection
  • M for Mental Decline: If you feel confused, sleepy and difficult in rising
  • E for Extremely Ill: If you feel severe pain, discomfort, shortness of breath

Unique Symptoms Of Sepsis: What To Know About Temperature

Your body temperature normally stays steady at about 98.6°F (37°C), with small changes based on activity, surroundings, and time of day. A reading of 100°F (37.7°C) or higher is considered a fever. During infection, the body often heats up to help fight germs. However, some people experience an unusual drop in temperature instead. Because of this, both a spike and a fall in temperature can be warning signs of sepsis.

Unique Symptoms of Sepsis: How To Know If You Have An Infection?

When an infection stays in one area, its symptoms usually match the site involved. A urinary tract infection may cause burning while urinating or frequent urges, pneumonia can bring cough and chest pain, and an infected cut may show redness or pus.

Read: Where You Get Your Rabies Shot Matters: Doctor Explains Why Rabies Vaccines Should Not Be Given In Buttocks

If the infection spreads through the body, broader symptoms like fever, tiredness, and body aches can appear. In some cases, an infection may not cause obvious symptoms at all. This is especially important to remember after surgery, medical procedures, skin injuries, or close contact with someone who is sick.

Unique Symptoms of Sepsis: What To Look Out For Mental Decline?

Sepsis can also alter how the brain functions. Some people, particularly older adults, may not develop the usual infection symptoms. Instead, they might suddenly become confused or show a sharp worsening of existing dementia. Marked drowsiness or unusual sleepiness is another common sign.

Unique Symptoms of Sepsis: Signs That You Are Extremely Ill

Many sepsis survivors recall feeling sicker than ever before. They describe overwhelming symptoms such as the most severe sore throat or abdominal pain they had experienced, along with a frightening sense that they might not survive.

Unique Symptoms Of Sepsis In Children

A Child WhoChild under 5 (Infant) Who
Feels abnormally cold to touchIs not eating
Looks mottled, bluish or has very pale skinIs vomiting repeatedly
Has a rash that does not fade when you press itHas not urinated in 12 hours
Is breathing very fast
Has a convulsion
Is very lethargic or is facing difficulty in waking up

Unique Symptoms Of Sepsis In Adults

  • High blood cell count
  • Immature white blood cells in circulation
  • Elevated plasma C-reactive protein
  • Elevated procalctonin (PCT)
  • Low blood pressue
  • Low central venous or mixed venous oxygen saturation
  • High cardiac index
  • Low oxygen level
  • Low urine output
  • High creatinine in the blood
  • Coagulation or clotting abnormalities
  • Absent bowel sounds
  • Low platelets in blood
  • High bilirubin levels
  • High lactate in blood
  • Decreased capillary filling or mottling

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