Riya Baibhawi

Want To Enjoy Me-Time This Holiday Season? Here's How You Can Do It

Me Time 

Holidays serve as a great chance to reconnect with family and friends. While it is all about <span>Christmas</span> trees, turkeys, cookies, and enjoying time together, it is a stress fest for many. According to a new survey conducted by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre, 56% of American adults say adequate alone time is a critical component of their mental health—yet nearly half (46%) don’t get it during the ongoing winter holidays. Psychologists also echo the same, asserting that carving out alone time for yourself, however fleetingly, can tremendously benefit mental and physical health.

<strong>Amidst the chaos, here are expert-approved strategies to get some good me-time:</strong>

First and foremost, you should consider leaving your phone in a separate room when you plan to have alone time. It's hard to resist the distractions that constantly demand our attention, particularly from social media. Alternatively, take a couple of minutes in your car before picking up your kids or heading inside after work to enjoy a moment of solitude.

Meanwhile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>), has shared a few stress management tips for the <span>holiday season</span>: 

- Take five minutes to breathe. Pause and relax—just a few moments of self-care can make a difference.

- Get moving. Take a walk, stretch, or engage in another physical activity that suits you.

- Stay connected. Reach out to friends and family for emotional support.

- Stick to a routine. Maintain a schedule that includes rest, exercise, and healthy eating.

- Seek support. Share your feelings with trusted people or organizations, such as clergy or faith communities.

- Consult a professional. Speak with a healthcare provider if you need additional help managing stress.

<h2>How To Manage Stress During Holiday Travels</h2>

Constant travel, airport queues, inconsistent diet, break from regular exercise etc. can lead to stress. However, it is not very difficult to live a life that is healthy. You can follow these steps to enjoy a stress free holiday: 

<ol><li>Make sure your medications are in your carry-on bag. This is a simple and easy-to-follow tip and yet many people still pack their pills in their checked bag. What happens when you luggage is lost? You'll still have all your pills with you.</li><li>Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel link regarding the country you're visiting. This could save you from venturing into territories with infections or diseases.</li><li>Get proper vaccinations. Before packing for a trip, consider checking with your primary care MD, to see if they have any cautions regarding your health while away. Your doctor can also give you shots for illnesses prevalent in specific countries (like typhoid). </li><li>Be cautious about food and water-borne illnesses and try drinking bottled water as much as possible. Health experts also warn about eating street food. You must always also be very careful about the ice that is put in your drinks.</li><li>Buy travel insurance to cover healthcare costs if needed. American health insurance often doesn't cover illness and doctors’ visits when abroad.</li></ol>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Health And Wellness

holiday season

christmas

mental health

Unhealthy Weekend Habits Linked To Sleeping Disorders - Why You Health Cannot Take A Day Off

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Holidays serve as a great chance to reconnect with family and friends. While it is all about Christmas trees, turkeys, cookies, and enjoying time together, it is a stress fest for many. According to a new survey conducted by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre, 56% of American adults say adequate alone time is a critical component of their mental health—yet nearly half (46%) don’t get it during the ongoing winter holidays. Psychologists also echo the same, asserting that carving out alone time for yourself, however fleetingly, can tremendously benefit mental and physical health.Amidst the chaos, here are expert-approved strategies to get some good me-time:First and foremost, you should consider leaving your phone in a separate room when you plan to have alone time. It's hard to resist the distractions that constantly demand our attention, particularly from social media. Alternatively, take a couple of minutes in your car before picking up your kids or heading inside after work to enjoy a moment of solitude.Meanwhile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has shared a few stress management tips for the holiday season: - Take five minutes to breathe. Pause and relax—just a few moments of self-care can make a difference.- Get moving. Take a walk, stretch, or engage in another physical activity that suits you.- Stay connected. Reach out to friends and family for emotional support.- Stick to a routine. Maintain a schedule that includes rest, exercise, and healthy eating.- Seek support. Share your feelings with trusted people or organizations, such as clergy or faith communities.- Consult a professional. Speak with a healthcare provider if you need additional help managing stress.How To Manage Stress During Holiday TravelsConstant travel, airport queues, inconsistent diet, break from regular exercise etc. can lead to stress. However, it is not very difficult to live a life that is healthy. You can follow these steps to enjoy a stress free holiday: Make sure your medications are in your carry-on bag. This is a simple and easy-to-follow tip and yet many people still pack their pills in their checked bag. What happens when you luggage is lost? You'll still have all your pills with you.Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel link regarding the country you're visiting. This could save you from venturing into territories with infections or diseases.Get proper vaccinations. Before packing for a trip, consider checking with your primary care MD, to see if they have any cautions regarding your health while away. Your doctor can also give you shots for illnesses prevalent in specific countries (like typhoid). Be cautious about food and water-borne illnesses and try drinking bottled water as much as possible. Health experts also warn about eating street food. You must always also be very careful about the ice that is put in your drinks.Buy travel insurance to cover healthcare costs if needed. American health insurance often doesn't cover illness and doctors’ visits when abroad.

want to enjoy me-time this holiday season? here's how you can do it

Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

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After long work weeks, all we look forward to is a nice weekend, whether you like spending it relaxing or spending time with your friends. People use these days to catch up on different things, whether it is their time with their families, friends or overdue work. Since you do not have the pressure to wake up for work the next day, you have the luxury of staying awake for as long as you want. However, many people think this applies to their healthy habits as well. Eating healthily throughout the week so that they can eat junk at the end of it or sleep early every day so that you can stay awake. However, the 2-day de-stressor you take could be the reason why you reset all your progress to zero, especially those who have pre-existing conditions like <span>sleep apnea</span>. 

For many, the weekend means going into social overdrive—but a recent study suggests this can come at a cost to your health. Researchers have found that the bad habits that often go with partying, like overeating, drinking, smoking, and staying up late, can worsen a serious condition called <span>obstructive sleep apnea</span>. 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts while they sleep. This can lead to gasping for air and loud snoring. A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine which was based on data from over 70,000 people across 23 countries, found that participants were 18% more likely to have moderate to severe sleep apnea on weekends compared to weekdays. Researchers are calling this phenomenon "social apnea." 

<h2>How Do Weekends Affect Sleep Apnea? </h2>

The study also found that men were at a higher risk for this "social apnea" than women, and people under 60 were more affected than those over 60. The study suggests several reasons why our weekend routines can make sleep apnea worse. 

On weekends, many people sleep in later and longer, which can shift their body clock. This is similar to the effects of jet lag and can increase the risk of worse sleep apnea. In fact, sleeping an extra 45 minutes or more on weekends raised the risk of severe sleep apnea by 47%. 

Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, making it easier for the airway to collapse and block breathing. It also makes it harder for the brain to wake a person up when breathing stops, so these events last longer. Smoking also makes the condition worse by causing swelling and inflammation in the airway. 

Gaining weight from overeating on the weekends can put pressure on the throat and make it harder to breathe. 

People often get more REM sleep on weekends, which is a deep sleep phase where throat muscles can become almost paralyzed, making the airway more likely to collapse. 

Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that affects at least 30 million adults in the U.S. When breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, it can lead to a variety of serious health risks, including:

<ul><li>Diabetes</li><li>Strokes</li><li>Heart attacks</li><li>Dementia</li><li>Depression</li></ul>

To avoid the negative effects of "social apnea" on your health, experts recommend a few simple changes like keeping a consistent sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at similar times, even on the weekends. Try to limit alcohol and avoid smoking, especially on weekends. If you use a CPAP machine or another medical device for sleep apnea, make sure to use it every night, including on the weekends. 

By being mindful of your weekend habits, you can improve your breathing and overall health without needing more medical help. If you have concerns about sleep apnea, you should talk to your doctor. 

Sleeping Disorders

sleep apnea

Unhealthy Weekend Habits

obstructive sleep apnea

why is sleep important

Sleep Apnoea

After long work weeks, all we look forward to is a nice weekend, whether you like spending it relaxing or spending time with your friends. People use these days to catch up on different things, whether it is their time with their families, friends or overdue work. Since you do not have the pressure to wake up for work the next day, you have the luxury of staying awake for as long as you want. However, many people think this applies to their healthy habits as well. Eating healthily throughout the week so that they can eat junk at the end of it or sleep early every day so that you can stay awake. However, the 2-day de-stressor you take could be the reason why you reset all your progress to zero, especially those who have pre-existing conditions like sleep apnea. For many, the weekend means going into social overdrive—but a recent study suggests this can come at a cost to your health. Researchers have found that the bad habits that often go with partying, like overeating, drinking, smoking, and staying up late, can worsen a serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts while they sleep. This can lead to gasping for air and loud snoring. A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine which was based on data from over 70,000 people across 23 countries, found that participants were 18% more likely to have moderate to severe sleep apnea on weekends compared to weekdays. Researchers are calling this phenomenon "social apnea." How Do Weekends Affect Sleep Apnea? The study also found that men were at a higher risk for this "social apnea" than women, and people under 60 were more affected than those over 60. The study suggests several reasons why our weekend routines can make sleep apnea worse. Social Jetlag On weekends, many people sleep in later and longer, which can shift their body clock. This is similar to the effects of jet lag and can increase the risk of worse sleep apnea. In fact, sleeping an extra 45 minutes or more on weekends raised the risk of severe sleep apnea by 47%. Alcohol and Smoking Alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, making it easier for the airway to collapse and block breathing. It also makes it harder for the brain to wake a person up when breathing stops, so these events last longer. Smoking also makes the condition worse by causing swelling and inflammation in the airway. Overeating Gaining weight from overeating on the weekends can put pressure on the throat and make it harder to breathe. REM Sleep People often get more REM sleep on weekends, which is a deep sleep phase where throat muscles can become almost paralyzed, making the airway more likely to collapse. Health Risks of Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a serious health condition that affects at least 30 million adults in the U.S. When breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, it can lead to a variety of serious health risks, including:DiabetesStrokesHeart attacksDementiaDepressionCan You Combat Social Apnea? To avoid the negative effects of "social apnea" on your health, experts recommend a few simple changes like keeping a consistent sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at similar times, even on the weekends. Try to limit alcohol and avoid smoking, especially on weekends. If you use a CPAP machine or another medical device for sleep apnea, make sure to use it every night, including on the weekends. By being mindful of your weekend habits, you can improve your breathing and overall health without needing more medical help. If you have concerns about sleep apnea, you should talk to your doctor. 

unhealthy weekend habits linked to sleeping disorders - why you health cannot take a day off

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Microplastics have been a major cause of concern for many people. Not only have many people made the switch to paper straws, plates or glass bottles, but people are also changing what kind of packages enter their homes. However, was that enough? It may not have been. 

Many of us assume that drinking from a glass bottle is better than a plastic one. However, a new study suggests this might not be true. The research found that some beverages in glass bottles actually have more microplastics—tiny plastic particles—than those in plastic bottles or cans. Scientists believe the caps on the glass bottles may be the main reason for this surprising finding. 

Microplastics are everywhere: in our oceans, soil, air, and even our bodies. They have been linked to health problems like infertility, hormone issues, and even cancer. This study challenges the idea that glass is automatically the safest option, and highlights that seemingly small parts of packaging, like caps, can be a big source of <span>microplastic exposure</span>. 

<h2>What Has Higher Chances Of <span rel="noindex">Microplastic</span> Exposure? </h2>

To see how different containers affect microplastic levels, French researchers tested various drinks in different types of packaging. They looked at water, soda, iced tea, lemonade, wine, and beer. The results were surprising: 

<h4>Cola, Iced Tea, Lemonade, and Beer </h4>

These drinks contained significantly more microplastics when they were in glass bottles. In some cases, there were nearly 50 times more microplastics than in plastic bottles and cans. 

Water in glass bottles had slightly more microplastics, but it was the least contaminated drink overall, no matter the container. 

Wine in cardboard "brick" cartons had more microplastics, but generally, all the wines tested had very low levels of contamination. 

The study showed that the amount of microplastics a person is exposed to can vary widely depending on what they drink and what container it comes from. For example, a single liter of lemonade from a glass bottle might have over 100 microplastics, while the same amount of water from a plastic bottle might have only about 1.6. 

It’s important to note that the study only tested for microplastics and not even smaller particles called nanoplastics, which might have gone undetected. 

<h2>Why Are Glass Bottles Contaminated With Microplastics? </h2>

It seems strange that a glass bottle would be more contaminated than a plastic one. The researchers were surprised by their own findings, but they have a theory: the cap. 

They believe the paint used on the metal caps of glass bottles may be the source. During testing, they noticed that the microplastics found in the drinks often had the same color and material as the paint on the caps. They also saw tiny scratches on many of the caps, suggesting that friction during bottling, storage, or sealing could cause the paint to flake off as microplastic particles. 

When the researchers cleaned the caps, the amount of microplastics in the drinks dropped significantly. The use of a cork on most wine bottles may also explain why wine had a much lower level of contamination. 

While cleaning the caps won't completely solve the problem—microplastics can also come from airborne particles, contaminated water, or factory equipment—the findings suggest that beverage companies should rethink their packaging to protect consumers. 

<h2>How Do Microplastics Affect Our Health? </h2>

According to Association of American Medical Colleges although we don't have proof that microplastics harm humans, scientists are concerned. A study on mice found that even "clean" plastic particles caused negative effects. The worry is that real-world plastics contain <span>harmful chemicals</span> that disrupt hormones, which can affect important body functions like growth and reproduction. Experts suggest reducing plastic exposure as much as possible, especially for pregnant women and children. 

<h2>How to Reduce Your Microplastic Exposure?</h2>

Given that microplastics are everywhere, it's almost impossible to avoid them completely. The study found that even bottled and tap water contain them. However, you can take steps to reduce your exposure: 

<ul><li>Use cups made of glass, stainless steel, or bamboo.</li><li>Avoid putting plastic containers in the dishwasher or microwave, as heat can cause them to release microplastics into your food and drinks.</li><li> When you buy a drink, consider switching between different types of packaging, like plastic, glass, and cans.</li><li>The ultimate goal, experts say, is to reduce our overall dependence on packaged drinks and snacks in general.</li></ul>

Microplastic

Microplastic Exposure

How does Microplastic affect our health

Do glass bottles have microplastics

harmful chemicals

clean plastic particles

Microplastics have been a major cause of concern for many people. Not only have many people made the switch to paper straws, plates or glass bottles, but people are also changing what kind of packages enter their homes. However, was that enough? It may not have been. Many of us assume that drinking from a glass bottle is better than a plastic one. However, a new study suggests this might not be true. The research found that some beverages in glass bottles actually have more microplastics—tiny plastic particles—than those in plastic bottles or cans. Scientists believe the caps on the glass bottles may be the main reason for this surprising finding. Microplastics are everywhere: in our oceans, soil, air, and even our bodies. They have been linked to health problems like infertility, hormone issues, and even cancer. This study challenges the idea that glass is automatically the safest option, and highlights that seemingly small parts of packaging, like caps, can be a big source of microplastic exposure. What Has Higher Chances Of Microplastic Exposure? To see how different containers affect microplastic levels, French researchers tested various drinks in different types of packaging. They looked at water, soda, iced tea, lemonade, wine, and beer. The results were surprising: Cola, Iced Tea, Lemonade, and Beer These drinks contained significantly more microplastics when they were in glass bottles. In some cases, there were nearly 50 times more microplastics than in plastic bottles and cans. Water Water in glass bottles had slightly more microplastics, but it was the least contaminated drink overall, no matter the container. Wine Wine in cardboard "brick" cartons had more microplastics, but generally, all the wines tested had very low levels of contamination. The study showed that the amount of microplastics a person is exposed to can vary widely depending on what they drink and what container it comes from. For example, a single liter of lemonade from a glass bottle might have over 100 microplastics, while the same amount of water from a plastic bottle might have only about 1.6. It’s important to note that the study only tested for microplastics and not even smaller particles called nanoplastics, which might have gone undetected. Why Are Glass Bottles Contaminated With Microplastics? It seems strange that a glass bottle would be more contaminated than a plastic one. The researchers were surprised by their own findings, but they have a theory: the cap. They believe the paint used on the metal caps of glass bottles may be the source. During testing, they noticed that the microplastics found in the drinks often had the same color and material as the paint on the caps. They also saw tiny scratches on many of the caps, suggesting that friction during bottling, storage, or sealing could cause the paint to flake off as microplastic particles. When the researchers cleaned the caps, the amount of microplastics in the drinks dropped significantly. The use of a cork on most wine bottles may also explain why wine had a much lower level of contamination. While cleaning the caps won't completely solve the problem—microplastics can also come from airborne particles, contaminated water, or factory equipment—the findings suggest that beverage companies should rethink their packaging to protect consumers. How Do Microplastics Affect Our Health? According to Association of American Medical Colleges although we don't have proof that microplastics harm humans, scientists are concerned. A study on mice found that even "clean" plastic particles caused negative effects. The worry is that real-world plastics contain harmful chemicals that disrupt hormones, which can affect important body functions like growth and reproduction. Experts suggest reducing plastic exposure as much as possible, especially for pregnant women and children. How to Reduce Your Microplastic Exposure?Given that microplastics are everywhere, it's almost impossible to avoid them completely. The study found that even bottled and tap water contain them. However, you can take steps to reduce your exposure: Use cups made of glass, stainless steel, or bamboo.Avoid putting plastic containers in the dishwasher or microwave, as heat can cause them to release microplastics into your food and drinks. When you buy a drink, consider switching between different types of packaging, like plastic, glass, and cans.The ultimate goal, experts say, is to reduce our overall dependence on packaged drinks and snacks in general.

this common component recently found in glass could be the reason behind your inflammation

Tanya Dutt

Davina McCall On The Brain Tumour Diagnosis That Redefined Her Outlook On Life: Two Symptoms She Ignored

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TV presenter Davina McCall first received news of a brain tumour during a routine health check tied to her menopause advocacy work, her world tilted. Though doctors confirmed the tumour was benign, the 57-year-old star spiraled into a deep fear that her time was running out. What followed was both sobering and transformative: she began preparing an end-of-life checklist—an exercise she now describes as the “best gift” she could have given herself and her family.

This story is not just about one woman’s health scare. It’s about how facing mortality reshapes priorities, strengthens family bonds, and forces conversations many of us spend a lifetime avoiding.

The growth, identified as a <span>colloid cyst</span>, was discovered in November 2024. For months, McCall admits she lived in denial. It wasn’t until her fourth neurosurgeon gave a blunt assessment—warning that if she didn’t act quickly, she could die—that she finally moved toward surgery.

“He told me it was a big tumour and that if it grew any more, I’d risk water on the brain,” McCall recalled. “Even flying could have triggered a medical emergency.”

That stark warning snapped her out of hesitation. By the time she went into surgery, she had already reorganized her personal life, written letters to her children, and found peace with the possibility of not waking up.

The procedure to remove a colloid cyst is no small undertaking. Surgeon Kevin O’Neill, who performed McCall’s operation, described it as “like defusing a bomb.” The team drilled into her skull and used GPS-guided precision to excise the cyst without damaging her memory pathways.

The risks were real, if anything went wrong, she could have faced a stroke or permanent short-term memory loss—an outcome that would have ended her television career. Yet the alternative was equally grim. Leaving the cyst untreated meant the risk of sudden death remained.

When McCall woke up, she was disoriented, even believing for a time that her late father was still alive. But once her mind cleared, she felt something remarkable: her mental fog had lifted. The “fuzziness” she once attributed to menopause, she now believes, was partly the tumour pressing on her memory.

What makes McCall’s story resonate so deeply is not just the surgery, but the way she prepared herself and her family beforehand. She created what she calls her end-of-life checklist, ensuring her children would be supported and that her affairs were in order.

“I had to make sure my kids would be okay if I didn’t make it. That’s all I really cared about,” she said. Her daughter Holly eventually reassured her: “You’re not dying.”

By confronting her fears head-on, McCall says she gave herself a profound sense of peace. “I could go to sleep on the operating table knowing they’d be okay. It was the best gift, I am not afraid of dying.”

Davina’s diagnosis underscores a crucial point about brain tumours: not all are cancerous, but even benign ones can be dangerous.

Benign tumours, like colloid cysts, grow slowly and do not spread. Still, their location can cause life-threatening complications if they press against vital structures in the brain.

Malignant tumours are cancerous, often fast-growing, and can spread to other organs through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Pre-cancerous tumours sit in a gray area, not malignant yet but carrying the potential to develop into cancer if untreated.

Colloid cysts are rare but potentially fatal. Though benign, they can block cerebrospinal fluid, leading to hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain). According to NHS data, non-cancerous brain tumours are more common in people over 50 and often present with headaches, drowsiness, and vision problems.

One of the most striking aspects of McCall’s experience is how it shifted her relationship with mortality. She now hosts Begin Again, a podcast focused on helping people live lives without regret—so that when the time comes, they can face death without fear.

“I have lived the life I wanted,” she explained. “I’m not lying there thinking, ‘I wish I’d done that thing, that job, or left that relationship.’ Begin Again is about starting over and living the life you want.”

Her words point to something bigger than her diagnosis: how health crises can catalyze clarity. For McCall, the fear of dying was replaced by gratitude for living.

McCall now admits she overlooked two warning signs: brain fog and memory issues. Initially, she dismissed them as symptoms of menopause. Only later did she realize they were likely caused by the cyst pressing on her short-term memory pathway.

This misinterpretation is not uncommon. Brain tumours can mimic other conditions, making early detection difficult. Her story serves as a reminder to take persistent or unusual symptoms seriously, especially as we age.

Perhaps the most enduring lesson from McCall’s journey is the value of facing death directly. The very act of writing her checklist—organizing her thoughts, her finances, and her farewells—brought her calm rather than despair.

In Western cultures, conversations about death often remain taboo. Yet McCall’s openness reframes these discussions as empowering rather than morbid. Preparing for the inevitable, she argues, isn’t about expecting the worst but about ensuring peace of mind.

Now fully recovered and with her final MRI scan showing no recurrence, McCall describes herself as profoundly changed. She is closer to her children, grateful for her health, and more committed than ever to advocating for women’s wellbeing. She has also formed an unlikely bond with the surgeon who saved her life.

davina mccall brain tumour

davina mccall surgery

davina mccall health scare

colloid cyst

menopause health check

davina mccall emergency surgery

davina mccall diagnosis

TV presenter Davina McCall first received news of a brain tumour during a routine health check tied to her menopause advocacy work, her world tilted. Though doctors confirmed the tumour was benign, the 57-year-old star spiraled into a deep fear that her time was running out. What followed was both sobering and transformative: she began preparing an end-of-life checklist—an exercise she now describes as the “best gift” she could have given herself and her family.This story is not just about one woman’s health scare. It’s about how facing mortality reshapes priorities, strengthens family bonds, and forces conversations many of us spend a lifetime avoiding.The growth, identified as a colloid cyst, was discovered in November 2024. For months, McCall admits she lived in denial. It wasn’t until her fourth neurosurgeon gave a blunt assessment—warning that if she didn’t act quickly, she could die—that she finally moved toward surgery.“He told me it was a big tumour and that if it grew any more, I’d risk water on the brain,” McCall recalled. “Even flying could have triggered a medical emergency.”That stark warning snapped her out of hesitation. By the time she went into surgery, she had already reorganized her personal life, written letters to her children, and found peace with the possibility of not waking up.The procedure to remove a colloid cyst is no small undertaking. Surgeon Kevin O’Neill, who performed McCall’s operation, described it as “like defusing a bomb.” The team drilled into her skull and used GPS-guided precision to excise the cyst without damaging her memory pathways.The risks were real, if anything went wrong, she could have faced a stroke or permanent short-term memory loss—an outcome that would have ended her television career. Yet the alternative was equally grim. Leaving the cyst untreated meant the risk of sudden death remained.When McCall woke up, she was disoriented, even believing for a time that her late father was still alive. But once her mind cleared, she felt something remarkable: her mental fog had lifted. The “fuzziness” she once attributed to menopause, she now believes, was partly the tumour pressing on her memory.What makes McCall’s story resonate so deeply is not just the surgery, but the way she prepared herself and her family beforehand. She created what she calls her end-of-life checklist, ensuring her children would be supported and that her affairs were in order.“I had to make sure my kids would be okay if I didn’t make it. That’s all I really cared about,” she said. Her daughter Holly eventually reassured her: “You’re not dying.”By confronting her fears head-on, McCall says she gave herself a profound sense of peace. “I could go to sleep on the operating table knowing they’d be okay. It was the best gift, I am not afraid of dying.”What Is Colloid Cysts?Davina’s diagnosis underscores a crucial point about brain tumours: not all are cancerous, but even benign ones can be dangerous.Benign tumours, like colloid cysts, grow slowly and do not spread. Still, their location can cause life-threatening complications if they press against vital structures in the brain.Malignant tumours are cancerous, often fast-growing, and can spread to other organs through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.Pre-cancerous tumours sit in a gray area, not malignant yet but carrying the potential to develop into cancer if untreated.Colloid cysts are rare but potentially fatal. Though benign, they can block cerebrospinal fluid, leading to hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain). According to NHS data, non-cancerous brain tumours are more common in people over 50 and often present with headaches, drowsiness, and vision problems.One of the most striking aspects of McCall’s experience is how it shifted her relationship with mortality. She now hosts Begin Again, a podcast focused on helping people live lives without regret—so that when the time comes, they can face death without fear.“I have lived the life I wanted,” she explained. “I’m not lying there thinking, ‘I wish I’d done that thing, that job, or left that relationship.’ Begin Again is about starting over and living the life you want.”Her words point to something bigger than her diagnosis: how health crises can catalyze clarity. For McCall, the fear of dying was replaced by gratitude for living.Symptoms Davina IgnoredMcCall now admits she overlooked two warning signs: brain fog and memory issues. Initially, she dismissed them as symptoms of menopause. Only later did she realize they were likely caused by the cyst pressing on her short-term memory pathway.This misinterpretation is not uncommon. Brain tumours can mimic other conditions, making early detection difficult. Her story serves as a reminder to take persistent or unusual symptoms seriously, especially as we age.Perhaps the most enduring lesson from McCall’s journey is the value of facing death directly. The very act of writing her checklist—organizing her thoughts, her finances, and her farewells—brought her calm rather than despair.In Western cultures, conversations about death often remain taboo. Yet McCall’s openness reframes these discussions as empowering rather than morbid. Preparing for the inevitable, she argues, isn’t about expecting the worst but about ensuring peace of mind.Now fully recovered and with her final MRI scan showing no recurrence, McCall describes herself as profoundly changed. She is closer to her children, grateful for her health, and more committed than ever to advocating for women’s wellbeing. She has also formed an unlikely bond with the surgeon who saved her life.

davina mccall on the brain tumour diagnosis that redefined her outlook on life: two symptoms she ignored

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