Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

What Doctors Say During Your First Ultrasound Could Shape How You Parent Your Child

Ultrasound Words Can Impact How Parents See Their Children - First Impressions Matter, Even For Babies

First impressions can be deceiving, but they can also set the tone for your future interactions. A person who you perceive to be difficult will remain so in your eyes, until they actively prove otherwise. If that person keeps behaving as he is, even if their actions are not always unjustifiable, one finds ways to back their beliefs. Did you know this could also apply to babies, even before they are born? 

A recent study done by researchers at University of Notre Dame suggests that the way medical staff talk during an ultrasound can really influence how <span>new parents</span> feel about their baby. For many people, the ultrasound is the very first time they get a glimpse of their child. If a technician blames a poor image on the baby being "uncooperative," this small comment can set a negative tone. 

This kind of language can stick with parents, affecting how they see their child even before birth and possibly leading to less involved <span>parenting</span> later on. The study, published in Communications Psychology, highlights how these seemingly small word choices can have a lasting impact.

<h2>How Early <span rel="noindex">Perceptions Affect Parenting</span>?</h2>

The research found a clear connection between how mothers felt about their baby during pregnancy and how they viewed their toddler later on. Women who had a more positive view of their unborn child during the study reported fewer emotional or behavioral issues in their children at 18 months old. 

On the other hand, mothers who had a more negative view of their unborn baby were more likely to report that their toddlers had trouble with things like attention, managing their emotions, and sleeping. This link was shown in an experiment where mothers who were told their baby was "uncooperative" were more likely to have a negative view of their child later.

<h2>Does A Child’s Behavior Affect Parents’ Bond? </h2>

Previous research has shown that a baby’s behavior can affect how the parents see them. According to the Frontiers in Public Health connection between how parents perceive their baby's behavior and the parents' own mental health and bonding with the baby. Researchers surveyed 73 mothers of infants between 3.5 weeks and 6 months old. The study found that when mothers reported their infants had frequent stomach or crying issues, they were also more likely to have: 

<ul><li>Bonding issues with their baby</li><li>Higher levels of anxiety</li><li>Higher levels of depression</li></ul>

The researchers believe that asking parents about their baby's behavior could be a simple way for healthcare professionals to identify mothers who need extra support and babies who may need additional help. 

This study highlighted a new way for doctors and nurses to help new parents. Instead of only looking at risk factors like a parent's age, they could use simple questionnaires to ask about a parent's perception of their baby's behavior. This approach could make it easier to find families who need support, ensuring they get targeted help more quickly and efficiently. 

This could lead to better relationships between parents and their babies and improve a child's long-term outcomes. The study also emphasizes the need for more research, particularly with larger, more diverse groups of people, to better understand these connections. 

<h2>Importance of Mindful Communication </h2>

The findings of this study show just how important it is for healthcare providers to be careful with their words. Simple comments made during a critical moment like an ultrasound can have a lasting impact on parents. 

The gap between patients and their healthcare professionals widen when communication lacks. This was shown in a 2020 survey published in the JAMA Open Network. The study found that more than 41% of women reported holding back from asking their clinicians questions during prenatal appointments. They reported several reasons for their reluctance like the clinician seemed rushed, they didn’t want to seem difficult, as well as preference to a different plan than what the clinicians wanted. 

This careful communication could even play a role in a mother's risk for postpartum depression. Since the bond between a parent and child begins to form so early, a negative experience during an ultrasound could potentially affect this crucial relationship, influencing the well-being of both the parent and the child over time.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Parenting

Perceptions Affect Parenting

uncooperative children

infant parenting

new parents

communication with new parents

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First impressions can be deceiving, but they can also set the tone for your future interactions. A person who you perceive to be difficult will remain so in your eyes, until they actively prove otherwise. If that person keeps behaving as he is, even if their actions are not always unjustifiable, one finds ways to back their beliefs. Did you know this could also apply to babies, even before they are born? A recent study done by researchers at University of Notre Dame suggests that the way medical staff talk during an ultrasound can really influence how new parents feel about their baby. For many people, the ultrasound is the very first time they get a glimpse of their child. If a technician blames a poor image on the baby being "uncooperative," this small comment can set a negative tone. This kind of language can stick with parents, affecting how they see their child even before birth and possibly leading to less involved parenting later on. The study, published in Communications Psychology, highlights how these seemingly small word choices can have a lasting impact.How Early Perceptions Affect Parenting?The research found a clear connection between how mothers felt about their baby during pregnancy and how they viewed their toddler later on. Women who had a more positive view of their unborn child during the study reported fewer emotional or behavioral issues in their children at 18 months old. On the other hand, mothers who had a more negative view of their unborn baby were more likely to report that their toddlers had trouble with things like attention, managing their emotions, and sleeping. This link was shown in an experiment where mothers who were told their baby was "uncooperative" were more likely to have a negative view of their child later.Does A Child’s Behavior Affect Parents’ Bond? Previous research has shown that a baby’s behavior can affect how the parents see them. According to the Frontiers in Public Health connection between how parents perceive their baby's behavior and the parents' own mental health and bonding with the baby. Researchers surveyed 73 mothers of infants between 3.5 weeks and 6 months old. The study found that when mothers reported their infants had frequent stomach or crying issues, they were also more likely to have: Bonding issues with their babyHigher levels of anxietyHigher levels of depressionThe researchers believe that asking parents about their baby's behavior could be a simple way for healthcare professionals to identify mothers who need extra support and babies who may need additional help. This study highlighted a new way for doctors and nurses to help new parents. Instead of only looking at risk factors like a parent's age, they could use simple questionnaires to ask about a parent's perception of their baby's behavior. This approach could make it easier to find families who need support, ensuring they get targeted help more quickly and efficiently. This could lead to better relationships between parents and their babies and improve a child's long-term outcomes. The study also emphasizes the need for more research, particularly with larger, more diverse groups of people, to better understand these connections. Importance of Mindful Communication The findings of this study show just how important it is for healthcare providers to be careful with their words. Simple comments made during a critical moment like an ultrasound can have a lasting impact on parents. The gap between patients and their healthcare professionals widen when communication lacks. This was shown in a 2020 survey published in the JAMA Open Network. The study found that more than 41% of women reported holding back from asking their clinicians questions during prenatal appointments. They reported several reasons for their reluctance like the clinician seemed rushed, they didn’t want to seem difficult, as well as preference to a different plan than what the clinicians wanted. This careful communication could even play a role in a mother's risk for postpartum depression. Since the bond between a parent and child begins to form so early, a negative experience during an ultrasound could potentially affect this crucial relationship, influencing the well-being of both the parent and the child over time.

what doctors say during your first ultrasound could shape how you parent your child

Supriya Ramesh

Ronald Acuña Jr. Sidelined with Achilles Tendon Tightness: What It Means and Why It Matters

Representational Image Credits: Canva

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It’s déjà vu <span>Braves</span> fans didn’t ask for. <span>Ronald</span> Acuña Jr., Atlanta’s powerhouse <span>baseball outfielder</span> and reigning National League MVP, has hit the injured list again, this time with <span>tightness</span> in his right <span>Achilles tendon</span>. Just months after returning from a torn ACL in his left knee, Acuña pulled up sore after sprinting the bases and later chasing a fly ball, exiting Tuesday’s game against the Royals mid-inning.

But what does Achilles tendon tightness actually mean, and why does it freak out athletes and sports doctors alike? 

The Achilles tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is the thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It is the biggest and strongest tendon in the human body. But it can bring even the fittest athletes to their knees.

It helps you run, jump, pivot and push off the ground, basically every move an outfielder like Acuña makes in a single play. When it is tight, inflamed or partially torn, that springy propulsion becomes painful and unstable. Cue the limping, grimacing and, in some cases, weeks on the injured list.

<h2>Why Achilles Pain Is a Red Flag</h2>Achilles tightness might sound like a minor complaint, but it is often the body’s early warning system. It could stem from overuse, fatigue, poor footwear, or biomechanical imbalances.

In Acuña’s case, the discomfort reportedly began the night before while sprinting around the bases and got worse chasing fly balls. That is a classic setup: high-intensity bursts, sudden stops, and quick direction changes, all high-risk moves for the Achilles.

If ignored, tightness can escalate to <span>tendonitis</span> (<span>inflammation</span>), partial tears, or the dreaded rupture, which is basically the tendon snapping in two. That is a season-ending <span>injury</span>, often requiring surgery and months of rehab.

<h2>When the Body Says No</h2>Beyond the physical pain, repeated injuries hit hard on the mental game. Acuña admitted he did not want to sit out, even though the pain intensified, because he has already missed too much time.

But ignoring Achilles issues can backfire in the worst way. What starts as tightness today could be crutches tomorrow. The tendon does not heal fast, and re-injury is a very real risk if <span>recovery</span> is rushed.

<h2>The Game Plan for Recovery</h2>For now, Acuña’s been placed on the 10-day injured list, but tendon issues do not always follow a schedule. He will likely undergo scans to rule out structural damage, followed by rest, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the area.

Recovery is not just about waiting for the pain to stop; it is about rebuilding strength, restoring flexibility, and ensuring both legs are balanced and strong.

<h2>Why This Matters for Everyone Who Plays</h2>This is not just a pro-athlete problem. Achilles injuries are surprisingly common in runners, dancers, and gym-goers. If you feel stiffness in your heel or lower calf, especially first thing in the morning or during exercise, do not brush it off.

Stretch regularly, warm up before activity, avoid sudden ramp-ups in intensity, and listen to your body. And if the pain lingers or worsens, see a specialist. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s Achilles flare-up might just be tightness, but it is the kind of tightness that turns trainers serious and fans anxious. It’s also a timely reminder that this tendon is small but mighty, and when it acts up, rest is not optional. Whether you are chasing fly balls or your morning run goal, treat your heels with the caution they deserve.

achilles tendon

tightness

injury

inflammation

tendonitis

recovery

braves

sports injury

ronald

baseball outfielder

It’s déjà vu Braves fans didn’t ask for. Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta’s powerhouse baseball outfielder and reigning National League MVP, has hit the injured list again, this time with tightness in his right Achilles tendon. Just months after returning from a torn ACL in his left knee, Acuña pulled up sore after sprinting the bases and later chasing a fly ball, exiting Tuesday’s game against the Royals mid-inning.But what does Achilles tendon tightness actually mean, and why does it freak out athletes and sports doctors alike? The Achilles tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is the thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It is the biggest and strongest tendon in the human body. But it can bring even the fittest athletes to their knees.It helps you run, jump, pivot and push off the ground, basically every move an outfielder like Acuña makes in a single play. When it is tight, inflamed or partially torn, that springy propulsion becomes painful and unstable. Cue the limping, grimacing and, in some cases, weeks on the injured list.Why Achilles Pain Is a Red FlagAchilles tightness might sound like a minor complaint, but it is often the body’s early warning system. It could stem from overuse, fatigue, poor footwear, or biomechanical imbalances.In Acuña’s case, the discomfort reportedly began the night before while sprinting around the bases and got worse chasing fly balls. That is a classic setup: high-intensity bursts, sudden stops, and quick direction changes, all high-risk moves for the Achilles.If ignored, tightness can escalate to tendonitis (inflammation), partial tears, or the dreaded rupture, which is basically the tendon snapping in two. That is a season-ending injury, often requiring surgery and months of rehab.When the Body Says NoBeyond the physical pain, repeated injuries hit hard on the mental game. Acuña admitted he did not want to sit out, even though the pain intensified, because he has already missed too much time.But ignoring Achilles issues can backfire in the worst way. What starts as tightness today could be crutches tomorrow. The tendon does not heal fast, and re-injury is a very real risk if recovery is rushed.The Game Plan for RecoveryFor now, Acuña’s been placed on the 10-day injured list, but tendon issues do not always follow a schedule. He will likely undergo scans to rule out structural damage, followed by rest, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the area.Recovery is not just about waiting for the pain to stop; it is about rebuilding strength, restoring flexibility, and ensuring both legs are balanced and strong.Why This Matters for Everyone Who PlaysThis is not just a pro-athlete problem. Achilles injuries are surprisingly common in runners, dancers, and gym-goers. If you feel stiffness in your heel or lower calf, especially first thing in the morning or during exercise, do not brush it off.Stretch regularly, warm up before activity, avoid sudden ramp-ups in intensity, and listen to your body. And if the pain lingers or worsens, see a specialist. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s Achilles flare-up might just be tightness, but it is the kind of tightness that turns trainers serious and fans anxious. It’s also a timely reminder that this tendon is small but mighty, and when it acts up, rest is not optional. Whether you are chasing fly balls or your morning run goal, treat your heels with the caution they deserve.

ronald acuña jr. sidelined with achilles tendon tightness: what it means and why it matters

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A recent tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan has pulled an obscure but alarming <span>brain disease</span> back into the headlines. The shooter reportedly left behind a <span>suicide</span> note claiming he suffered from <span>CTE</span>, short for <span>chronic traumatic encephalopathy</span>, a condition linked to repeated <span>head trauma</span>. As shocking as the incident was, it has opened up a floodgate of questions: What exactly is CTE? Can it really make someone act out violently? And how can we even know if someone had it?

<h2>What Exactly Is CTE?</h2>CTE is not your everyday concussion aftermath. It is a progressive, degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, the kind you get from rough contact sports, military service, or just too many unfortunate falls. Over time, these impacts seem to trigger the buildup of an abnormal protein in the brain called tau. This sticky substance does not just sit there quietly. It gradually spreads through the brain, messing with vital functions and causing serious, irreversible damage.

<h2>The Symptoms </h2>People with CTE do not wake up one morning knowing something is wrong. The symptoms can creep in slowly, subtle at first, then increasingly hard to ignore, leading to memory lapses, confusion, impulsive behaviour, unexplained aggression, mood swings, deepening depression and, in many tragic cases, suicidal thoughts.

It is the sort of change that can feel like a personality transplant. Loved ones often report seeing someone “become a different person” over time.

<h2>Not Just a Pro Athlete Problem</h2>For a long time, CTE seemed to be the unwanted souvenir of retired American football players. The sport's culture of full-body collisions made it the perfect storm for head trauma. But recent research is telling a more disturbing story. A 2023 study uncovered CTE in younger, amateur athletes, including teens as young as 17.

Back to the Manhattan case. While the shooter’s note mentioned CTE, we still do not know whether he actually had it, let alone whether it influenced his behaviour. This brings up messy territory: should possible brain disease be considered in criminal responsibility? Can CTE be a mitigating factor in violent crime?

It is a grey zone. And until we develop reliable tools to diagnose CTE in the living, we are mostly left guessing.

<h2>What Can We Do?</h2>CTE is a slow, silent thief, robbing people of their memory, emotions, and identity. And while scientists are racing to understand it better, prevention remains our best bet for now. That means:

<ul><li>Rethinking how we approach youth and professional sports</li><li>Reducing repeated head trauma wherever possible</li><li>Keeping an eye out for changes in behaviour following head injuries</li></ul>CTE is not some mysterious ailment that only haunts linebackers. It is a very real, very scary consequence of repeated trauma to the brain, and as we are learning, it can touch more lives than we ever thought. It is time we start treating our heads with the same care we give the rest of our bodies, maybe even more. 

chronic traumatic encephalopathy

brain disease

head trauma

suicide

tau protein

memory loss

football injuries

legal responsibility

Manhattan Shooter

A recent tragic shooting in Midtown Manhattan has pulled an obscure but alarming brain disease back into the headlines. The shooter reportedly left behind a suicide note claiming he suffered from CTE, short for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition linked to repeated head trauma. As shocking as the incident was, it has opened up a floodgate of questions: What exactly is CTE? Can it really make someone act out violently? And how can we even know if someone had it?What Exactly Is CTE?CTE is not your everyday concussion aftermath. It is a progressive, degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head injuries, the kind you get from rough contact sports, military service, or just too many unfortunate falls. Over time, these impacts seem to trigger the buildup of an abnormal protein in the brain called tau. This sticky substance does not just sit there quietly. It gradually spreads through the brain, messing with vital functions and causing serious, irreversible damage.The Symptoms People with CTE do not wake up one morning knowing something is wrong. The symptoms can creep in slowly, subtle at first, then increasingly hard to ignore, leading to memory lapses, confusion, impulsive behaviour, unexplained aggression, mood swings, deepening depression and, in many tragic cases, suicidal thoughts.It is the sort of change that can feel like a personality transplant. Loved ones often report seeing someone “become a different person” over time.Not Just a Pro Athlete ProblemFor a long time, CTE seemed to be the unwanted souvenir of retired American football players. The sport's culture of full-body collisions made it the perfect storm for head trauma. But recent research is telling a more disturbing story. A 2023 study uncovered CTE in younger, amateur athletes, including teens as young as 17.Back to the Manhattan case. While the shooter’s note mentioned CTE, we still do not know whether he actually had it, let alone whether it influenced his behaviour. This brings up messy territory: should possible brain disease be considered in criminal responsibility? Can CTE be a mitigating factor in violent crime?It is a grey zone. And until we develop reliable tools to diagnose CTE in the living, we are mostly left guessing.What Can We Do?CTE is a slow, silent thief, robbing people of their memory, emotions, and identity. And while scientists are racing to understand it better, prevention remains our best bet for now. That means:Rethinking how we approach youth and professional sportsReducing repeated head trauma wherever possibleKeeping an eye out for changes in behaviour following head injuriesCTE is not some mysterious ailment that only haunts linebackers. It is a very real, very scary consequence of repeated trauma to the brain, and as we are learning, it can touch more lives than we ever thought. It is time we start treating our heads with the same care we give the rest of our bodies, maybe even more. 

What Is That One Thing That Makes Hepatitis So Dangerous?

Credits: Canva

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<span>Hepatitis</span> is not nicknamed the “silent killer” for nothing. What makes it so dangerous is how symptomless it often is for years. It can quietly chip away at your liver without so much as a warning sign. By the time symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain appear, significant harm may already have occurred. This eerie silence allows hepatitis to go undetected until it has done some serious damage.

Just Because You Cannot Hear It Does Not Mean It Is Not There

Dr Vikram Vora says that hepatitis is a major global health threat, killing over a million people each year. What is even more tragic? These deaths are, in his words, “largely preventable”. The villains in this tale, <span>cirrhosis</span> and <span>liver cancer</span>, often stem from untreated or undiagnosed hepatitis infections.

“The cornerstone of hepatitis control is prevention,” Dr Vora says. And the good news is that you have got some powerful tools at your disposal. “Vaccination, especially against <span>Hepatitis B</span>, is one of the most effective tools available,” he says, adding that infants, healthcare workers, and at-risk adults should be prioritised. Other prevention measures include safe injection practices, steering clear of needle-sharing, and ensuring <span>blood transfusions</span> are properly screened.

But danger often hides in plain sight. Dr Vora warns that something as seemingly harmless as getting a tattoo or piercing can carry lifelong consequences if done in an unregulated facility. His advice? “Choosing safe, licensed establishments is non-negotiable.”

<h2>Why You Should Not Wait for Symptoms</h2>

If there is one thing hepatitis is good at, it is staying undetected. That is why Dr Vora champions regular screening, especially if you have had medical procedures, blood transfusions, or close contact with someone infected. “Early diagnosis is a game-changer,” he says. Caught in time, hepatitis can be treated effectively, helping patients avoid severe liver disease or even make a full recovery.

<h2>A Diagnosis Is Not a Death Sentence</h2>

Dr Vora offers hope to those living with hepatitis. “With proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments, a healthy life is achievable,” he insists. That means ditching alcohol, sticking to a <span>balanced diet</span>, maintaining a <span>healthy weight</span>, and closely following medical advice. He also points out the mental and emotional toll a diagnosis can take. “Support from family, community, and healthcare providers can make a significant difference in outcomes.”

<h2>The <span rel="noindex">Stigma</span> That Silences</h2>

Perhaps just as damaging as the virus itself is the social stigma surrounding it. Dr Vora identifies this as a major hurdle in tackling hepatitis. “Fear of social exclusion keeps many from seeking help,” he explains. And that delay can cost lives. According to him, building a culture of empathy and understanding is critical. He encourages public health campaigns, education, and open dialogue as essential tools to dismantle this stigma.

In Dr Vora’s words, “Hepatitis may be silent, but it is not invincible.” Every little step, whether it is getting vaccinated, getting screened, or just talking about it, can chip away at the power hepatitis holds. Silence has cost too many lives already. Awareness can save them.

hepatitis

liver damage

vaccination

stigma

cirrhosis

liver cancer

Hepatitis B

blood transfusions

healthy weight

balanced diet

Hepatitis is not nicknamed the “silent killer” for nothing. What makes it so dangerous is how symptomless it often is for years. It can quietly chip away at your liver without so much as a warning sign. By the time symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain appear, significant harm may already have occurred. This eerie silence allows hepatitis to go undetected until it has done some serious damage.Just Because You Cannot Hear It Does Not Mean It Is Not ThereDr Vikram Vora says that hepatitis is a major global health threat, killing over a million people each year. What is even more tragic? These deaths are, in his words, “largely preventable”. The villains in this tale, cirrhosis and liver cancer, often stem from untreated or undiagnosed hepatitis infections.Prevention Helps “The cornerstone of hepatitis control is prevention,” Dr Vora says. And the good news is that you have got some powerful tools at your disposal. “Vaccination, especially against Hepatitis B, is one of the most effective tools available,” he says, adding that infants, healthcare workers, and at-risk adults should be prioritised. Other prevention measures include safe injection practices, steering clear of needle-sharing, and ensuring blood transfusions are properly screened.But danger often hides in plain sight. Dr Vora warns that something as seemingly harmless as getting a tattoo or piercing can carry lifelong consequences if done in an unregulated facility. His advice? “Choosing safe, licensed establishments is non-negotiable.”Why You Should Not Wait for SymptomsIf there is one thing hepatitis is good at, it is staying undetected. That is why Dr Vora champions regular screening, especially if you have had medical procedures, blood transfusions, or close contact with someone infected. “Early diagnosis is a game-changer,” he says. Caught in time, hepatitis can be treated effectively, helping patients avoid severe liver disease or even make a full recovery.A Diagnosis Is Not a Death SentenceDr Vora offers hope to those living with hepatitis. “With proper medical care and lifestyle adjustments, a healthy life is achievable,” he insists. That means ditching alcohol, sticking to a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and closely following medical advice. He also points out the mental and emotional toll a diagnosis can take. “Support from family, community, and healthcare providers can make a significant difference in outcomes.”The Stigma That SilencesPerhaps just as damaging as the virus itself is the social stigma surrounding it. Dr Vora identifies this as a major hurdle in tackling hepatitis. “Fear of social exclusion keeps many from seeking help,” he explains. And that delay can cost lives. According to him, building a culture of empathy and understanding is critical. He encourages public health campaigns, education, and open dialogue as essential tools to dismantle this stigma.Make Noise Against the SilenceIn Dr Vora’s words, “Hepatitis may be silent, but it is not invincible.” Every little step, whether it is getting vaccinated, getting screened, or just talking about it, can chip away at the power hepatitis holds. Silence has cost too many lives already. Awareness can save them.

what is that one thing that makes hepatitis so dangerous?

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