Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

What Is Causing Brittle Bones At Just 30? These Everyday Mistakes Is What Is Making Them Fragile

Brittle Bones At Just 30? These Everyday Mistakes Are Making Them Fragile

As children, most of us thought that bone and joint aching was something that our parents or grandparents experienced—something age-related. Now, however, it's not rare to find a 28-year-old complaining of sore knees or creaky joints after a weekend of moderately intense exercise. Whether it's delayed-onset muscle soreness after working out or soreness after performing simple household tasks, many young adults are suffering from symptoms of bone weakness much sooner than anticipated. The question is—why are our bones weakening so early, and what everyday habits are quietly undermining our bone strength?

Our bones are designed to be strong and tough naturally, but several lifestyle factors can weaken them inadvertently in the long run. Dr. Ramkinkar Jha, Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief and Unit Head of Orthopaedics, elaborates, "<span>Bone health</span> is not a function of age; it's a function of how we handle our bones on a daily basis. A lifestyle that is too sedentary, not good eating habits, too much caffeine consumption, and continuous stress are some of the major offenders resulting in premature bone deterioration."

One of the primary causes of premature bone weakness is the progressive loss of muscle mass, which begins in our 30s. "Muscle holds up the bones, and as we get older, its quality goes down, and the joints bear more pressure," Dr. Jha explains. Ligaments and tendons also lose their elasticity, leading to stiffness and pain, particularly in the knees and lower back.

<h2>Everyday Mistakes That Weaken Bones</h2>

Whereas genes do play a part in the strength of bone, it is our day-to-day lifestyles that have an exponentially greater impact. Some of the most frequent practices that contribute to premature bone weakness are listed below:

Today's work culture of sitting for hours on end poses a significant danger to bone health. Our body's skeletal framework needs constant stimulation through weight-bearing exercises to maintain strength. Reduced movement causes loss of bone density, which compromises their ability to withstand fractures.

<h4>2. Lack of Proper Nutrition and Adequate Nutrients</h4>

Bones require calcium and vitamin D to stay strong. Omitting dairy or foods with calcium, coupled with no vitamin D from sunlight, substantially damages bones. "Most young adults adopt very restrictive diets that fail to provide their daily needs of calcium and vitamin D, putting them at risk for bone loss," explains Dr. Jha.

<h4>3. Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol Intake</h4>

Excessive caffeine is known to hamper calcium intake, and a lot of alcohol hastens the loss of bones. Research indicates that frequent binge drinking lowers bone density and makes bones more prone to fractures, particularly among younger adults who are still in the active bone acquisition phase.

Stress has a greater effect on bone health than we appreciate. Dr. Jha elaborates, "Long-term stress causes excessive cortisol production, a hormone that blocks calcium absorption and lowers bone density." That's why people living under chronic stress are more susceptible to osteoporosis and fractures.

<h4>5. Poor Posture and Insufficient Strength Training</h4>

Slouching in the chair or standing with unequal weight distribution puts undue pressure on particular bones and joints. This causes misalignment, long-term pain, and wear on the bones over time. Weight-bearing and strength training are essential in preserving bone density, yet people more often than not exclude them from their exercise routine in favor of cardiovascular exercise.

<h2>Warning Signs: Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?</h2>

Our bones don't suddenly break overnight. They first give us subtle warning signs, which are:

<ul><li>Recurring joint pain or stiffness</li><li>Brittle nails and loss of grip strength</li><li>Sudden pain in the back, which could be due to vertebral fractures</li><li>Receding gums, which may be a sign of jawbone loss</li><li>Repeated small fractures from minor impacts</li><li>Early detection of these signs can avoid serious bone conditions later in life.</li></ul>

<h2>How to Strengthen Your Bones Before It's Too Late</h2>

It's never too early—or too late—to begin caring for your bones. Here's how you can strengthen your skeletal system and avoid premature bone loss:

<ul><li>Strength training, resistance exercises, and weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking, hiking, and yoga stimulate bone growth and enhance density.</li><li>Add calcium-rich foods such as dairy, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified cereals. Combine these with vitamin D sources such as eggs, fatty fish, and sufficient sunlight exposure.</li><li>Because high cortisol levels may cause weakening of bones, regular exercises like meditation, breathing, and physical exercises can play a great deal in helping.</li><li>Restricting caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can help decelerate bone loss. Instead, drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods.</li><li>If you have a family history of osteoporosis or get joint pains early in life, it is a good idea to get your bones scanned for density in your 30s so that you can check your bone health.</li></ul>

Fragility of the bones in young age is not necessary—it can be prevented. Dr. Jha highlights, "Bone health is an investment. The small choices you make daily—what you eat, how you move, and how you manage stress—determine your bone strength for decades to come."

So, the next time your knees hurt after a routine activity, don't simply shrug it off as another bad day. It may be your bones calling for proper care. Pay attention, take action, and safeguard your bony base before things get out of control.

<em>Dr. Ramkinkar Jha is an Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief and Unit Head - Orthopaedics (Unit III) at Artemis Hospitals in India</em>

Health Conditions A-Z

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bone health

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brittle bones

osteoporosis risk

bone density loss

calcium deficiency

joint pain causes

muscle mass decline

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As children, most of us thought that bone and joint aching was something that our parents or grandparents experienced—something age-related. Now, however, it's not rare to find a 28-year-old complaining of sore knees or creaky joints after a weekend of moderately intense exercise. Whether it's delayed-onset muscle soreness after working out or soreness after performing simple household tasks, many young adults are suffering from symptoms of bone weakness much sooner than anticipated. The question is—why are our bones weakening so early, and what everyday habits are quietly undermining our bone strength?Our bones are designed to be strong and tough naturally, but several lifestyle factors can weaken them inadvertently in the long run. Dr. Ramkinkar Jha, Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief and Unit Head of Orthopaedics, elaborates, "Bone health is not a function of age; it's a function of how we handle our bones on a daily basis. A lifestyle that is too sedentary, not good eating habits, too much caffeine consumption, and continuous stress are some of the major offenders resulting in premature bone deterioration."One of the primary causes of premature bone weakness is the progressive loss of muscle mass, which begins in our 30s. "Muscle holds up the bones, and as we get older, its quality goes down, and the joints bear more pressure," Dr. Jha explains. Ligaments and tendons also lose their elasticity, leading to stiffness and pain, particularly in the knees and lower back.Everyday Mistakes That Weaken BonesWhereas genes do play a part in the strength of bone, it is our day-to-day lifestyles that have an exponentially greater impact. Some of the most frequent practices that contribute to premature bone weakness are listed below:1. Sedentary LifestyleToday's work culture of sitting for hours on end poses a significant danger to bone health. Our body's skeletal framework needs constant stimulation through weight-bearing exercises to maintain strength. Reduced movement causes loss of bone density, which compromises their ability to withstand fractures.2. Lack of Proper Nutrition and Adequate NutrientsBones require calcium and vitamin D to stay strong. Omitting dairy or foods with calcium, coupled with no vitamin D from sunlight, substantially damages bones. "Most young adults adopt very restrictive diets that fail to provide their daily needs of calcium and vitamin D, putting them at risk for bone loss," explains Dr. Jha.3. Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol IntakeExcessive caffeine is known to hamper calcium intake, and a lot of alcohol hastens the loss of bones. Research indicates that frequent binge drinking lowers bone density and makes bones more prone to fractures, particularly among younger adults who are still in the active bone acquisition phase.4. Chronic Stress and AnxietyStress has a greater effect on bone health than we appreciate. Dr. Jha elaborates, "Long-term stress causes excessive cortisol production, a hormone that blocks calcium absorption and lowers bone density." That's why people living under chronic stress are more susceptible to osteoporosis and fractures.5. Poor Posture and Insufficient Strength TrainingSlouching in the chair or standing with unequal weight distribution puts undue pressure on particular bones and joints. This causes misalignment, long-term pain, and wear on the bones over time. Weight-bearing and strength training are essential in preserving bone density, yet people more often than not exclude them from their exercise routine in favor of cardiovascular exercise.Warning Signs: Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?Our bones don't suddenly break overnight. They first give us subtle warning signs, which are:Recurring joint pain or stiffnessBrittle nails and loss of grip strengthSudden pain in the back, which could be due to vertebral fracturesReceding gums, which may be a sign of jawbone lossRepeated small fractures from minor impactsEarly detection of these signs can avoid serious bone conditions later in life.How to Strengthen Your Bones Before It's Too LateIt's never too early—or too late—to begin caring for your bones. Here's how you can strengthen your skeletal system and avoid premature bone loss:Strength training, resistance exercises, and weight-bearing exercises such as brisk walking, hiking, and yoga stimulate bone growth and enhance density.Add calcium-rich foods such as dairy, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified cereals. Combine these with vitamin D sources such as eggs, fatty fish, and sufficient sunlight exposure.Because high cortisol levels may cause weakening of bones, regular exercises like meditation, breathing, and physical exercises can play a great deal in helping.Restricting caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can help decelerate bone loss. Instead, drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods.If you have a family history of osteoporosis or get joint pains early in life, it is a good idea to get your bones scanned for density in your 30s so that you can check your bone health.Fragility of the bones in young age is not necessary—it can be prevented. Dr. Jha highlights, "Bone health is an investment. The small choices you make daily—what you eat, how you move, and how you manage stress—determine your bone strength for decades to come."So, the next time your knees hurt after a routine activity, don't simply shrug it off as another bad day. It may be your bones calling for proper care. Pay attention, take action, and safeguard your bony base before things get out of control.Dr. Ramkinkar Jha is an Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief and Unit Head - Orthopaedics (Unit III) at Artemis Hospitals in India

what is causing brittle bones at just 30? these everyday mistakes is what is making them fragile

Aarushi Bhadury

(Credit-Canva)

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At this stage of technological advancement, most people carry their smartphones around with them all the time. Many of us use it for our daily needs like phone calls, placing orders and keeping track of our activity levels. However, what you may not have known, is that this daily activity tracking could be the key to proper recovery if you ever run into an accident. 

A new study has found that the information your smartphone collects about your daily movement can tell doctors a lot about how quickly and well you'll get back on your feet after breaking a leg or a hip. It's like your phone holds clues to your body's natural ability to heal and get moving again, even before the injury happens. This could be a really helpful tool for doctors and patients. 

<h2>Pre-Injury Mobility Could Be Key To Recovery Success </h2>

The study's findings, published in the Journal of Bone &amp; Joint Surgery, researchers discovered that the data from smartphones, like how many steps a person took each day, how fast they walked, how long their steps were, and their walking style (gait), all give a clear picture of how well they are likely to recover after their bone break. It turns out that your body's usual way of moving before the injury is a strong indicator of how your recovery will go and how well you'll regain your physical abilities later on. 

<h2>How It Revolutionizes Orthopedic Care with Personalized Insights </h2>

Researchers believe that using smartphone data in this way has the potential to really change how doctors provide care for broken bones. It can help doctors give patients a better idea of what to expect during recovery, spot any problems earlier, and create recovery plans that are specifically tailored to each person based on their own movement history. This means a more personalized and effective healing process. 

To do this study, the researchers asked 107 adults who had already had surgery for a broken hip or leg at least six months earlier to share the data collected by their Apple iPhones. This information included things like their daily step count, their usual walking speed, how long their steps were, and the way they typically walked. By looking at this past movement data, the researchers could see patterns related to their recovery. 

The study's results clearly showed that there's a strong link between a person's activity levels before they broke their leg or hip and how active they were during their recovery. For example, people who regularly took more steps each day before their injury also tended to take more steps as they were healing and getting back to their normal routines. This shows how important baseline fitness is for your body in general as well as in case of recovery. 

<h2>Doctors Can Now Use Phone Data for Treatment </h2>

The study concluded that one’s doctors and physicians could use this information about how people moved before their injury, gathered from their smartphones, to create much more precise plans for surgery, give better advice about recovery, and set more realistic goals for physical therapy. This way, the treatment and recovery process can be designed specifically for each individual, potentially leading to better and faster healing and a return to normal activities.

Smartphone Data can help you recover

Smartphone Data Can Predict Recovery

Pre-Injury Mobility data can help recovery

smartphones and health

how doctors use smartphones for health

smartphones and medical used

At this stage of technological advancement, most people carry their smartphones around with them all the time. Many of us use it for our daily needs like phone calls, placing orders and keeping track of our activity levels. However, what you may not have known, is that this daily activity tracking could be the key to proper recovery if you ever run into an accident. A new study has found that the information your smartphone collects about your daily movement can tell doctors a lot about how quickly and well you'll get back on your feet after breaking a leg or a hip. It's like your phone holds clues to your body's natural ability to heal and get moving again, even before the injury happens. This could be a really helpful tool for doctors and patients. Pre-Injury Mobility Could Be Key To Recovery Success The study's findings, published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, researchers discovered that the data from smartphones, like how many steps a person took each day, how fast they walked, how long their steps were, and their walking style (gait), all give a clear picture of how well they are likely to recover after their bone break. It turns out that your body's usual way of moving before the injury is a strong indicator of how your recovery will go and how well you'll regain your physical abilities later on. How It Revolutionizes Orthopedic Care with Personalized Insights Researchers believe that using smartphone data in this way has the potential to really change how doctors provide care for broken bones. It can help doctors give patients a better idea of what to expect during recovery, spot any problems earlier, and create recovery plans that are specifically tailored to each person based on their own movement history. This means a more personalized and effective healing process. How Did The Study Find This? To do this study, the researchers asked 107 adults who had already had surgery for a broken hip or leg at least six months earlier to share the data collected by their Apple iPhones. This information included things like their daily step count, their usual walking speed, how long their steps were, and the way they typically walked. By looking at this past movement data, the researchers could see patterns related to their recovery. The study's results clearly showed that there's a strong link between a person's activity levels before they broke their leg or hip and how active they were during their recovery. For example, people who regularly took more steps each day before their injury also tended to take more steps as they were healing and getting back to their normal routines. This shows how important baseline fitness is for your body in general as well as in case of recovery. Doctors Can Now Use Phone Data for Treatment The study concluded that one’s doctors and physicians could use this information about how people moved before their injury, gathered from their smartphones, to create much more precise plans for surgery, give better advice about recovery, and set more realistic goals for physical therapy. This way, the treatment and recovery process can be designed specifically for each individual, potentially leading to better and faster healing and a return to normal activities.

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World Hypertension Day: Why Hypertension Leads To Serious Health Problems?

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World Hypertension Day is celebrated observed to draw attention and raise awareness about high blood pressure commonly referred to as hypertension and its risk. This worldwide campaign for healthy living emphasizes the risks of uncontrolled blood pressure, reminds people to check their blood pressure regularly, and encourages healthy living to stop or control the condition. High blood pressure is a leading reason for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, but if identified early and treated appropriately, it can save lives.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is among the most common chronic diseases worldwide—though it is still perilously underdiagnosed and undertreated. Even with decades of public health campaign and increasing medical awareness, the worldwide burden of this silent killer marches relentlessly upward. Frequently symptom-free, hypertension is a time bomb waiting to explode, when left untreated, causing life-threatening complications affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and even sexual function.

Knowing why hypertension is so dangerous begins with comprehending its elaborate, systemic effect on the body. Let's go in-depth about how this disease operates, why it's so frequently neglected, and why it's an instigator of numerous chronic diseases.

Hypertension happens when the pressure in your blood vessels is consistently higher than normal—usually 140/90 mmHg or more, states the World Health Organization (WHO). The normal and healthy level is estimated to be 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure increases when the arteries get narrow or stiff, causing the heart to work harder.

This repeated overworking can progressively result in permanent damage to essential organs. Though risky, hypertension hardly ever has obvious signs, and therefore regular screening is important.

At a global level, estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 years have hypertension, and most of them live in low- and middle-income nations. Alarmingly, 46% of them do not even know they have it, and just 1 in 5 keeps it under control, as per WHO statistics.

In the US alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 47% of adults, or roughly 116 million individuals, have hypertension, yet only 24% control it well. The economic burden is just as overwhelming, with the US spending $131 billion each year on care related to hypertension.

<h2>Why Is Hypertension So Dangerous?</h2>

Hypertension is commonly referred to as the "silent killer" due to its lack of noticeable symptoms. Unchecked, it progressively damages your arteries and vital organs. This is how it progressively dismantles the body:

Your heart is one of the first organs to be affected by sustained high blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure over time leads to:

<ul><li>Coronary artery disease, in which stiffened arteries constrict blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attacks.</li><li>Heart failure, as the heart muscle stiffens or weakens and cannot pump blood efficiently.</li><li>Left ventricular hypertrophy, in which the left chamber stiffens and hypertrophies creating a risk of sudden cardiac death.</li><li>The heart has to work harder against the higher resistance, subjecting it to constant strain usually with lethal results.</li></ul>

A healthy brain depends on regular blood supply. Hypertension disrupts this in frightening ways:

<ul><li>Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini-strokes indicate blocked blood flow as a result of damaged arteries or clots.</li><li>Stroke, a major killer and cause of disability, happens when brain blood supply is cut off.</li><li>Vascular dementia, due to chronic impaired blood flow, affects memory and mental function.</li><li>Even a minor increase in blood pressure can multiply the risk of stroke manifold, highlighting the need for timely intervention.</li></ul>

Kidneys are the body's built-in filtration system, but their operation is greatly dependent on normal blood vessels. Long-standing hypertension may cause:

<ul><li>Kidney scarring and impaired filtration.</li><li>Kidney failure with the need for dialysis or transplant.</li><li>Aggravated damage when paired with diabetes.</li></ul>

Hypertension is among the top causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) world-wide, and its control is crucial to maintaining kidney function.

<h2>Vision Loss and Eye Complications</h2>

Elevated blood pressure can seriously impact the eyes by harming the tiny blood vessels in the retina:

<ul><li>Hypertensive retinopathy, which can lead to bleeding, blurred vision, or blindness.</li><li>Choroidopathy, where fluid accumulates and distorts vision.</li><li>Optic neuropathy, where the optic nerve becomes damaged and vision is permanently impaired.</li><li>Regular eye examinations are especially important for the hypertensive to detect such changes early.</li></ul>

Sexual health is not spared by hypertension either:

<ul><li>Male erectile dysfunction (ED) due to limited blood flow to the penis.</li><li>Reduced libido and arousal in women, commonly involving vaginal dryness or anorgasmia.</li></ul>

Such complications are under-discussed but have a strong impact on quality of life as well as relationship satisfaction.

A new study in Sweden, headed by Dr. Jonas Wuopio of the Karolinska Institutet, has discovered a direct correlation between salt consumption and the development of arterial plaque regardless of blood pressure levels. The linear correlation demonstrates that the higher the salt consumption, the greater the atherosclerosis, which implies that salt can start to damage arteries well before hypertension fully develops.

This finding underscores why dietary modification—such as reducing salt—need not await a diagnosis.

<h2>Hypertension Prevention and Management Tips</h2>

Hypertension is also mostly preventable and manageable via lifestyle modifications, such as:

<ul><li>Eating a balanced, low-sodium diet</li><li>Regular exercise</li><li>Healthy weight maintenance</li><li>Decreasing alcohol consumption and smoking cessation</li><li>Monitoring of blood pressure regularly</li></ul>

Pharmacological agents are also readily available and effective if prescribed and consistently followed.

Hypertension is not a figure, it's a complex, serious medical condition with far-reaching effects on your entire body. From heart attack and stroke to vision impairment and kidney disease, the consequences are dire and numerous but with heightened awareness, lifestyle modification, and medication, it's completely controllable.

world hypertension day 2025

high blood pressure awareness

hypertension prevention tips

hypertension symptoms

heart health

global hypertension statistics

blood pressure control

World Hypertension Day is celebrated observed to draw attention and raise awareness about high blood pressure commonly referred to as hypertension and its risk. This worldwide campaign for healthy living emphasizes the risks of uncontrolled blood pressure, reminds people to check their blood pressure regularly, and encourages healthy living to stop or control the condition. High blood pressure is a leading reason for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, but if identified early and treated appropriately, it can save lives.Hypertension or high blood pressure is among the most common chronic diseases worldwide—though it is still perilously underdiagnosed and undertreated. Even with decades of public health campaign and increasing medical awareness, the worldwide burden of this silent killer marches relentlessly upward. Frequently symptom-free, hypertension is a time bomb waiting to explode, when left untreated, causing life-threatening complications affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and even sexual function.Knowing why hypertension is so dangerous begins with comprehending its elaborate, systemic effect on the body. Let's go in-depth about how this disease operates, why it's so frequently neglected, and why it's an instigator of numerous chronic diseases.What Is Hypertension?Hypertension happens when the pressure in your blood vessels is consistently higher than normal—usually 140/90 mmHg or more, states the World Health Organization (WHO). The normal and healthy level is estimated to be 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure increases when the arteries get narrow or stiff, causing the heart to work harder.This repeated overworking can progressively result in permanent damage to essential organs. Though risky, hypertension hardly ever has obvious signs, and therefore regular screening is important.At a global level, estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30 to 79 years have hypertension, and most of them live in low- and middle-income nations. Alarmingly, 46% of them do not even know they have it, and just 1 in 5 keeps it under control, as per WHO statistics.In the US alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 47% of adults, or roughly 116 million individuals, have hypertension, yet only 24% control it well. The economic burden is just as overwhelming, with the US spending $131 billion each year on care related to hypertension.Why Is Hypertension So Dangerous?Hypertension is commonly referred to as the "silent killer" due to its lack of noticeable symptoms. Unchecked, it progressively damages your arteries and vital organs. This is how it progressively dismantles the body:Cardiovascular DamageYour heart is one of the first organs to be affected by sustained high blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure over time leads to:Coronary artery disease, in which stiffened arteries constrict blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attacks.Heart failure, as the heart muscle stiffens or weakens and cannot pump blood efficiently.Left ventricular hypertrophy, in which the left chamber stiffens and hypertrophies creating a risk of sudden cardiac death.The heart has to work harder against the higher resistance, subjecting it to constant strain usually with lethal results.Brain DamageA healthy brain depends on regular blood supply. Hypertension disrupts this in frightening ways:Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini-strokes indicate blocked blood flow as a result of damaged arteries or clots.Stroke, a major killer and cause of disability, happens when brain blood supply is cut off.Vascular dementia, due to chronic impaired blood flow, affects memory and mental function.Even a minor increase in blood pressure can multiply the risk of stroke manifold, highlighting the need for timely intervention.Kidney DamageKidneys are the body's built-in filtration system, but their operation is greatly dependent on normal blood vessels. Long-standing hypertension may cause:Kidney scarring and impaired filtration.Kidney failure with the need for dialysis or transplant.Aggravated damage when paired with diabetes.Hypertension is among the top causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) world-wide, and its control is crucial to maintaining kidney function.Vision Loss and Eye ComplicationsElevated blood pressure can seriously impact the eyes by harming the tiny blood vessels in the retina:Hypertensive retinopathy, which can lead to bleeding, blurred vision, or blindness.Choroidopathy, where fluid accumulates and distorts vision.Optic neuropathy, where the optic nerve becomes damaged and vision is permanently impaired.Regular eye examinations are especially important for the hypertensive to detect such changes early.Effect on Sexual HealthSexual health is not spared by hypertension either:Male erectile dysfunction (ED) due to limited blood flow to the penis.Reduced libido and arousal in women, commonly involving vaginal dryness or anorgasmia.Such complications are under-discussed but have a strong impact on quality of life as well as relationship satisfaction.A new study in Sweden, headed by Dr. Jonas Wuopio of the Karolinska Institutet, has discovered a direct correlation between salt consumption and the development of arterial plaque regardless of blood pressure levels. The linear correlation demonstrates that the higher the salt consumption, the greater the atherosclerosis, which implies that salt can start to damage arteries well before hypertension fully develops.This finding underscores why dietary modification—such as reducing salt—need not await a diagnosis.Hypertension Prevention and Management TipsHypertension is also mostly preventable and manageable via lifestyle modifications, such as:Eating a balanced, low-sodium dietRegular exerciseHealthy weight maintenanceDecreasing alcohol consumption and smoking cessationMonitoring of blood pressure regularlyPharmacological agents are also readily available and effective if prescribed and consistently followed.Hypertension is not a figure, it's a complex, serious medical condition with far-reaching effects on your entire body. From heart attack and stroke to vision impairment and kidney disease, the consequences are dire and numerous but with heightened awareness, lifestyle modification, and medication, it's completely controllable.

world hypertension day: why hypertension leads to serious health problems?

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On May 15, 2025, Japan's Sakurajima volcano erupted and sent a massive ash plume which soared 3,000 metres above the crater. This information has been confirmed by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Ever since, the JMA has maintained a Level 3 volcanic alert, which warns people to stay away from the volcano. Ash fall is also expected in surrounding areas, including in areas Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki.

While it is a natural disaster, however, this also impacts one's health. Let us look at how can volcanic eruption can impact one's health.

<h4>Volcanic Eruptions' Impact On Health</h4>

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), volcanoes are geographical formations where lava, small rocks, and steam are released onto the surface of the earth.

When a volcano erupts, it can release harmful particles, including volcanic gases and ash, into the air. These volcanic gases may have an adverse impact on your health, including:

<ul><li>Carbon Dioxide (CO2)</li><li>Sulfur Dioxide (So2)</li><li>Hydrogen Chloride (HCL)</li><li>Hydrogen Sulfide (H2s)</li><li>Radon (Rn)</li><li>Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)</li><li>Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)</li></ul>

<h4>How Each Toxic Gas Impacts Health</h4>

As per the USDA Food and Safety Inspection Service, CO2 is colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas that naturally occurs in the atmosphere. As the CDC mentions, it is also released when a volcanic eruption takes place. CO2 is considered to be minimally toxic by inhalation. The primary health effects caused by CO2 are the result of its behavior as a simple asphyxiant.

A simple asphyxiant is a gas which reduces or displaces the normal oxygen in breathing air.

Symptoms of mild CO2 exposure may include headache and drowsiness. At higher levels, rapid breathing, confusion, increased cardiac output, elevated blood pressure, and increased arrhythmias may occur. Breathing oxygen-depleted air caused by extreme CO2 concentrations can lead to death by suffocation.

As per the National Park Service, Sulfur dioxide is a colorless, reactive air pollutant with a strong odor. This gas can be a threat to human, animal and plant health.

It can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. High concentrations of SO2 can also cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system. This can then lead to pain when taking deep breaths, coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties. This gas can further affect lung function, worsen asthma attacks, and exacerbate existing heart diseases.

As per the CDC, hydrogen chloride is a colorless to slightly yellow gas with a pungent odor. On exposure to air, the gas forms dense white vapors due to condensation with atmospheric moisture.

Upon inhalation, the odor could irritate and affect the lungs. While it cannot be absorbed through the skin, its direct contact could irritate the skin and cause chemical burns. The ingestion could also lead to corrosive injury to the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.

As per the US Department of Labor, hydrogen sulfide causes a wide range of health effects, especially if you breathe it and are exposed to it for a longer duration. Its exposure to very high concentrations could also lead to death.

It is a highly flammable, explosive gas, and can cause a life-threatening situation when not handled properly. Its exposure to skin can cause "blue skin" or frostbite.

As per the US Environmental Protection Agency, radon could lead to lung cancer. It is also the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

As per the CDC, it is also a colorless gas or liquid that could cause severe damage to the body. The effects could also depend on how long one is exposed to the gas. If it is breathed in, it can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Breathing in a large amount could cause death from irregular heartbeat or from fluid buildup in the lungs. It can also cause rash and deep, slow-healing burns.

As per the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water run by the Australian Government, sulfuric acid is the world's largest volume industrial chemical. It is corrosive in nature and can severely burn the skin and eyes. It can also cause third-degree burns and blindness on contact. It can also irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

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On May 15, 2025, Japan's Sakurajima volcano erupted and sent a massive ash plume which soared 3,000 metres above the crater. This information has been confirmed by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).Ever since, the JMA has maintained a Level 3 volcanic alert, which warns people to stay away from the volcano. Ash fall is also expected in surrounding areas, including in areas Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki.While it is a natural disaster, however, this also impacts one's health. Let us look at how can volcanic eruption can impact one's health.Volcanic Eruptions' Impact On HealthAs per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), volcanoes are geographical formations where lava, small rocks, and steam are released onto the surface of the earth.When a volcano erupts, it can release harmful particles, including volcanic gases and ash, into the air. These volcanic gases may have an adverse impact on your health, including:Carbon Dioxide (CO2)Sulfur Dioxide (So2)Hydrogen Chloride (HCL)Hydrogen Sulfide (H2s)Radon (Rn)Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)How Each Toxic Gas Impacts HealthCarbon DioxideAs per the USDA Food and Safety Inspection Service, CO2 is colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas that naturally occurs in the atmosphere. As the CDC mentions, it is also released when a volcanic eruption takes place. CO2 is considered to be minimally toxic by inhalation. The primary health effects caused by CO2 are the result of its behavior as a simple asphyxiant.A simple asphyxiant is a gas which reduces or displaces the normal oxygen in breathing air.Symptoms of mild CO2 exposure may include headache and drowsiness. At higher levels, rapid breathing, confusion, increased cardiac output, elevated blood pressure, and increased arrhythmias may occur. Breathing oxygen-depleted air caused by extreme CO2 concentrations can lead to death by suffocation.Sulfur DioxideAs per the National Park Service, Sulfur dioxide is a colorless, reactive air pollutant with a strong odor. This gas can be a threat to human, animal and plant health.It can irritate the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. High concentrations of SO2 can also cause inflammation and irritation of the respiratory system. This can then lead to pain when taking deep breaths, coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties. This gas can further affect lung function, worsen asthma attacks, and exacerbate existing heart diseases.Hydrogen ChlorideAs per the CDC, hydrogen chloride is a colorless to slightly yellow gas with a pungent odor. On exposure to air, the gas forms dense white vapors due to condensation with atmospheric moisture.Upon inhalation, the odor could irritate and affect the lungs. While it cannot be absorbed through the skin, its direct contact could irritate the skin and cause chemical burns. The ingestion could also lead to corrosive injury to the lips, mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.Hydrogen SulfideAs per the US Department of Labor, hydrogen sulfide causes a wide range of health effects, especially if you breathe it and are exposed to it for a longer duration. Its exposure to very high concentrations could also lead to death.It is a highly flammable, explosive gas, and can cause a life-threatening situation when not handled properly. Its exposure to skin can cause "blue skin" or frostbite.RadonAs per the US Environmental Protection Agency, radon could lead to lung cancer. It is also the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.Hydrogen FluorideAs per the CDC, it is also a colorless gas or liquid that could cause severe damage to the body. The effects could also depend on how long one is exposed to the gas. If it is breathed in, it can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Breathing in a large amount could cause death from irregular heartbeat or from fluid buildup in the lungs. It can also cause rash and deep, slow-healing burns.Sulfuric AcidAs per the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water run by the Australian Government, sulfuric acid is the world's largest volume industrial chemical. It is corrosive in nature and can severely burn the skin and eyes. It can also cause third-degree burns and blindness on contact. It can also irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.

japan's sakurajima volcano eruption: does living near a volcano affect your health?

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