Paris. Just the word is enough. Even for those who have not been to there, (like me), can picture them there amid the smell of roses and freshly baked croissants. They can imagine this fresh vanilla smell through the Parisian streets with the images of picturesque boulevards and charming cafes. But sadly, it is far from reality and even further from the Paris dream that is portrayed by popular media. Nalla El Shekshaky, born and raised in Paris writes in Metropolis, which is Japan's English Magazine that Paris is far from what people are fed by the media. This affects particularly Japanese tourists, and the fantasy quickly crumbles into something far more disillusioning, giving rise to the Paris Syndrome.

What is Paris Syndrome?

It was first identified by psychiatrist Hiroaki Ota in the 1980s and is characterized by severe symptoms such as anxiety, hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, and feelings of persecution. While it can occur with any tourist, it is most frequently reported by Japanese travelers.

Paris Syndrome is a rare but real psychological phenomenon that affects some visitors when the reality of Paris sharply contrasts with their expectations.

But, why does it affect Japanese tourists?

To understand why this syndrome predominantly affects Japanese visitors, we must consider the cultural factors at play. Japanese people have a particularly idealized view of Paris, one that is deeply ingrained in their society. From French-sounding store names to the portrayal of Paris in films and literature, France—especially Paris—represents a symbol of luxury, refinement, and sophistication. This idealization leads to heightened expectations that may not align with the reality of the city.

In fact, many Japanese tourists are surprised to find that Paris isn’t as pristine and perfect as they imagined. The city’s streets are often littered with cigarette butts, and the romantic notion of a peaceful stroll along the Seine may give way to encounters with urban grime and occasional rat sightings. The contrast between the pristine, almost fairy-tale image of Paris and its real, bustling urban life can feel jarring. This shock is often amplified by cultural differences, such as the French penchant for smoking in public spaces, which is in stark contrast to the Japanese disdain for smoking in the open.

Now the challenge is not just cultural, but also logistical. The language is a barrier, then there is racism too. All of these are accompanied by jet lag, home sickness, of all leading to the symptoms of Paris Syndrome.

While the syndrome is not widely known outside of psychological circles, its effects are real and severe. For some, the disillusionment with Paris becomes so overwhelming that they seek psychological help or are even repatriated back to Japan. Some report extreme paranoia, believing their hotel rooms are bugged or that they are being persecuted. In extreme cases, hallucinations and feelings of depersonalization can occur.

Is It Only Limited To Paris?

The simple answer is no. It is not unique to a particular place, but could happen to anyone who has idealised any region. Similar cases have been reported with Jerusalem Syndrome, where religious pilgrims experiences psychosis due to overwhelming spiritual significance of the location. Though Paris Syndrome stands out more because it comes from a mismatch between fantasy and reality.

Is there a way to avoid Paris Syndrome?

Well, to avoid psychological toll, it is important that the visitors know the reality and adjust their expectations accordingly. While Paris is a beautiful and iconic city, not everything they see on TV is true. The best way is to talk to those who have been there to know what to expect. It is always better to lower your expectations than to be disappointed.

Before you buy a health insurance, it is important that you understand its waiting period first. What exactly is the waiting period for a health insurance? It is the time you must wait before your policy covers certain conditions or treatments.

The longest waiting period, especially for pre-existing conditions, can stretch up to four years, depending on the insurer and the policy you choose. This guide will help you to understand how exactly does this waiting period work. This guide will answer all your questions, including: the longest wait you might face, and effective strategies to reduce or manage them.

What is the Longest Waiting Period for Health Insurance?

The longest waiting period for health insurance, particularly for pre-existing conditions, can extend up to five years.

According to Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) guidelines, the illness-specific waiting period cannot exceed three years. For pre-existing diseases, the waiting period cannot exceed five years.

Depending on the insurer and the specific health plan, the waiting period for these conditions typically ranges from one to three years.

How Can You Reduce the Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

While health insurance policies often come with a waiting period, it is possible to shorten or modify these restrictions by opting for certain covers, usually at an extra cost.

The options available for reducing the waiting period vary from various insurer, so it is important to check the specific details with your provider.

Here are some methods to help reduce the waiting period on your health insurance policy:

Choose a Policy with a Waiting Period Waiver

Some insurers offer waiting period waivers as add-ons or features within their health insurance plans. These waivers can help lower or even remove waiting periods for certain types of coverage.

For instance, a Pre-existing Disease (PED) waiting period waiver could reduce the waiting time for pre-existing conditions.

Add a Top-Up Plan

Top-up plans or riders are additional coverages that can be attached to your existing health insurance policy. These plans often come with reduced waiting periods and enhanced protection, helping you access benefits sooner.

Negotiate with Your Insurer

If you have a clean health history or have been a loyal customer, you can negotiate with your insurer to shorten waiting periods. Some insurers may consider such negotiations, especially for long-term policyholders.

Specialized Plans for Pre-existing Conditions

Certain insurers offer specialized policies with shorter waiting periods if you have a pre-existing condition not covered by regular plans. However, these plans usually have a higher premium to compensate for the increased risk.

Opt for Co-Payment

You can often reduce waiting periods by agreeing to a co-payment option, where you share a portion of the medical costs with the insurer. This arrangement lowers the insurer’s risk and may result in quicker access to coverage.

What are the Different Factors That Influence the Duration of the Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

The length of the waiting period in health insurance is shaped by several elements, which can vary depending on the policy type, the insurance provider, and specific health conditions.

These factors determine how long policyholders must wait before claiming benefits, whether for pre-existing conditions, certain treatments, or maternity coverage. Being aware of these factors allows individuals to choose policies that match their healthcare needs.

Here are some key factors that impact the duration of the waiting period:

Type of Insurance Policy:

The type of policy determines the waiting period. Each has its specific terms depending on the type of policy being issued. It is smart to consult your insurer beforehand for details concerning this.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions:

If you have a pre-existing health condition, it will attract a waiting period of two to five years with insurers. The severity of the condition and the type of condition also contribute to this factor.

Age of the Policyholder:

Older individuals typically experience extended waiting periods for specific treatments or pre-existing conditions, as they have higher health risks due to age.

Insurer’s Policy Guidelines:

The waiting periods vary between insurance providers. Some insurance companies may agree to allow you to select a shorter waiting period, but at the cost of paying a higher premium.

Type of Treatment or Condition:

In general, treatments that are expensive or that are not immediately necessary, like surgeries or joint replacements, fall under a ‘waiting list’. These can take up to two years or even more, depending on the policy you avail from the insurer.

The waiting period in health insurance can significantly impact when you start benefiting from your coverage, especially for pre-existing conditions or costly treatments.

You can reduce these waiting times by choosing policies wisely, negotiating with your insurer, or adding top-up plans. Awareness of the above-mentioned factors about waiting periods helps you be prepared and look for a policy that meets your needs more closely.

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability and continues to claim countless lives across the globe. To raise awareness about this life-threatening condition and its complications, World Stroke Day is observed every year on October 29. The theme for 2025, “Every Minute Counts,” highlights the urgency of quick medical response.

Although a stroke can happen to anyone at any age, certain health factors can make the risk much higher. Understanding these risk factors and managing them early is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Among them, learning to identify early warning signs through the FAST formula and keeping conditions like high blood pressure in check are crucial.

To understand more about stroke awareness and prevention, we spoke to Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director and HOD – Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, and Dr Rajas Y, Consultant and Head – Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage or internal bleeding. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, its cells start dying within minutes, leading to sudden loss of speech, movement, or consciousness.

As per the Cleveland Clinic, strokes are the second leading cause of death globally and the fifth leading cause in the United States. Yet, experts say that nearly half of these cases can be avoided or treated more effectively if medical help is received in time.

Dr Bhardwaj explains, “The key to survival and recovery is knowing the symptoms and acting immediately.”

What Is The F.A.S.T. Formula for Early Stroke Detection

A stroke strikes suddenly, and its outcome depends on how quickly one recognises the warning signs. The FAST formula which is short for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time, helps people identify a possible stroke and respond without delay.

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Notice if one side of their face droops.

A – Arms: Ask them to lift both arms. See if one drifts downward or feels weak.

S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a short sentence. Check if their words sound slurred or unusual.

T – Time: If any of these signs appear, don’t wait—call emergency services immediately.

Dr Bhardwaj adds, “If someone suddenly falls or their speech becomes unclear for no obvious reason, act at once. Every second matters.”

With Stroke, Every Minute Counts

The first four and a half hours after the onset of stroke symptoms are known as the “golden window.” During this time, clot-busting drugs or medical procedures can help restore blood flow to the brain and prevent permanent damage.

Dr Bhardwaj explains, “If a large vessel is blocked and this window is missed, recovery becomes much harder. Nearly two million brain cells die every minute that treatment is delayed. In a stroke, time truly is brain.”

Does High Blood Pressure Cause Stroke?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke, and importantly, it is preventable. Constant high pressure damages and narrows blood vessels, which can either rupture or become blocked, leading to ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes.

“Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure weakens the blood vessel walls, making them fragile and prone to rupture,” says Dr Rajas. “It also causes plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow to the brain.”

Because it often has no visible symptoms, hypertension is called a silent killer. Some people may occasionally experience headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds, but these signs usually appear only when blood pressure has reached dangerous levels. Detecting it early is key to preventing stroke and other complications.

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups

Monitoring blood pressure regularly is one of the simplest ways to lower your risk of stroke. Adults should get their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, and more frequently if they have additional risks such as obesity, smoking, or a family history of hypertension.

Routine medical visits help doctors keep track of your blood pressure, adjust treatment if necessary, and suggest helpful lifestyle changes. Staying proactive with these check-ups can make a major difference in long-term health.

Can You Have a Stroke With Normal Blood Pressure?

While high blood pressure is a major cause, strokes can also happen to people with normal readings. Other risk factors play a role, including:

• Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat that allows clots to travel to the brain.
• High cholesterol: Causes plaque buildup that narrows or blocks arteries.
• Diabetes: Damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk.
• Lifestyle habits: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and certain drugs can heighten the risk.

A recent study published in The Lancet highlighted a strong link between long-term air pollution exposure and the growing burden of stroke, especially in the young population. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) continuously hovering in the 'very poor' category, experts are now warning people of strokes.

Doctors say that exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, No2, and CO can raise the stroke risks. This can also trigger stroke within hours even after short-term exposure.

What Is A Stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This causes brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to lasting brain damage, disability and even death.

What Is The Link Between Pollution And Stroke?

As per the recent study, pollution-related inflammation and stress could catalyze damage even in healthy individuals. Doctors say that toxic particles in the air can cause your blood vessels to get inflamed and also increase the risk of hypertension and diabetes.

Air Pollution And Hypertension: How It Leads To An Increase Risk Of Stroke

The Journal of Cardiology Practice notes that air pollution is a complex mixture of particulate matter or (PM), and gaseous components that can have an independent effect on the body, or through potentially synergistic and antagonistic effects. The journal further notes that epidemiological findings demonstrate particulate pollutants cause significant increases in BP levels in relation to both short- and long-term exposures, with robust evidence for exposures to PM2.5.

The journal notes that due to an increase in the blood pressure, there exists a bidirectional relationship between air pollution and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Thus, the risk of stroke gets increased.

How Risky Is Air Pollution For You?

As per the Indian Stroke Association, there is a stroke case every 20 seconds, with over 18 lakh new cases annually. This alarming number associated with the stroke age has dropped to 50-60 years in the country, as compared to 60 to 70 in the West.

While doctors recommend at least 20 minutes of exercise daily, the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) advise people to stay indoors when the AQI crosses 150. However, even staying indoors is not safe. Several studies have found that the air inside the city homes have 12 times more fungal spokes than the WHO safety limits.

hey can cause skin allergies, respiratory issues, and anxiety. As per a 2021 study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC India), PM 2.5 levels for low-income and high-income households in Delhi were high during the winters. The concentrations reported 23 and 29 times higher than the WHO safe limits, respectively. These findings also suggested that high-income households were 13 times more likely to own air purifiers than low-income households.

How To Recognize Stroke Symptoms?

As per Dr Ashish Gosar, Consultant Neurologist at Saifee Hospitals, "When it comes to stroke, every second counts." The doctor says that the first 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms is the most crucial period.

The doctors can administer a thrombolytic agent, a clot-busting drug that restores blood flow to the brain. Before giving this medicine, doctors perform urgent imaging, like a CT scan or MRI, to confirm that the stroke is caused by a clot and not bleeding.

Acting within this timeframe can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.

Read: The 'BEFAST' Trick Could Help You Detect Your Stroke Before It Happens, According To Doctor

Common Symptoms Of Stroke

• Aphasia, or speaking, or a complete loss of speech
• Blurred or double vision
• Confusion or agitation
• Coma
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Headaches
• Loss of muscle control on one side
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Sudden worsening or loss of your senses