Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Observed every year on 17th of April, <span>World Hemophilia Day</span> plays a very important role in increasing awareness about <span>hemophilia</span> and other bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is defined as a sudden and excessive bleeding after an injury by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. As many as 33,000 males suffer with this disease in the United States. For women, the symptoms may be mild but, it can still lead to reduced joint range of motion. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">World Hemophilia Day 2025 History</span> </h2>

The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) started World Hemophilia Day in 1989. They picked April 17th to honor Frank Schnabel, the founder of WFH, on his birthday, as a way to bring the community together. Haemophiliia Foundation Australia stated that WFH has a dream called "Treatment for All." They want a world where everyone with inherited bleeding disorders can get medical care, no matter what kind of bleeding problem they have, if they are a man or woman, how old they are, or where they live. This April, let's celebrate our community and keep working towards a world where everyone, whether they have hemophilia A or B, von Willebrand disease (VWD), or any other bleeding disorder, can get diagnosed, treated, and receive complete care 

<h2>World Hemophilia Day 2025 Theme </h2>

Choosing "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too" as the theme is a big step. It helps us look at the special needs of women and girls with these conditions. Often, their problems are not seen as much as men's. This day wants to make sure their struggles are noticed and that they get better care. Historically, the experiences and challenges faced by this population have been less visible within the broader bleeding disorders community. 

This aims to bring their unique struggles to the forefront. The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF), has expressed their enthusiasm about the theme, and how meaningful it is. They commended the advocacy of the International Women &amp; Girls with Bleeding Disorders Committee. 

The central theme for World Hemophilia Day 2025, "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too," directly addresses the systemic inequities faced by Women &amp; Girls with Bleeding Disorders (WGBDs). This theme underscores the critical need to: 

Many women and girls experience significant delays or fail to receive a proper diagnosis due to prevailing misconceptions about who is affected by bleeding disorders. 

Even when diagnosed, WGBDs often do not receive the same level of care and treatment as their male counterparts. 

<h4><span rel="noindex">Raise Awareness</span> </h4>

There is a significant lack of understanding among the general public and even healthcare professionals regarding how bleeding disorders manifest in women and girls. 

The consequences of undiagnosed or poorly managed bleeding disorders can severely impact the educational, professional, and personal lives of women and girls. 

<h2>World Hemophilia Day 2025 Importance </h2>

World Hemophilia Day 2025, under the banner of "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too," is of paramount importance for several reasons: 

It provides a global platform to raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by women and girls with bleeding disorders. 

The day serves as a catalyst for advocating for improved diagnostic pathways, treatment protocols, and overall care for WGBDs. 

It unites the global bleeding disorders community in a shared commitment to ensuring equitable access to care for all individuals, regardless of gender. 

It encourages individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to take concrete steps towards addressing the unmet needs of women and girls with bleeding disorders. 

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World Hemophilia Day 2025 History

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Observed every year on 17th of April, World Hemophilia Day plays a very important role in increasing awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Hemophilia is defined as a sudden and excessive bleeding after an injury by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. As many as 33,000 males suffer with this disease in the United States. For women, the symptoms may be mild but, it can still lead to reduced joint range of motion. World Hemophilia Day 2025 History The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) started World Hemophilia Day in 1989. They picked April 17th to honor Frank Schnabel, the founder of WFH, on his birthday, as a way to bring the community together. Haemophiliia Foundation Australia stated that WFH has a dream called "Treatment for All." They want a world where everyone with inherited bleeding disorders can get medical care, no matter what kind of bleeding problem they have, if they are a man or woman, how old they are, or where they live. This April, let's celebrate our community and keep working towards a world where everyone, whether they have hemophilia A or B, von Willebrand disease (VWD), or any other bleeding disorder, can get diagnosed, treated, and receive complete care World Hemophilia Day 2025 Theme Choosing "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too" as the theme is a big step. It helps us look at the special needs of women and girls with these conditions. Often, their problems are not seen as much as men's. This day wants to make sure their struggles are noticed and that they get better care. Historically, the experiences and challenges faced by this population have been less visible within the broader bleeding disorders community. This aims to bring their unique struggles to the forefront. The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF), has expressed their enthusiasm about the theme, and how meaningful it is. They commended the advocacy of the International Women & Girls with Bleeding Disorders Committee. The central theme for World Hemophilia Day 2025, "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too," directly addresses the systemic inequities faced by Women & Girls with Bleeding Disorders (WGBDs). This theme underscores the critical need to: Combat Underdiagnosis Many women and girls experience significant delays or fail to receive a proper diagnosis due to prevailing misconceptions about who is affected by bleeding disorders. Improve Treatment Access Even when diagnosed, WGBDs often do not receive the same level of care and treatment as their male counterparts. Raise Awareness There is a significant lack of understanding among the general public and even healthcare professionals regarding how bleeding disorders manifest in women and girls. Enhance Quality of Life The consequences of undiagnosed or poorly managed bleeding disorders can severely impact the educational, professional, and personal lives of women and girls. World Hemophilia Day 2025 Importance World Hemophilia Day 2025, under the banner of "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too," is of paramount importance for several reasons: Increased Visibility It provides a global platform to raise awareness about the specific challenges faced by women and girls with bleeding disorders. Advocacy for Change The day serves as a catalyst for advocating for improved diagnostic pathways, treatment protocols, and overall care for WGBDs. Community Unification It unites the global bleeding disorders community in a shared commitment to ensuring equitable access to care for all individuals, regardless of gender. Call to Action It encourages individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers to take concrete steps towards addressing the unmet needs of women and girls with bleeding disorders. 

World Hemophilia Day 2025: History, Theme, Significance And Importance

world hemophilia day 2025: history, theme, significance and importance

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Human papillomavirus (<span>HPV</span>) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The <span>World Health Organization</span> explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. 

What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! 

A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. 

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer</span> </h2>

Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. 

The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. 

To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: 

<ul><li>One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.</li><li>Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.</li><li>The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.</li></ul>

The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. 

<h2>Making At-Home Tests Accessible </h2>

The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. 

Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

world health organization

At-Home HPV Testing4

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings

Cancer Screenings

Cancer Screenings study

At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer

health & wellbeing

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that affects every sexually active person at some point of their life, even if there are no symptoms. The World Health Organization explains that it can affect the skin, genital area, and throat. While preventative measures do help, they cannot totally protect themselves from transmission. Despite the contagious nature of the virus, these infections go away without treatment. However, there are some likely scenarios where they can cause abnormal cells to develop, which later on become cancer. What deters many people from getting themselves checked out is the general stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections or diseases. So, when at home tests became available, the rates screenings improved a lot! A new study suggests that women are much more likely to get screened for HPV (human papillomavirus) if they can do the test themselves at home in private. This is a big deal because almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Researchers found that when women were offered a mail-in test kit, the number of women getting screened more than doubled. Why At-Home Testing is a Game-Changer Around 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the U.S. Sadly, more than half of these women have either rarely or never been screened for HPV. Traditional screening often involves a pelvic exam at a clinic, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some women. It also requires them to take time off and travel to the clinic. The good news is that the first at-home screening test for cervical cancer recently got approved for use in the U.S. and should be available very soon. This new option could make a huge difference in how many women get screened. How the Study Proved Its Point To see how at-home testing would work in real life, researchers studied nearly 2,500 women aged 30 to 65. They divided the women into three groups: One group received a phone call reminding them to go to a clinic for screening.Another group was mailed an at-home self-collection test kit.The third group received an at-home kit and also got a follow-up call if they didn't return their kit quickly.The results were clear: women who were offered an at-home test kit were more than twice as likely to get screened. About 41% of those who received a kit participated, compared to only 17% who just got a phone reminder to go to a clinic. When women who received a kit also got follow-up reminders, participation jumped even higher, to 47%. Interestingly, over 80% of the women in the test kit groups who participated chose to mail in their kit for analysis, rather than going to a clinic. Making At-Home Tests Accessible The study also found that about 13% of the women who returned a kit tested positive for a high-risk type of HPV. As these self-collection tests become more widely available, it's crucial to ensure they are offered in clinics and health centers, especially for people who face bigger challenges in accessing healthcare. By removing these hurdles, experts hope to increase screening rates and significantly reduce the burden of preventable cervical cancer. Researchers now plan to investigate how to best use these HPV self-collection tests in different healthcare settings. While at-home HPV testing offers great promise, the next challenge is to make sure it's adopted safely and effectively into regular medical practice. This includes figuring out how healthcare providers can best follow up with women who have abnormal test results. 

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For decades, moderate alcohol consumption—typically defined as one to two drinks per day—was thought to provide certain protective benefits for heart health. However, the <span>American Heart Association</span> (AHA) has now issued a strong scientific statement saying that belief no longer holds up against emerging evidence. The AHA, along with many cardiologists in India, including those in Kolkata, are urging caution and reconsideration of alcohol's role in heart health.

<h4>Rethinking the “Protective” Myth</h4>

According to the AHA statement released on June 9, new studies using improved research methods have cast doubt on earlier findings that suggested alcohol might reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes. While some observational studies hinted at cardioprotective effects, experts now say the data lacks consistency and credibility.

The idea that <span>moderate drinking</span> might lower the risk of certain heart conditions emerged from flawed or outdated studies, many of which didn’t adequately account for lifestyle, dietary patterns, or underlying health issues in participants.

The relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease is far from straightforward. The AHA points out that alcohol use has long been linked with a range of heart-related conditions—including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure. While excessive <span>alcohol consumption</span> has always been known to be harmful, even moderate intake may not be as safe as once believed.

Cardiologists caution that no randomized controlled trial has definitively shown alcohol in any form to be beneficial for heart health. Claims that wine—especially red wine—may have positive effects apply only in very specific contexts, and do not justify broad public recommendations.

Experts highlight that for certain individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure, reducing or even eliminating alcohol consumption may be the only safe course. This is because alcohol—even when consumed moderately—can aggravate hypertension and make it harder to control.

There’s also uncertainty around stroke risk. While heavy drinking undeniably increases the likelihood of strokes, the impact of low to moderate drinking remains unclear due to conflicting data. This uncertainty challenges the assumption that light drinking is harmless.

Health professionals continue to warn that all forms of substance use, including alcohol and tobacco, contribute to lifestyle diseases and chronic health conditions. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. However, India’s revised Dietary Guidelines, prepared by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, do not make any mention of alcohol at all—highlighting a gap in national-level public health messaging.

The global burden of alcohol-related health issues is immense. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that alcohol-related conditions could cost the U.S. nearly $1.87 trillion between 2011 and 2050, equivalent to about 1.45% of the country’s GDP. The NIH also criticized the lack of clear public messaging, which has allowed myths about alcohol’s safety to persist for decades.

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforced this warning. In a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, it declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that does not affect health. WHO has also set a goal of reducing harmful alcohol use globally by 10% between 2013 and 2025.

is moderate drinking safe?

american heart association

health and wellness

alcohol consumption

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moderate drinking

For decades, moderate alcohol consumption—typically defined as one to two drinks per day—was thought to provide certain protective benefits for heart health. However, the American Heart Association (AHA) has now issued a strong scientific statement saying that belief no longer holds up against emerging evidence. The AHA, along with many cardiologists in India, including those in Kolkata, are urging caution and reconsideration of alcohol's role in heart health.Rethinking the “Protective” MythAccording to the AHA statement released on June 9, new studies using improved research methods have cast doubt on earlier findings that suggested alcohol might reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes. While some observational studies hinted at cardioprotective effects, experts now say the data lacks consistency and credibility.The idea that moderate drinking might lower the risk of certain heart conditions emerged from flawed or outdated studies, many of which didn’t adequately account for lifestyle, dietary patterns, or underlying health issues in participants.Complex and Controversial LinksThe relationship between alcohol and cardiovascular disease is far from straightforward. The AHA points out that alcohol use has long been linked with a range of heart-related conditions—including high blood pressure (hypertension), myocardial infarction (heart attack), arrhythmias, stroke, and heart failure. While excessive alcohol consumption has always been known to be harmful, even moderate intake may not be as safe as once believed.Cardiologists caution that no randomized controlled trial has definitively shown alcohol in any form to be beneficial for heart health. Claims that wine—especially red wine—may have positive effects apply only in very specific contexts, and do not justify broad public recommendations.When Moderation Isn’t EnoughExperts highlight that for certain individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure, reducing or even eliminating alcohol consumption may be the only safe course. This is because alcohol—even when consumed moderately—can aggravate hypertension and make it harder to control.There’s also uncertainty around stroke risk. While heavy drinking undeniably increases the likelihood of strokes, the impact of low to moderate drinking remains unclear due to conflicting data. This uncertainty challenges the assumption that light drinking is harmless.Addiction and Lifestyle RisksHealth professionals continue to warn that all forms of substance use, including alcohol and tobacco, contribute to lifestyle diseases and chronic health conditions. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women. However, India’s revised Dietary Guidelines, prepared by the Indian Council for Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, do not make any mention of alcohol at all—highlighting a gap in national-level public health messaging.The global burden of alcohol-related health issues is immense. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated that alcohol-related conditions could cost the U.S. nearly $1.87 trillion between 2011 and 2050, equivalent to about 1.45% of the country’s GDP. The NIH also criticized the lack of clear public messaging, which has allowed myths about alcohol’s safety to persist for decades.In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reinforced this warning. In a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, it declared that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that does not affect health. WHO has also set a goal of reducing harmful alcohol use globally by 10% between 2013 and 2025.

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As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the <span>cataract awareness month</span>. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of <span>vision loss</span> worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. 

<h4>Why Is It Declared As The <span rel="noindex">Cataract Month</span>?</h4>

As per the International Agency for the Prevention of <span>Blindness</span> (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. 

It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. 

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. 

<h4>History Of Cataract Awareness Month </h4>

Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. 

The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. 

The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. 

<h4>How Does Cataract Affect Vision?</h4>

<ul><li>Blurred or foggy vision</li><li>Increased sensitivity to light or glare</li><li>Difficulty seeing at night</li><li>Colors appear faded or yellow</li><li>Frequent changes in glasses prescription</li><li>Seeing halos around lights</li></ul>

Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. 

The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

june cataract month

eye health

cataract awareness month

cataract month

vision loss

blindness

As per the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, June is the cataract awareness month. This has been designated as a month to spread awareness around cataract and educate the public about it. This is also the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. This month-long observance also highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of cataracts, and emphasizes that prompt intervention can significantly preserve vision. Why Is It Declared As The Cataract Month?As per the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), this has been done to provide patients and professionals with free educational resources on cataract, which is the clouding of eye's lens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. An estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 year and older have cataract in one or both eyes. What Is Cataract?It is the clouding of eye's natural lens, which sits just behind the iris. In a healthy eye, this lens focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. Over time, due to aging or other factors, this lens may become cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts account for nearly 51% of world blindness and affects over 65 million people. History Of Cataract Awareness Month Prevent Blindness declared the month of June as Cataract Awareness Month and it has been joined by other organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and UNC Ophthalmology. This month spotlights an ocular disease. The earliest documented case of cataract was reported to be in a museum in Cairo that houses a small statue from the 5th dynasty. The wooden statue is of a priest reader who has a white patch carved into the pupil of the left eye. It is thought to represent a cataract. The earliest procedure of cataract removal is couching. Several illustrations too have been found inside Egyptian temples and tombs depict surgical instruments that indicate the use of couching, a procedure that involved dislodging the eye lens to clear the cataract. How Does Cataract Affect Vision?The following symptoms are:Blurred or foggy visionIncreased sensitivity to light or glareDifficulty seeing at nightColors appear faded or yellowFrequent changes in glasses prescriptionSeeing halos around lightsWhat Causes Cataract?Cataract are caused by various factors, some of which include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, smoking and alcohol consumption, long-term use of corticosteroids, and eye injuries. The best way to prevent them is to wear UV-protective sunglasses, manage systemic conditions like diabetes and also go for regular eye exams, especially after the age of 40. It is also important to focus on your diet and other lifestyle habits, and consume more green leafy vegetables, and fruits.

cataract awareness month: importance, significance, and history

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World Hemophilia Day 2025: History, Theme, Significance And Importance

Quick Stories

Limited Drinking Is NOT Safe, Says American Heart Association

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History

Health Conditions A-Z

Limited Drinking Is NOT Safe, Says American Heart Association

At-Home HPV Testing Improves Cancer Screenings: Study

Cataract Awareness Month: Importance, Significance, and History