STDs are the poor consequences of bad protection during intercourse. People often avoid or forget about protection because they are under the belief that it is only needed to avoid unwanted pregnancies and even then, they use the excuse that contraception fails sometimes. While that is true, they do not give a 100% guarantee of safeguarding you, 95% or 97% are better odds than zero. These contraceptives will not only keep you safe from conceiving a child but also keep you safe from contracting STDs/ STIs. These are some important lessons that you must learn in schools and should be an open dialogue to safeguard curious teens and young adults from making any mistakes.

While you may have heard of these diseases, you may not know how significantly it can affect your life if you contract it. Herpes is one of the most contagious and costly STD you can contract. According to Microbial Cell study, Herpes Simplex Virus-2 is the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections that can come back again and again, throughout your lifetime!

What Are STDs?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are highly infectious diseases or conditions that can be transferred from sexual contact with a person who may have it. These could be oral or sexual acts, and these infections are highly contagious. One of the most common symptoms of burning itching or some type of discharge from your genital area. According to Cleveland clinic more than 25 million STIs occur each year in the US and around the world the number is 374 million! With 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in the U.S. in 2021 according to Center of Disease Control and the age is even more shocking as the common occurring cases happen during the age of 15 to 24. Here are some common ones you should know about.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Almost everyone sexually active gets HPV. It's spread through sex or skin contact. Most types are harmless and go away, but some cause warts or cancer. A vaccine (Gardasil-9) protects against nine high-risk types. It's recommended for ages 11-26, and available for some up to 45. Pap smears detect HPV-related cervical changes. Some signs of it are genital warts, common, planter and flat warts that have a distinctive look to them and can be painful.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI spread through sex. Many have no symptoms, but some experience discharge or painful urination. It's treated with antibiotics, and retesting is important. Some signs of it are white, yellow or gray discharge, bleeding apart from your periods, increased need to pee and burning sensation when you do etc.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another bacterial STI with similar symptoms to chlamydia: discharge and painful urination. Most men have symptoms, but most women don't. It's easily treated with antibiotics. Some signs of it are painful urination, pus-like discharge from penis, swelling in one testicle for men and for women, it could be increased vaginal discharge, painful urination abdominal or pelvic pain.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a staged infection. It starts with a sore, then a rash, and can later cause serious organ and nerve damage if untreated. It's treated with antibiotics, and early treatment is key. Signs include hair loss, muscle ache, fever, sore throat, weight loss, etc.

Herpes

Herpes is spread through skin contact and causes painful blisters, though some have no symptoms. It's very contagious, even without visible blisters. There's no cure, but medication manages outbreaks. Signs of it are sores and irritation in some areas that the infected organ had touched, whether buttocks, thighs and

Trichomoniasis ("Trich")

Trich is caused by a parasite and is more common in women. Many have no symptoms, but some experience itching, burning, or unusual discharge. It's treated with antibiotics, and retesting is important. Signs include a lot vaginal discharge, often foul-smelling, genital redness, pain with urination and discomfort over stomach area.

HIV/AIDS

HIV attacks the immune system and is spread through specific body fluids, usually during unprotected sex or sharing needles. Early symptoms can be flu-like. Testing is essential for diagnosis. While there's no cure, medication helps people with HIV live long lives. Signs include fever and muscle pain, headache, sore throat, night sweats, mouth sores etc.

When it comes to keeping your home clean, people do not leave any stone unturned. Our parents would often nag us to clean our rooms and keep the house clean. While it would annoy us to no end, growing up we understood why they encouraged us to keep the place we live in clean. It's not just about making it look good, but also about protecting it from harmful bacteria and germs.

While your home may be your personal space, it can quickly become a breeding ground for germs. You are also more likely to fall sick due to an unhygienic space as you spend a lot of time at home, including resting and sleeping.

However, while you may clean your floors, your closet and the washroom frequently, there are many unsuspecting items that are not cleaned as often, sometimes not at all. These items are mostly used daily, and do not need to be cleaned daily. As insignificant these may seem, periodically cleaning them is necessary to stop them from becoming breeding grounds for health issues.

Unlikely Things That Get Neglected Being Cleaned

Sponges and Dish Cloths

Before tackling dishes or counters, remember your sponge and cloth can be very unclean. They collect food scraps and messes, creating a damp home for harmful bacteria that soap alone won't eliminate. A study published in the American Society of Microbiology revealed that 49% of kitchen towels have bad bacteria. Boiling your kitchen towels may be a good practice to keep hygiene otherwise you replace them periodically.

Carpets and Rugs

Consider everything tracked onto your floors – dirt, mud, and even tiny waste particles. According to research done by Philip Tierno Jr., Ph.D., a microbiologist and immunologist, carpets are 4000 times dirtier than your toilet seats. Shed skin feeds these germs, and rugs trap allergens and pet dander. Regular vacuuming isn't sufficient; the aim for professional deep cleaning annually to remove hidden contaminants.

Cutting Boards

Your cutting board, used for various foods like veggies and raw meat, can easily spread harmful bacteria if not properly cleaned. According to the North Carolina State University, plastic boards can develop germ-trapping grooves, while wood is harder to sanitize. Using separate boards for different food types and thorough washing after each use are crucial for preventing foodborne illness.

Toothbrush Holders

You diligently brush your teeth, but the storage of your toothbrush matters. Damp toothbrush holders, especially in steamy bathrooms, become ideal breeding grounds for various germs. These accumulate, and touching the holder can transfer thousands of microorganisms. Weekly washing with soap or dishwasher cleaning can help maintain a cleaner storage environment.

Coffee Makers

While you likely wash your mug daily, neglecting your coffee maker can lead to more than just a caffeine boost. Single-serve machines have water tanks where bacteria, mold, and yeast can thrive. Experts advise emptying and drying the tank after each use and descaling the machine regularly to prevent unwanted microbial growth.

Tech Gadgets

Think of the many hands touching your remote, the crumbs in your keyboard, and the constant handling of your phone. These shared devices can be surprisingly unclean, with keyboards harboring significant bacteria. Regular wiping with disinfectant and frequent handwashing are essential to minimize germ transfer from these commonly used items.

Pillows

Prepare yourself; your pillows can be a haven for dust mites, dead skin cells, and bodily fluids over time. Experts liken them to damp sponges that absorb various substances, creating a thriving environment for these unwanted guests. Regular washing every six months, annual replacement, and dust mite covers are recommended for cleaner sleep.

As temperatures rise and warm weather becomes unbearable, it is very important for people to take precautions to protect their own health. Things like applying sunscreen and covering up properly before they leave the house are a must. It also helps to know the symptoms of heatstroke as you will be able to identify it as soon as it happens.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) 2025 is likely to be one of the three warmest years for global average temperature. This unusual warmth means our bodies might not be fully used to such heat, making it even more important to be mindful of how we're feeling and any potential signs of heat-related illness. Several warnings have been issued globally for people to take proper precautions so that they do not fall victim to the harsh consequences of this heat.

Currently, the temperature in the UK is rising and the National Health Service has issued a warning for people to look out for this unexpected sign if heatstroke. While you may not expect it, signs of heatstroke can appear throughout your body, whether it is in the form of stress and lightheadedness in your arms and legs.

Unexpected Sign of Heatstroke

One lesser-known symptom of heatstroke happens to be cramps in your arms and legs. you might also experience them in your tummy area. So, if you're out in the heat and start to get these kinds of muscle spasms, it could be an early warning sign that your body is struggling with the high temperatures, and you need to take action to cool down and rehydrate. Don't ignore these cramps, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Can Symptoms Related To Heatstroke Be Life Threatening?

The National Health Service (NHS) is highlighting that a condition called heat exhaustion can develop into something much more serious, known as heatstroke, if it's not treated quickly. Heat exhaustion is when your body gets too hot, but it's usually something you can recover from if you take steps to cool down within about half an hour. However, if heat exhaustion progresses into heatstroke, it becomes a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment from healthcare professionals because it can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion early is key to preventing it from turning into heatstroke.

Other Symptoms To Be Aware Of

Besides muscle cramps, there are several other important signs of heat exhaustion that you should watch out for when it's very hot. These include feeling unusually tired, experiencing dizziness, having a headache, feeling sick to your stomach or actually vomiting, sweating a lot, and your skin becoming pale and feeling clammy, or even developing a heat rash (though changes in skin color might be harder to notice on brown and black skin). You might also notice that your breathing or heartbeat becomes faster than normal, you have a high temperature, you feel extremely thirsty, and you experience general weakness. It's also noted that children with heat exhaustion might become more irritable than usual.

Undergarments play a very important role in protecting our health. They not only promote hygiene, but they also reduce the chances of chaffing, infections and keep the sensitive areas dry and prevent any unwanted odor. Most women own several pairs of bras, an undergarment used to support breasts, for different occasions. Sports bras are one such variety that women wear when they are doing active work. These bras are different than a daily wear bra as they are more durable and meant to restrict movement to ensure there are no injuries due to sudden movements.

However, a new study suggests that this restrictive movement may be causing women back pain. The research published in the European Journal of Sport Science suggested that these bras, designed to really hold everything in place, might unintentionally put extra pressure on your spine while you're active.

How Does Movement In Sports Bras Affect Women?

To understand how a bra affected breast movement, researchers observed a woman doing activities like running, to see how it affected her breasts, back and spine movement. To understand the difference of movement in each bra, they ran the same test with no bra, a regular day wear bra and a sports bra. By tracking these movements, the researchers were able to see how each type of bra affected her body's mechanics during the activity. This detailed monitoring helped them understand the potential impact of different levels of breast support on other parts of the body, like the spine.

Understanding the Sports Bra Mechanism

Sports bras are specifically designed to limit how much your breasts move around when you're exercising. This is important because excessive bouncing can be uncomfortable and even cause pain, especially if you have larger breasts. Over time, repeated bouncing without proper support can also strain the skin and ligaments in the chest area. Because of these issues, the focus of many sports' bra designs, especially the newer ones, has been on achieving the highest possible level of breast motion control to maximize comfort and support during physical activity.

The researchers pointed out that when your breasts naturally bounce while you're doing activities like running or spinning, the soft tissues around your chest actually help to absorb some of the force that would otherwise go to your joints and spine. However, a sports bra that's too tight and completely stops this natural bounce might prevent this force absorption. As a result, that pressure could then be transferred back to your spine, potentially causing your back muscles to work harder to compensate, which could eventually lead to pain or discomfort in the back

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Too Much Movement Restriction Can Cause Issues

It is natural for breasts to have movement when one is working out, while too much movement may hurt, allowing some movement can actually be good. This movement allows the surrounding tissues to play a role in shock absorption, protecting the spine and other joints from some of the impact. When a sports bra is so restrictive that it eliminates all bounce, it might disrupt this natural mechanism. This could mean that the forces generated during exercise, which would normally be partially absorbed by the breasts and their supporting tissues, are instead directly transmitted to the back, potentially increasing the load and stress on the spinal structures and muscles.