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Updated Feb 28, 2025 | 06:05 PM IST

Young, Fit And Still In Pain? That 'Neck Hump' Could Be A Sign of Something Serious

SummaryAs more and more work is becoming digital- using laptops, tabs and other such gadgets for all tasks is a mandate. But that also means that you are constantly sitting in a position with a slouched back and a bent neck.

Posture plays a very important role in your daily life, from slouching on the chair to sitting with our eyes glued to our phone. While everyone does this, people have started noticing a bump on their nape, wondering if it is normal or a cause of concern. There are many ads just dedicated to products that fix your posture. But are they necessary? Do neck bumps pose a danger to your health? We spoke to Dr Jayateerth W Kulkarni, Consultant-Orthopedics, where he answered most pressing concerns people have with their posture and back

Are Neck Humps A Cause Of Concern?

Many people worry about a bump at the base of their neck, often thinking of it as a sign of something wrong. However, this bump is a completely normal part of human anatomy. Dr. Kulkarni assures us that usually this hump poses no issue, in fact it's a remnant from our evolutionary past, a small reminder of the humps that animals like buffaloes have. Everyone has this bump; it's just more noticeable in some people than others. The real issue isn't the bump itself, but rather the pain that can develop in that area.

“Well, if you have bad posture, it will start aching in that area. You may notice pain and you may think to yourself, 'oh no, the bump is causing it.' But actually, it is the neck pain. People believe there is something not right here. That is not the case. That bump is there in everybody. Even people who do not have neck pain also will have that bump.”

Basically poor posture can lead to neck strain and pain, which then draws attention to the bump. People might mistakenly think the bump is causing the pain, but it's actually the muscle strain from poor posture that's the culprit. So, if you're experiencing neck pain and notice the bump, focus on improving your posture rather than worrying about the bump itself.

Are Joint Problems Becoming A Common Issue For Youngsters?

It seems like more and more young people are complaining about joint and bone problems, conditions that used to be associated with older age. The main reason for this shift is our modern lifestyle, particularly the amount of time we spend sitting and using electronic devices. Office workers who spend hours hunched over laptops and glued to their phones are at a higher risk.

“The main thing is the office-going population, basically, who sit on these laptops and mobiles all day. So, they have lack of exercise. They have poor posture. They sit for very long hours without taking any frequent breaks.” It's not that young people's bodies are inherently weaker, it's the specific demands of their jobs and habits that are contributing to these problems. Changing these habits is key to preventing joint and bone issues at a young age.

Is Posture Correction Helpful or Harmful?

The market is flooded with posture-correcting devices, from neck braces to back belts to special chairs. But do these gadgets actually work? The effectiveness of these devices varies. Some products like neck braces that prevent you from slouching, can be irritating and uncomfortable to wear for long periods, making it hard to comply with consistent use. Back belts might be more tolerable, providing some support to the lower and middle back.

Dr Kulkarni said, “But these other things, the belts that hold the lower end and middle part of the back, will probably work. The one that restrains the neck, do not work in my opinions. I tried it once myself to see how it, it is very irritating.” Shoulder bands, which remind you to keep your shoulders back, can be helpful as a form of biofeedback. However, if worn too tightly, they can pinch nerves and blood vessels, leading to tingling and numbness. Ultimately, while some of these devices might offer some benefit, they're not a magic bullet. They should be used in conjunction with other healthy habits, like regular exercise and maintaining an ergonomic workspace.

Tips for Improving Posture and Back Health

As we have learned above, your posture plays a very big role when it comes to your back and bone health. Dr Kulkarni gave a few suggests for people who spend long hours on the desk and work on electronics for a living, you can also add these suggests to your daily life as they apply to all situations and speak to a healthcare professional if you are experiencing extended periods of pain in your joints.

Ergonomic Workspace Setup

Use a desktop computer setup that encourages a straight posture. Ensure proper ergonomics and avoid glare on the monitor.

Minimize Mobile Use

Limit mobile phone usage or use a stand to avoid excessive neck bending. The same applies to laptops, use a stand to raise them to a comfortable viewing height.

Frequent Breaks and Exercise More

Take regular breaks from sitting to stretch and move around. Engage in regular exercise, including gym workouts or racket sports.

Dr Jayateerth W Kulkarni is a Consultant-Orthopedics at Fortis Hospital in India

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How To Know If You Have A Cold Or A Pollen Allergy?

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Updated May 3, 2025 | 10:00 PM IST

How To Know If You Have A Cold Or A Pollen Allergy?

SummaryPollen is everywhere, so are virus and bacteria. So, how do we know which one of them is making us sick? Is it a common cold or an allergy? Read on to know.

Spring is a beautiful time, but it often brings along runny noses, sneezing, and congestion. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for either a cold or seasonal allergies. Both share overlapping traits, but they stem from entirely different causes. A cold is caused by a virus, making it infectious, while seasonal allergies are your immune system’s reaction to harmless substances like pollen.

In many parts of the world, it is also the time when seasonal changes are occurring. With shorter springs, longer summers, or the transition in between, pollen is everywhere. However, it does not mean that other common virus and bacteria are gone. So, how do you differentiate between them, especially when you get sick? How do you know when you have a cold or an allergy.

Let us check this out!

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, happen when your immune system mistakenly sees pollen as a threat and releases chemicals like histamines to fight it. This overreaction leads to sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and sometimes throat irritation.

Different types of pollen trigger allergies depending on the season. In spring, tree pollen is the main culprit. As the year progresses, grass and weed pollens take over. Due to rising global temperatures, allergy seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer than before.

What Is a Cold?

A cold is typically caused by viruses like the rhinovirus and is more common during seasonal transitions. It spreads easily through the air or by touching contaminated surfaces. Cold symptoms often include a sore throat, fatigue, congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. You may also experience body aches and a mild fever.

Unlike allergies, which persist for weeks or even months, colds usually last between three and seven days for most healthy individuals.

Key Differences Between a Cold and Allergies

Despite their similarities, colds and allergies have a few clear distinctions:

Duration: A cold is short-lived, usually resolving within a week. Allergies persist throughout the pollen season.

Itchiness: Allergies commonly cause itchy eyes and throat. Colds may bring soreness but rarely itchiness.

Fever and Body Aches: Colds can come with mild fever and aches. Allergies do not.

Contagiousness: Colds are infectious; allergies are not. If you’re sneezing and spreading droplets, you could pass on a cold.

Mucus Color: Colds may lead to yellow or green mucus. Allergy mucus tends to stay clear.

Treating Seasonal Allergies

To manage allergy symptoms:

  • Use saline nasal rinses to clear allergens.
  • Apply anti-itch eye drops for relief.
  • Take over-the-counter antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays.
  • Track local pollen levels and avoid high-pollen days.
  • If symptoms persist despite self-care, consult a healthcare provider.

Treating a Cold

There’s no quick fix for a cold, but you can ease symptoms by:

  • Getting plenty of rest.
  • Drinking fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Avoiding contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.
  • Recovery usually comes with time and supportive care.

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Plea of Chilean Woman With Muscular Dystrophy Sparks National Debate on Euthanasia Bill

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Updated May 3, 2025 | 09:00 PM IST

Plea of Chilean Woman With Muscular Dystrophy Sparks National Debate on Euthanasia Bill

SummarySusana Moreira’s plea for euthanasia has reignited Chile’s stalled debate, as public support grows but political delays threaten the bill’s passage before elections.

Susana Moreira, a 41-year-old woman from Santiago, Chile, has lived with a debilitating form of muscular dystrophy since childhood. She was diagnosed with this condition at the age of 8. Her condition has been progressive since then. As a result, she was bedridden for over 20 years. She was once able to move, but can now no longer walk, bathe, or care for herself.

Her muscles have continued to weaken and she is expected to eventually lose the ability to speak and breathe without help.

What Happens In Muscular Dystrophy?

As per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, muscular dystrophy or MD refers to a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles. These disorders vary in age of onset, severity, and the pattern of affected muscle. However, one thing that is definite is that this condition is progressive in nature.

As per NIH, it affects by weakening the muscles. Muscles are made of thousands of fibers and these fibers contain cells surrounded by an outer layer of membrane. Muscle fibers that make these individual muscles are bound together by connective tissue. Muscles are activated when an impulse, or signal is sent from the brain. What happens in MD is the protective membrane of the muscle is damaged and the muscle fibers begin to leak protein creatine kinase and take excess calcium. This damages the muscle fibers and then causes the fibers to die, and thus leads to progressive muscle degeneration.

Right To Die

Moreira, is also facing the same condition, which will eventually make her unable to live with dignity. Therefore, she wants to be able to choose a dignified death, though euthanasia.

However, euthanasia and assisted dying are currently illegal in Chile. Her deeply personal plea has reignited a national conversation and become a symbol of the push for legal reform.

The Bill Is Stuck

Chile’s debate over euthanasia is not new. In 2021, the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill to allow both euthanasia and assisted suicide for adults suffering from terminal or incurable illnesses. But the legislation has since stalled in the Senate.

If passed, Chile would join countries like Belgium, Spain, Canada, and the Netherlands in legalizing both practices. In Latin America, Colombia already allows euthanasia, and Ecuador recently decriminalized it, though regulations are still pending.

Speaking Out Before It's Too Late

Confined to her home, Moreira spends her days reading, watching movies, and playing video games. Outings are rare due to the pain caused by sitting in a wheelchair for too long. In a letter to President Gabriel Boric, she urged him to support the bill and shared her fears about reaching a stage where she could no longer communicate her wishes.

President Boric responded publicly, calling the bill “an act of empathy, responsibility and respect,” and promised to prioritize it in his final year in office. However, political turmoil has since pushed the issue to the sidelines.

A Growth In Support

While Chile was once considered one of Latin America’s most conservative nations, attitudes toward euthanasia have shifted. A 2024 Cadem survey found that 75% of Chileans support euthanasia. Another study by the Center for Public Studies reported 89% support for allowing it either always or in special cases.

Supporters argue the law would offer people suffering from terminal conditions a humane and legal option. Critics, however, say better access to palliative care must come first. Chile passed a law in 2022 guaranteeing palliative care, but experts argue its implementation is uneven.

The debate has also been shaped by other moving stories, such as that of Valentina Maureira, a teen who pleaded publicly for euthanasia in 2015 but was denied and died shortly after.

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Updated May 3, 2025 | 01:00 PM IST

Things In Your Home That You May Not Be Cleaning Enough

SummaryA home that looks clean may have dangerous bacteria lurking in the corners. There are many spaces that hold much more dirt and grime than you may know. Here are some you should watch out for.

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.

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