Name: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with MSK, New York Physician Dr Mrinal Gounder On Sarcoma Awareness Month
Uploaded: 2025-07-23T16:39:49+05:30
Duration: 22 min 9 s

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Ishita Roy

sarcoma

Sarcoma Awareness Month

cancer

bone cancer

heart cancer

sarcoma awareness

mrinal gounder

Sarcoma, often called the "forgotten cancer," and this is why it is important to talk about it. July marks the Sarcoma Awareness Month. It is a rare and complex group of cancers that can affect anyone, anywhere in the body. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Mrinal Gounder,  a globally recognized sarcoma expert and medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, who is also the Physician Ambassador to India and Asia, stresses the need for early, accurate diagnosis and specialized care. While mostly unpredictable, awareness, genetic counseling, and timely medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

Sarcoma, often called the "forgotten cancer," and this is why it is important to talk about it. July marks the Sarcoma Awareness Month. It is a rare and complex group of cancers that can affect anyone, anywhere in the body. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Mrinal Gounder,  a globally recognized sarcoma expert and medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, who is also the Physician Ambassador to India and Asia, stresses the need for early, accurate diagnosis and specialized care. While mostly unpredictable, awareness, genetic counseling, and timely medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with MSK, New York Physician Dr Mrinal Gounder On Sarcoma Awareness Month

exclusive interview with msk, new york physician dr mrinal gounder on sarcoma awareness month

Kalpana Sharma

Not Just A Migraine: Why Doctors Call Trigeminal Neuralgia The “Suicide Disease”

not just a migraine: why doctors call trigeminal neuralgia the “suicide disease”

12-Year-Old Teen Dies From Rare Brain Tumor After Unusual Early Signs, Grieving Mother Urges Parents To Watch For Subtle Symptoms

12-year-old teen dies from rare brain tumor after unusual early signs, grieving mother urges parents to watch for subtle symptoms

Not Dementia, Not Bipolar: The Hidden Brain Condition Behind Misleading Symptoms

not dementia, not bipolar: the hidden brain condition behind misleading symptoms

Medical Memoir: Measles- The Unfinished Fight Against One Of The World’s Most Contagious Diseases

medical memoir: measles - the unfinished fight against one of the world’s most contagious diseases

beyond the stethoscope

guru n reddy

doctors day 2025

national doctors day 2025

who heals the healer

From unnecessary procedures to unclear billing, Dr Guru N Reddy, MD, FACP, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, Founder &amp; Chairman, Continental Hospitals, Chief of Gastroenterology &amp; Liver Diseases, calls out the silent wrongs in the system. In the first episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, the veteran doctor holds up a mirror to medical malpractice, exposing how lack of transparency and greed are eroding trust in healthcare. This isn’t just about bad doctors, it’s about a broken mindset.

From unnecessary procedures to unclear billing, Dr Guru N Reddy, MD, FACP, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, Founder & Chairman, Continental Hospitals, Chief of Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases, calls out the silent wrongs in the system. In the first episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, the veteran doctor holds up a mirror to medical malpractice, exposing how lack of transparency and greed are eroding trust in healthcare. This isn’t just about bad doctors, it’s about a broken mindset.

Doctors Day 2025: Beyond The Stethoscope, Episode 1

doctors day 2025: beyond the stethoscope, episode 1

World Sjogren’s Day 2025: Why This “Mild” Autoimmune Condition Can Be Life-Altering

world sjogren’s day 2025: theme, significance and why this “mild” autoimmune condition can be life-altering

Best Sugar Alternatives That Taste Great And Keep Blood Sugar In Check

best sugar alternatives that taste great and keep blood sugar in check

Heart Attacks And Strokes Can Now Be Predicted 10 Years Before They Happen, Through This AI Test

heart attacks and strokes can now be predicted 10 years before they happen, through this ai test

Four-Day Work Week Benefit Goes Both Ways - Why Companies Should Invest In Worker’s Mental Health

four-day work week benefit goes both ways - why companies should invest in worker’s mental health

Health

Healthcare

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implants

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World Health Day

Every year on April 7, World Health Day is observed, this year, our team in an exclusive interview with Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora spoke to him about the importance of dental health and how it can tell a lot about your overall health. As Dr Arora rightly says, your oral health is like a "mirror" to your overall health. Watch the full interview here.

World Health Day 2025: Why Your Dental Health Is Important, An Exclusive Conversation With Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora

world health day 2025: why your dental health is important, an exclusive conversation with lt gen dr vimal arora

From Brain to Heart Health: Here is Why Black Seed Oil is Ayurveda’s Favourite

from brain to heart health: here is why black seed oil is ayurveda’s favourite

BPA in Lipsticks? Doctor Shares How Your Makeup Bag Could Be Full Of Endocrine Disruptors

bpa in lipsticks? doctor shares how your makeup bag could be full of endocrine disruptors

Matching Your Workout With Your Personality Can Make Fitness Fun

matching your workout with your personality can make fitness fun

Is Taking Rest Really That Important for Kids? Experts Explain How Much Sleep Shapes a Child’s Brain

is taking rest really that important for kids? experts explain how much sleep shapes a child’s brain

mawra hocane

fitness routine

radiant glow

skincare tips

pilates

healthy diet

workout regimen

fitness secrets

glowing skin

celebrity fitness

Mawra Hocane, the actress known for her role in Sanam Teri Kasam, has recently shared some breathtaking wedding photos on Instagram, leaving netizens in awe of her glowing skin and fit physique. Achieving this level of fitness and radiance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of Mawra’s dedication to her fitness routine and a solid skincare regimen. But it’s not just about working out—her healthy diet and lifestyle choices play a huge role too.Watch the video for more details

Mawra Hocane's Fitness Routine: The Secrets to Her Radiant Glow

mawra hocane's fitness routine: the secrets to her radiant glow

Millions At Risk As Chikungunya Virus Threatens Global Health, Warns WHO; Can A Mosquito Bite In Monsoon Trigger Severe Symptoms?

millions at risk as chikungunya virus threatens global health, warns who; can a mosquito bite in monsoon trigger severe symptoms?

Contagious Measles Virus Found In Austin Wastewater; How Water Could Accelerate The Outbreak?

contagious measles virus found in austin wastewater; how water could accelerate the outbreak?

COVID-19 Cases On The Rise In US, Why Does It Increase In The Summers?

covid-19 cases on the rise in us, why does it increase in the summers?

china

human metapneumovirus

hmpv

covid-19

influenza a

mycoplasma pneumoniae

respiratory virus

symptoms

HMPV is a respiratory virus causing infections in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Identified in 2001, it affects people of all ages but poses the highest risk to young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

China faces Covid-like virus outbreak: Can HMPV spread to India? Here’s what we know

china faces covid-like virus outbreak: can hmpv spread to india? here’s what we know

World Sjögren’s Day 2025: Theme, Significance And Why This “Mild” Autoimmune Condition Can Be Life-Altering

Tanya Dutt

world sjogren day

sjogren syndrome symptoms

autoimmune disease awareness

world sjogren day 2025

dry eyes fatigue cause

sjogren diagnosis

chronic autoimmune illness

invisible illness awareness

Sjögren’s Syndrome is one of the most common yet misunderstood autoimmune disorders in the world today. It’s often brushed off as a “dry eye and dry mouth” condition, but what many don’t realize is that this chronic, systemic illness can severely affect multiple organs—sometimes leading to irreversible complications. With July 23 marking World Sjögren’s Day, experts are urging for more awareness, earlier diagnosis, and a patient-first approach to treatment.<br /><br />World Sjögren’s Day is observed every year on July 23, to honor Dr. Henrik Sjögren—the Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified the condition in 1933. The day is not just symbolic. It’s a global movement to educate the public, highlight patient voices, and push for research and policy changes.<br />The 2025 theme “Awareness Through Research” puts the spotlight on how patients—when given the space to share their experiences—can drive scientific breakthroughs and better clinical outcomes.<br /><br /><h2>What is Sjogren's Disease?<br /></h2><br />Sjögren’s Disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells—primarily the moisture-producing glands. Most commonly, this results in dry eyes and dry mouth, but Sjögren’s doesn’t stop there. It can also affect other parts of the body including the joints, lungs, kidneys, nerves, digestive system, and even the skin.<br /><br />The condition is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late because its symptoms—like fatigue, burning eyes, or trouble swallowing—are frequently dismissed as signs of aging, stress, or dehydration. That delay in diagnosis can be dangerous, since Sjögren’s is also linked to a higher risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer.<br /><br />It affects an estimated 4 million people in the U.S., mostly women over 40, though it can occur at any age. While there is no cure, early detection and a coordinated care approach can significantly improve quality of life and prevent long-term damage.<br /><br />In the U.S. alone, an estimated 4 million people live with Sjögren’s. Yet, for most patients, getting diagnosed takes 3 to 5 years, sometimes longer. Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Cataract &amp; Retina Surgeon, explains why, “Symptoms like dry eyes, fatigue or dry mouth are so common, they’re often misattributed to dehydration, stress, screen time or aging. This leads to delayed referrals and misdiagnoses.”<br /><br />That delay is costly, Sjögren’s doesn’t just stay in the eyes and mouth—it can quietly affect lungs, kidneys, nerves, joints and even increase the risk of lymphoma.<br /><br /><h2>What are the early signs and symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome?<br /></h2><br />While every case is different, the most reported symptoms include:<br /><br /><ul><li>Persistent dry eyes or burning sensation</li><li>Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing</li><li>Chronic fatigue</li><li>Joint pain</li><li>Dental cavities or oral infections</li><li>Vaginal dryness</li><li>Brain fog or memory lapses</li></ul><br />These may seem harmless at first—but when ignored, they point to a deeper autoimmune imbalance that can worsen with time.<br /><br /><h2>Why Sjögren’s Isn’t Just a ‘Mild Autoimmune Condition’?<br /></h2><br />Sjogren’s Syndrome is often mistakenly believed to be a mild autoimmune disease because the early symptoms, dry eyes and dry mouth, seem harmless and are easily overlooked. Dr Pawan says, "This disease can be anything but minor. It is a systemic autoimmune disorder that results when the body's immune system attacks the glands that produce moisture, namely the lacrimal ) and salivary glands. This can lead to serious complications, involving multiple organs, over time, it goes from discomfort to widespread complications."<br /><br />Sjogren's progresses to potentially affect the lungs, kidneys, joints, nerves, and gastrointestinal system. "Many patients also suffer from chronic fatigue, debilitating pain in their joints and an increased risk for lymphoma. The complexity of the condition may require a multi-specialty approach that involves a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist and pulmonologist. The perception that Sjogren’s is a benign condition, means that aggressive management is delayed and can potentially deprive patients of optimal quality of life. Time is of the essence for early intervention to stop irreversible damage, especially to the eyes and internal organs. Sjögren’s should be viewed as a serious, chronic and often progressive disease requiring long-term comprehensive care management," adds Dr Pawan.<br /><br /><h2>Does Sjögren’s Syndrome Takes Years to Diagnose?<br /></h2><br />Sjögren’s Syndrome can take many years to identify, and Dr Gupta evidently explains, "Since the early symptoms of dry mouth, dry eyes, and mild fatigue could be easily ascribed to more common and easily explained reasons such as dehydration, adverse effects of medications, or just aging. Physicians might not think of the diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder without other obvious pertinent reasons or signs. In addition, these early symptoms might accompany other disorders and clinical conditions, making other relevant areas of differential diagnosis difficult."<br /><br />Initially in their disease, most of the general physicians they visit would not recognize the underlying immune dysfunction and that treating the symptoms may be treating the symptoms only. Another aspect that doesn't make diagnosis easier is the process to obtain a definitive diagnosis. There is not a single definitive test for Sjögren’s. Most patients receive a diagnosis following a battery of lab tests, eye exams, imaging, or biopsies of salivary glands and extensive history, simultaneously and serologically completing the diagnostic picture. As Sjogren progresses slowly, there may not be systemic problems until much later in the disease, delaying diagnosis even longer. <br /><br />"Delaying the diagnosis of Sjogren’s means the patients will suffer for a longer period and are at increased risk from complications due to it being an auto-immune disorder. Increasing awareness about early symptoms of patients and having physicians diagnosing and referring to rheumatologists may assist in achieving timely diagnosis and management of this complex disease," emphasises Dr Gupta.<br /><br /><h2>Does Dry Eyes Become a Progressive, Permanent Risk for Sjögren’s Syndrome?<br /></h2><br />Yes, if untreated, dry eyes can become a progressive and potentially permanent problem for those with Sjogren's Syndrome. In Sjogren's Syndrome, the immune system attacks the lacrimal glands and dramatically decreases the production of tears. When that happens, the natural tear film that protects and nourishes your eye can become unstable, leading to certain ocular issues such as irritation, blurred vision, burning, and potentially corneal damage in long-standing situations. <br /><br />As a result of untreated dryness, chronic dryness leads to long-term complications in many cases. Serious complications range from corneal ulcers, corneal infections, and lastly, permanent vision loss. Dr Gupta points out, "Treatment for dry eyes in Sjogren's starts with frequent artificial tear use to keep your eye surface moist. In more progressive cases, punctal plugs may assist in holding your natural tears by blocking the drainage through your tear ducts. It is important to follow up regularly with your eye care specialist. Since Sjogren's is progressive, it is good practice to take proactive and continued care of your eyes to preserve vision as well as prevent irreversible damage."<br /><br /><h2>What are the Treatment Options for Sjögren’s today?<br /></h2><br />There is no cure, but a multi-specialty approach helps manage symptoms and slow progression:<br /><br />For dry eyes: Artificial tears, prescription anti-inflammatories, punctal plugs<br /><br />For dry mouth: Saliva substitutes, sugar-free lozenges, good oral hygiene, regular dental care<br /><br />Systemic symptoms: Hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants<br /><br />Lifestyle adjustments: Hydration, humidifiers, avoiding triggers (like alcohol or caffeine), and pacing energy<br /><br />Patients often need coordination between a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, ENT and sometimes neurologist.<br /><br />What makes the 2025 theme ‘Awareness Through Research’ important?<br /><br />This year’s theme recognizes that real progress in Sjögren’s research has come from patients who speak up.<br />Their stories are shaping new clinical trials, earlier screening tools, and even new drug development. Salivary gland imaging, lab biomarkers, and tear analysis are all becoming more advanced thanks to this growing patient-led momentum.<br /><br />If you're experiencing persistent dry eyes, dry mouth, or crushing fatigue, don’t dismiss it—and don’t let others dismiss it either. If symptoms don’t improve or begin to cluster, especially with joint pain or swelling, ask your doctor directly about a referral to a rheumatologist. Early intervention can change the course of this disease.<br /><br />For doctors, it’s time to challenge the common assumptions. Not every case of dry eyes stems from excessive screen time or aging. If your patient presents with multiple vague, systemic complaints—dryness, fatigue, brain fog—consider Sjögren’s syndrome early, rather than as a diagnosis of exclusion.<br /><br />For the public, awareness is everything. Most people with Sjögren’s don’t “look sick", but behind the scenes, they’re managing a complex, exhausting autoimmune condition daily. Sjögren’s may be quiet, but it’s not mild. It deserves sharper clinical attention, more robust support systems, and far greater visibility in the conversation around chronic illness.<br /><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Aarushi Bhadury

Mental health

Four Day Work Week

Four Day Work Week Benefits

Workers Mental Health

Shorter Work Week better mental health

Protecting Your Workers Mental Health

Work has slowly become of the most time-consuming things a person goes through as an adult. As a working adult in society, it has become a norm to spend about 40% of your day dedicated to your job. That’s why weekends are a sacred part of corporate culture. Two days out of the whole week to relax and rejuvenate yourself for the next week. While many companies are considering six-day work weeks, studies show that four days' work is enough. <br /><br />Workers at companies that switched to a four-day work week found many positive changes. These employees worked 80% of their usual hours but still got the same pay. They reported feeling much less burned out (like feeling completely drained from work). They also felt more satisfied with their jobs, meaning they liked their work more. On top of that, their mental health improved, and they even noticed small improvements in their physical health. The biggest boosts were seen in how they felt about their work and their mental well-being. <br /><br /><br /><h2>How Did Shorter Work-Weeks Help? <br /></h2><br />To figure this out, researchers conducted trials that lasted six months. They looked at nearly 2,900 employees from 141 different businesses and organizations. These companies were located in various countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., Ireland, and the U.S., all of whom decided to try out the four-day work week. To see if the changes were really due to the shorter week, the researchers also compared these employees to about 290 workers at 12 other companies that kept their regular five-day work schedule. <br /><br />The study found that, on average, employees who went to a four-day week worked five fewer hours each week. The results were even better for those who cut down their work week by eight hours or more—they saw bigger drops in burnout and bigger increases in job satisfaction and mental health compared to people still working five days. But even workers who didn't get a full day off still felt some positive effects, just a little smaller. This showed that there's a direct connection: the more hours you work less, the better you feel. <br /><br /><br /><h2>Why It Works <br /></h2><br />Researchers believe that the improvements seen in employees on a four-day work week can be explained by a few things. People were getting better sleep, becoming more effective at their jobs, and feeling less tired. The study suggests that this new way of working helped people change how they did their tasks. It encouraged them to work together to find better, more efficient ways to get things done. This made employees feel more capable and better about their work overall. <br /><br />In short, when a whole company reduces work hours, it can motivate everyone to work smarter and improve their processes. This leads to better performance and happier, healthier employees. However, the researchers did point out one important thing: the companies that took part in the study were already interested in trying a four-day work week. This means they might have already been more focused on their employees' well-being from the very beginning. To be sure these benefits apply everywhere, more studies are needed with a wider variety of companies. <br /><br /><br /><h2>Protecting Your Worker’s Mental Health Goes A Long Way <br /></h2><br />Supporting mental health at work means making sure everyone, especially those in charge like managers, knows how to spot and act on mental health concerns. According to the World Health Organization, this is how investing in your worker’s mental health helps, <br /><br /><br /><h4>Training for Managers <br /></h4><br />This helps managers understand and respond to employees who are struggling emotionally. It also teaches them important communication skills like talking openly and really listening. Managers will also learn how job stress affects mental health and how to handle it better. <br /><br /><br /><h4>Mental Health Training for All Workers <br /></h4><br />This training aims to improve everyone's understanding of mental health and reduce the negative feelings or judgment (stigma) often associated with mental health conditions at work. <br /><br /><br /><h4>Support for Individuals <br /></h4><br />This involves giving people ways to build skills for managing stress and reducing symptoms of mental health issues. This can include counseling or therapy, and even encouraging activities like exercise during free time. <br /><br /><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

chikungunya virus outbreak

who global warning

mosquito borne diseases

chikungunya symptoms

tropical virus threat

global health alert

vector borne infections

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a grim warning about a large-scale outbreak of the chikungunya virus is gaining speed—and the initial symptoms are ominously reminiscent. In comparison to the catastrophic 2004–2005 epidemic that started in the Indian Ocean region and later reached hundreds of thousands of people all over the world, WHO experts are calling on governments to take action before the same repeats itself.<br /><br />Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO’s technical lead for chikungunya, told reporters in Geneva that the virus is now being detected in 119 countries, putting 5.6 billion people at risk. The warning is not hypothetical. Already in 2025, regions like Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius have seen major outbreaks. In Réunion alone, nearly one-third of the population is estimated to have been infected.<br /><br />What’s different this time is the potential for global scale and speed, thanks to interconnected travel, shifting climates, and growing populations of virus-carrying mosquitoes. And while the name “chikungunya” may not be widely known outside scientific circles, its impact can be life-altering—if not deadly.<br /><br /><h2>Why Is Chikungunya Dangerous?<br /></h2><br />Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), typically transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and Zika viruses. These insects bite mostly during the daytime with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.<br /><br />The virus causes sudden onset of high fever, intense joint pain, headaches, rash, and muscle aches. The joint pain can become so severe that it bends sufferers into contorted postures—an origin of the disease’s name, which comes from a Makonde word meaning “that which bends up.”<br /><br />While the majority of patients recover within a week, some symptoms—particularly joint pain—can persist for months or even years. In rare cases, chikungunya can cause neurological, cardiac or ophthalmic complications. Newborns, older adults and those with chronic medical conditions face a higher risk of severe disease or death.<br /><br />Although the case fatality rate remains under 1%, WHO warns that large-scale outbreaks could mean thousands of deaths, especially in countries with under-resourced health systems.<br /><br />According to WHO, the trajectory of the current outbreaks strangely mirrors that of the 2004–2005 epidemic. It began in small island nations before spreading across the Indian Ocean and into Asia, Africa and beyond. Today, similar trends are being observed with:<br /><br /><ul><li>Réunion has reported over 51,000 cases as of May 2025</li><li>Mayotte, another French territory, has recorded 560 cases, pushing it into an epidemic phase</li><li>Madagascar, Somalia, and Kenya are now reporting new clusters</li><li>South Asia is experiencing epidemic-level transmission</li><li>France has confirmed 30 local cases across 12 regions, with the largest cluster in Salon-de-Provence</li><li>Italy reported its first locally acquired case since 2017 in Piacenza</li></ul><br />Even countries like Portugal have reported dengue and chikungunya cases in 2025, highlighting how climate change and international travel are making vector-borne illnesses harder to contain.<br /><br />Dr. Rojas Alvarez emphasized, “We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early—strengthening detection, prevention, and response systems is key.”<br /><br /><h2>Why Europe and the US Should Pay Attention?<br /></h2><br />For decades, chikungunya was seen as a “tropical” disease, limited to warmer parts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.<br /><br />The Aedes albopictus, or tiger mosquito, is expanding its range northward due to warming temperatures and human-driven climate change. These mosquitoes have already become established in parts of southern Europe and even the southeastern United States. And with imported cases from travelers on the rise, localized outbreaks are becoming increasingly plausible.<br /><br />The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently launched updated guidance on mosquito-borne illnesses and emphasized the growing risk of local transmission. In addition to chikungunya, local dengue cases have been reported in Italy, France and Portugal in 2025.<br /><br /><h2>How Can People Protect Themselves?<br /></h2><br />There’s no antiviral treatment for chikungunya, and supportive care—hydration, rest, and pain relief—is the mainstay of treatment. That makes prevention the most powerful tool. The WHO and ECDC recommend the following steps:<br /><br /><ul><li>Use mosquito repellents with DEET or picaridin on skin and clothing</li><li>Wear long sleeves and pants, especially during mosquito-active hours</li><li>Install screens on windows and doors, and use insecticide-treated mosquito nets when sleeping</li><li>Empty standing water from containers like buckets, pots, and old tires, where mosquitoes lay eggs</li><li>Avoid outdoor activity during early morning and late afternoon, especially in outbreak zones</li></ul><h2>Has Vaccine Become The New Line of Defense?<br /></h2><br />In a significant step, UK has approved a chikungunya vaccine which contains a weakened version of the virus that trains the immune system to produce antibodies. The vaccine is prescription-only and is currently recommended for people traveling to high-risk areas. However, it is not without limitations. The Commission on Human Medicines has advised caution in people aged 65 and older, pending further evaluation.<br /><br />Until now, all we had were repellents and mosquito nets. With this vaccine, people who travel frequently or live in endemic areas now have another layer of protection. Still, experts advise travelers to assess their personal risk. If you're taking a one-off trip to France, your risk is low but if you're planning repeated travel to areas with outbreaks, vaccination may be worthwhile.<br /><br /><h2>Does Climate Change Affect Incidence Rate?<br /></h2><br />Chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases are moving into new regions and our global health systems are scrambling to keep up. The convergence of climate change, urbanization, and international mobility is creating the perfect storm for diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika to flourish.<br /><br />As WHO warns, the time to act is now. That means not only educating the public and travelers but also investing in surveillance, vector control, and vaccine distribution especially in lower-income countries where health infrastructure is fragile. In 2005, the world was caught off guard and in 2025, we don’t have that excuse.<br /><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Gluten Intolerance Could All Be In Your Head - Study Finds Psychological Link

diet & nutrition

gluten allergy

Gluten Intolerance

Psychology Affects Gluten Allergy

avoid gluten containing foods

gluten

Food intolerances are much more common than we realize. Things like gluten, lactose, or caffeine intolerances are some of the common food intolerances. According to the Cleveland Clinic about 6% of the US population is gluten intolerant, but did you know your gluten intolerance could be psychological more than a physical problem? <br /><br />Some people who believe they have gluten intolerance may actually be experiencing symptoms due to their beliefs, rather than the gluten itself. A recent small study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, suggests that for some with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), their mind might be playing a trick on them. <br /><br /><br /><h2>How Psychology Affects Gluten Allergy <br /></h2><br />In the recent experiment, individuals diagnosed with IBS who thought they were sensitive to gluten reported feeling worse after eating a cereal bar, even when the bar contained no gluten or wheat. Their symptoms were similar whether they ate a gluten-free bar, a gluten-containing bar, or a whole wheat bar. This suggests that what people expect or believe about food, rather than the ingredients themselves, could be causing their digestive problems. <br /><br /><br /><h2>Understanding the "Nocebo Effect" <br /></h2><br />This phenomenon is known as the "nocebo effect," which is the opposite of the placebo effect. While a placebo makes you feel better because you expect to, the nocebo effect means that negative expectations can trigger real physical symptoms. <br /><br />A senior researcher in the study explained that not everyone who believes they react to gluten truly does. While some people genuinely have a sensitivity, for many others, their conviction that gluten is harmful is what drives their symptoms and leads them to avoid gluten-containing foods. <br /><br /><br /><h2>Gluten: What It Is and Why It Matters <br /></h2><br />Gluten is a type of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. For some people, eating gluten can genuinely cause problems with their digestion. This happens if they are allergic to the protein or if their body's defense system (immune system) reacts to it in a way that harms their gut. However, the recent study suggests that for many people who experience IBS symptoms, gluten might not always be the real cause. <br /><br /><br /><h4>Role of Social Media and Control <br /></h4><br />Researchers think that websites and social media platforms might be making people believe that gluten is bad for them, even when it's not the actual reason for their IBS symptoms. All the negative comments about gluten online can really influence what others think. <br /><br />Also, some people with IBS might feel that by avoiding gluten, they are taking charge of their health, especially if they usually feel helpless about their condition. Interestingly, even after the study participants learned which food bars actually caused their symptoms, many of them didn't change what they believed or how they ate. <br /><br /><br /><h4>Beyond Dietary Restrictions <br /></h4><br />This suggests that simply telling patients, "Gluten isn't the problem," might not be enough. Instead, getting help like therapy or coaching could be necessary to help these individuals change their negative ideas about gluten. <br /><br />Experts believe that helping these patients better means more than just giving them facts. Many could benefit from mental health support and advice to help them see gluten and wheat as harmless again, and to safely add these foods back into their diet. <br /><br />More studies involving larger groups of people are needed to confirm these findings. We also need to understand exactly why a person's beliefs about gluten can cause real IBS symptoms in some cases. <br /><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />