Name: Why Do We Yawn When Others Yawn? A Psychiatrist Explains the Science
Uploaded: 2026-07-13T14:56:03+05:30
Duration: 2 min 30 s
Description: Have you ever started yawning just because someone sitting next to you did?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Health and Me

Health Conditions A-Z

Health & Wellness

Nutrition

Fitness

Health News

Ayurveda

Videos

Medicine A-Z

Checkups & Vaccinations

Care & Precautions

Diet & Nutrition

Infant 0 - 1 Year

Toddler 2-4 Years

Kid 5- 8 Years

Pre-Teen 9-12 Years

Checkups & Vaccination

Teen 13 - 19 Years

Parenting

why is yawning contagious

mirror neurons explained

brain facts

why do people yawn when others yawn

contagious yawning explained

science of yawning

psychology facts

Have you ever started yawning just because someone sitting next to you did?

Why Do We Yawn When Others Yawn? A Psychiatrist Explains the Science

why do we yawn when others yawn? a psychiatrist explains the science

Times Network India Health Summit 2026 Key Takeaways: AI, Fertility, AYUSH, Cancer Care And More

times network india health summit 2026 key takeaways ai fertility ayush cancer care

Experts Discuss Ayurveda For Treating Lifestyle Disorders, Medical Emergencies & Trauma At Times Health Summit 2026

experts discuss ayurveda for treating lifestyle disorders, medical emergencies & trauma at times health summit 2026

Paper Straws Have 6.33 Times Higher Carcinogenic Risk Than Plastic Straws, Study Finds

paper straws have 6.33 times higher carcinogenic risk than plastic straws, study finds

New Heart Health Guidance For Women: Heavy Periods, Pregnancy Complications May Signal Heart Disease Risk

new heart health guidance for women: heavy periods, pregnancy complications may signal heart disease risk

ayurveda

air pollution

ancient india

health news

delhi pollution

At the World Congress on Health Sciences and Technology 2026, inaugurated by UPES, Prof. Dr. G. G. Gangadharan explains Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom, pollution-related health risks, pranayama, yoga, healthy eating habits, and environmental balance to support better health amid rising urban pollution.

Ayurveda & Air Pollution: Ancient Indian Wisdom to Protect Your Health | Expert Explains

ayurveda & air pollution: ancient indian wisdom to protect your health | expert explains

Can Low-Dose Naltrexone Ease Long COVID Symptoms? New Study Examines The Evidence

can low-dose naltrexone ease long covid symptoms? new study examines the evidence

Leading Gastroenterologist Padma Bhushan Dr S K Sarin Shares Dos & Don’ts For Healthy Liver At Times Health Summit 2026

leading gastroenterologist padma bhushan dr s k sarin shares dos & don’ts for healthy liver at times health summit 2026

US Bird Flu: Can H5N1 Trigger The Next Pandemic?

us bird flu: can h5n1 trigger the next pandemic?

Recreational Drugs, Steroids & Birth Control: Expert Explains Why Strokes Are Arriving Decades Earlier

recreational drugs steroids birth control expert explains why strokes are arriving decades earlier

COVID-19

covid

covid 19 vaccine

coronavirus

Ex-CDC vaccine advisor Dr Paul Offit discusses vaccine safety, COVID-19 vaccine concerns, scientific evidence and misinformation, sharing expert insights from paediatrics and vaccine education.

Why Can You Still Get COVID After Vaccination? Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Explains

why can you still get covid after vaccination? ex-cdc vaccine advisor explains

Hemophilia: Why Bone Health Needs Attention From Childhood

hemophilia why bone health needs attention from childhood

From Cracked Heels to Numbness: Common Foot Problems That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

from cracked heels to numbness: common foot problems that shouldn’t be ignored

Bizz Impact

ClearZorb Announces Raj Shamani As Brand Ambassador

clearzorb announces raj shamani as brand ambassador

Why a Stroke Can Change the Way a Person Eats, Speaks and Even Breathes

why a stroke can change the way a person eats, speaks and even breathes

dietary supplements

supplements hidden dangers

supplements fake claims

how to choose safe protein

supplements

Are dietary supplements safe? An expert explains supplement risks, counterfeit products, protein powder testing, vitamin deficiencies, and why nutrition, exercise and sleep matter.

Dietary Supplements: Hidden Dangers, Fake Claims & How to Choose Safe Protein | Expert Explains

dietary supplements: hidden dangers, fake claims & how to choose safe protein | expert explains

Unspoken Side Of Breast Cancer: Experts Discuss Recurrence Risk, Emotional Toll & Societal Impact At Times Health Summit 2026

unspoken side of breast cancer: experts discuss recurrence risk, emotional toll & societal impact at times health summit 2025

World Stroke Day: What Is BE FAST? Stroke Warning Signs To Watch For

be fast stroke warning signs: symptoms you should never ignore

Cyclone Arnab: Health Risks To Watch Out For After The Storm

cyclone arnab: health risks to watch out for after the storm

Gonorrhoea, Candida Auris Among 4 Urgent Drug-Resistant Threats: CDC Reports 50,800 US Deaths A Year

gonorrhoea, candida auris among 4 urgent drug-resistant threats: cdc reports 50,800 us deaths a year

flu vaccine guide

best time to get vaccinated

flu vaccine side effects

flu vaccine

vaccine

When is the best time to get a flu vaccine? Doctors Dr. Bhawna Malik and Dr. Mohit Bhardwaj explain why October is ideal for flu vaccination, who needs it most, the vaccine schedule for children and seniors, annual flu shots, possible side effects, and precautions to protect your family this flu season.

Flu Vaccine Guide: Best Time to Get Vaccinated & Side Effects | Doctors Explain

flu vaccine guide: best time to get vaccinated & side effects | doctors explain

Can ChatGPT Replace Your Doctor? Why Epilepsy Patients Should Never Alter Medication on AI Advice

Rachel V Thomas

can-chatgpt-replace-your-doctor-why-epilepsy-patients-should-never-alter-medication-on-ai-advice

ChatGPT Replace Your Doctor

epilepsy

ChatGPT

AI medical advice

seizure medication

lamotrigine

epilepsy medications

medication safety

epilepsy foundation

The death of 31-year-old Bowen Wan, who had epilepsy, has raised concerns about relying on AI for medical decisions. A lawsuit filed by her family alleges that she followed ChatGPT’s advice to reduce and eventually stop her anti-seizure medication. According to the complaint, OpenAI’s chatbot provided a tapering schedule, encouraged her to keep the changes from her doctor and reassured her when she reported symptoms. Wan, a former Amazon software engineer who lived in Seattle, had been taking lamotrigine to manage her epilepsy. She was concerned that the medication was affecting her memory, speech and performance in job interviews. <h2>Why Stopping Epilepsy Medication Can Be Dangerous </h2> Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by seizures. Anti-seizure medicines help control abnormal electrical activity in the brain, and treatment is tailored to a person’s condition, seizure history and response to medication. Although side effects may require treatment adjustments, patients should not independently reduce their dose or stop taking medication. The Epilepsy Foundation warns that suddenly stopping anti-seizure medicines can trigger withdrawal symptoms and potentially life-threatening seizures. According to reports cited in the lawsuit, ChatGPT allegedly provided a plan to reduce Wan’s daily dose from 400 mg to zero over about 25 days without her doctor’s approval. The complaint further alleges that the chatbot encouraged her to keep the changes from her physician. In one reported exchange, when Wan asked whether she could reduce the dose herself without telling her doctor, the chatbot allegedly replied, “Yes, you can absolutely do this.” <h2>Why AI Should Not Guide Medication Decisions </h2> HealthandMe spoke to two neurologists about the risks of relying on AI tools to decide whether to skip, adjust or restart prescribed medication. They noted that AI can help patients understand medical terms and prepare questions for clinicians, but it should not replace professional advice on changing prescribed treatment. “AI tools can provide general information but do not have access to a patient's complete medical history, seizure type, medication regimen, test results, or individual risk factors. As a result, their advice may be incomplete, inaccurate, or inappropriate for a specific patient,” said Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Institute of Neurosciences, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. “Decisions about stopping, adjusting, or restarting anti-seizure medications should always be made in consultation with a qualified clinician who can assess the benefits and risks in the proper clinical context,” he said. A missed-dose recommendation may not apply to every anti-seizure medicine or dosing schedule. Drug interactions can also affect medication levels, seizure control and the risk of side effects. Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman of the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, told HealthandMe AI tools can help people understand medical information but should not replace a neurologist when decisions about epilepsy treatment are involved. Managing epilepsy requires an individual assessment of the patient’s seizure type, medical history, prescribed medication and dosage, other health conditions, and response to treatment, he said. “Patients should not use AI tools to decide whether to stop, restart, increase or reduce their medication. Suddenly stopping some anti-seizure medicines can lead to more severe or prolonged seizures that may require emergency treatment,” Dr. Gupta said. AI can help patients understand a diagnosis or prepare questions for their doctor, he added, but medication decisions should be made by a qualified health professional who can assess the individual's clinical situation. <h2>Can Missing One Dose Trigger a Seizure? </h2> Dr. Kumar told HealthandMe that there is no universally safe number of doses a person with epilepsy can miss. Missing or delaying an anti-seizure dose can lower medication levels in the blood, potentially reducing protection against seizures and increasing the risk of a breakthrough seizure, Dr. Gupta explained. This can happen even in people who have been seizure-free for a long time. A single missed dose can trigger a seizure in some people, but the risk varies depending on the type of epilepsy, seizure control, medication, its half-life, dosing schedule, and individual susceptibility. Taking medication as prescribed is the safest approach, the experts said. <h2>What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose? </h2> The experts advised that patients to: <ul><li>Check the instructions supplied with their medication and contact their neurologist or pharmacist for advice. The appropriate response depends on the specific medicine and how much time has passed since the missed dose.</li><li>Do not double the next dose or stop treatment unless a qualified health professional has advised you to do so. </li><li>If multiple doses have been missed, seek medical advice before deciding how to resume treatment. </li><li>Phone alarms, reminder apps, pill organizers and a daily medication chart can help patients take their medicines consistently.</li><li>Seek emergency medical help if a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, repeated seizures occur without the person regaining consciousness, or the person has breathing difficulties. </li><li>Patients should also follow the emergency plan provided by their neurologist.</li></ul><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

can chatgpt replace your doctor why epilepsy patients should never alter medication on ai advice

Recreational Drugs, Steroids &amp; Birth Control: Expert Explains Why Strokes Are Arriving Decades Earlier

Nisha Pandey

recreational-drugs-steroids-birth-control-expert-explains-why-strokes-are-arriving-decades-earlier

world stroke day

stroke

stroke day

Recreational Drugs

Ischemic Stroke

Steroids

Birth Control

stroke risk

stroke in young people

cleveland clinic london

According to a recent study, the rate of strokes among young adults in the United States has nearly doubled in the last two decades. With risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol surfacing years earlier, experts are seeing an increasing number of stroke emergencies under the age 40. On World Stroke Day, Dr Arup Sen, London-based physician, specialising in geriatric, stroke and General Medicine and affiliated with Cleveland Clinic London, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and University College Hospital, spoke to HealthandMe about the alarming pattern of stroke rates among young people. The doctor said that recreational drug use, smoking, sedentary behaviour and obesity add to stroke risk, while certain underlying medical conditions could also be triggers. Dr. Sen said, “The bottom line is that what we refer to as stroke risk factors, the risk factors are arriving decades earlier compared to previously. And that's why we're seeing this surge in stroke rates in young people.” <h2>Recreational Drugs And Steroid Use Fuel Stroke Risk </h2> Dr Sen said recreational drugs affect blood vessels and <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/can-ear-nerve-stimulation-help-lower-high-blood-pressure-scientists-test-a-new-approach-article-156406920" data-type="tilCustomLink">blood pressure</a> directly, increasing the risk of stroke. Cocaine, for instance, can narrow the blood vessels that could disrupt blood flow to the brain. It can also trigger sudden increases in blood pressure. “Generally speaking, most substances cause stroke through a mechanism of causing vasospasm and a surge in blood pressure or high blood pressure, which then increases the risk of having a stroke,” he said. Cannabis use has also been linked to risk of stroke according to some studies. Dr Sen referred to research reporting an association between cannabis use and stroke, including studies examining daily use. He noted that tobacco use can complicate the picture because some people smoke cannabis with tobacco. “Tobacco itself is a risk factor for stroke. So, for example, people who smoke cigarettes have twice the risk of stroke as someone who doesn't smoke,” he said. He also warned against combining smoking with vaping, saying that research has associated dual use with a higher stroke risk. The doctor said that anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding is a major concern. According to Dr Sen, these substances can lead to thickening of the blood which inceases blood clotting risk and affect the structure of the heart. This could lead to abnormal heart rhythms and blood clots. “One of the most important ways in which you can increase risk is it can make the blood more thick and sticky, increasing risk of blood clots, but it can also affect the heart in terms of causing what we call a cardiomyopathy,” he said. His advice to people using anabolic steroids for bodybuilding was straightforward. He said, “Don't use them, just avoid them altogether, because if you're using it, there's going to be a risk.” Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/from-climate-change-to-amr-to-obesity-17-global-health-threats-by-2100-lancet-warns-article-156323460" data-type="tilCustomLink">'Humanity Can Still Act': Lancet Warns Of 17 Global Health Threats By 2100</a> <h2>Birth Control And Migraine With Aura Fuel Stroke A Risk In Young Women </h2> Dr Sen also highlighted that women who experience <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/migraine-is-more-than-a-headache-lancet-review-explains-what-happens-in-the-brain-during-attacks-article-156322786" data-type="tilCustomLink">migraine</a> with aura and use oestrogen-containing oral contraceptives are at stroke risk. Migraine with aura involves neurological symptoms that can occur before or during a migraine attack. According to Dr Sen, the oestrogen component of certain contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke in women with this history. He said, “If a young lady with a history of migraine and aura has a stroke, then we would recommend them, and they're using contraceptives, we would recommend them using progesterone-only contraceptives, avoiding oestrogen, because the oestrogen component is a risk factor for strokes.” The choice of contraception, however, should be always discussed with a healthcare professional. <h2>Hidden Causes Of Stroke In Younger Adults </h2> Not every stroke in a younger person is explained by conventional risk factors. Dr Sen said doctors investigate conditions that may be more relevant in younger patients, including patent foramen ovale (PFO), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and arterial dissection. A PFO is an opening between the upper chambers of the heart. Dr Sen explained that even though it is common, occurring in around one in four people, in certain cases it can allow a blood clot to pass through the heart and travel to the brain. Antiphospholipid syndrome is a condition that can increase the tendency to form blood clots. Arterial dissection, meanwhile, involves a tear in the wall of an artery. Dr Sen said it can occur in association with sports or neck manipulation and may initially cause neck pain or headaches before neurological symptoms develop. He said PFO and arterial dissection were the two most common unusual causes he had encountered in younger <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/be-fast-stroke-warning-signs-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore-article-156427621" data-type="tilCustomLink">stroke</a> patients, followed by antiphospholipid syndrome. He said, “The most common cause I've seen is PFO, definitely, followed by dissection, and then probably antiphospholipid syndrome.” Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/woman-with-epilepsy-dies-after-following-chatgpts-advice-to-stop-medication-why-ai-cannot-replace-a-doctor-article-156425495" data-type="tilCustomLink">Woman With Epilepsy Dies After Following ChatGPT’s Advice To Stop Medication: Why AI Cannot Replace A Doctor</a> <h2>Stroke Symptoms In Young People Can Be Overlooked </h2> Dr Sen warned that stroke may not always be the first condition doctors suspect when a younger person arrives with symptoms like dizziness, balance problems, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision or headaches. Posterior circulation strokes, which affect the back of the brain, can cause symptoms that resemble other conditions. These may be mistaken for intoxication, gastroenteritis or migraine, potentially delaying diagnosis. “There's this common myth that stroke, if it happens, it's inevitable. There's nothing you could have done to prevent it. But the opposite is true, because the majority of strokes are actually preventable if you address the risk factors in a proactive fashion,” he said. <h2>How Can Younger Adults Reduce Their Stroke Risk? </h2> <div type="Youtube" id="W8sT02MJsQI" title="Mini-Stroke to Life-Threatening Stroke: Why Disappearing Symptoms Are Dangerous | World Stroke Day" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W8sT02MJsQI/mqdefault.jpg"><url><![CDATA[https://youtu.be/W8sT02MJsQI?si=LHDudO6228p4YvX5]]></url></div> Dr Sen urgently recommends addressing lifestyle factors, keeping key health biomarkers in check and recognising stroke symptoms at the earliest. He advised younger adults to stay physically active, avoid smoking and recreational drugs, maintain a healthy diet, get adequate sleep and avoid binge drinking. He also urged people to monitor their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose rather than assuming these checks are necessary only later in life. He said, “Know your numbers. By that, I mean, your risk factors. Even in as early as your mid 20s to early 30s, you should be looking at your blood pressure, <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/coq10-for-statin-related-muscle-pain-what-does-the-evidence-say-article-156412776" data-type="tilCustomLink">cholesterol</a> and diabetes markers. Dr Sen also said that some people may have genetically elevated cholesterol even when they are young. He also mentioned lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), a largely genetically determined risk factor that is not routinely included in every standard cholesterol assessment. Finally, he stressed the importance of recognising the signs of stroke through the BEFAST acronym: <ul><li>B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.</li><li>E – Eyes: Sudden vision loss or double vision.</li><li>F – Face: Drooping on one side of the face.</li><li>A – Arms: Weakness or one arm drifting down.</li><li>S – Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty finding words.</li><li>T – Time: Call emergency services immediately.</li></ul> “The mantra in stroke that we use is time is brain,” Dr Sen said. “The earlier you get to the hospital and see the specialists and get the right treatment at the right time and the right place, the better the outcomes.”<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

TB Treatment in 4 Months With 3 or Fewer Injections? WHO Pushes for Long-Acting Options

tb-treatment-in-4-months-with-3-or-fewer-injections-who-pushes-for-long-acting-options

tuberculosis

tuberculosis treatment

Long Acting Injections for TB

long acting injections

tuberculosis medicines

global tuberculosis report

sexually transmitted infections

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. Treatment typically involves daily oral medicines that is taken for over weeks or months, making adherence a challenge for many patients. To tackle this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has now released target regimen profiles for long-acting injectables (LAIs), which may soon replace pills with injections for TB preventive treatment and TB disease. The new treatment regimen for <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/tuberculosis" data-type="tilCustomLink">tuberculosis</a> with LAIs targets three or fewer injections in just four months. These treatments are not yet commercially available for routine clinical use, but several candidates are entering clinical development. “Long-acting injectables could make TB prevention and treatment much simpler for the people who need them. These profiles tell developers, early, what a new regimen must achieve to make that difference in practice, without trading away efficacy, safety or patient choice,” said Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, director of the WHO Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections. <h2>What Are the WHO’s Targets for Long-Acting TB Injections? </h2> Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/94-of-tb-patients-report-anxiety-77-depression-study-highlights-mental-health-toll-of-indias-tb-burden-article-156366419" data-type="tilCustomLink">94% Of TB Patients Report Anxiety, 77% Depression: Study Highlights Mental Health Toll Of India's TB Burden</a> The WHO’s target regimen profiles (TRPs) define the minimum and optimal requirements for developing LAIs for TB prevention and treatment, guiding pharmaceutical companies, researchers, product developers, donors and TB-affected communities. "The profile for TB preventive treatment aims for a complete course delivered through a single injection during one healthcare encounter. For TB disease, the target is a regimen lasting no more than four months, delivered in three or fewer dosing encounters," the WHO said. Both profiles call for injections administered by trained health workers at the lowest feasible level of the health system. They also specify small injection volumes, no requirement for a cold chain, and efficacy and safety at least comparable to those of existing oral regimens. The profiles also address clinical trial design, scalability, equitable access and affordability. <h2>How Could Long-Acting Injections Help People With TB? </h2> Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/icmrs-advanced-blood-test-to-predict-risk-of-tb-1-5-years-before-symptoms-appear-article-153890023" data-type="tilCustomLink">ICMR's Advanced Blood Test to Predict Risk of TB 1.5 Years Before Symptoms Appear</a> LAIs are sustained-release medicines administered through intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. They have shown previously shown potential in managing conditions including HIV, schizophrenia, opioid dependence and contraception. For HIV prevention, long-acting cabotegravir is administered every two months, while lenacapavir is administered twice yearly. WHO recommended lenacapavir for HIV prevention in 2025. For people affected by TB, potential benefits include: <ul><li>Simpler adherence: Fewer doses could make it easier to complete treatment.</li><li>Lower risk of drug resistance: Better adherence could reduce the risk of resistance developing during treatment.</li><li>Reduced treatment burden: Fewer pills and healthcare visits could mean less time away from work and lower travel costs.</li><li>Less stigma: Less frequent medication-taking and fewer healthcare visits could ease some of the burden associated with treatment.</li></ul> However, LAIs address medication-taking frequency and adherence, not every challenge in TB care. Effective implementation would still require timely diagnosis, appropriate testing, management of comorbidities and drug interactions, contact investigation, and adequate healthcare resources. <h2>Will Long-Acting TB Injections Be Affordable? </h2> The WHO expects LAIs for TB prevention and treatment to enter the market at higher prices than existing oral formulations, based on anticipated development and production costs. International collaboration and support may be needed to ensure affordability, particularly during the initial rollout. The WHO also emphasized that research into improved oral regimens should continue. Treatment programmes must preserve patient choice, allowing people who prefer oral medicines to continue using them. <h2>Why Does This Matter for India? </h2> According to the WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, more than 10 million people developed TB worldwide in 2024, while more than 1.2 million died from the disease. India bears the largest share of the global TB burden. Prolonged treatment, financial hardship, stigma and uneven access to drug-resistant TB care can make treatment more challenging. If successfully developed and made accessible, long-acting injections could reduce some of the practical and economic barriers associated with TB treatment. Their impact will depend on safety, efficacy, affordability and equitable access.<meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

tb treatment could become simpler with long-acting injections what to know

hemophilia-why-bone-health-needs-attention-from-childhood

Hemophilia

childhood

inherited bleeding disorder

clotting factor

bone strength

world federation of hemophilia

People with hemophilia face an increased risk of poor bone health due to recurrent joint and muscle bleeds, joint damage and reduced physical activity. Experts told HealthandMe that preventing bleeds from childhood, alongside adequate nutrition, appropriate exercise and regular assessment, can help protect bone health throughout life. Globally, an estimated 836,000 people have hemophilia, including approximately 284,000 with severe hemophilia. In India, the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) reported nearly 28,000 diagnosed and registered patients as of 2026, including more than 24,000 with Hemophilia A. However, the estimated prevalence could be as high as 1,36,000, suggesting many cases remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Childhood and adolescence are critical for building peak bone mass, making early intervention important for long-term musculoskeletal health, said health experts. <h2>How Hemophilia Can Affect Bone Health </h2> Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or factor IX (Hemophilia B). It primarily affects males, while women are often carriers. Repeated bleeding into joints can cause chronic pain, joint damage, deformity and reduced mobility. Muscle bleeds can further restrict movement, limiting participation in physical activities that help maintain bone strength. “Bone health begins in childhood, but protecting it is a lifelong commitment. In people living with hemophilia, recurrent joint and muscle bleeds, reduced physical activity and other risk factors can contribute to poor bone health and an increased risk of osteoporosis,” Dr. Varun Bafna, associate professor in the Department of Hematology at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Government Medical College, Kolhapur, told HealthandMe. <h2>Why Prophylaxis Matters </h2> Prophylaxis involves preventive treatment to reduce bleeding episodes rather than treating bleeds only after they occur. Regular factor prophylaxis can help prevent recurrent joint bleeds, preserve joint function and support mobility. “Regular factor prophylaxis helps prevent repeated joint bleeds and preserve joint function. That protection can support mobility, an important contributor to bone health,” Dr. Hitha B, associate professor and haematologist in the Department of Medicine at Government Medical College, Kozhikode, told HealthandMe. She advised patients to discuss breakthrough bleeding or difficulties accessing treatment with their healthcare team so their treatment plan can be reviewed. Dr. Bafna said consistent prophylaxis can also support muscle strength and safer participation in physical activity. “Prophylaxis is not just about preventing bleeding today; it is an important part of protecting long-term musculoskeletal health and quality of life at every age,” he noted. <h2>How to Protect Bone Health From Childhood </h2> Experts recommend an individualized approach based on age, joint health, mobility and other risk factors. Key measures include: <ul><li>Calcium and vitamin D: Ensure adequate intake through diet and discuss supplementation with a healthcare professional when needed. </li><li>Appropriate physical activity: Weight-bearing exercises suited to individual joint health can help maintain bone strength, with guidance from the care team.</li><li>Physiotherapy: Tailored rehabilitation can help maintain muscle strength, mobility and joint function. </li><li>Regular assessment: Periodic evaluation can identify bone-health concerns and determine whether further investigations are needed. </li><li>Consistent prophylaxis: Adhering to prescribed preventive treatment can reduce bleeding episodes and help protect joints.</li></ul> <h2>A Multidisciplinary Approach to Lifelong Care </h2>Hematologists, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals can help patients and families integrate preventive treatment, rehabilitation, nutrition and appropriate physical activity into an individualized care plan. Early intervention and consistent care can help preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life as people with hemophilia grow older. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />