Birthdays are exciting for everyone. There's celebration, a cake, and balloons. But what if it goes wrong? This is what happened with Giang Pham, from Vietnam, who was celebrating her 33rd birthday on February 14, when a hydrogen balloon in her hand touched the flame from the candle on the cake and exploded on her face.

This incident was also captured on camera. The footage clearly shows how the balloon blew up as soon as it touched the flame. Her friends were shocked and can be heard gasping in the background as they saw this.

In the days following the incident, she also shared photos on her Instagram showing her bandaged face, and revealed the first-degree burns on her hand and second-degree burns on her face. However, the good news was that her vision was unaffected, though for her face to recover, it would take months.

She is now also warning others about the risks of using highly inflammable hydrogen balloons. The other alternative could be a helium balloon, which you could fly higher and they remain on the ceiling.

Health Update

She revealed that her doctor estimated up to six months for her skin to recover. She would still have to go to the hospital for dressing and treatment. Another such case happened with a woman named Tine from Australia, when on her son's 7th birthday, the balloon exploded and "shook her house". Her son was burned in the forearm.

Such incidents happen because decorators want to save the cost by replacing helium with hydrogen, which is highly inflammable.

In Healing

Giang shared that she experienced second-degree burn on her face and first-degree burn on her hands. As per John Hopkins Medicine, first degree burns affect only the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin. The burn site becomes red, painful, dry, however, there are no blisters. A mild sunburn could be an example of such a burn. This is also called superficial burns.

Whereas, second degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of the skin. The burn site appears red, blistered and could also be swollen and painful. This is also known as partial thickness burn.

Then comes the third degree burns, also known as full thickness burn. This destroys the epidermis and dermis and could also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. However, when the bones and muscles are burned, it could be referred to as a fourth degree burn. The burn sit appears white or charred and there is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

How burns are treated?

The right way to treat a burn depends on its depth and how much of the body it covers. While minor, superficial burns can be managed at home, deeper or larger burns may need medical attention. Keep these essential guidelines in mind:

Do:

• Remove the source of the burn immediately – For example, take off clothing soaked in hot liquid to prevent further damage.
• Run cool water over the burn – This helps soothe the skin, except in cases of certain chemical burns.
• Keep the burn clean and protected – Cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage when possible.
• Seek medical help – If the burn is deeper than a superficial layer, larger than your hand, or full-thickness, see a doctor.

Don’t:

• Use home remedies like bleach or butter – These can make the burn worse.
• Apply ointments or creams on deep burns – They can trap heat and worsen the injury.
• Put ice on the burn – It can cause more damage to the skin.
• Pop blisters – This increases the risk of infection.

Knowing these simple steps can make a big difference in burn care and healing.

Delhi pollution continues to worse, while yesterday their was a brief respite when the air quality index (AQI) levels were reported under the 'poor' category, and the AQI dropped to 269 at 7am on November 30. However, today, on December 1, the AQI at several stations crossed 300.

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 325, ITO at 325, Rohini at 341, Bawana at 339, RK Puram at 336, Vivek Vihar at 321, Shadipur at 324, and Pusa at 322.

Children Are The Worst Victims Of Delhi Pollution

The toxic air in Delhi has spared no one, but the worst affected are children. On a recent weekday morning in Noida, a suburb near Delhi, BBC reported that at a crowded children’s clinic parents waited anxiously with little ones who were coughing, wheezing or struggling to breathe.

Most families said their children started falling sick in October, right when the capital’s air quality slipped into the hazardous range. This is a yearly pattern across northern India. A mix of slow winds, industrial fumes, vehicle emissions, dropping temperatures and the burning of crop residue creates a thick layer of pollution that settles over the region.

Since last month, Delhi’s Air Quality Index has mostly stayed between 300 and 400. These levels are over 20 times higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) considers safe. Readings this high affect everyone, but young children and older adults are the most vulnerable.

Hospitals across the city have been overwhelmed with children suffering from pollution-related illnesses. Dr Shishir Bhatnagar, who heads the clinic in Noida, told BBC the number of cases has jumped sharply. He explained that young children are especially at risk because their immunity is still developing. He usually sees about 20 to 30 percent of cases linked to pollution, but that number doubles during the winter smog.

Although authorities often introduce emergency measures like halting construction or restricting vehicles, the situation has barely improved. Even an attempt at cloud seeding this year failed to bring relief, leaving millions worried about their families’ health.

For some parents, the fear is constant. BBC reports that Khushboo Bharti remembers rushing her one-year-old daughter to the hospital after a severe coughing fit left the baby vomiting and struggling to stay alert. The toddler later needed oxygen and was diagnosed with pneumonia. Other parents share similar worries, wondering whether the polluted air might cause lasting harm.

Research has repeatedly shown that prolonged exposure to polluted air can impair lung development, weaken immunity and even affect brain health. A recent study from the University of Cambridge linked certain pollutants to higher risks of dementia later in life.

While schools have postponed outdoor activities and moved younger classes online, these precautions mainly help families who have access to resources. For children living in crowded homes or near busy roads, the daily exposure is far worse. Doctors urge parents to keep children indoors when possible and use N95 masks, but many families find this unsustainable.

Parents say they feel helpless. They know children need space to play and fresh air to grow, yet every winter forces them to choose safety over normal childhood experiences.

How To Read AQI?

As per CPCB standards, here's how you can read AQI:

• 0 to 50 Good
• 51 to 100 Satisfactory
• 101 to 200 Moderate
• 201 to 300 Poor
• 301 to 400 Very Poor
• 401 to 500 Severe

Aids Day, a day that focuses on raising awareness on a disease that effects 40.8 million lives. In 2024 alone, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related deaths. What really is AIDS? It stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which is an advanced stage of HIV, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. It damages the immune system so that the body is less able to fight infections and diseases.

Thus, every year, on December 1, World AIDS Day is observed to increase awareness on the same, provide support to people living with it and remember those who have lost their lives to the illness.

World Aids Day 2025: Theme

This year, the theme for Aids Day is "Rethink, Rebuild, and Rise".

The International AIDS Society (IAS) wants to create a simple message through the theme that it is important for everyone to connect and work against HIV. This is an urge to everyone from local activists to scientists, to governments, and to the global organization.

The world’s fight against HIV is entering a critical phase. Hard-won progress is under threat as political tensions grow and funding becomes uncertain. This year’s theme, “Rethink. Rebuild. Rise.” is a powerful reminder that the global community must stay united, resilient and forward-thinking to meet the challenges ahead.

Rethink calls for stronger, long-term financial planning. It urges countries to invest more of their own resources instead of relying mainly on international support.

Rebuild highlights the need to strengthen health systems, protect scientific research and support civil society groups. It also emphasizes grounding every decision in solid evidence and pushing back against misinformation.

Rise encourages the world to move ahead with a fully funded, people-centered strategy that safeguards past achievements and brings us closer to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Importance Of World Aids Day 2025

The United Nations notes that in 2025, funding crisis is threatening the progress made in the prevention of the illness. This is why this day is a reminder for more people to connect, initiate community services that are vital for the marginalized population who are often deprioritized while the rise in punitive law criminalizes same sex relationships, gender identity, and drug use that amplifies the crisis, and makes HIV-AIDS services inaccessible.

The global response to AIDS has been shaken in recent months, and much more work is needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS by 2030. The crisis is far from over, and in today’s challenging environment, a fresh, transformative strategy is essential to reduce risks and stay on track.

World Aids Day: Origin

The day was first observed in 1988 when the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations first launched it to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS, erase misconception, and build empathy for people living with AIDS. This day reminds people around the world that AIDS is not only a health problem but also a social and humanitarian issue for which everyone should work together.

Can You Prevent AIDS?

The prevention of AIDS starts from the restriction and complete stoppage of HIV. While there is no vaccine or permanent cure yet, there are ways to prevent AIDS:

• Practice Safe Sex
• Don't Share Needles
• Prevent Mother-to-child Transmission
• Ensure Safe Blood Transfusions

Vaccine safety, a debate the Trump administration just cannot let go. Once again, the same debate is stirring up, and this time an internal Food and Drug Administration memo that The New York Times obtained has linked death of at least 10 children to the COVID vaccine. While the document has not been released publicly, it has already caused controversy and prompted talk of tighter regulations.

The New York Times however reports that the memo did not include essential such as the ages of the affected children, any underlying health conditions, or how the agency reached its conclusions. It also did not identify which manufacturers’ vaccines were involved. Since the findings have not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, many critics of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have raised concerns about the accuracy and timing of the claims. Kennedy has long questioned the safety of Covid shots, even as scientific consensus maintains that vaccines are safe and have saved countless lives.

So, What Does The Memo Say About Vaccination And Death Of Children?

Dr Vinay Prasad, who is the head of FDA's vaccine division wrote the memo based on the findings of a review of reports that suggested that the deaths were linked to myocarditis, which is a rare inflammation of the heart muscle.

But, what does the science say? Scientists have studied the connection between Covid vaccines and myocarditis for years, especially among teenage boys and young men. Most studies have shown that the condition is rare and usually resolves quickly.

Even so, Dr Prasad wrote to staff that the memo marked the first time the FDA would acknowledge that Covid vaccines may have played a role in the deaths of American children. He indicated that he would propose several new oversight measures. It is unclear whether the White House had been briefed on these plans or how closely officials would follow them. When The New York Times reached out to Department of Health and Human Services for a comment, the request was declined.

A Shift In Vaccine Policy

This memo comes at the time when the administration has already taken a more cautious stance on vaccines. Kennedy's team has already introduced new limits on who can or cannot receive COVID shots. The shot has now been restricted to people over 65 and younger individuals with medical vulnerabilities. Officials have also called for renewed studies on long-established vaccines that have been considered safe for decades.

Public health experts from previous administrations have warned that casting doubt on vaccines could have serious consequences. Covid has killed more than a million Americans, including about 2,100 children. Experts note that many more lives were saved because vaccines became widely available.

What Are The Experts Saying?

The memo appeared just before a significant upcoming meeting of the CDC’s vaccine committee, which now includes members known for supporting the medical freedom movement. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease specialist, said the timing did not seem accidental and called the release “irresponsible.”

Other experts expressed concern that the memo lacked important context. Dr. Paul Offit of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia pointed out that myocarditis from Covid infection itself has been far more severe than the rare cases linked to vaccines.

Dr. Prasad also criticized previous mandates for school and workplace vaccination, claiming they pressured people into receiving shots that might pose risks. His memo ended by addressing internal disagreements within the agency and outlining how staff should resign if they oppose the new direction.