Is your teenager skipping breakfast? Why is that happening and what can you do? As per the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which surveyed adolescent health and well-being found that 1 in 4 students in high school ate breakfast, which means 3 in 4 high school students are not eating their breakfast. This data is as per the 2023 survey.

What Did The Study Intend?

The report describes a 10-year long trend and also recent changes among the two years. The study delved deeper into adolescents' dietary, physical activity and sleep behaviors. The study is also based on a national youth risk behavior survey of a representative sample of students from grade nine to 12.

What Did The Study Find?

The study found that while high school students drank slightly less soda and sports drinks and consumed more water, other healthy eating habits declined. In 2023, only 27% of students ate breakfast every day in the past week. The numbers were even lower for female students, with just 22% eating breakfast daily, compared to 32% of male students. Boys were also more likely to eat fruits and vegetables daily and drink water at least three times a day. Poor mental health and lack of physical activity have also been linked to skipping breakfast.

The other findings included a survey across 10-year period, where a decrease in the percentage of students eating fruits from 65% to 55%, eating vegetables, from 61% to 58%, and having breakfast daily from 38% to 27% was noted.

However, there was a positive trend among this, which was in children drinking plain water at least three times a day, which increased from 49% to 54% from when the survey began in 2015.. There were fewer students who also said that they drank soda in 2023 than in 2013. On an average, in 2013, around 22% students avoided soda, whereas in 2023, 31% students avoided it.

The report also emphasized that a healthy diet, along with daily physical activity and sufficient sleep further contributes to a healthy lifestyle. “The 10-year trends from 2013 to 2023 also show a decline in healthy dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors,” the survey reported.

Why Do High School Students Skip Breakfast?

While there is no one straightforward answer to it, psychologists and those who study children, believe that for many high school going kids, it is the easiest time to skip a meal. This is because they are caught between rushing to school, or not just that hungry in the morning. So for them, to sit down to have a breakfast may seem hassle and something they would have to take time out from their busy schedule. They at this age also prioritize their extra-curricular activities.

There has also been a shift in their circadian rhythm, and most teens cannot fall asleep before 11 pm, or even at midnight. Which means they wake up tired and struggle to do things right in the morning, which is why they choose to skip breakfast or give extra minutes to any other activities.

There is of course another, more popular reason, to lose weight. While experts and studies, like the one published in the Journal of Nutrition that found skipping breakfast leads to higher levels of hunger hormones, the students still feel the need to do this. However, it could lead to a slow metabolism, prompt the body to conserve energy and burn fewer calories, weight gain and deprive yo off the essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin D.

Without a morning breakfast, your blood sugar might drop too, which can increase irritability and stress, along with including the risk of depression in teenage.

A new strain of mpox or what was previous known as monkeypox has been detected in a person in England, confirmed the UK health officials. This strain is a mix of the two major type of mpox virus that was found in someone who had recently returned from travelling in Asia.

The officials have said that they are still assessing the significance of the new strain. As per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is normal for viruses to evolve. The best shield of protection is to get vaccinated against such disease, even if the infector remain mild for most.

What Is The New Virus Strain Of Mpox?

The new virus strain contains elements from two mpox strain, which are clade Ib and clade IIb. The strain as of now has no name.

UK officials have also recently encouraged gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men to get vaccinated against mpox. This call has come as the strain clade Ib showed early signs of local spread in some of the European countries. Whereas, the clade IIB is linked to a global outbreak of mpox in 2022 that affected countries across the globe.

Vaccines Available For Who?

In the UK, the vaccination is available for the most vulnerable group at the risk of catching mpox:

• those who have multiple sexual partners
• those who engage in group sex
• those who visit sex-on-premises venues

Health officials report that the mpox vaccine offers about 75 to 80 percent protection. Although there are no specific studies yet on how well the vaccine works against the newest strain, experts believe it should still provide a strong level of defense.

Dr. Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), told BBC that genomic testing made it possible to identify this strain. She explained that viruses naturally evolve and that ongoing analysis will help scientists understand how mpox is changing. Dr. Sinka encouraged eligible individuals to get vaccinated, calling it a proven way to prevent severe illness.

Global Readiness and Gaps in Access

Prof. Trudie Lang, director of the Global Health Network at the University of Oxford, told the BBC that the UK has strong systems to detect cases and stop further spread. However, she noted that this is much more difficult in other regions, particularly in vulnerable populations where vaccine access is limited.

According to Prof. Lang, if more cases of this strain begin to appear in the UK or internationally, researchers will need to closely track how the virus spreads and how sick it makes people. Understanding these patterns will help determine whether the new strain poses more or less risk than previous ones.

Rising Global Cases and Concerns

Nearly 48,000 mpox cases have been confirmed worldwide in 2025, including about 2,500 in the past month. Most infections have been reported in central Africa.

Dr. Boghuma Titanji, assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, said the emergence of a new strain is what experts expected as the virus continued to circulate globally. She warned that allowing ongoing transmission gives mpox more chances to adapt and embed itself as a long-term human pathogen.

What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral illness that can cause significant discomfort. Common symptoms include lesions or a rash lasting two to four weeks. People may also experience fever, headaches, back pain, muscle aches and fatigue.

The virus spreads through close physical contact, respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes and shared items such as bedding, towels or clothing.

Health officials advise anyone who suspects they may have mpox to contact NHS 111 for guidance on next steps.

Coughs. Sneezing. Wheezing. All of this can be heard everywhere, with many people taking sick leaves, and coming back to office still with health complains. This is what is happening in Delhi as the national capital remains in the 'very poor' category for its Monday morning Air Quality Index (AQI). The average AQI of the city stood at 318 on 7am, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The thick layer of smog has engulfed the city and there has been no improvement to get rid of the toxic air. Visibility too has been reduced in several areas, including Anand Vihar, India Gate, Dwarka, and ITO.

Amid the continuously worsening air condition in Delhi, the government has now formed an 'expert group' to combat air pollution as health crisis rise.

The panel will study how pollution builds up from human activity as well as natural causes and will recommend technology upgrades, policy reforms, and sector specific interventions that can be put into action.

Who Will Lead the Expert Panel

The group will be chaired by retired IAS officer and former Union Environment Secretary Leena Nandan. Other members include former CPCB member secretary Dr JS Kamyotra, IIT Delhi professor emeritus Mukesh Khare, IIT Kanpur professor emeritus Mukesh Sharma, and Dr Suneel Pandey, director of Circular Economy and Waste Management at TERI. Representatives from CAQM, the IMD, APAG, PHDCCI and senior officials from the Delhi government are also part of the group. The Secretary of Environment and Forest is a member, and the DPCC chairman will serve as member secretary.

What the Group Will Do

This expert panel will act as a high level advisory body, offering clear, actionable guidance that can shape both emergency responses and long term reforms. It will track the progress of current pollution control programs, study global best practices, and flag where corrections are needed. The group will meet every month, either in person or virtually, and will receive administrative support from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The initial tenure is six months, with the option to extend if required.

Government Planning and Oversight

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved the expert group, along with a separate High Level Implementation Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary. While the expert group will guide policy and strategy, the implementation committee is responsible for enforcing directives, coordinating across departments, and ensuring timely action. Delhi BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa has welcomed the move and said that combined efforts from the government and citizens can make a meaningful difference.

Delhi’s Pollution Levels Are Rising Fast

A new analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlights the scale of the crisis. Delhi’s air pollution almost doubled in November, with average PM2.5 levels touching 215 micrograms per cubic meter. The city recorded 23 days of very poor air, six severe days, and only one poor day. Although stubble burning played a smaller role this year, contributing an average of 7 percent, the pollution remained dangerously high.

Across India, pollution trends were equally worrying. Nine of the ten most polluted cities saw higher pollution levels than last year. Ghaziabad was the worst affected, with PM2.5 levels at 224 micrograms per cubic meter.

According to CREA analyst Manoj Kumar, declining stubble burning shows some progress, but major year round sources such as transport, industry, power plants, and other combustion activities continue to drive the crisis. Without strong emission cuts in these sectors, pollution levels will keep breaching national standards.

Doctors Warn of a Deepening Health Emergency

In an interview with ANI, doctors from AIIMS described Delhi’s air quality as a medical emergency. Prof Dr Anant Mohan and Dr Saurabh Mittal from the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine said the current situation is now putting vulnerable groups at serious risk, including pregnant women, unborn babies, newborns, and adults with heart or neurological conditions.

Dr Mohan warned that the impacts may be felt for generations. Since the particles are extremely small, they can pass from a pregnant woman to the fetus and interfere with growth. Babies exposed to such conditions in the womb are more likely to be underweight and may have weaker lungs as they grow. Some complications might show up only later in life.

Dr Mittal added that the effects of toxic air go far beyond respiratory illness. Prolonged exposure is increasing cases of breathlessness, lung inflammation, asthma attacks, and chronic conditions like COPD. Fine particulate matter is also entering the bloodstream, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The growing health concerns underline the need for immediate and coordinated action, making the work of the newly formed expert group even more urgent.

How To Read Delhi's AQI?

0-50: 'good'

51-100: 'satisfactory'

101-200: 'moderate'

201-300: 'poor'

301-400: 'very poor'

401-500: 'severe'

It is that time of the year when cough and colds are at its peak and everyone you know if affected by it. However, the health experts have warned that this winter could be worst, worse than the previous one. Why? Because this winter may have the most severe flu outbreaks in decades. The worst part? It is already wreaking havoc on the NHS.

The flu strain being talked about here is the H3N2 strain, what has also been named as the "unpleasant" by health experts. The experts have warned that NHS could face a "tidal wave" of illness ahead of Christmas. A per the reports, hospital admission rates for flu has already gone up to 56 per cent, as compared to the same week last year. As per the health experts, wearing a mask outside is must, especially if they feel unwell, and have encourages those who are eligible to get their vaccination.

What Is the H3N2 Strain?

H3N2 is one of the two main influenza strains currently in circulation. Also referred to as subclade K, it is the most prevalent flu strain in England right now, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

What Are The Doctors Saying?

The Independent spoke to Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and a medical adviser for Prescription Doctor, about this new strain and the ways to prevent sickness.

Dr Aragona explained that the letters and numbers used to classify flu strains come from the virus’s surface proteins called haemagglutinin, represented by H, and neuraminidase, represented by N.

He said that this specific combination can sometimes lead to more serious illness, particularly in older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

He added that H3N2 changes frequently, which means the version circulating this year may differ from earlier years or from the strain included in the seasonal vaccine. This can leave people more vulnerable to infection.

What are the symptoms?

According to the UKHSA, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Extreme tiredness is common and this often helps distinguish flu from a cold, which develops more gradually.

The symptoms linked to H3N2 have been similar to typical seasonal flu. These may include fever, cough, a runny nose, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.

People at higher risk of complications include children under five, especially those under two, adults over 65, pregnant women and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immunity or neurological illnesses.

If someone develops flu symptoms after close contact with pigs, doctors advise informing a healthcare provider immediately and mentioning that exposure.

How high are flu rates right now?

NHS England reported that an average of 1,717 patients a day were admitted to hospital with flu last week. This is a 56 per cent rise from the same period last year.

• The rates are seven times higher than in 2023, when hospitals saw an average of 243 flu patients a day.
• This spike follows Australia’s biggest flu season on record, which often predicts how the UK will fare.

Why is H3N2 hitting harder this winter?

Dr Aragona said several factors are contributing to a more challenging flu season. The season has begun earlier than usual, giving the virus more opportunity to spread.

He added that the strain has evolved from last year’s version, so immunity from previous infections and even the vaccine may offer less protection.

He also pointed out that fewer people have been exposed to flu in recent years, especially children. This means a larger portion of the population is susceptible. Cold weather, indoor gatherings and normal social habits are also helping the virus spread more easily.

Experts have already noted that this strain picked up seven new mutations over the summer, making it quite different from previous versions in the current vaccine.

With winter underway, the UK is preparing for a rise in flu related deaths. NHS leaders have issued a strong appeal for people to get vaccinated. Last winter saw around 8,000 deaths linked to flu. This was higher than the previous year’s 3,500 deaths but lower than the 16,000 recorded in the 2022 to 2023 season.

How can you protect yourself?

Dr Aragona said getting the flu vaccine is the most important step, especially for people who are older, pregnant, very young or managing long term health conditions.

He said the vaccine does not prevent every infection but it greatly reduces the chances of severe illness and hospitalisation.

Good hand hygiene, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated can also help.

New data from the UKHSA shows the 2025 to 2026 vaccine is currently 70 to 75 per cent effective at preventing hospital visits in children aged two to seventeen, and 30 to 40 per cent effective in adults.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal of the UKHSA said the early results offer reassuring evidence that this year’s vaccine provides meaningful protection. He encouraged everyone eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Dr Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer, said flu can be unpleasant for many people and dangerous for some. He emphasised that vaccination is the best defence. He said the season has started early and that those eligible should get their vaccine now.

Last year’s flu vaccine significantly reduced the number of severe cases, cutting hospitalisation by nearly 40 per cent in people over 65 and by 75 per cent in children aged two to seventeen.

How worried should we be about H3N2?

Dr Aragona said that while flu can be uncomfortable, most healthy adults and children recover without complications. He advised against panic but highlighted that older people, those with chronic illnesses and other vulnerable groups could face more serious illness this season.

He said the key is staying alert, getting vaccinated, taking sensible precautions and seeking medical help early if symptoms worsen. With these steps, he said the risks can be managed, even in a year with higher flu activity.