The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide are affected by infertility. This number, however, does not include LGBTQ+ population and those who are choosing to parent without a partner. Infertility, therefore is a great concern among people worldwide. However, what people lacked was awareness around it and what could be done in such cases, or in fact, how lifestyle changes can help with infertility. Thus in 1989, National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) was founded to observe ever April to show legislators and the public that infertility is an issue that affects many and it deserves comprehensive health care coverage. The week is observed from April 20 to 26 and aims to break the silence, remove stigma and support those facing infertility issues.

The most important point of this week is to raise awareness, provide compassionate care and help families find hope.

What Is The Infertility Awareness Week?

National Infertility Awareness Week isn’t just another health observance—it’s a movement that started in 1989, initiated by RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Its mission is simple yet powerful:

Reduce stigma around infertility

Spread awareness about reproductive health

Offer support and resources to those in need

Infertility can affect anyone—regardless of age, gender, marital status, or background. NIAW creates a space for honest conversations, shared stories, and community support, helping people understand that they are not alone in their journey.

Why Does This Week Matter?

As aforementioned, infertility is more common than most people think.

Unfortunately, many still face shame, misinformation, and social pressure. NIAW focuses on bringing these issues into the open, making it clear that infertility is a medical condition, not a personal failure.

What Causes It?

Infertility can stem from various causes, affecting both men and women.

Common causes of female infertility include:

• Hormonal imbalances like PCOS or thyroid disorders
• Ovulation issues
• Endometriosis
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Age-related decline in egg quality

Common causes of male infertility include:

• Low sperm count or poor motility
• Hormonal disorders
• Genetic conditions
• Lifestyle factors like stress, smoking, or alcohol use

Other factors like obesity, chronic illness, and certain medications may also contribute. The good news? Many of these challenges are treatable with today’s medical advancements.

What Are The Treatments Available?

• Ovulation Induction – Medications to regulate ovulation
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) – Placing sperm directly into the uterus
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Fertilizing eggs in a lab before implantation
• ICSI – Injection of a single sperm into an egg (ideal for male infertility)
• Egg/Sperm Donation – For those unable to produce healthy gametes
• Surrogacy – For those who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves

The Myths Around Infertility

Myth: Infertility only affects women.

Fact: It affects both men and women.

Myth: Stress is the main cause.

Fact: Infertility is a complex medical issue.

Myth: IVF always leads to multiple births.

Fact: Modern methods prioritize healthy singleton pregnancies.

As the relationship between the US and China hit rock bottom, the White House has updated its COVID website, pinning the blame of the pandemic on China. The revamped website (www.whitehouse.gov) now reiterates the controversial Wuhan lab leak theory while also listing down 5 pointers supporting its claim. Notably, the website also targets Anthony Fauci, former chief medical advisor to President Biden, for advancing what it calls the "preferred narrative that Covid-19 originated naturally."

Here's Everything You Need To Know

The US Administration created the aforementioned website to spread information about the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is responsible for the deaths of millions in the US. Previously, the website focused on promoting vaccine and testing information related to COVID-19. However, it now includes a full-length image of President Donald Trump along with 5 points that promote the Wuhan lab leak theory. Here's what it states:

1. The virus possesses a biological characteristic that is not found in nature.

2. Data shows that all COVID-19 cases stem from a single introduction into humans. This runs contrary to previous pandemics where there were multiple spillover events.

3. Wuhan is home to China’s foremost SARS research lab, which has a history of conducting gain-of-function research (gene altering and organism supercharging) at inadequate biosafety levels.

4. Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) researchers were sick with COVID-like symptoms in the fall of 2019, months before COVID-19 was discovered at the wet market.

5. By nearly all measures of science, if there were evidence of a natural origin, it would have already surfaced. But it hasn’t.

Notably, the revamped site, which seeks to redefine the narrative about COVID, also criticises the masks and social distancing mandates introduced at the start of the pandemic in 2020.

What Is Wuhan Lab Leak Theory?

As the name suggests, this theory claims that the lethal coronavirus was created in a lab in the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), from where it escaped. The WIV, which has been studying coronaviruses in bats for over a decade, is only a 40-minute drive from the Huanan wet market where the first cluster of infections emerged. Those who entertain the theory say it could have leaked from a WIV lab and spread to the wet market. Interestingly, many also argue it would have been an unaltered virus collected from the wild, rather than engineered.

Is Wuhan Lab Leak Theory True?

Ever since the research on tracing the origins of COVID-19 began, Trump has accused China of "synthetising" the deadly coronairus. Earlier in 2020, adressing a press meet, he questioned Xi Jinping administration, saying, "Whether they (China) made a mistake, or whether it started off as a mistake and then they made another one, or did somebody do something on purpose?"

The World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2021 sent a team of scientists to Wuhan to trace the origin of the virus. However, after spending 12 days there, which included a visit to the laboratory, the team concluded the lab-leak theory was "extremely unlikely". However, this did not go well with Trump, who accused the global health agency of conspiring with China and also labelled it as a "PR agency" of China. After taking office this year, Trump pulled out funding from the WHO, citing its non-compliance with the Wuhan lab leak theory as one of the main reasons.

Even as the debate behind the COVID origin theory remains unresolved, US agencies such as the FBI and the Department of Energy have come out in support of the theory, albeit with varying levels of confidence. Earlier this year, the CIA shifted its official stance on the virus's origin, saying that it was "more likely" leaked from a Chinese lab than transmission from animals. The assessment drew criticism from China, which said it was "extremely unlikely" that COVID-19 came from a laboratory.

The United States is witnessing a dramatic resurgence of measles, a disease once declared eliminated in the country nearly 25 years ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 800 measles cases in 2024 so far, with outbreaks spanning at least 25 states. The alarming uptick comes amid a surge of new infections reported across Texas and neighboring states, prompting renewed calls for aggressive vaccination outreach and public health preparedness.

According to the CDC’s latest weekly update, the national measles count rose by 88 cases in a single week, pushing the year-to-date total to 800. A majority—94%—of these cases are linked to 10 ongoing outbreaks, most notably one sprawling across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Texas alone has reported almost 600 outbreak-related cases, and Gaines County has become the epicenter. Altogether, 371 cases have been reported in Gaines County, and 24 other counties throughout the state have also reported infections. New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas have reported 63, 12, and 37 cases, respectively. Michigan and Montana—states that hadn't experienced substantial measles activity in years—are reporting new outbreaks as well, which indicates a disturbing spread beyond initial hotspots.

What is especially alarming about this outbreak is the vaccination history of the infected individuals. CDC reports indicate that an overwhelming 96% of confirmed cases were unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status. A mere 3% of the confirmed cases had one or two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Among the 800 reported cases, a minimum of 85 patients have been hospitalized. There have been three reported deaths, two of them children in Texas. Another death in New Mexico is being investigated.

"Numbers are probably an undercount," experts warn, with many going undiagnosed or unreported—particularly in communities with poor access to healthcare or vaccine resistance.

Texas, and West Texas in specific, is still the hardest hit. The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) reported 36 new cases after April 15, bringing the total to 597. Upshur County, located in East Texas, has also been a secondary hotspot. TDSHS officials now are looking to see if the cases are part of the initial outbreak or indicate new community-level transmission.

To counter the increasing threat, vaccination centers in regions such as Lubbock—close to the epicenter—have expanded hours and outreach, targeting communities with a history of low vaccination rates.

The U.S. outbreak is not isolated. International travel has been a strong contributor to the reentry and spread of the virus. Multiple Mexican cases have been epidemiologically connected to the outbreak in Texas, and three Colorado cases are under investigation following travel to Mexico. A Pennsylvania resident, meanwhile, was diagnosed with measles after travel to Texas, though the specific site of exposure is unclear.

Canada's persistent outbreak, specifically in Ontario, also fueled the spread, as Michigan authorities traced Montcalm County cases back to Canadian infections. Such cross-border linkages underscore the imperative for worldwide containment of measles and strong immunization systems across the globe.

What is Driving US Measles Outbreak?

Measles is also a very contagious airborne disease, transmitting by sneezing and coughing. An infected person alone can infect 90% of non-vaccinated individuals in the vicinity. The virus even lasts in air and on surfaces for two hours after an infected person has already exited the room.

Health authorities attribute the epidemic of measles to:

Lowered Vaccination Levels – Most of the recent cases have been seen in populations with lower than recommended measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage. Some parents continue to refuse or postpone vaccination, putting their children and populations at risk.

Global Travel – Measles is more common in parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe, and unvaccinated travelers can bring the virus to the U.S.

Delayed Medical Treatment – The majority are undiagnosed or not reported in the early stages, leaving the virus unchecked.

A Threat to Measles Elimination Status

The United States of America officially eliminated measles in 2000, when uninterrupted transmission of the virus had lasted for more than a year. But as cases increase, the status of the country's elimination is threatened.

"That … would occur after 12 months of continuous circulation of the same strain," said Dr. David Sugerman, a senior CDC scientist, at a recent advisory session. If the virus keeps circulating through early 2026, the U.S. may forfeit its measles elimination status a major public health loss.

What You Must Know About Measles?

Measles is preceded by the symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, and reddish watery eyes. Then comes a typical red rash starting at the hairline and radiating downward.

The virus is among the most infectious illnesses that have ever affected human beings. A contaminated individual can infect as many as 90% of unprotected people around him or her, and the virus will remain airborne and on surfaces for as long as two hours after infection.

The MMR vaccine is still the best prevention. Two doses provide around 97% protection. The CDC encourages everyone particularly children, healthcare providers, and travelers abroad, to stay current on their vaccinations. Unvaccinated travelers must be vaccinated at least two weeks prior to travel to prevent possible exposure overseas.

For years, health experts and lifestyle gurus have been telling us that moderate alcohol consumption—so defined by some as a daily glass of wine or a weekend couple of beers—is not especially bad for you. A party drink with colleagues, a pre-dinner cocktail, or an evening nightcap to relax were all part of a healthy, balanced existence. New research is now breaking that myth, showing that even supposedly "moderate" drinking may be quietly harming our brains.

Based on researchers, even what most people would define as moderate drinking—just eight drinks of alcohol per week—may cause serious brain damage in the long run. A recent study released in Neurology, which was based on an analysis of almost 1,800 subjects from the UK Biobank, has come to a shocking conclusion: consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week may dramatically increase the risk of brain damage, even if you are not what society usually defines as a "heavy drinker."

The study, conducted by vascular health specialist Dr. Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, divided participants according to alcohol intake: never drinkers, moderate drinkers (seven drinks or less a week), previous heavy drinkers, and current heavy drinkers (those drinking more than eight drinks a week).

The findings of the team created eyebrows within the scientific world. Among people who never drank at all, 40% of them presented brain lesions—destruction of the tiny brain vessels. However, among the moderate drinkers, this figure reached 45%. Among heavy drinkers, it climbed to 44%, and highest, at 50%, was seen among heavy drinkers who had already quit drinking.

More troubling, moderate drinkers were discovered to be 60% more prone to the development of brain lesions than abstainers. In previous heavy drinkers, the risk rose by 89%, while among current heavy drinkers, the risk increased to 133%.

These lesions—which are called by doctors hyaline arteriolosclerosis—aren't just a joke. They form when small vessels deep in the brain become stiff and hardened, compromising blood supply. Eventually, such impairment will impact memory, capacity for learning, and intellectual function.

What Are Brain Lesions and Why Are They Important?

Brain lesions are not something you can see or touch right away, but they're very destructive. One of the most alarming types that this study points out is hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which is usually a result of high blood pressure or diabetes. Alcohol can now be added to the list.

These microalterations in the blood vessels of the brain lead to lower oxygen and nutrient delivery, which can cause cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and in the long run, diseases such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

The research also revealed a higher level of tau tangles—protein clumps in the brains of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's—among heavy drinkers. Even individuals who had stopped drinking continued to have higher levels of these markers of neurodegeneration, indicating the damage may be irreversible once it has been inflicted.

Cognitive Decline and Decreased Brain Volume

The neurological effects didn't remain limited to lesions and tangles. Ex-heavy drinkers in the study had a lower brain mass ratio—i.e., their brains had contracted more than those of teetotalers. This physical contraction came along with diminished cognitive function, illustrating that the harm caused by alcohol can reach far beyond fleeting memory loss or hangover-brained fog.

Even more sobering was the statistic that heavy drinkers tend to die an average of 13 years earlier than non-drinkers. This finding underscores how deeply alcohol can impact not just quality of life, but its overall length.

This should raise major concerns, especially given how normalized heavy drinking has become in social settings and pop culture. From happy hours to boozy brunches, our weekly schedules often revolve around alcohol. But it’s time we ask—at what cost?

Also Read: Cardiologist Shares 4 Worst Drinks For Your Heart

Are Moderate Drinkers Safe?

Not necessarily. Although the dangers were less than those encountered by heavy drinkers, the research implies that even small amounts of drinking might ultimately lead to subtle but significant brain changes over time. These may not be immediately apparent but could arise later in life as memory lapses, confusion, and other symptoms of mental decline.

Interestingly, the research indicated that even former heavy drinkers continued to bear the impact of their past activity. Their chances of brain lesions and decreased brain mass continued to be extremely high, affirming the fact that the brain would not completely heal even when the individual gives up alcohol.

This calls into question the oft-held view that giving up alcohol "restores" your health. Although going dry undoubtedly has advantages and should avoid further harm, it might not heal the damage already done to the brain.

With brain damage, impaired cognition, and reduced lifespan increasingly being discussed as part of the alcohol talk, it's absolutely important to rethink what constitutes too much. Opting for brain-healthy alternatives—herbal tea, sparkling water, or mocktails—won't carry the same cache, but they're safer wagers for your long-term health.

Health professionals and lawmakers must take this information into account in revising drinking recommendations. And as individuals, perhaps it's time to trade the evening glass of wine or weekend cocktail for brain-boosting equivalents—herb-infused sparkling water, non-beer craft drinks, or just tea.