Stress is an inevitable part of life, but its consequences are not just mood swings and mental fatigue. Continual stress makes people produce extra cortisol, a hormone that has a critical role in adapting to short-term challenges, but chronically in high quantities it tends to cause harm to the body causing lots of physical and mental disorders.

The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which helps the body control its "fight, flight, or freeze" response. Cortisol temporarily adjusts blood sugar levels, maintains blood pressure, and assists the immune system, among other functions, in short spurts. But when stress persists, cortisol remains high, and necessary functions of the body are interfered with and rendered more susceptible to disease.

According to one survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, stress negatively affects a third of Americans' physical health. Concerns are reinforced by research where studies have shown 80% of primary care visits are stress-related.

But why does stress have such a profound impact? Elevated cortisol limits the immune system's ability to fight infections, disrupts hormonal balance, and triggers inflammation. Over time, these changes can lead to serious health complications.

Signs That High Cortisol Is Stressing Your Body

Persistent Eye Twitches

Do you have involuntary eye spasms? These harmless but annoying twitches often indicate elevated cortisol. The tiny muscles around the eyes are extremely sensitive to stress, contracting or spasming because of cortisol's stimulant-like effects.

Skin Breakouts and Sensitivity

Your skin often reflects what is going on inside your body, and chronic stress can cause inflammatory skin conditions. Elevated cortisol levels stimulate oil production, which exacerbates acne. It also slows down the healing process, worsens conditions like eczema, and contributes to general irritation of the skin.

Frequent Bloating and Digestive Issues

It also interferes with the body's balance of salt and water, which causes fluid retention and bloating. Excess cortisol also slows down blood flow to the digestive system, which further weakens gut bacteria and causes poor digestion, excess gas, and abdominal discomfort.

Weight Fluctuations

High cortisol stimulates the production of insulin, which can cause blood sugar to drop, making people want to eat sugary, high-fat foods. For many, this becomes an excuse to stress-eat and gain weight. For others, the opposite is true: their appetite disappears under stress, causing them to lose weight.

Unexplained Bruising

If you’re noticing random bruises, elevated cortisol could be the culprit. This hormone weakens skin proteins and the walls of small blood vessels, making your skin more fragile and prone to damage.

Cold Symptoms That Won’t Go Away

Do you feel rundown or experience muscle aches, fatigue, or upset stomach regularly? Elevated cortisol mimics cold-like symptoms. Long-term stress also weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

Also Read: Stressed At Work? Your Sleep Might Be Paying The Price, New Study Shows

Vision Problems

Chronic stress can damage your eyesight. Elevated cortisol disrupts blood flow to the eyes, increases eye pressure, and raises the risk of glaucoma. Symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity are also common.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Irregular Menstrual Cycles that disrupt the menstrual period. In females, this leads to hormonal distress causing irregular or missed periods. Over time, it may also disturb fertility.

Tinnitus or Persistent Ringing in the Ears

If you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds without an apparent source, stress might be the culprit. Cortisol affects the auditory system by interfering with blood flow and nerve function and could be the trigger for tinnitus.

Increased Inflammation and Chronic Disease

Increased levels of cortisol contribute to inflammation that can exacerbate conditions such as arthritis and promote the development of heart disease. Chronic inflammation is also associated with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Long-term Consequences of Increased Cortisol

Left unchecked, high cortisol levels can lead to more than just short-term discomfort. Chronic stress has been associated with serious conditions such as heart disease, psychiatric disorders, and metabolic syndromes. A 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine underlined the link between stress and physical health, with recent research in Neurobiology of Stres supporting these findings.

Ways Managing Stress and Cortisol Levels

Managing stress and cortisol levels is essential for maintaining overall health. One effective approach is practicing mindfulness through meditation or yoga, which helps lower cortisol by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. Regular physical exercise, especially aerobic activities, helps reduce stress hormones and boosts endorphins. Prioritizing sleep is crucial, as lack of rest can increase cortisol levels; aim for 7-9 hours per night.

Another remedy is an overall balanced diet full of anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that could manage cortisol production. Finally, it would prevent burnout and chronic stress if proper boundaries were set at work and in personal life.

For the first time, the number of centenarians in Japan has exceeded 100,000. According to the latest figures from the health ministry, the country now has 107,677 people aged 100 and above, of whom 88% are women.

The oldest woman is Kishimoto Fuyo, a 114-year-old from Kyoto City, while the oldest man is Kato Hikaru, a 112-year-old from Kumamoto.

Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno told reporters he was “delighted that so many people are living long, healthy and active lives”. Citing progress in medicine and technology behind the long life, Ueno also warned about the challenge of maintaining a sustainable social security system.

Why Is Japan A Super-Ageing Society?

The long lives of Japanese people may be attributed to several factors, including genetics, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

The island nation’s cuisine predominantly consists of fish, vegetables and rice, with less saturated fat than many Western diets. Older people also regularly walk, use public transport, cycle and stretch.

However, Japan’s ageing population is linked to two major demographic trends: low birth rates and longer life expectancy.

Fertility falling below the replacement level means fewer younger people are entering the population, while improvements in healthcare allow people to live longer.

To curb the falling fertility rates, the government in 2023 launched programs aimed at increasing the birth rate, including a 3.5-trillion-yen (US$22.5 billion) increase in family-policy spending.

However, the country's total fertility rate still dropped to a record low of 1.14 in 2025, far below the 2.1 children needed to maintain the current population.

On the other hand, there were 153 people aged 100 or older when centenarian surveys began in 1963. The number exceeded 1,000 in 1981 and surpassed 10,000 in 1998, according to the Health and Welfare Ministry.

Also read: Unusually High Cancer-Fighting Immune Cells Could Explain Why Some People Live Beyond 100: Study

What Are The Challenges Of A Super-Ageing Society?

The World Health Organization defines “super-ageing” societies as countries where more than 20% of the population is aged 65 or older.

As the proportion of older adults grows relative to the working-age population, population ageing can place pressure on healthcare systems, economies and social support structures. It can also contribute to challenges such as pension pressures, labor shortages and increasing demand for long-term care.

An ageing population can increase the need for continuous medical care, caregiving and social support, due to

• Chronic disease burden of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and cognitive
• Resource strain, where Hospitals and nursing homes face shortages of specialized geriatric care personnel and integrated support services.
• Social isolation, where loss of community engagement and inadequate public transportation or age-friendly housing can increase vulnerability.
• Elder mistreatment: Social and family abuse, alongside systemic ageism, can undermine the dignity and safety of older citizens.

Read More: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For'

Ageing Is Becoming A Global Challenge

Japan’s demographic shift is part of a broader global trend. According to WHO, by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be aged 60 or older. The number of people aged 60 and above is projected to rise from 1 billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030.

By 2050, the global population aged 60 and older is expected to reach 2.1 billion. The number of people aged 80 or older is also expected to triple between 2020 and 2050, reaching 426 million.

By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population aged over 60 is expected to live in low- and middle-income countries.

Population ageing therefore has implications not only for how long people live, but also for healthcare, caregiving, social support and the size of the working-age population.

A commonly used antibiotic for pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and certain skin infections has been linked to higher odds of death in adults, according to a new study.

The antibiotic, cefepime, is a cephalosporin that is relatively stable against AmpC β-lactamases, enzymes produced by some bacteria that can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Concerns about a possible link between cefepime and mortality have been raised for years. A new systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis has now re-examined the evidence from randomized clinical trials.

What Did The Study Find?

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed 110 randomized clinical trials involving 22,608 patients who received either cefepime or another β-lactam antibiotic.

Researchers found a 94.4% posterior probability that cefepime was associated with higher odds of death compared with other β-lactam antibiotics. Death occurred in 6.6% of patients treated with cefepime and 6.2% of those in the comparison groups.

The mortality signal was concentrated in adults, while the analysis did not find evidence of increased mortality in children. Researchers also found higher probabilities of harm across several clinical indications and with cefepime doses of 2 grams or more every 12 hours.

The highest probability of increased mortality was seen among patients treated for febrile neutropenia, at 96.1%.

Also read: 98 Years After Penicillin, Are We Running Out Of Effective Antibiotics?

Why Is Cefepime Safety A Concern?

Cefepime remains an important antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, including pneumonia, UTIs, skin infections and febrile neutropenia.

Its current FDA-approved uses also include certain complicated intra-abdominal infections when used with metronidazole.

One concern with cefepime is neurotoxicity. The drug's prescribing information warns about neurological reactions, particularly in patients with kidney impairment when the dose is not appropriately adjusted. Reported reactions can include confusion, encephalopathy, myoclonus and seizures.

The question of whether mortality is directly caused by cefepime, however, remains unresolved.

An accompanying commentary in JAMA Network Open argued that the mortality findings may be related to dosing and drug exposure rather than cefepime itself.

The drug is typically administered via injection by healthcare providers in a clinical setting. Severe side effects may include confusion, decreased consciousness or seizures, especially in older patients and those with kidney problems, among many other common symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic.

Cefepime And The Earlier Mortality Debate

Read More: Nearly All Countries Overuse Antibiotics; 60% Still Use WHO-Discouraged Drugs: The Lancet

Concerns about cefepime's safety are not new. A 2007 meta-analysis reported a 26% higher relative risk of death among patients receiving cefepime compared with other β-lactam antibiotics.

The FDA subsequently analyzed a larger set of clinical trials and reported no statistically significant difference in mortality between cefepime and comparator antibiotics.

However, the researchers have also rated the overall certainty of evidence as moderate. They downgraded it because of differences between studies and possible publication bias, including 25 unpublished trials supplied by the US Food and Drug Administration that showed results in the opposite direction from the published literature.

Climate change is an environmental issue, but its effects are reaching the eye clinic. Hotter summers, intense ultraviolet radiation, polluted air, shifting pollen seasons and extreme rainfall can affect the eyes.

Because the eye’s surface is exposed to the environment, changes in temperature, humidity and air quality may produce symptoms. Five risks deserve attention in India.

Heat and Dry-Eye Disease

Extreme heat, dry winds and prolonged air-conditioning can accelerate evaporation of the tear film that protects the eye. Dehydration may compound the problem. Burning, grittiness, redness, watering and blurred vision are common warning signs.

Outdoor workers, drivers, older adults and contact-lens users may be especially vulnerable. Hydration, protective glasses and preservative-free lubricating drops recommended by an ophthalmologist can help.

Cumulative Ultraviolet Damage

Sunlight can affect more than the skin. Acute, intense ultraviolet exposure may injure the corneal surface and cause photokeratitis, producing pain, watering, light sensitivity and blurred vision. Exposure over years is associated with pterygium a fleshy growth on the eye and certain forms of cataract.

Choose sunglasses labelled UV400 or offering 99–100 per cent UVA and UVB protection. Dark lenses without verified UV protection are not adequate. A broad-brimmed hat provides protection.

Also read: US FDA Launches Expedited IND Pilot To Speed Up Drug Trials

Air Pollution and Ocular-Surface Inflammation

Particulate matter, vehicle emissions, smoke, ozone and construction dust come into direct contact with the tear film. They may destabilise it and trigger inflammation, worsening dry eye, redness and allergic conjunctivitis. On days with poor air quality, limit avoidable outdoor exposure, use wraparound glasses and avoid rubbing the eyes.

Artificial tears may wash irritants from the surface, but persistent symptoms require examination rather than repeated use of over-the-counter “whitening” drops.

Longer Allergy Seasons

Changing temperatures, rainfall patterns and plant cycles can alter the amount and timing of airborne pollen. Combined with dust and pollution, this may result in more frequent or prolonged allergic-eye symptoms. Intense itching, watering and swollen eyelids are typical.

Cold compresses can provide relief, but rubbing may damage the ocular surface and, in susceptible people, contribute to corneal problems. Anti-allergy drops should be selected with medical guidance. Steroid eye drops must never be self-prescribed because misuse can raise eye pressure, promote infection and damage vision.

Also read: Bouncy Castles Linked To MRSA Outbreak In 48 Children In Ireland

Eye Infections After Extreme Rainfall and Flooding

Heavy rain, waterlogging and disrupted sanitation increase exposure to contaminated water and surfaces. Crowding during outbreaks may also facilitate the spread of infectious conjunctivitis through hands, towels, cosmetics and shared personal items.

Do not splash floodwater or questionable tap water into the eyes, and never rinse contact lenses with water. Pain, marked light sensitivity, reduced vision, corneal whiteness or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer require urgent assessment.

Climate-related eye problems are not confined to one season. Prevention begins with UV protection, clean hands, hydration, sensible exposure reduction and timely eye examinations. Sudden loss of vision, severe pain, flashes, new floaters or an eye injury should always be treated as an emergency.