To many, the thought of an unplanned pregnancy may be daunting and results in a rush for a solution when a method of contraception fails or isn't used. Emergency contraception (EC), which is commonly known as the "morning-after pill," is a backup option that can keep one from getting pregnant after sex without protection. It is most important in scenarios where normal birth control wasn't employed or has failed i.e., the breaking of a condom- or rape.

If you ever need EC, responding quickly is essential, and calling a healthcare provider can sort out the best solution for your circumstances. For people who have repeated pregnancy scares, talking to their healthcare provider about using a more dependable form of birth control may save them worry and offer constant protection against unplanned pregnancy.

With greater awareness about reproductive health, educating yourself and others on emergency contraception is important because knowledge of your choices is the beginning of taking charge of your reproductive life.

Although it is available and effective, emergency contraception is filled with myths and misconceptions. What one should note is that EC is not used to replace birth control but to serve as a safety net during emergencies. Six key facts regarding emergency contraception that every woman needs to know are listed below.

1. Emergency Contraception Does Not Work If You Are Already Pregnant

The most notable misconception regarding emergency contraception is its effect. EC does not end a pregnancy that has already been established. Rather, it prevents ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. This implies that if fertilization and implantation have already taken place, EC will be ineffective.

Other forms of EC are hormonal pills—like Plan B One-Step® and ella®—and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). If you suspect you might already be pregnant, it is best to take a pregnancy test first before using emergency contraception.

2. The Copper IUD Is the Most Effective Emergency Contraception Option

Most individuals believe that emergency contraception is only available in pill form, but the most effective form is the copper intrauterine device (IUD). The copper IUD can be inserted within five days of unprotected sex and is more than 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. In contrast to emergency contraceptive pills, which become less effective the longer you wait, the copper IUD is very effective even when inserted near the five-day deadline.

Besides its use in emergency situations, the copper IUD also provides long-term contraception, with protection for as long as 10 years. This makes it a great choice for those who want an immediate and a long-term solution to birth control.

3. Time Is Critical: The Sooner You Act, the More Effective It Is

In the case of emergency contraceptive pills, timing is critical. The majority of EC pills are most effective when taken as soon as one can after having unprotected sex. There are two primary types:

Levonorgestrel-based pills (such as Plan B One-Step®): These are over-the-counter and are best taken within 72 hours but can still be effective up to five days after.

Ulipristal acetate pills (e.g., ella®): This prescription-only medication can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex and is more effective than levonorgestrel pills, particularly towards the latter end of the five-day time period.

Whichever type is used, the sooner the pill is taken, the greater the likelihood of preventing pregnancy.

4. Emergency Contraceptive Pills Are Not a Substitute for Regular Birth Control

Although EC is an important tool in averting unplanned pregnancy, it must not be employed as a routine means of birth control. Emergency contraceptive pills are far less effective compared to daily birth control pills, IUDs, or implants. Repeated use of EC may also result in menstrual abnormalities and side effects like nausea, pelvic pain, and lethargy.

If you're always using EC, it might be time to talk to a doctor about a more reliable and long-term method of birth control. A healthcare provider can advise you on the best long-term option for your life and needs.

5. If You Vomit Shortly After You Take the Pill, It Will Not Work

One little-known but essential fact about emergency contraceptive pills is that vomiting soon after taking them can make them useless. If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, your body may not have absorbed sufficient medication. You might need to take another dose or explore other forms of emergency contraception, including the copper IUD.

If you have frequent nausea, taking anti-nausea medication before or using another form of EC could be more suitable.

6. Emergency Contraception Provides No Long-Term Protection

Taking an emergency contraceptive pill will not protect you from pregnancy after that one episode of unprotected sex. If you have unprotected intercourse again after using EC, you are still at risk of pregnancy. EC also temporarily decreases the effectiveness of some hormonal birth control methods, like the pill, for the rest of the cycle.

If you use EC, talk to a healthcare provider about whether you will need to continue using backup contraception (such as condoms) during the next few days or weeks to maintain pregnancy protection.

Emergency contraception is an important choice for avoiding pregnancy in an unplanned situation but is not a form of birth control. Knowing how EC works, its limitations, and the best alternatives available can allow people to make good choices about their reproductive health.

There has been a recent increase in aviation-related headlines and tragic incidents that has triggered renewed anxiety about air travel. This has happened to even those who have previously felt at ease about boarding a flight. Statistics have continued to show that flying is one of the safest ways to travel, whoever, the number of people who have been affected by the fear of flying, or aerophobia has only grown.

This is based on the reports from psychologists, airport staff, and airline crew suggested a noticeable uptick in passengers expressing nervousness about flying. This trend is not just limited to those who have a long-standing fear of air travel. This has now been affecting to even those who were not concerned about it before. This may be due to the increasing media coverage, heightened safety concerns, and ongoing stress from broader life circumstances.

The recent data from the industry reflects a decline in air travel during early spring. While some airlines have suggested economic uncertainty and reduced government travels, the evidence suggest that there have been concerns over safety and psychological toll on recent aviation events, which has led to the decline in numbers.

Flight crews, especially those based near recent accident locations, have also felt the impact. Some crew members have taken time off to cope emotionally, and in a few cases, even left the profession due to increased stress.

What Is Aerophobia?

As per Trauma Research UK, aerophobia is an irrational fear or anxiety related to flying or being in aeroplanes. It is a type of specific phobia, which is an excessive or irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity. People with aerophobia may also experience intense anxiety, panic attacks, or avoidance behaviour when faced with situations involving air travel, such as boarding a plane, visiting an airport or even just thinking about flying.

How Does It Start?

It usually starts like how all other phobias start, from a 'learned behaviour'.

Bad Experience: A bad experience can be anything from experiencing turbulence, experiencing some form of trauma whilst abroad, seeing a frightening film as a child or feeling unwell on a plane

Copying A Parent: A lot of behaviour that we often do comes from looking at our parents If as a child, you have witnessed a grown up, who is supposed to be your protector, be scared of flights. Chances are, you will be scared too.

Becoming A Parent: Your parental protection instincts have kicked in and this fear may accelerate and become a phobia.

Transference: This often occurs when facing a stressful event whilst on holiday. As you are sitting on the plane homeward bound, the suppressed anxiety and stress catch up with you, causing an anxiety attack.

Psychologists also suggest that as individuals take on more responsibilities—like starting families or advancing in careers—their sense of vulnerability can increase, sparking fears that didn’t exist before.

Traumatic flight experiences, such as severe turbulence, can also act as a trigger. In some cases, broader anxiety disorders—such as social or travel-related stress—intersect with aerophobia, compounding the fear.

What Are The Symptoms?

For some, the fear of flying can lead to full-blown panic attacks. These may involve shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or a sense of being trapped. Airline crew members often assist passengers experiencing panic, sometimes administering oxygen or offering calming support during the flight.

How Can You Cope?

Deep breathing: Practicing longer exhales helps activate the body’s relaxation response.

Exposure therapy: This can involve gradually facing flight-related triggers—starting with looking at plane photos, watching flight videos, or using virtual reality simulations.

Mindfulness and acceptance: Learning to tolerate uncomfortable feelings rather than fight them can make anxiety more manageable.

Journaling symptoms: Some therapists recommend keeping a count of anxious moments to foster acceptance and track progress.

As times are changing, all of us are going back to traditional approaches, whether it is Ayurveda, Homoeopathy or Naturopathy. These are alternative medicines and are useful in treating many diseases, especially through lifestyle changes. Most of these alternative medicines focus on preventive care. Today, we try to find out what one might be in for when they choose Naturopathy as a way of healing. What does it do? How does it differ from Ayurveda? How can it complement the regular day-to-day modern medicines?

For this, the Health and Me team spoke to Dr Prashanth Shetty, Principal at SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Science, Ujire.

What Is Naturopathy?

As the doctor explains, Naturopathy is a holistic approach to medicine that believes in the body’s innate ability to heal itself. It focuses on the root cause of illnesses, not just symptoms, and promotes natural healing through diet, lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy.

"Naturopathy emphasizes natural healing, disease prevention, and lifestyle modification, aiming to restore balance and promote long-term wellness,” says Dr Shetty.

Unlike allopathic medicine, which often relies on pharmaceuticals and surgeries to treat disease symptoms, naturopathy works by supporting the body’s self-healing process.

How Does Naturopathy Complement Modern Medicine?

Naturopathy is increasingly being integrated with modern medical practices. It works well as a complementary therapy, especially in managing chronic conditions. For instance, naturopathic therapies such as acupuncture and nutrition counselling can reduce side effects of medications or improve treatment outcomes.

Patients undergoing treatment for diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, or even cancer may benefit from a combined approach—using conventional medications alongside naturopathic suggestions on diet, exercise, and stress reduction. This not only reduces dependency on medication but also empowers patients to actively participate in their healing journey.

Can It Help With Chronic Conditions?

Dr Shetty points out instances where Naturopathy has helped patients who have been battling with chronic diseases:

Diabetes: Naturopathic approaches like dietary changes, herbal supplements, and stress management can complement conventional treatments.

Hypertension: Lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction, can be used alongside medication to manage blood pressure.

Arthritis: Naturopathic treatments like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and physical therapy can help manage pain and inflammation.

Mental Health

Anxiety and Depression: Naturopathic approaches like mindfulness, meditation, and herbal supplements can be used alongside conventional treatments.

Stress Management: Naturopathic techniques like yoga, deep breathing, and relaxation can help manage stress.

Digestive Health

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Naturopathic approaches like dietary changes, probiotics, and stress management can help manage symptoms.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Naturopathic treatments like dietary modifications, herbal supplements, and stress reduction can complement conventional treatments.

Women's Health

Menstrual Disorders: Naturopathic approaches like herbal supplements, dietary changes, and stress management can help regulate menstrual cycles.

Menopause: Naturopathic treatments like herbal supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms.

Naturopathy vs Ayurveda: Are They the Same?

Though both systems promote natural healing, they are fundamentally different. “Naturopathy and Ayurveda are not the same—they are distinct systems of natural medicine with different foundations and limitations,” says Dr Shetty.

Naturopathy is grounded in the belief of self-healing through nature, whereas Ayurveda is rooted in the concept of balancing the body's three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Naturopathy commonly uses diet, hydrotherapy, and herbal medicines, while Ayurveda may include massages, herbal formulations, and treatments based on dosha types.

Additionally, naturopathic education is often structured and formalized, while Ayurvedic learning can also be passed down traditionally through apprenticeships.

While both the systems do share certain similarities—like emphasizing prevention, detoxification, and the use of herbal remedies; they follow a different framework and diagnostic methods. Naturopathy focuses more on individual's lifestyle and the environmental factors, whereas Ayurveda relies more on the ancient texts and doshic assessments, points out the doctor.

Personalized and Preventive

What makes naturopathy stand out is that it is personalized in nature and is based on each individual's lifestyle, their dietary habits, what suits them and what does not and their stress levels. It also evaluates emotional well-being, as well as the environment that may be the cause of their diseases or disorders.

At the core of naturopathy is prevention. It focuses more on preventing a disease even before the symptoms show up. By encouraging early lifestyle interventions, regular detoxification, and stress management, naturopathy helps reduce disease incidence, hospital visits, and the long-term burden on healthcare systems.

Reducing Healthcare Burden

There is an overgrowing burden on the healthcare system. While it is not to say that this must not be changed however, with alternative medicines like naturopathy, which emphasizes on preventive care, it can help lessen the burden. Naturopathy also focuses on educating individuals to take control of their health. The approaches used are: balanced nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness. As Dr Shetty notes, this not only empowers patients but also reduces the reliance on medication and minimizes hospital visits—ultimately easing the strain on healthcare infrastructure.

At 36-year-old Liam Handley, a fit, non-smoking man from Derbyshire, U.K., walked into his doctor’s office for the first time complaining of chest pain and palpitations, cancer was the last thing anyone suspected. Diagnosed instead with anxiety—a condition he had quietly battled for much of his adult life—Liam was sent home with increased doses of medication. What followed was a tragic and avoidable series of delays, assumptions, and overlooked warning signs that would eventually lead to his untimely death from terminal lung cancer.

Liam’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that lung cancer is not confined to those who smoke. It’s a wake-up call to patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike: lung cancer can strike anyone—regardless of lifestyle, age, or medical history.

Liam, who had red hair and dyslexia, often found himself subject to ridicule growing up. Later, his anxiety became a quiet undercurrent of his identity—something that doctors all too readily used as a blanket explanation for any new symptoms. When he reported persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations, these signs were attributed to psychological stress.

His mother, Lynn Handley, still wonders how such critical symptoms could be missed. “Liam did not fit the stereotypical image of a lung cancer patient. He was young, a non-smoker, and in relatively good shape,” she said. “It wasn’t in our heads—and it clearly wasn’t in the GP’s either. And that’s the problem.”

How Early Signs Were Overlooked

When Liam’s symptoms intensified in mid-2020, his father took him to the hospital fearing a heart attack. Doctors discovered blood clots in his lungs—a red flag for a more serious underlying issue—but treated the clots with blood thinners and planned a CT scan that never happened due to COVID-19 delays.

As weeks passed, Liam's pain spread to his shoulders and lower back. He was prescribed stronger pain medication, but still, no further imaging or diagnostic testing was conducted by the public healthcare system. Eventually, the family paid out-of-pocket for a private CT scan. That scan changed everything.

Liam was diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small cell lung cancer that had already spread to his liver, spine, lymph nodes, and bones. The subtype—EGFR Exon19 positive—is a genetically driven mutation that disproportionately affects non-smokers and younger patients.

Despite being given just 5-6 weeks to live, Liam initially responded well to targeted therapy with Osimertinib, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. He even married his long-term partner Louise in a quiet ceremony. For a brief moment, life seemed to regain some normalcy.

But by April 2021, the cancer had progressed. His treatments stopped working, and Liam’s health began to deteriorate rapidly. Dependent on oxygen, and weakened by disease, Liam passed away in October 2021—just shy of his 37th birthday.

Lynn Handley is now committed to raising awareness about lung cancer in people who don’t smoke. “We were angry. It took nine months for Liam to get a diagnosis. Those were months we could have used to fight harder, to plan better, to say goodbye on our own terms.”

Her advocacy isn’t just rooted in grief—it’s a call to action for healthcare systems and patients around the world.

Can Non-Smokers Get Lung Cancer?

Contrary to long-held assumptions, a significant proportion of lung cancer cases now occur in people with no history of smoking. The American Cancer Society reports that approximately 10-20% of lung cancers in the U.S. are found in non-smokers, often attributed to genetic mutations like EGFR, environmental exposures, or radon gas.

These cases are more common in women, younger adults, and individuals of East Asian descent, but—as Liam’s story demonstrates—they can affect anyone.

Early Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Lung cancer symptoms can mimic less serious conditions, which is why they’re often dismissed or misdiagnosed. If you experience the following symptoms persistently, don’t ignore them—regardless of your age or smoking history:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Unexplained shortness of breath
• Persistent cough or wheezing
• Shoulder, back, or rib pain
• Fatigue or sudden weight loss
• Blood in sputum (though not always present)

Liam’s story is not just about a misdiagnosis—it’s about systemic bias. The assumption that lung cancer is a “smoker’s disease” delays diagnoses in healthy, younger adults. Primary care physicians and specialists must rethink their criteria for imaging and referrals. As Lynn Handley put it, “Why wasn’t a chest X-ray even considered?”

The COVID-19 pandemic added another barrier to care—delaying critical scans and overwhelming systems worldwide. But the cost of that delay, in Liam’s case, was irreversible.

If you're experiencing unexplained respiratory symptoms—don’t hesitate to ask for further investigation. Insist on imaging. Seek second opinions. Cancer doesn’t always follow the rulebook, and neither should your approach to protecting your health.