On Monday night, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck Japan, leading to a tsunami warning. Fortunately, authorities reported minimal damage, and the warning was soon lifted. According to local media, there was only one minor injury involving a man who fell at his own home.

Japan, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences approximately 1,500 tremors annually. However, these quakes have a long-lasting impact on one's health—both physical and mental.

Health Impacts Of Earthquakes

1. Wound Infections

Earthquake-related injuries range from cuts and bruises to fractures and crush injuries. If not attended to on time, these wounds can lead to infections like sepsis, tetanus, or even amputations if untreated. Regions with scarce medical resources face higher risks of untreated injuries and antimicrobial resistance. Ensuring prompt medical care and deploying teams to assess building safety is critical to preventing further injuries and fatalities.

A recent study examined infections in 225 earthquake survivors with musculoskeletal injuries treated between February and April 2023. It found that gram-negative bacteria were common in the wounds of the victims. Acinetobacter baumannii (49.4%) and enterococci (28.6%) were the most prevalent. Many pathogens were multidrug-resistant, with 76% from wound cultures and 58% from deep tissue cultures showing resistance. Common infections included surgical site infections (32.8%), urinary tract infections (5.3%), bloodstream infections (5.7%), and pneumonia (0.4%). Intensive care was required for 35.6% of patients, with a mortality rate of 2.7%.

2. Infectious Diseases

Earthquakes disrupt water supplies, leading to unsanitary conditions that spread waterborne diseases such as cholera. Meanwhile, it also pushes people to take shelters in dingy places, which can outbreaks of measles, respiratory illnesses, and parasitic infections like leishmaniasis. Cold conditions and stress suppress immunity, increasing the risk of disease spread.

3. Chronic Conditions

Access to medication and medical care is often disrupted by earthquakes. Studies show increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes following earthquakes due to stress and disrupted routines. Destruction of health records and facilities exacerbates these issues, especially in disaster-prone regions.

4. Healthcare Disruption

Damaged medical facilities and transport links hinder healthcare delivery. Pregnant women and individuals with chronic diseases face heightened risks. Refugees and displaced populations encounter accessibility barriers to healthcare services.

5. Psychological Trauma

Survivors of these earthquakes often suffer from anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Tailored mental health programs are crucial for recovery, especially for those already living in conflict zones or displacement.

On April 14 2010, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Qinghai Province, China, devastating Yushu County. A psychological relief study, published in the Journal Of Affective Disorders in 2011, assessed the mental health of 505 survivors three to four months post-disaster. Using tools like the PTSD Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C) and Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), the study found prevalence rates of 33.7% for probable PTSD, 43.8% for anxiety, and 38.6% for depression, with one-fifth of participants experiencing all three. Key risk factors included being female, experiencing intense fear during the quake, and having limited social support, as measured by the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS).

Many people assume that if they exercise regularly, eat healthy, and stay active, they are naturally protected from serious illnesses like lung cancer. It is a comforting belief but unfortunately, it is not entirely true. While a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of many diseases and improves overall well-being, it does not make anyone completely immune to lung cancer.

This misconception often leads to another problem: delayed diagnosis. When someone who has never smoked or is physically fit develops a persistent cough, unusual tiredness, or breathlessness, they may dismiss these symptoms as a lingering cold, seasonal allergies, or simply overexertion after a workout. Family members may do the same, assuming that someone who looks healthy couldn't possibly have a serious lung condition. As a result, valuable time may be lost before medical help is sought.

Being Fit Doesn't Eliminate Lung Cancer Risk

Some forms of lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma, develop in the outer parts of the lungs, where they may grow silently for months before causing noticeable symptoms.

Also read: The 'Safer Than Smoking' Myth? Doctors Warn Vaping May Carry Its Own Lung Cancer Risks

Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored

One of the challenges is that active individuals often have better lung capacity and stamina, allowing their bodies to compensate for early changes. This can make the warning signs subtler in the beginning.

A persistent cough, breathlessness during activities that once felt easy, unexplained fatigue, chest discomfort, hoarseness of voice, recurrent chest infections, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss should never be ignored, especially if these symptoms last for more than two to three weeks.

Also read: Bryan Johnson's New 2.6M Women's Health Project Centers on Girlfriend's Menstrual Blood

Early Detection Can Save Lives

The encouraging news is that early detection can make a significant difference. Recognizing persistent symptoms and seeking medical evaluation promptly can lead to earlier diagnosis, when treatment is often more effective. Depending on an individual's symptoms and risk factors, a doctor may recommend investigations such as a chest X-ray or CT scan.

Staying physically active remains one of the best decisions a person can make for their health. Exercise strengthens the heart, improves lung function, and reduces the risk of several chronic diseases.

But fitness should never create a false sense of security. The body has its own way of asking for attention, and listening to those signals no matter how healthy a person feels can sometimes be the most important step toward protecting long-term health.

By Dr. Jayesh Prajapati, Senior Consultant Surgical Oncology, Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad

The first 1,000 days, right from pregnancy until a child's second birthday, are a crucial window for growth and brain development. Hence, understand that breastfeeding during this period plays a key role in building lifelong health and immunity for the child. Read on to know more about how breastfeeding tends to shape the child’s health for life.

Why the First 1,000 Days Matter?

The first 1,000 days of a child's life, right from conception until the age of two years, is often a critical time for growth and development. During this time, brain development happens rapidly, organs mature, and even the immune system tends to become stronger.

Good nutrition tends to have a huge impact on the child’s physical health, learning ability, and even overall well-being. Breastfeeding helps the baby to get enough nutrition. Breast milk also protects babies from infections and tends to support healthy growth.

Also read: Breastfeeding Moms Are Mixing Formula & Breast Milk-Should You?

How Breastfeeding Shapes Lifelong Health?

Breastfeeding involves a correct balance of proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies that a growing baby needs. Breastfeeding strengthens the baby's immune system. Babies who are breastfed will be able to prevent diarrhoea, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses.

Important nutrients such as DHA and other healthy fats help in the growth of the brain and nervous system, which may improve learning and cognitive development later in life. Did you know? Breastfeeding is important and even helps to reduce the chances of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain allergies as children grow older.

It encourages healthy weight gain during infancy and helps develop better eating habits. Breastfeeding is also beneficial for mothers. It helps the uterus return to its normal size after childbirth, reduces bleeding after delivery, and may lower the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Breastfeeding creates a strong emotional bond with their baby through close skin-to-skin contact.

Also read: Breastfeeding Week: Experts Share How Breastfeeding Helps You and Your Child?

Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

• Start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth whenever possible and don’t discontinue without the doctor’s knowledge.
• Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months without giving water or other foods unless advised by a doctor.
• Continue breastfeeding the child along with giving nutritious complementary foods until two years of age.
• Feed the baby without fail whenever they show signs of hunger instead of following a strict routine.
• Eat a balanced diet, drink enough fluids, and get adequate rest to support milk production.
• Seek help from a doctor or lactation consultant if breastfeeding challenges arise.

Hence, follow these tips and ensure proper breastfeeding for the child.

By Dr Nishant Bansal, Consultant - Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida

Patient should not be afraid to ask what type of lung cancer, Stage and spread of disease whether it has spread and what is stage of disease, This information helps direct treatment decisions and provides insight into the future prospective of disease status .

The patient should self designate a Trustee who will take care of her Medical Records , fixing up appointment and be responsible for medication administration. A diagnosis of lung cancer can be shocking and worrisome, but knowing what to expect can help patients make more informed choices.

The first lesson is that lung cancer can be very different from patient to patient. Treatment depends on the type, stage as well as genetic changes and health.

Ask About The Exact Diagnosis

Molecular Testing Can Change Treatment

For lung cancer patients some patients will require testing the tumour for specific Molecular markers which help in deciding type of immunotherapy . Before beginning treatment, patients should be asked for if they have had the appropriate tests done for fitness before therapy.

Treatment Is Not Always Just Chemotherapy

Modern lung cancer care may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted medicines and immunotherapy, often in various combinations. The best treatment will depend on the type of cancer and the health of the patient.

Also read: What Is Driving India's High Burden Of Childhood Cancers?

Symptoms and Side Effects Should Be Reported

Patients should not quietly accept worsening shortness of breath, pain, fever, severe weakness, poor appetite or side effects of treatment. Early communication can assist doctors in managing complications and maintaining quality of life.

Supportive Care Matters Too

Palliative or supportive care is not just for the end of the cancer course. It can be given along with cancer treatment to help manage symptoms, improve emotional wellbeing and increase everyday comfort.

Above all, I do not think that a diagnosis means there are no options. The treatment of lung cancer is changing rapidly and the results can vary greatly from patient to patient. Ask questions, clarify, and understand treatment plan and when appropriate, get a second opinion before making major decisions.