This is the story of Joseph, a 28-year-old man who's made a very difficult choice. On December 2024, Joseph Awuah-Darko shared the difficult decision of choosing euthanasia on Instagram. He's not physically sick, but he's been battling a severe mental illness called bipolar disorder for many years. He's tried many treatments, but nothing has helped him feel better. He feels like the pain of his illness is too much to bear. He's shared his story publicly to help people understand what he's going through and to show how serious mental illness can be. Joseph shared a post that explained why he is making this decision, in the caption of the post he shared, “I am not saying that life (as a phenomenon) isn’t worth living. It ABSOLUTELY is. What I am saying is that the mental weight of MINE has become entirely unbearable.”

Joseph has bipolar disorder, which means his moods swing very high and very low. He's had this illness for a long time, and it makes his life very difficult. On his Instagram, he has shared his journey with bipolar, he explained that he tried many different medicines and therapies, but they haven't worked. He feels constant pain and suffering because of his illness. He's reached a point where he feels like he can't go on anymore. He's been open about his struggles on social media, hoping to raise awareness about mental health. He wants people to understand how much he suffers and why he's made this decision.

Euthanasia in the Netherlands

Government of the Netherlands explain that in the Netherlands, it's legal for a doctor to help someone end their life if they meet certain conditions. This is called euthanasia. Joseph has applied for this because he feels his mental illness is causing him unbearable suffering. There are rules and procedures that doctors must follow. They have to make sure the person understands their decision and that there are no other options. The process can take a long time, sometimes years. Joseph believes that having the option of a peaceful and dignified death is important. He wants to have control over how his life ends.

The Last Supper Project

When Joseph shared his decision, people had many different reactions. Some people understood and supported him. Others were sad and hoped he would change his mind. He even received some negative comments. But he also received many kind messages, including invitations to have dinner. This inspired him to start "The Last Supper Project," where he travels and shares meals with strangers. In the caption he explained, “‘The Last Supper Project’ is based on the Harvard Study of Adult Development which speaks to the importance of quality relationships and community as the greatest predictor for happiness. And I feel connecting this way around food as a great unifying vessel could be beautiful.”

The Last Supper Project is one of the longest studies, lasting for more than 80 years, done on adult development. In an Author Speaks edition of McKinsey & Company, the study’s director Robert Waldinger explained the study wanted to know what helps people have happy and healthy lives, even if they had problems when they were young. Most studies only looked at what goes wrong, but this one wanted to know what goes right. The study emphasizes that it is never too late for positive changes. People often believe they are too old or incapable of forming good relationships. They may think happiness is out of reach. However, the study has observed individuals who found happiness unexpectedly.

Joseph wants to connect with people and enjoy these moments while he waits for his euthanasia request to be approved. He sees these dinners as a way to find joy and connection in his final chapter. He still has bad days, but he finds comfort in these shared experiences.

When people hear about oral cancer, they often think first of smoking or chewing tobacco. However, several other risks deserve attention, especially because people who have never used tobacco can still develop the disease.

Alcohol And Its Often-Overlooked Link To Oral Cancer

One of the least understood risk factors is alcohol consumption. Although alcohol is commonly linked to liver disease, its impact on oral cancer risk is also important.

Alcohol can damage the tissue lining of the mouth through the production of acetaldehyde, a chemical compound that interferes with the cells' ability to repair themselves. It can also dry and irritate the lining of the mouth, making it more vulnerable to other carcinogens. This risk increases with consistent, regular alcohol use. In combination with tobacco, alcohol can further increase the absorption of carcinogens into oral tissues.

Also read: Indian Doctors Find Safer Chemotherapy Regimen For Penile Cancer: Why It Matters

Areca Nut, HPV And Other Risks To Know

Areca nut is another important risk factor and is considered carcinogenic. It may be consumed as supari, gutkha or paan. Regular chewing can cause oral submucous fibrosis, a condition that causes progressive stiffness of the mouth and significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly certain high-risk strains, is another recognised cause of throat and oropharyngeal cancers. Chronic irritation from sharp teeth, damaged dental crowns or ill-fitting dentures may also warrant attention.

Certain chronic inflammatory conditions of the mouth, such as oral lichen planus, can cause persistent lesions and require regular monitoring, particularly when symptoms or the appearance of the lesions change.

Why Sun Exposure Can Also Affect Oral Cancer Risk

Sun exposure is another lesser-known risk, particularly for lip cancer. People who work outdoors without adequate protection can accumulate significant UV exposure over many years.

Most importantly, the mouth should be monitored whenever something unusual appears. A mouth ulcer that persists for more than two weeks, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, numbness, or a lump in the mouth or neck should be evaluated by a doctor.

Quitting smoking remains crucial for cancer prevention, but protecting against oral cancer requires looking beyond tobacco and recognising the less obvious risks as well.

PMOS is often discussed mainly in connection with periods, hormonal changes and pregnancy. However, women’s health is much broader than fertility. Changes linked to hormonal health can also influence weight, energy levels, skin, hair, metabolism and emotional well-being.

This is why women should not focus only on whether their periods are regular or whether they are planning a pregnancy. Looking at overall health can help identify concerns early and support better long-term well-being.

PMOS can affect more than periods

Changes in the menstrual cycle may be one of the first signs that something needs attention, but they are not the only concern. Women may also notice changes in weight, acne, hair growth or hair thinning, tiredness and mood.

Persistent or unusual changes should not be ignored, even if a woman is not planning to have children. Speaking to a healthcare professional can help identify the possible cause and decide whether further evaluation is needed.

Also read: Ozempic, Wegovy & PMOS: How GLP-1 Drugs Are Changing PMOS Treatment?

Think beyond fertility

Fertility is an important part of women’s health, but it should not be the only focus. Women should also pay attention to their overall metabolic health, including blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight when appropriate.

A balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy weight can support better health. Medical care should also take into account age, lifestyle, family history and existing health conditions.

Mental health matters too

Hormonal and reproductive health concerns can affect emotional well-being. Worries about periods, weight, appearance or future fertility may contribute to stress, anxiety or low mood. Women should feel comfortable discussing these concerns with their doctor. Mental health is an important part of overall health and should be addressed along with physical symptoms.

How can women take better care of their health?

Women can start by tracking changes in their menstrual cycle and paying attention to other symptoms. Regular physical activity, nutritious food, adequate sleep and stress management can support overall well-being.

Those planning pregnancy should discuss their plans with a doctor in advance. However, even women who are not planning pregnancy should continue regular health monitoring.

Also read: From Insulin Resistance to Fertility: Understanding the Metabolic Side of PCOS

Tips for long-term health

• Keep track of menstrual changes and other symptoms.

• Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.

• Stay physically active.

• Prioritise good sleep and stress management.

• Monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol when advised.

• Do not ignore persistent hormonal or menstrual changes.

• Discuss fertility plans early with a healthcare professional.

• Pay attention to mental and emotional health.

PMOS should not be viewed only through the lens of periods or pregnancy. Women’s health also includes metabolic, hormonal, physical and emotional well-being. By looking beyond fertility, monitoring health regularly and making healthy lifestyle choices, women can take better care of themselves at every stage of life.

As men enter their 40s, paying attention to prostate health becomes increasingly important. The prostate is a small gland located just below the urinary bladder and surrounding the urethra. It plays an important role in the male reproductive system.

With advancing age, the prostate may undergo changes. One of the most common conditions is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Although BPH is not cancer, it can cause troublesome urinary symptoms and significantly affect quality of life.

Prostate cancer is another important condition that men should be aware of, particularly as they grow older or if they have certain risk factors, such as a family history of prostate cancer.

Warning Signs Men Should Not Ignore

Urinary symptoms can have several causes, but persistent or worsening changes should not simply be attributed to ageing.

1. Frequent Urination

Needing to urinate more frequently than usual, particularly waking up several times at night to pass urine, may be associated with prostate enlargement or other urinary conditions. Repeated nighttime urination can also interfere with sleep and daily activities.

2. Difficulty Starting Urination

Hesitancy, difficulty initiating the urinary stream, a weak or interrupted flow, or needing to strain to urinate can occur when an enlarged prostate obstructs the urethra.

3. Feeling of Incomplete Bladder Emptying

If you frequently feel that your bladder has not emptied completely after urination, it is important to seek medical evaluation. Persistent incomplete emptying can sometimes lead to complications such as urinary retention or recurrent urinary infections.

Also read: Urine Leakage When You Cough, Sneeze Or Exercise? It Could Be Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Say Experts

4. Urinary Urgency

A sudden, strong and difficult-to-control urge to urinate may indicate a prostate or bladder-related problem. Urgency, particularly when accompanied by increased frequency or leakage, deserves medical attention.

5. Blood in the Urine or Semen

Blood in the urine (haematuria) or semen (haematospermia) should never be ignored. Although infections, inflammation and other benign conditions can cause these symptoms, they may occasionally be associated with more serious urinary or reproductive tract disorders. Medical evaluation is therefore important.

6. Persistent Pelvic, Back or Hip Pain

Persistent pain in the pelvis, lower back, hips, or discomfort associated with urination should be assessed by a doctor, especially when it is unexplained or accompanied by other urinary symptoms.

When Should You See a Urologist?

Not every urinary symptom indicates prostate cancer. Conditions such as BPH, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, bladder disorders and certain medications can also cause similar symptoms. However, persistent, recurrent or progressively worsening urinary symptoms should not be self-diagnosed or dismissed as a normal part of ageing. Men in their 40s and beyond should consider discussing their prostate health with a urologist, particularly if they have:

• Persistent urinary symptoms
• A family history of prostate cancer
• A previous elevated PSA level
• Other risk factors for prostate cancer
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Persistent pelvic or lower back symptoms

Also read: Prostate Cancer: What's Fact, What's Fiction

Depending on the individual's age, symptoms, medical history and risk factors, evaluation may include a clinical examination, urine tests, PSA blood test, ultrasound or other appropriate imaging and, when indicated, further prostate assessment.

It is important to understand that an elevated PSA level does not automatically mean prostate cancer. PSA can increase for several reasons, including benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection and other prostate-related conditions. Your urologist can interpret the PSA result in the context of your overall risk profile and determine whether further evaluation is required.

Early Detection Can Make a Difference

Maintaining prostate health is an important part of overall men's health. A healthy lifestyle—including maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, limiting tobacco and maintaining good metabolic health—can contribute to overall well-being.

Most importantly, know what is normal for you and pay attention to changes in your urinary or sexual health.

Urinary problems are not something men should simply accept as an inevitable consequence of ageing. Early medical evaluation can identify the underlying cause, provide appropriate treatment and, when necessary, help detect serious prostate conditions at an earlier stage.

Takeaway for Men Over 40

Don't ignore changes in your urinary habits. Don't self-medicate. Don't assume it's just ageing. If urinary symptoms persist or worsen, consult a urologist for appropriate evaluation and personalized advice. Your prostate health is an important part of your overall health—start paying attention to it today.