This digital era is all about catching up with trends, TikToks and reels, but at the cost of what? Many believe all of this happens at the cost of one's health and mental well-being. As a result, the grades of students, especially in high school, when they are exposed to social media the most, start to drop. However, a study based on the University of Birmingham's findings, peer-revied and published by the Lancet's journal for European health policy compared 1,277 students and the rules their 30 different secondary schools had for smartphone use at break and lunchtimes.` The study found something else, contrary to the popular belief.

What Did The Study Find?

The study found that banning phones in school is not linked to pupils getting higher grades or having a better mental wellbeing. The study found that a student's sleep, classroom behavior, exercise or how long they spend on their phones did not seem much different for schools with phone bans versus schools without it.

However, the study did find that spending longer time in social media or on smartphones in general may be linked to such measures. This was the first study in the world that looked at school phone rules along with the children's health and education.

In an interview to the BBC, Dr Victoria Goodyear, study's lead author said, that the findings are not against smartphone bans in school, but, a suggestion that bans in isolation are not enough to tackle the negative impacts.

The focus must be on reducing how much time the student spends on their phone, which cannot just be supervised in school.

How Was The Study Conducted?

The schools were chosen from a sample of 1,341 mainstream state schools in England. Among these the behavior of student form schools that banned the smartphones versus those who did not ban it were studied to find out that schools restricting smartphone use did not seem to see the intended improvements on health, wellbeing and focus of the student, as one would have wished to.

The study also used the internationally recognized Warwick-Edinburg Mental Well-Being Scale, a measure of mental well-being focusing entirely on positive aspects. It is a 14-item scale with 5 response categories. This method was used to determine the wellbeing of the children who participated in the research. It further looked at students' anxiety and depression levels.

It also asked from teachers about whether their students were on target, below target or above target in English and maths.

What Do The Students Feel?

When asked students, they said that the smartphone ban forces you to hang out and chat with your friends and some of them think in lower school, it has helped them spend less time scrolling social media and making lots of friends.

Experts point out that the important part is to help students learn to use their phone in a safe and controlled space. This way, phone-related issues, especially distraction, its impact on your mental health, will be much less. The answer is not ban, but the use of the smartphone in a controlled environment, so students learn to value the "freedom" they have been given to use them at break and lunch.

Air pollution is now recognised as a major trigger for skin problems. Dust, smoke residues, PM2.5 particles, and heavy metals settle on the skin through the day. They weaken the barrier, disturb the skin’s balance, and speed up signs of ageing. People living in crowded, high-traffic areas often notice dullness, pigmentation, breakouts, and sensitivity more than those in cleaner environments.

Two skin specialists helped us understand the early warning signs you should never overlook.

8 Signs Your Skin Is Reacting to Pollution

1. Sudden Dullness and Loss of Glow

Pollutants oxidise the skin’s natural lipids and damage its protective layer. This makes the face look tired and lifeless even when sleep and nutrition are well balanced. Many people notice a loss of glow on days spent outdoors, especially during peak pollution periods., as per Dr Geeta Grewal, Cosmetologist and Founder of 9Muses Wellness Clinic

2. More Blackheads and Clogged Pores

Dr Grewal notes that PM2.5 particles slip into pores and mix with sweat and sebum. This leads to blackheads, whiteheads, and congested skin. A rough, bumpy texture is one of the most common pollution-related concerns.

3. Frequent Breakouts

Rising pollution levels increase inflammation and oxidative stress, which disrupts the skin’s microbiome. These changes can bring tiny breakouts, fungal acne-like clusters, or painful pimples. Environmental irritants often act as hidden triggers, especially in urban areas.

4. Uneven Skin Tone and Pigmentation

Constant oxidative stress encourages the skin to produce more melanin. According to Dr Grewal, this results in dark spots, sun spots appearing sooner, and patchy pigmentation along the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Many people mistake this for sun damage alone, but pollution plays a major role.

5. Increased Sensitivity

If skincare products that once felt comfortable now sting or cause redness, pollution may be weakening your skin barrier. Warning signs include burning, itching, a warm sensation on the skin, or sudden irritation without a clear cause, as per Dr Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder, Eden Skin Clinic.

6. Early Fine Lines and Premature Ageing

Dr Mahajan explains that pollutants trigger free radical damage. This breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. Over time, it leads to wrinkles, crow’s feet, and mild sagging around the eyes and mouth.

7. Dry, Rough, or Dehydrated Skin

Pollutants strip moisture and damage the barrier, causing tightness and flakiness even in people with oily skin. When the barrier is compromised, moisturisers stop working as well, which worsens dehydration.

8. Frequent Rashes or Dermatitis Flares

People with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea may notice more flare-ups when pollution rises. Dr Mahajan says that constant exposure can lead to rashes, bumps, and patchy irritation that keeps returning.

Avoiding pollution entirely is difficult, but protecting your skin is possible. Strengthen the barrier with antioxidants, sunscreen, gentle cleansers, and weekly detox habits. Watch for the early warning signs mentioned by the experts and act early. A strong skin barrier remains the most reliable way to maintain clear, healthy, and youthful skin despite rising pollution levels.

Male infertility remains a topic rarely discussed, often overshadowed by social pressures and hesitation. Yet, it contributes to nearly half of all cases where couples struggle to conceive. Among the many causes, varicocele stands out as one of the most silent and underrecognised conditions, affecting a significant number of men in India.

With male reproductive health still a taboo, countless men remain unaware of their condition for years. Fertility tests often reveal the issue only after prolonged delays, adding emotional stress for couples. We got in touch with Dr. Suparna Bhattacharya, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Kolkata, who told us more about the same.

What Is a Varicocele?

A varicocele occurs when the veins in the scrotum become enlarged, similar to varicose veins in the legs. These weakened, dilated veins disrupt blood flow to the testicles, causing a gradual rise in temperature that negatively affects sperm production and quality. Most men experience no pain, which is why the condition is often undetected, earning it the label of a “silent” problem. In many cases, it is discovered only during routine infertility evaluations.

Why It’s a Common Yet Ignored Cause of Male Infertility

Varicocele is particularly concerning because it often goes untreated, leading to more serious reproductive consequences. Dr. Suparna Bhattacharya said, “The condition may not produce noticeable symptoms—no pain, no swelling—yet internally, impaired blood flow and heat buildup gradually reduce sperm count, motility, and quality. Research shows varicocele accounts for a large proportion of male infertility cases, and the condition is largely reversible if identified early.”

A lack of awareness, coupled with the common misconception that infertility is primarily a female issue, often delays evaluation of the male partner. Many men only undergo semen analysis or scrotal ultrasound after significant time has passed.

Can Surgery Restore Fertility?

The encouraging news is that varicocele is one of the few male infertility issues that can be effectively treated with surgery. Varicocelectomy, the most common procedure, involves tying off the affected veins while preserving normal blood flow. This helps cool the scrotum and allows sperm production to return to healthier levels.

Dr. Suparna Bhattacharya told us that post-surgery, many men experience notable improvements in sperm count and motility within six months. For couples, this can mean natural conception without advanced fertility treatments. Correcting varicocele can also improve sperm DNA integrity, enhancing the success rates of procedures like IVF or ICSI.

Potential Consequences of Untreated Varicocele

Not all varicoceles require surgery, especially if mild or asymptomatic. However, undetected or significant varicoceles can progressively impair sperm quality and, in some cases, lead to testicular atrophy. Delayed diagnosis can reduce the likelihood of natural conception as men age.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Men who have been trying to conceive for over a year should undergo a comprehensive fertility check-up. A simple semen analysis and physical examination are often sufficient to detect most varicoceles. “Early intervention is crucial, particularly for those hoping for natural conception or planning to start a family,” said Dr. Suparna Bhattacharya

Promoting awareness about male reproductive health is just as important as educating women on fertility. Varicocele is a silent, yet easily treatable, condition. Timely diagnosis and treatment can restore fertility and reduce the emotional and financial strain on couples. The first step toward healthier, happier families is acknowledging the issue, seeking treatment, and discussing it openly.

Anyone who relies on ibuprofen, naproxen or ordinary-strength aspirin for pain or arthritis has been advised to be cautious, after an NHS doctor raised concerns about the risks of long-term use. Dr Mark Porter, a GP known for his appearances on The One Show, said many people do not realise these medicines can lead to stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.

He noted that bleeding in the stomach or upper gut is a serious medical emergency. An audit led by researchers at the University of Oxford shows that this type of bleeding leads to at least 60,000 hospital admissions each year, and about one in ten patients does not survive to return home.

NHS Doctors Issue Warning for Anyone Using Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Aspirin

Dr Porter referenced a report published in the journal Gut, which compared outcomes from 2007 and 2022. The data revealed how many people who suffered gut bleeds were taking medicines, both prescribed and over the counter, that could trigger or worsen the problem.

As per Times,, he said that nearly half of the 5,141 patients analysed in the audit had been taking some type of drug that increases the chance of bleeding. These included low-dose aspirin, clopidogrel and anticoagulants such as warfarin and apixaban. In addition, one in fourteen patients had been using a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen, naproxen or normal-dose aspirin, which are commonly used to relieve pain and treat arthritis.

Why NSAIDs Can Be More Dangerous Than People Realise

Dr Porter said many people who take low-dose aspirin or blood thinners to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack or blood clots know that these medicines carry a bleeding risk. The concern is that far fewer people understand that NSAIDs can be just as harmful for some individuals. According to him, NSAIDs are responsible for about a third of all NHS hospital admissions linked to adverse drug reactions. These admissions take up roughly one in five hospital beds. Beyond gut bleeding, NSAIDs can also raise the chance of heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems.

Stomach Symptoms Can Worsen With Long-Term Use

People who already struggle with heartburn or indigestion often notice that occasional ibuprofen or aspirin makes their symptoms worse. Dr Porter explained that, when taken frequently or over long periods, these medicines can do much more damage. Their effect on prostaglandins, which helps ease pain, also weakens the stomach’s natural defences against its own acids. This can lead to irritation, ulcers, bleeding and in some cases, a perforation.

He added that although the overall risk for most people is small, doctors have become more aware of these dangers. As a result, NSAID use has fallen in many countries over the past 25 years. Even so, these drugs are still widely prescribed, especially for older adults. Some estimates suggest that nearly one in five people over 65 has taken at least one course in the past year.

Why Protective Medicines Do Not Remove All Risks

Doctors often prescribe antacid medicines such as omeprazole alongside stronger NSAIDs like naproxen to help protect the stomach. Dr Porter clarified that these medicines lower the risk of bleeding, but they do not remove it fully. He said certain groups should be particularly careful.

These include people on low-dose aspirin or similar drugs like clopidogrel, anyone taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or apixaban, those who often have indigestion or heartburn, anyone with a history of stomach or duodenal ulcers, people living with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, and adults over 65 who are not taking stomach-protective medication.

Aspirin Should Not Be Taken Casually

Dr Porter added that one painkiller should never be taken without a doctor’s instruction. He said he would avoid using aspirin for day-to-day discomfort unless advised by a medical professional. For issues such as a hangover, a headache or a sore knee, paracetamol is usually safer than ibuprofen, although it may not offer the same level of relief. An occasional NSAID is unlikely to cause harm for most people, as long as they are not in a high-risk group. However, anyone who needs pain relief often, whether daily or several times a week, should speak to their GP to decide on a safer plan.

Dr Porter offered one final piece of advice. While vomiting blood is an obvious emergency, an earlier sign of slow bleeding in the upper gut can be easy to miss. Black, tar-like stools, known as melena, should never be ignored. Anyone who notices this should seek medical help without delay.