The world that we live in is filled with sounds, some are comforting and some could be jarring too. But what if the constant noise surrounding us is doing us more harm than we realize? There has been immense research that shows that noise is not just a nuisance, but a silent killer and affects our health in ways we do not even know. There are associations of sound causing heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.

How Does Your Body Respond To Noise?

Noise is seen as an annoyance, but it effects can go beyond what we imagine. When we hear a sound, it travels through the ear to the brain. This is where it gets processed by the amygdala. It is a region that is responsible for emotional responses. This also triggers a stress response- our heart rate increases, our blood pressure rises, and stress hormones like cortisol flood our system.

This response is also designed to help us react to immediate threats. Especially, if we hear the sound of a predator approaching. However, when we are exposed to constant noise, this response is triggered repeatedly and could compel us to live in a long-term anxious state.

Hidden Health Risks

Many studies including Harvard Health and theAmerican College of Cardiology have found associations of noise with health problems including putting a person at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart strokes, attacks, and high blood pressure. The constant activation of the stress response can take a toll on the body, increasing inflammation and making it harder for the heart and circulatory system to function properly. Over time, this can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Even more troubling, research suggests that noise pollution may contribute to mental health issues. Studies have found a strong connection between exposure to noise and disturbed sleep, which in turn can cause anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. The World Health Organization estimates that noise contributes to around 12,000 premature deaths annually across Europe alone. This invisible threat, however, is often overlooked because the effects are gradual and cumulative.

Noise and Sleep: A Silent Disturbance

One of the most insidious aspects of noise pollution is its impact on sleep. Even when we are asleep, our bodies are not fully immune to the effects of sound. Our ears never fully “turn off,” meaning that even faint noises can disrupt our sleep cycle. Research has shown that people who live in noisy environments—whether near busy roads, airports, or urban centers—often experience fragmented sleep, leading to fatigue and a weakened immune system. Over time, this chronic lack of restful sleep can lead to significant health problems, including an increased risk of developing cognitive disorders such as dementia.

The Urbanization Problem

As cities continue to grow, noise pollution is becoming more widespread. Traffic noise, in particular, is one of the most common and harmful sources. The rise of urbanization means more cars, buses, and trains, all of which contribute to an ever-increasing din. This urban soundscape is often relentless, with little respite for those living within it. In densely populated cities, people are exposed to high decibel levels, which can exceed safe thresholds for heart health. In many cases, the sheer volume of sound is not just unpleasant; it’s dangerous.

What Can We Do About It?

The solution is not as simple as reducing noise in our immediate surroundings, though efforts to reduce traffic noise and limit industrial sounds are essential. Some cities have taken steps to create quieter spaces by converting busy roads into pedestrian zones or installing noise barriers. These measures have shown to have a positive impact on public health, with research suggesting that even small reductions in noise can prevent premature deaths and improve overall well-being.

Work, school, competition—stress appears to be inevitable these days. Across age groups, many are dealing with it in some form or the other, but unfortunately stress never stops at just headaches or fatigue. It has direct effects on an individual's health through causing disease (such as cardiovascular problems); it also has indirect effects on health by negatively influencing other health behaviors such as physical activity and sleep. It is also vital to note that stress is one of the leading health risks for people in the work environment. Healthcare professionals are advised to consider both major stressors and those that occur regularly. Further discussion about stress reduction strategies is provided.

Dr Anshuman Kaushal, Director of Robotic GI, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, in an interview with Health and Me, spoke about the long-term effects of chronic stress and why it can be termed a lifestyle disorder.

Mechanisms of Chronic Stress

Exposure to certain stressors activates the HPA axis, and as a result, adrenaline and cortisol are released. While these hormones play a crucial role in survival during emergencies, they can result in serious health problems when continuously present in the body. Some of the most common consequences of stress are low immunity, insulin resistance, or inflammation. It can over time result in hypertension or heart disease.

Lifestyle as the Main Cause

With growing rates of urbanisation, competitive workplaces, financial issues, and the development of technology leading to a permanently accessible Internet, the boundaries between working time and time for rest have been blurred entirely. Moreover, an insufficient amount of sleep, poor sleeping habits, and a sedentary lifestyle cause stress as well. The young generation in India has become victims of stress-related disorders the most.

Identification of the Symptoms

One of the major challenges when identifying chronic stress cases lies in the subtlety of the condition. The list of symptoms includes constant fatigue, irritability, concentration issues, headaches, tight muscles, and insomnia. Other symptoms of the condition include gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux, bloating, and loss of appetite that are hardly ever associated with stress.

Long-term effects of stress

Chronic stress may appear harmless, but the truth is quite contrary. When an individual is stressed for too long without controlling it, it may result in anxiety disorders like depression. Physiological side effects of stress are:

1. Poor immunity
2. Inflammation
3. Obesity
4. Diabetes
5. Weakened memory
6. Mood swings

What makes chronic stress a lifestyle disease?

While most lifestyle disorders are caused by environmental factors and behavioural alterations, it can be termed a lifestyle disease. These disorders are progressive and require constant intervention in the form of medication or meditation.

Managing chronic stress

Doctors say that it takes a comprehensive strategy to reduce cortisol levels in the body and uplift mood. For instance, workouts like weight training or yoga are known to increase levels of happy hormones, thereby reducing stress. Breathing exercises and meditation, too, have a positive impact on mental health. Experts recommend combining them with nutrition, proper sleep, and socialising.

Early diagnosis matters

Chronic stress is not just a symptom of modern life but also a key health problem. Recognising it as a health issue and addressing it helps combat the long-term consequences well in time. And with continued changes in lifestyle habits and patterns, a lifestyle disease like chronic stress can also be brought under control for the better.

Asha Bhosle, India's veteran singer, died of cardiac arrest on Sunday. On Saturday evening, the 92-year-old was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Initially, she was admitted due to a chest infection but was later moved to the ICU the same night. The news of her hospitalisation was confirmed by her singer granddaughter Zanai Bhosle, citing 'extreme exhaustion and chest infection'.

"My grandmother, Asha Bhosle, due to extreme exhaustion and suffering a chest infection, has been admitted to hospital and we request you to value our privacy. Treatment is ongoing and hopefully everything will be well and we shall update you positively," Zanai wrote.

What is cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It is characterised by a sudden halt in heart function – it stops beating and blood circulation to the brain and organs is consequently cut off. It is characterised by unresponsiveness, sudden collapse, and lack of breathing. As opposed to a heart attack, a cardiac arrest is an electrical failure caused by conditions like arrhythmia. The symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and sudden collapse. For treatment, or as a life-saving measure, CPR must be performed.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure for patients who suffer a cardiac arrest. It combines chest compressions and rescue breathing to ensure oxygen flow to the organs. It is an effort to resuscitate a patient, and performing it immediately can double or even triple the chances of survival.

How to perform CPR?

To perform CPR on an adult, follow the given steps:

1. Begin by checking if the collapsed patient is responsive
2. Check if the patient is breathing or not, even if he or she is only gasping
3. Lay the patient on the ground with their back on a firm, flat surface
4. Place the heel of one of your hands on the centre of the chest and place the other hand on top of it
5. Start delivering chest compressions – hard and fast
6. Push at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute and allow the chest to return to normal
7. You may combine 30 compressions with two rescue breaths until an ambulance arrives, or till the patient wakes up

Simply performing this can double the odds of survival, which is why CPR training is a must for all. However, doctors say that if not trained in CPR, then only perform compressions.

The prevalence of diseases and disorders in the gastrointestinal tract has increased within the last decade due to significant lifestyle modifications. Patients suffering from gastroenterological diseases exhibit high levels of depression, stress, anxiety, and dysfunction in the central nervous system. The name "functional gastrointestinal disorder" refers to numerous diseases manifesting symptoms related to GI problems (for example, pain in the abdomen, difficulty swallowing, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating) but lacking detectable physical anomalies during standard diagnostic tests. There are 20 different diseases categorized as FGID in children. FGIDs have an extremely high frequency. Almost every other individual has met the criteria for FGIDs.

Dr. Anukalp Prakash, Director, Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, in an interview with Health and Me, spoke about the rising incidence of

Prevalence Trends of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in India

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) occur frequently among adolescents, causing significant morbidity. Nevertheless, the actual prevalence rate is not well-defined yet. FGIDs are commonly encountered in school- and college-going adolescents, with most FGIDs being functional abdominal pain disorders.

Lifestyle Issues that Influence the Health of the Gastrointestinal System in Adolescents

1. Diet: Overconsumption of fast foods, junk foods, and sweet drinks leads to disturbances in the gut flora. Frequent consumption of oil-containing foods and spices raises the risk of heartburn and inflammation. Irregular meal times lead to indigestion.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle: Increased periods spent sitting because of online classes and remote working have adverse effects on intestinal motility. Inadequate physical activity leads to obesity and insulin resistance—the main causes of liver diseases.
3. Stress and Sleep Disorders: Educational and occupational stress affect brain-gut interactions. Stress causes irritable bowel syndrome. Sleep deprivation has a negative impact on liver function.
4. Substance Abuse: College alcohol abuse causes liver diseases like fatty liver and hepatitis. Cigarettes and energy drinks are detrimental to the GI tract and the liver.

Youth Lifestyles and Liver Disorders

1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): NAFLD was uncommon among the youth previously but is becoming more prevalent nowadays. This is highly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and bad dietary habits. The condition has no symptoms and develops gradually from benign fatty liver to cirrhosis.
2. Liver Injuries due to Alcohol Abuse: Binge drinking is common nowadays among the youth, especially among university students and city dwellers. Consumption of large amounts of alcohol in short periods of time leads to fatty liver or hepatitis. Persistent abuse leads to cirrhosis that develops earlier than usual.
3. Metabolic Disorders among Youths: These include several disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure due to lifestyle changes. These conditions have increased in prevalence in India as well as across the globe and result in NAFLD and heart ailments.

Management and Prevention Techniques

1. Dietary Modifications: Intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables along with drinking enough water should be suggested. Refined foods, beverages, and fast food should be reduced.
2. Daily Exercise: Doing moderate exercise for at least 30 – 45 minutes daily is suggested. Spending less time on the screens and opting for more exercise is recommended.
3. Stress Reduction and Sleep Patterns: Yoga and meditation practices enable better connection between the brain and intestines. Eight hours of sleep each night contribute to better regeneration of the liver.
4. Avoidance of Risky Behavior: Not consuming any alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or drinking energy drinks. Instead, recommending stress-reducing physical activities is suggested.
5. Frequent Screening for Illnesses: Liver screenings should be performed for young people who are at risk of health issues.