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.

A California man died last weekend after eating so-called death cap mushrooms, marking the third fatality linked to the toxic fungi in the state since November.

Health officials say California is seeing an unusually high number of mushroom poisonings this season. Between November 18 and January 4, at least 35 cases were reported statewide. In a typical year, the number is usually fewer than five.

“This year’s figures are far beyond what we normally see,” said Sheri Cardo, a communications specialist with the California Department of Public Health.

California Resident Dies After Eating Death Cap Mushrooms

At least three people have now lost their lives in California due to death cap mushroom poisoning since November. Media reports indicate a sharp rise in cases tied to foraged wild mushrooms, with more than 35 poisonings recorded over the past three months.

“The numbers we’re dealing with this year are comparatively off the charts,” Cardo told NBC News.

The most recent death occurred in Sonoma County and was the first fatal wild mushroom poisoning reported there this season, according to county health officials.

Dr. Michael Stacey, interim health officer for Sonoma County, urged residents to avoid eating wild mushrooms unless they are purchased from reliable grocery stores or licensed sellers. He warned that death cap mushrooms can look strikingly similar to safe, edible varieties.

What Is Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning?

Death cap mushrooms, scientifically known as Amanita phalloides, are among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. They commonly grow beneath oak trees and can be found in parks, gardens, and wooded areas.

Experts say these mushrooms are often mistaken for edible types because of their appearance. Typical features include:

• A smooth cap that may appear whitish, pale yellow, light brown, or green
• White gills underneath the cap
• A white spore print
• A cup-like structure called a volva at the base of the stem
• A ring, known as an annulus, around the stem

Death Cap Mushroom Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin between six and 24 hours after ingestion. Early signs often include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

In many cases, symptoms ease or disappear after one or two days, which can create a false sense of recovery. By that point, however, the toxins may have already caused severe damage to the liver.

According to experts, the poison responsible, known as amatoxin, can seriously harm the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Without prompt treatment, the damage can be fatal.

U.S. Poison Centers receive an average of about 52 calls each year related to amatoxin exposure, said Hallen-Adams, though not every case is officially reported.

Is the Risk Easing?

The danger may now be starting to decline in parts of California. Mike McCurdy, president of the Mycological Society of San Francisco, said he has noticed far fewer death cap mushrooms during recent foraging trips.

Earlier this winter, McCurdy said he spotted hundreds of death caps during a two- to three-hour walk in Sonoma County. On a recent outing near Lafayette, California, he found just one. “I think we’re getting close to the end,” he said.

Nearly four years ago, Teresa Sanchez was in Mexico for a medical procedure when her right eye began to feel unusually dry and irritated. At first, it seemed minor. She assumed her contact lens might be torn or that the switch from daily lenses to monthly ones was causing dryness. She even wondered if her body was fighting off an infection, as per CNN.

What she did not realize at the time was that a microscopic organism was slowly attacking her cornea. Over the next three months, the parasite caused irreversible damage to her vision and triggered searing pain that spread across her head.

“I couldn’t even keep the blinds open in my room,” said Sanchez, now 33 and living in Las Vegas. “Light would cause unbearable pain. That’s when I knew something was seriously wrong.”

By then, she had already seen multiple optometrists and had been misdiagnosed. Frustrated and desperate for answers, Sanchez began researching her symptoms on her own.

What Is Acanthamoeba Keratitis?

Online searches led Sanchez to a condition she had never heard of: acanthamoeba keratitis. An eye specialist later confirmed it. Keratitis refers to inflammation of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped layer at the front of the eye that plays a central role in focusing vision. Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, single-celled organism that cannot be seen without a microscope.

According to Dr. Jacob Lorenzo-Morales, a professor of parasitology at the University of La Laguna in Spain, acanthamoeba is commonly found in soil and water. It does not require a host to survive, which makes it especially resilient.

Once the organism comes into contact with the eye, it can attach itself to the cornea. Dr. Paul Barney, an optometric physician and director at the Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute in Alaska, explained that even tiny breaks in the corneal surface can allow the parasite to burrow deeper into the eye.

Why Contact Lens Wearers Face Higher Risk?

Acanthamoeba keratitis is considered rare. Based on data from 20 countries, including the UK, India, the US, Canada and Brazil, there are more than 23,000 cases worldwide each year. Yet a striking pattern stands out. Between 85% and 95% of people who develop the infection wear contact lenses.

Contact lenses can cause microscopic abrasions on the cornea, creating an entry point for the parasite. The organism can also cling to the lens itself or become trapped between the lens and the eye, making it easier to penetrate the corneal tissue.

“If it’s not diagnosed early and treated aggressively, the outcome can be devastating,” Barney said. “The parasite feeds on the cornea, triggering inflammation and tissue damage that can lead to permanent vision loss.”

In some cases, vision can be partially restored with treatment. Others require a corneal transplant.

A Parasite Built To Survive

Treating acanthamoeba keratitis is especially difficult because the organism has strong defense mechanisms. It can sense threats and respond by forming a cyst, allowing it to lie dormant for months or even years.

This resilience means treatment often stretches over long periods and involves intense discomfort. Because the eye is extremely sensitive, patients must work closely with specialists and strictly follow treatment instructions.

Why The Condition Is Often Missed?

Early diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges Because acanthamoeba keratitis is uncommon, many optometrists may not recognize it right away. As a result, many contact lens users only learn about the condition after they develop it or come across viral videos discussing it online.

Many patients have expressed surprise that they were never clearly warned about the risks of wearing contacts while showering or swimming.

The Contact Lens Society of America emphasized that contact lenses are medical devices and require strict hygiene. This includes avoiding water exposure during swimming, showering or sleeping. The organization also stressed the importance of patients asking questions and carefully reviewing care instructions.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Symptoms That Mimic Other Eye Infections

In addition to severe pain and light sensitivity, acanthamoeba keratitis can cause redness, blurred vision, dryness, excessive tearing and the sensation that something is stuck in the eye.

Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, misdiagnosis is common. Barney said the infection is frequently mistaken for herpes simplex keratitis, a major cause of infection-related blindness. In its earliest stages, it can even resemble pink eye.

That was the case for Sanchez. Her first optometrist diagnosed pink eye. The prescribed drops blurred her vision. A second optometrist suspected a bacterial infection, and while antibiotic drops offered brief relief, she soon lost vision in the affected eye.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: How To Reduce Your Risk?

Experts stress that contact lens hygiene is critical. Always clean and store lenses using approved contact lens solution, never water. The solution in your lens case should be replaced daily. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses.

Sleeping in contact lenses should be avoided, as it increases dryness, irritation and the risk of corneal damage. Daily disposable lenses may lower infection risk compared to monthly lenses.

For water-based activities, glasses or prescription goggles are safer options. Some people may also consider vision correction surgery after discussing risks and suitability with a doctor.

More than 10 million adults, young people, and children in the UK are currently living with arthritis, according to a 2025 report by Arthritis UK. The NHS says osteoarthritis is the most common form of the condition across the country.

NHS Issues Warning For People Taking NSAIDs For Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis develops when joints become stiff and painful over time. Symptoms vary widely depending on the joint involved and the severity of damage. While medication is often used to manage pain and inflammation, the NHS warns that some commonly used treatments can carry risks if not taken correctly.

One of the most widely used options for pain relief is NSAIDs, a group of medicines many people rely on daily.

What Are NSAIDs And Why Are They Prescribed?

NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly prescribed by GPs to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. They are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, suppositories, creams, gels, and injections. Some NSAIDs can be bought over the counter, while stronger versions require a prescription.

Common types of NSAIDs

The most commonly used NSAIDs include:

• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• diclofenac
• celecoxib
• mefenamic acid
• etoricoxib
• indomethacin
• aspirin for pain relief (low-dose aspirin is not usually classed as an NSAID)

Doctors usually advise which NSAID is suitable and explain the potential benefits and risks. However, the NHS stresses that patients should also understand possible side effects and when to seek medical help.

NHS Warning On Who Should Be Cautious With NSAIDs

The NHS advises that NSAIDs may not be suitable for everyone. Extra caution is needed if you have asthma, stomach ulcers, angina, or if you have previously had a heart attack or stroke. People taking low-dose aspirin should always speak to their GP before using an NSAID.

Who Should Avoid Or Seek Advice Before Taking NSAIDs?

You should consult a pharmacist or doctor before using NSAIDs if you:

• are over the age of 65
• are pregnant or trying to conceive
• are breastfeeding
• have asthma
• have had an allergic reaction to NSAIDs in the past
• have a history of stomach ulcers
• have heart, liver, kidney, blood pressure, circulation, or bowel problems
• are taking other medicines
• are buying medicine for a child under 16 (aspirin should never be given to children under 16)

The NHS explains that NSAIDs are not always completely avoided in these cases, but they should only be used with medical advice, as the risk of side effects may be higher.

If NSAIDs are unsuitable, doctors or pharmacists may recommend alternatives such as paracetamol.

Possible Side Effects Of NSAIDs

Over-the-counter NSAIDs generally cause fewer side effects than prescription-strength versions. However, risks increase when they are taken at high doses, used for long periods, or taken by older adults or people with underlying health conditions.

Possible side effects include:

• indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea
• stomach ulcers, which can lead to internal bleeding and anaemia
• headaches
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• allergic reactions

In rare cases, NSAIDs can affect the liver, kidneys, heart, or circulation, and may increase the risk of heart failure, heart attacks, or strokes.

Taking NSAIDs Alongside Other Medicines

It is essential to seek medical advice before taking NSAIDs if you are already using:

• another NSAID
• low-dose aspirin or warfarin
• ciclosporin
• diuretics for high blood pressure
• lithium
• methotrexate
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram or fluoxetine

Signs And Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joints. Some people may also experience:

• swelling
• joint tenderness
• a grating or crackling sensation when moving joints
• pain and stiffness after periods of inactivity
• enlarged or knobbly joints
• reduced range of movement
• muscle weakness or muscle loss

The NHS notes that osteoarthritis can affect almost any joint but most commonly involves the knees, hips, and small joints of the hands. Anyone with persistent symptoms should see their GP for diagnosis and treatment advice.

Even people who do not fall into higher-risk groups should only use NSAIDs as directed by a healthcare professional. Side effects can still occur, especially with long-term use. If NSAIDs are not appropriate, safer alternatives may be suggested to manage pain effectively.