With the extra busy schedules people have these days, fitness tracking apps have helped many people time and track their exercise time, calories burnt and the time taken to do so. These apps also remind us to drink water, not exceed our calorie limits for the day, as well as keep exercising. However, sometimes these devices can have an adverse impact on our health. Instead of making us feel better, they can make us feel anxious or stressed. This generally happens when we become too focused on the numbers and start to worry if they aren't perfect. It's important to understand that while these trackers can be helpful, they shouldn't control our mood or make us feel bad about ourselves.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association also found that people with heart problems who used trackers were more worried about their symptoms. With so many people using these devices, it's becoming a common problem. 20% of wearable users felt anxious and always contacted their doctors when they received an irregular rhythm notification. They also found that these devices meant increased monitoring and worrying, higher usage of AFib (atrial fibrillation) specific health care etc. These findings suggest that while wearables can help patients monitor their AFib, they may also lead to increased anxiety and health care use. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of these devices on patients, doctors, and the health care system.

Signs These Apps May Be Getting Too Much For You

We can become too focused on achieving certain goals, like a certain number of steps or a perfect sleep score. This can lead to stress and anxiety when we don't meet those goals, instead of simply using the information to support a healthy lifestyle.

Your Metrics Influence Your Mood

If your happiness or sadness depends on the numbers your fitness tracker shows, it's a sign you might need a break. Getting a low score can make you feel like you've failed, even if you've been making healthy choices. It's normal to feel a little disappointed when you don't reach a goal, but your overall mood shouldn't be affected. If you notice that your mood changes a lot based on your tracker's data, it might be time to step away from it for a while.

You Constantly Try To Interpret Your Numbers

If you find yourself constantly searching online to understand what your tracker's data means, it's a warning sign. Trying to interpret every number can lead to more worry and confusion. You might start to believe you have health problems that don't exist. It's important to remember that these trackers are tools, not medical professionals. Spending too much time trying to decode the data can increase your anxiety instead of helping you.

You Feel Anxious When You Can’t See Your Data

If you feel nervous or anxious when you forget your tracker or it's not working, you might be too dependent on it. You should be able to feel comfortable and relaxed without constant data. If you feel panicky when you can't see your numbers, it's a sign you need to learn to be okay without them. You should be able to trust your body's signals instead of relying only on the tracker.

You’re Ignoring How Your Body Feels

If you rely only on your tracker and ignore what your body is telling you, it's a problem. Your body's signals are important. For example, you might feel well-rested, but if your tracker says your sleep quality is low, you might start to doubt yourself. It's important to listen to your body and not just the numbers. Your body knows when it's tired, hungry, or needs rest. The tracker is a tool to support your health, not replace your body’s signals.

The southern Indian state of Karnataka, currently reeling under intense summer heat, has been experiencing an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis over the past few weeks, according to media reports.

Due to the scorching heat, doctors in Mysuru flagged a 15-20 per cent rise in patients with gastrointestinal complaints, Deccan Herald reported.

According to Dr A. K. Satheesh Rao, senior consultant in medical gastroenterology and hepatology, the early arrival of summer with higher intensity across Mysuru and surrounding regions is driving the cases.

“The prolonged spells of heat and rising temperatures are impacting stomach and digestive health. Over the past few weeks, we have seen about a 15-20 per cent increase in patients with gastrointestinal complaints like frequent episodes of vomiting, abdominal discomfort, rapid dehydration, and diarrhea. Another major concern is a rise in dehydration,” he said.

“Although such seasonal spikes are expected, this year the intensity and frequency of symptoms are concerning, as a majority of the cases are being diagnosed as viral gastroenteritis. Just like any other viral infection, viral gastroenteritis is transmissible through contaminated food and water,” Dr. Rao added.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of rising heat and humidity across Coastal Karnataka until April 12.

Districts like Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada are expected to experience hot weather with high atmospheric moisture. Such weather can lead to fatigue and discomfort, particularly among the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions.

The IMD has advised people to stay well hydrated and take precautions while stepping outdoors. Residents are also urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours.

What Is Gastroenteritis?

Commonly referred to as the stomach flu, gastroenteritis is another illness that tends to spike in the fall.

Caused by viruses like norovirus, this condition leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. While gastroenteritis is typically short-lived, it can be particularly uncomfortable and disruptive.

Common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting – More common in children than adults.
• Watery diarrhea – May cause dehydration if not well taken care of.
• Stomach cramps and pain – Usually intense and sudden.
• Mild fever and body aches – May be confused with flu.
• Sudden development of illness – Symptoms develop 24-48 hours after exposure and persist 1-3 days.

Gastroenteritis can affect children more intensely. Dehydration is the most immediate threat posed by stomach flu, particularly among infants and young children. As children quickly lose fluids from diarrhea and vomiting, parents must observe warning symptoms of severe dehydration, such as:

• Dry mouth and tongue
• Decreased urine output (fewer wet diapers in an infant)
• Not crying tears
• Sunken soft spot on the top of a baby's head (fontanelle)
• Irritability, drowsiness, or lethargy.

How To Prevent

Hydrating oneself with portable water, eating healthy food, and maintaining hand hygiene are important.

“Simple practices like proper water storage, drinking filtered or boiled and cooled water, opting for home-cooked and freshly prepared meals, and basic hand hygiene serve as powerful safeguards,” Dr Rao said.

Further, one should also follow essential hygiene practices, including:

1. Practice frequent handwashing

2. Clean high-touch surfaces

3. Safe food handling

4. Keep sick children at home.

A Cancer-hit US couple in North Dakota has shared their ‘nightmare’ experience with dual diagnosis of the deadly disease and parenting their three children.

Spencer Eddy, a 39-year-old father of three, suffered from dizzy spells for years. While doctors dismissed the condition as vertigo, it turned out to be a brain tumor, People reported.

MRI scans in April 2024 revealed that he had a tumor the size of a lime in his brain. Further scans and tests at Mayo Clinic in October confirmed medulloblastoma -- a malignant tumor that is located on the part of the brain that controls coordination and movement.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is most common in children, but can occur in adults.

“When we found out that Spencer had a brain tumor, we were terrified,” said Jolene, his wife. “They said the cancer was blocking the fluid that flows from your vein to your spinal cord. They said they didn't know how he was still walking and talking, and how he hadn't had a stroke."

A week later, Spencer underwent a 10-hour surgery, and doctors were able to remove 85 percent of the tumor. Along with radiation and chemotherapy, he also needed speech and physical therapy to relearn how to walk and talk, People reported.

What came as a double blow to the couple was Jolene’s breast cancer diagnosis in April 2025.

“Whilst we were in the hospital, I noticed a small pea-sized lump under my armpit, but I put it to the back of my mind, because of everything that was going on with Spencer,” she recalled. “Doctors said it was probably just a cyst, but I asked for it to be removed anyway, and when it came back from testing, I found out it was breast cancer. I was absolutely floored.”

The doting parents “were so devastated and scared about what would happen to their kids”, if both of them die.

Following her diagnosis, Jolene was given hormone blockers and underwent a double mastectomy while Spencer was still undergoing chemotherapy.

Jolene struggled after the surgery and was vomiting and passing out frequently. She ultimately needed a blood transfusion and was able to recover.

It was hard for Jolene to take care of the family as Spencer could not walk well or drive.

"We're living most people's nightmare, but we're feeling optimistic about the future,” she said. “We have a long life, and we're going to fight for it; we're not going to give up.”

Spencer completed treatment in April 2025 and now has no evidence of cancer. Jolene also has no evidence of cancer. The couple now goes to appointments with their oncologists together as they hope to ensure their tumors don't grow back, the report said

Can A Brain Tumor Cause Dizziness?

While dizziness by itself is not a common symptom of a brain tumor, some tumors can trigger headaches and bouts of nausea and vomiting that may be associated with a dizzy feeling.

Dizziness, also called vertigo, is however, associated with tumors that develop in the cerebellum—the part of the brain that controls movement.

Medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor, forms when cells in the cerebellum develop changes in their DNA. These changes cause the cells to grow and multiply quickly, as per the Mayo Clinic.

Common signs and symptoms of medulloblastoma may include:

• Dizziness.
• Double vision or other vision changes.
• Headaches, which are often worse in the morning.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Poor coordination.
• Tiredness.
• Difficulty with balance or an unsteady walk.

There are many myths linked to heart health that can mislead people and prevent them from seeking timely help. This article helps to debunk the myths and keep the heart healthy. It is time to prioritize heart health. Dr Rahul Gupta, Director of Interventional Cardiology and Structural Heart Program, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, spoke about the common myths about heart disease and listed the facts as well.

Heart problems are commonly seen in people of all age groups. However, heart health is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can lead to confusion and poor lifestyle choices in people. So, heart health depends on multiple factors, including diet, activity, stress, and overall lifestyle, and not just one or two habits. Here, the expert helps to debunk the myths associated with heart health and improve the quality of life.

Dispelling myths surrounding heart health

Myth 1: Only older people are at risk of heart problems

Fact: People commonly believe that heart problems can only happen in old age. However, currently, a large number of youngsters aged 25-35 are also struggling with heart issues such as heart attacks and heart failure because of stress, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise. So, heart problems are not limited only to older people. Anyone, irrespective of their age, can suffer from them. Hence, there is a need of the hour to go for regular heart check-ups and to initiate timely treatment for heart problems.

Myth 2: If you are fit, your heart is SAFE

Fact: So, being physically active is important, but it does not reduce the chances of heart problems. Be attentive to the family history, genetics, and other factors such as high cholesterol or even stress. So, go for cardiac screening on a yearly basis to know the status of your heart health. Discomfort in the arms, jaw, or back and light-headedness can also mean that your heart is in danger.

Myth 3: Heart disease is only seen in men

Fact: Shockingly, heart disease also causes higher morbidity and mortality rates in women. The symptoms seen in women linked to heart disease are dizziness, palpitations, and even giddiness. Hence, women should also focus on their heart health. Stay alert, stay safe!

Your heart health matters. By understanding the facts and making informed choices, it is possible for everyone to protect their heart and overall well-being.