Body odor is natural part of human physiognomy, while some people may experience less of it, it can be stronger in others. This odor is not uniform throughout your body, certain body part smell more, like your armpits, groin and feet. The Cleveland clinic explains that this smell is due to bacteria and smell on your skin. Your body odor can also change if you are on medication, or ate a certain food or even experience some hormonal changes.

Similarly, It's common for belly buttons to have a slight odor, but sometimes it can become noticeable and unpleasant. While a little smell is often nothing to worry about, a strong, foul odor, especially when combined with other symptoms, could be a sign of a more serious problem. It's important to understand the possible causes of a smelly belly button so you can take the right steps to address it. Knowing when to simply clean it better versus when to seek medical help is key to keeping yourself healthy.

Possible Causes of Belly Button Odor

If your belly button smells bad and you also have redness, swelling, pain, or bleeding, you should see a doctor. These symptoms could be a sign of an infection that needs medical treatment Here are some reasons why this may be happening.

Not Cleaning It Well

Just like any other part of your body, your belly button needs regular cleaning. If you skip cleaning it with soap and water, things like dirt, sweat, and natural oils can build up inside. As explained above, his buildup creates a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to a musty or unpleasant smell. This is especially true if you have a deep belly button, as it has folds and crevices that are harder to reach and clean properly. A deep belly button is a warm, damp place, which is exactly what bacteria love.

Stuff Getting Stuck

Even if you take regular showers, your belly button can still collect things like dead skin cells, lint from your clothes, and other small pieces of debris. WebMD explains that these things can get trapped inside, and when mixed with moisture from sweat or water, they can start to smell bad. Sometimes, these things can clump together and form a hard, smelly lump called a navel stone. This stone can be quite smelly, even though it's usually not painful.

Bacterial Infections

We all have bacteria on our skin, but sometimes they can cause infections. According to WebMD if bacteria get inside your belly button, especially through a small cut or scratch, they can multiply and cause an infection. Infections like impetigo and cellulitis can cause redness, swelling, pain, and pus, along with a bad smell. People with weak immune systems or poor blood flow are more likely to get these infections. If these infections are not treated, they can lead to serious problems, so it's important to see a doctor.

Yeast Infections

Yeast, which is a type of fungus, can also grow in your belly button, especially if it's warm and moist. According to the Cleveland Clinic a common type of yeast is Candida. Yeast infections can cause a sour, bread-like smell, along with redness and itching. Sweating a lot, wearing tight clothes, or taking antibiotics can increase your risk. People with diabetes or weak immune systems are also more likely to get yeast infections. These infections usually go away with antifungal creams, but it's important to keep the area dry to prevent them from coming back.

Cysts

Cysts are small, fluid-filled bumps that can form under the skin. They can happen when dead skin cells and oils get trapped in your belly button. Most of the time, these cysts are harmless and don't cause any problems. But sometimes, they can become infected, which can cause them to swell, become red, and release a gray or white discharge with a cheesy smell. If a cyst gets infected, it might need to be drained by a doctor.

Piercings

If you have a belly button piercing, it's very important to keep it clean. If you don't clean it properly, bacteria can build up around the piercing and cause an infection. Signs of an infection include pain, redness, swelling, and smelly pus. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to your bloodstream and cause serious health problems. Cleaning your piercing regularly with warm, soapy water can help prevent infections.

While we often hear about the importance of checking our breasts for any unusual lumps or changes, many women are now talking about another condition known as “breast mice.” The name might sound odd, but these are actually fibroadenomas, which are smooth, movable lumps that can shift under the skin when touched. They can occur at any age, though they’re more common in younger women. But are they cancerous? Discovering a lump in your breast can be alarming for anyone, but these “mice” are a harmless, non-cancerous breast condition that usually doesn’t require treatment.

What Are Breast Mice?

The term “breast mice” is a nickname for fibroadenomas which are benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps that move easily under the skin. The name comes from their tendency to slip away when you press on them, almost like a small mouse running off.

A fibroadenoma is a smooth, solid lump made up of both fibrous and glandular tissue. In most cases, it is completely harmless, though in very rare situations, a fibroadenoma may contain cancerous cells, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

In many cases, fibroadenomas shrink or disappear on their own. Your doctor may monitor them over time or, if necessary, suggest surgery to remove the lump.

What Are the Types of Fibroadenomas?

There are two main kinds of fibroadenomas:

Simple fibroadenomas are the most common type. They are smaller and don’t increase your risk of breast cancer. Under a microscope, the tissue appears uniform, meaning the cells look similar throughout.

Complex fibroadenomas are more often found in women over 35 and tend to be larger. When examined, they may show some variation in cell appearance, and your doctor might notice small calcium deposits or cysts on a mammogram. These may slightly raise your risk of breast cancer compared to women with no breast lumps. Complex fibroadenomas make up about 15% of all cases.

What Do Breast Mice Look and Feel Like?

Breast mice can range from smaller than a marble to about the size of a golf ball. They often appear suddenly and usually stay the same size, though some may shrink or grow over time. The lumps are usually firm and rubbery, but some women find them difficult to locate precisely.

According to the Royal Women’s Hospital, if you press on the lump, it will likely move away from your fingers — hence the term “breast mouse.” Most fibroadenomas measure around 1 to 3 centimetres and are classified as simple fibroadenomas.

Why Do Breast Mice Appear?

Fibroadenomas typically develop during puberty and are most common in women in their twenties and thirties. They’re influenced by hormonal changes, which means they can change in size during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

Do Breast Mice Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?

For most people, having a fibroadenoma doesn’t raise the risk of developing breast cancer. However, those diagnosed with a complex fibroadenoma may have a slightly higher risk.

If you are concerned about your breast health or notice any new lumps or changes, it’s best to consult your GP or breast specialist. Even though breast mice are usually harmless, staying alert to changes in your breasts is always the safest approach.

Before you buy a health insurance, it is important that you understand its waiting period first. What exactly is the waiting period for a health insurance? It is the time you must wait before your policy covers certain conditions or treatments.

The longest waiting period, especially for pre-existing conditions, can stretch up to four years, depending on the insurer and the policy you choose. This guide will help you to understand how exactly does this waiting period work. This guide will answer all your questions, including: the longest wait you might face, and effective strategies to reduce or manage them.

What is the Longest Waiting Period for Health Insurance?

The longest waiting period for health insurance, particularly for pre-existing conditions, can extend up to five years.

According to Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) guidelines, the illness-specific waiting period cannot exceed three years. For pre-existing diseases, the waiting period cannot exceed five years.

Depending on the insurer and the specific health plan, the waiting period for these conditions typically ranges from one to three years.

How Can You Reduce the Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

While health insurance policies often come with a waiting period, it is possible to shorten or modify these restrictions by opting for certain covers, usually at an extra cost.

The options available for reducing the waiting period vary from various insurer, so it is important to check the specific details with your provider.

Here are some methods to help reduce the waiting period on your health insurance policy:

Choose a Policy with a Waiting Period Waiver

Some insurers offer waiting period waivers as add-ons or features within their health insurance plans. These waivers can help lower or even remove waiting periods for certain types of coverage.

For instance, a Pre-existing Disease (PED) waiting period waiver could reduce the waiting time for pre-existing conditions.

Add a Top-Up Plan

Top-up plans or riders are additional coverages that can be attached to your existing health insurance policy. These plans often come with reduced waiting periods and enhanced protection, helping you access benefits sooner.

Negotiate with Your Insurer

If you have a clean health history or have been a loyal customer, you can negotiate with your insurer to shorten waiting periods. Some insurers may consider such negotiations, especially for long-term policyholders.

Specialized Plans for Pre-existing Conditions

Certain insurers offer specialized policies with shorter waiting periods if you have a pre-existing condition not covered by regular plans. However, these plans usually have a higher premium to compensate for the increased risk.

Opt for Co-Payment

You can often reduce waiting periods by agreeing to a co-payment option, where you share a portion of the medical costs with the insurer. This arrangement lowers the insurer’s risk and may result in quicker access to coverage.

What are the Different Factors That Influence the Duration of the Waiting Period in Health Insurance?

The length of the waiting period in health insurance is shaped by several elements, which can vary depending on the policy type, the insurance provider, and specific health conditions.

These factors determine how long policyholders must wait before claiming benefits, whether for pre-existing conditions, certain treatments, or maternity coverage. Being aware of these factors allows individuals to choose policies that match their healthcare needs.

Here are some key factors that impact the duration of the waiting period:

Type of Insurance Policy:

The type of policy determines the waiting period. Each has its specific terms depending on the type of policy being issued. It is smart to consult your insurer beforehand for details concerning this.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions:

If you have a pre-existing health condition, it will attract a waiting period of two to five years with insurers. The severity of the condition and the type of condition also contribute to this factor.

Age of the Policyholder:

Older individuals typically experience extended waiting periods for specific treatments or pre-existing conditions, as they have higher health risks due to age.

Insurer’s Policy Guidelines:

The waiting periods vary between insurance providers. Some insurance companies may agree to allow you to select a shorter waiting period, but at the cost of paying a higher premium.

Type of Treatment or Condition:

In general, treatments that are expensive or that are not immediately necessary, like surgeries or joint replacements, fall under a ‘waiting list’. These can take up to two years or even more, depending on the policy you avail from the insurer.

The waiting period in health insurance can significantly impact when you start benefiting from your coverage, especially for pre-existing conditions or costly treatments.

You can reduce these waiting times by choosing policies wisely, negotiating with your insurer, or adding top-up plans. Awareness of the above-mentioned factors about waiting periods helps you be prepared and look for a policy that meets your needs more closely.

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability and continues to claim countless lives across the globe. To raise awareness about this life-threatening condition and its complications, World Stroke Day is observed every year on October 29. The theme for 2025, “Every Minute Counts,” highlights the urgency of quick medical response.

Although a stroke can happen to anyone at any age, certain health factors can make the risk much higher. Understanding these risk factors and managing them early is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Among them, learning to identify early warning signs through the FAST formula and keeping conditions like high blood pressure in check are crucial.

To understand more about stroke awareness and prevention, we spoke to Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director and HOD – Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, and Dr Rajas Y, Consultant and Head – Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage or internal bleeding. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, its cells start dying within minutes, leading to sudden loss of speech, movement, or consciousness.

As per the Cleveland Clinic, strokes are the second leading cause of death globally and the fifth leading cause in the United States. Yet, experts say that nearly half of these cases can be avoided or treated more effectively if medical help is received in time.

Dr Bhardwaj explains, “The key to survival and recovery is knowing the symptoms and acting immediately.”

What Is The F.A.S.T. Formula for Early Stroke Detection

A stroke strikes suddenly, and its outcome depends on how quickly one recognises the warning signs. The FAST formula which is short for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time, helps people identify a possible stroke and respond without delay.

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Notice if one side of their face droops.

A – Arms: Ask them to lift both arms. See if one drifts downward or feels weak.

S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a short sentence. Check if their words sound slurred or unusual.

T – Time: If any of these signs appear, don’t wait—call emergency services immediately.

Dr Bhardwaj adds, “If someone suddenly falls or their speech becomes unclear for no obvious reason, act at once. Every second matters.”

With Stroke, Every Minute Counts

The first four and a half hours after the onset of stroke symptoms are known as the “golden window.” During this time, clot-busting drugs or medical procedures can help restore blood flow to the brain and prevent permanent damage.

Dr Bhardwaj explains, “If a large vessel is blocked and this window is missed, recovery becomes much harder. Nearly two million brain cells die every minute that treatment is delayed. In a stroke, time truly is brain.”

Does High Blood Pressure Cause Stroke?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the biggest risk factors for stroke, and importantly, it is preventable. Constant high pressure damages and narrows blood vessels, which can either rupture or become blocked, leading to ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes.

“Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure weakens the blood vessel walls, making them fragile and prone to rupture,” says Dr Rajas. “It also causes plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow to the brain.”

Because it often has no visible symptoms, hypertension is called a silent killer. Some people may occasionally experience headaches, dizziness, or nosebleeds, but these signs usually appear only when blood pressure has reached dangerous levels. Detecting it early is key to preventing stroke and other complications.

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups

Monitoring blood pressure regularly is one of the simplest ways to lower your risk of stroke. Adults should get their blood pressure checked at least once every two years, and more frequently if they have additional risks such as obesity, smoking, or a family history of hypertension.

Routine medical visits help doctors keep track of your blood pressure, adjust treatment if necessary, and suggest helpful lifestyle changes. Staying proactive with these check-ups can make a major difference in long-term health.

Can You Have a Stroke With Normal Blood Pressure?

While high blood pressure is a major cause, strokes can also happen to people with normal readings. Other risk factors play a role, including:

• Atrial fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat that allows clots to travel to the brain.
• High cholesterol: Causes plaque buildup that narrows or blocks arteries.
• Diabetes: Damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk.
• Lifestyle habits: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and certain drugs can heighten the risk.