We have all seen movies where right before the hero starts fighting, he cracks his knuckles and makes it look like the coolest thing in the world! But then our parents told us that you should not crack your knuckles because that weakens your grip and hand strength. But is that true? While many people do say that they experience a small loss in strength immediately after they crack their knuckles, but are their long-term effects to it? And what is the sound actually coming from?

The reason why people crack their fingers is because the evident and sharp crack noise causes a sense of relief. Many people also do it when they have done an activity that required them to work with their hands a lot like typing or sewing, giving themselves a sense of satisfaction, similar to stretching after doing hard work. That "crack" sound can make some people cringe, while others find it strangely satisfying. Cracking your knuckles is a pretty common habit, but there are a lot of misunderstandings about it. Some people do it without even thinking, others can't stand the noise, and some can't crack their knuckles at all. You might have been told as a kid that it causes arthritis or makes your fingers swell up. But those are just old wives' tales. There's a real science behind this habit, and it's more interesting than you may think.

Why Do Knuckles Make That Popping Sound?

The "crack" isn't actually bones breaking or anything bad happening to your joints. It's a normal thing called "crepitus." This just means harmless popping, snapping, or grinding sounds that come from your joints. The main reason you hear this sound is because of gas bubbles in the fluid that cushions your joints. This fluid is called synovial fluid. When you move or stretch, these tiny bubbles form and then pop, making the sound. It's totally normal and doesn't hurt you. Sometimes, especially in bigger joints like your knees, shoulders, or ankles, the sound can also happen when the stretchy tissues that connect your bones (ligaments and tendons) move slightly and then snap back into place.

After you crack your knuckles, you can't usually do it again right away. You have to wait a bit. That's because the gas bubbles in your joint fluid have already popped, and it takes a little while for them to build up again. While cracking your knuckles doesn't give you arthritis, doing it too much might cause some problems. Doctors say that cracking them too often could make your joints a little wobbly and might even make your grip weaker. Also, if the stretchy tissues in your joints keep snapping over your bones, they can get irritated and sore.

When Joint Popping Might Mean Something More

Sometimes, a pop in your joint is just like cracking your knuckles, nothing to worry about. But other times, it can be a sign of something else. As we get older, the cushiony stuff in our joints, called cartilage, can start to wear down. This cartilage helps your bones move smoothly. When it gets thin or uneven, the bones can rub together, and that can make a grinding or popping sound. This is different from the pop you get from gas bubbles. If this grinding sound happens along with pain, it could be a sign of osteoarthritis. This is a type of joint problem that's more common in older people, but younger people can get it too, especially after a joint injury. If your joints hurt, especially in the morning or after you've been sitting still for a while, feel wobbly, or are hard to move, it's a good idea to see a doctor.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, have sparked interests of epidemiologists who are investigating their links to chronic diseases like high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions and certain cancers.

PFAS are a large group of chemicals made by humans that have been used in industrial processes and everyday consumer products. They are found in cosmetics, kitchen supplies, clothing, carpets, upholstery, food packaging and other household materials.

They are called forever chemicals because their strong chemical bonds make them resistant to breaking down in the environment. Some PFAS can also exist in the human body, allowing exposure to accumulate over time.

At the American Public Health Association's (APHA) 2026 Annual Meeting, researchers presented findings on how people are exposed to these chemicals everyday through food and drinking water, and what long-term health consequences may be related to that exposure.

Health Problems Linked To Forever Chemicals

Some studies have identified that PFAS exposure could lead to colon and liver cancers, low birth weight, development problems in children, complications during pregnancy and other metabolic disorders. Research has also identified its exposure to cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, reduced antibody responses to some vaccines and hypertension during pregnancy.

However, this does not establish that PFAS exposure directly causes every condition reported in epidemiological studies. Health effects may depend on the chemical type, exposure levels, duration of exposure and individual factors.

The US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states that research into PFAS health effects is in progress.

Also read: Paper Straws Have 6.33 Times Higher Carcinogenic Risk Than Plastic Straws, Study Finds

Food Is A Significant Source Of PFAS

Besides drinking water, food can also contribute to exposure, prompting researchers to investigate whether dietary habits influence the relationship between PFAS and chronic health conditions.

One study conducted in Massachusetts examined the relationship between dietary patterns, PFAS exposure and blood pressure. Researchers found stronger associations between a specific PFAS compound and high blood pressure among people who regularly consumed fish.

Yuting Wang, a postdoctoral research fellow at Silent Spring Institute and one of the researchers involved in the study, said animal-based foods appeared to contain more PFAS than plant-based foods.

One possible explanation, she suggested, was that meat consumption could increase inflammation, which may influence the relationship between PFAS exposure and blood pressure.

"Better understanding interactions among diet, PFAS and blood pressure may improve clinical recommendations to prevent hypertension," Wang said. "Future studies should account for exposure to environmental pollutants in addition to nutrient benefits of certain food," she added.

Also read: Lancet Study Finds Air Pollution & Chemical Exposures Could Add To South Asia's Diabetes & Heart Disease Burden

PFAS Found In US Drinking Water Supplies

According to the US Geological Survey, approximately 45% of drinking water samples collected across the country showed traces of PFAS. Researchers have also investigated PFAS contamination in 11 townships in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their testing found that several drinking water supplies had PFAS concentrations exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency's 2021 regulatory limits.

The team also examined two decades of mortality data from the townships to investigate whether areas with higher PFAS levels in public drinking water has different patterns of disease and death.

Erin Kulick, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Temple University College of Public Health who worked on the Pennsylvania study, said, "Southeastern Pennsylvania experiences overlapping burdens of PFAS exposure and cardiovascular disease."

Scientists Are Concerned About Long-Term Exposure

PFAS contamination is a public health concern because these chemicals can remain in the environment for long periods and reach people. Some PFAS accumulate in the body, and repeated exposure may increase the amount present over time.

The National Institutes of Health identifies several health concerns linked with exposure to certain PFAS, including immune system effects, increased cholesterol, liver changes, pregnancy-related complications and some cancers.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has established legally enforceable drinking water limits for six PFAS compounds, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).

Researchers say more comprehensive monitoring, better assessment and long-term epidemiological studies are needed to understand how PFAS contamination affects communities.

A simple five-factor risk score may help identify people at high risk of dementia, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where around 60% of the world's dementia cases now occur.

Developed and validated by researchers at Northumbria University, the risk score uses five everyday factors to identify older adults at higher risk of dementia. It aims to address a gap in dementia research, as existing prediction tools have largely been developed using data from high-income countries and may not work as well in lower-income settings.

The research team developed the model using data from more than 11,000 older adults across seven countries and three continents.

“We know the burden of dementia is shifting towards lower-income parts of the world, yet the prediction models clinicians and researchers rely on were designed with wealthier populations in mind. This model is a step towards changing that. It is simple, it is built for the settings where it is needed most, and it gives researchers a practical way to find the people who should be the focus of future studies and trials,” said Dr Eduwin Pakpahan, from Northumbria University's Applied Statistics and Data Science Research Group. The study is published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

What Are The Five Factors Used To Predict Dementia Risk?

Also read: WHO's New Dementia Guidelines Prioritize Healthy Habits, Warn Against Supplements

The model can be applied using information gathered through a straightforward conversation with an older adult and, where relevant, a family member or carer. It does not require blood tests, brain scans or specialist equipment.

The five factors included in the risk score are:

• Age: The strongest single predictor. Dementia risk rises meaningfully from age 70 and more steeply from 80 onwards.
• Social engagement: This includes whether a person is married or living with others, how often they meet friends or family, and whether they participate in community or religious groups.
• Physical activity: The model considers how active a person is in daily life, across both work and leisure. Everyday movement, such as farming, walking to the market or doing household tasks, also counts.
• High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the blood vessels supplying the brain over time. It is common, often undiagnosed in lower-income settings, and inexpensive to manage.
• Difficulty managing money: A family member or carer is asked whether the person has experienced a noticeable change in their ability to handle finances. This can be one of the early everyday signs of cognitive change.

How Does The Dementia Risk Score Work?

Each factor contributes points towards a total score ranging from 0 to 9. A person scoring 0 has around a 1% chance of developing dementia within three years, while someone scoring 9 has a nearly 19% chance.

The researchers built and tested the model across seven sites in China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico and Peru. It achieved a performance score of 0.75, above the 0.70 threshold generally regarded as clinically useful.

However, the researchers emphasise that the tool is primarily intended for research rather than routine screening of the general population. It could give researchers and clinical trial teams a practical, low-cost way to identify and recruit people at higher risk of dementia.

The team has also called for the model to be validated in regions not covered by the study, particularly South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Read More: Dementia Is More Than Forgotten Birthdays, Lost Keys: Doctors Explain Early Signs Before Memory Loss

Why Is A Dementia Risk Prediction Tool Important?

Dementia affects more than 57 million people worldwide, with around 60% of cases occurring in LMICs across Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa.

Identifying people at higher risk could help researchers in these regions plan studies and clinical trials that better reflect their populations. A simple tool based on everyday information may also make risk assessment more accessible in settings where specialised diagnostic resources are limited.

From Independence Day and Janmashtami to Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, Eid, Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas and New Year, the period from August to January means celebrations across the country. However, some can also suffer from stress, loneliness and worsening of pre-existing mental health symptoms.

In India, festivals can provide connection, cultural continuity and family bonding. However, celebration is not positive for everyone. For some, the period can lead to issues such as social pressure, loneliness, grief, financial concerns and even interpersonal conflict. Festive periods can be challenging for the general population, while people with pre-existing mental health conditions may be vulnerable to worsening symptoms, increased sensitivities or relapse.

Festivals carry an expectation that everyone should be happy. People are expected to participate, dress up, attend gatherings and appear enthusiastic. Though some may experience anxiety, burnout, depression or emotional exhaustion, maintaining this expected level of participation can become another source of stress. Emotional wellbeing does not automatically change because it is a festival. Recognising this can reduce guilt and self-criticism.

Family Gatherings And Emotional Sensitivities

Festivals frequently bring extended families together. While this can strengthen relationships, it can also reactivate longstanding interpersonal dynamics. Questions about marriage, children, career, finances, appearance or personal choices can become uncomfortable, particularly when they touch existing vulnerabilities.

For someone who has experienced criticism or comparison within the family, a seemingly casual festive comment may carry considerably more emotional weight because of the history attached to it. The festive setting can therefore bring individuals into closer contact with relationships or unresolved issues that they may otherwise have greater distance from.

Also read: Excessive Screen Time & Mental Health: Expert Urges Parents To Limit Children's Screen Time At Times Health Summit 2026

Why Clinical Populations May Be More Vulnerable

For individuals already living with a mental health condition, the festive season can introduce several stressors simultaneously. Travel, disrupted sleep, irregular meals, increased social stimulation, financial pressure, family conflict and interruptions to established treatment routines can place additional demands on psychological functioning.

People with conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, eating disorders or other psychiatric difficulties may be more sensitive to these changes.

In individuals with a history of recurrent episodes, significant disruption may also contribute to relapse. Festivals themselves do not necessarily cause relapse. Rather, the accumulation of environmental, interpersonal and behavioural stressors can increase vulnerability in someone already at risk.

Changes from an individual's usual baseline such as significant alterations in sleep, appetite, mood, anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, social withdrawal or functioning can therefore be important early warning signs.

Grief Can Become More Visible

Many traditions are built around shared experiences: preparing food, decorating homes, travelling to family members, exchanging gifts or gathering for meals. When someone important is no longer present, familiar rituals can make their absence more noticeable.

This can occur during religious festivals as well as occasions such as Independence Day or New Year, when people naturally reflect on their lives and relationships. Participating in a celebration does not mean grief has disappeared, just as sadness during a celebration does not eliminate the capacity for joy.

The festive season can also place pressure on household finances. Clothing, gifts, travel, home decoration and social events can increase expenditure over several months. For those already experiencing financial uncertainty, this can create considerable stress.

People living alone, those estranged from family, individuals experiencing relationship difficulties, older adults and people who have recently relocated may become more conscious of social isolation during this period. New Year can be particularly challenging because social expectations around parties, relationships and celebration become highly visible.

Also read: Can Mental Health Improvement Help Lower High Blood Pressure? Study Points Towards 3 Habits

Indians Living Abroad: Culture, Belonging and Homesickness

Celebrating Diwali, Eid, Navratri, Onam, Christmas or Gurpurab away from India can provide an important connection with cultural identity and family traditions. At the same time, it can highlight physical distance from parents, siblings and extended family.

A person may attend a community celebration abroad while still missing the food, sounds, neighbourhood atmosphere and family rituals associated with celebrations in India. Those unable to travel home may experience increased homesickness, particularly when several major occasions occur within a short period.

Festivals Can Be Difficult For General Population Too

Feeling tired, overwhelmed, irritated, lonely or emotionally sensitive during a demanding period does not automatically indicate a psychiatric disorder.

Even psychologically healthy individuals can experience festive stress because of travel, social obligations, financial commitments or difficult family interactions.

Making The Festive Season Psychologically Sustainable

• Set boundaries around intrusive questions: “I’d rather not discuss that today” or “We’re comfortable with where things are right now” can end conversations about marriage, children or finances without confrontation.
• Decline invitations without over-explaining.
• A smaller number of meaningful gatherings may be preferable to trying to attend every event.
• Decide spending limits for gifts, travel and celebrations in advance rather than responding to social pressure.

For those receiving mental health care, prescribed medication, therapy and established support systems should not be casually disrupted during the festive period.

Curated festive content represents selected moments, not the entirety of another person's life.

Professional support becomes particularly important when festive stress is accompanied by persistent hopelessness, severe anxiety, substantial social withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, increased substance use, impaired functioning or other marked behavioural changes.

The goal is not to remove complexity from celebration, but to make space for it. Allowing people to experience the festive season without the pressure to feel festive can itself be an important form of psychological care.

By Ms Dhara Ghuntla, Psychologist/Psychotherapist, Sujay Hospital, 7 Hills Hospital & Criticare Hospital