Many people believe that the modern-day skincare trends are a scam made by the big pharma companies who wish to make more money. This is a recent trend of ‘Anti-Aging’ skincare that keeps yourself on toes for the innate need for women to stay ‘young’ if they wish to be desirable. The beauty industry, in a way, feeds on such societal-made insecurities. But the recent rise in the trend has taken a different turn. While before people did it before to look prettier or fairer, now people are looking at this skincare routine as a way of taking care of themselves rather than doing to match someone else's beauty standards. This is why, this trend has resurfaced in the skin care community. This is the blue light routine.

In today's digital age, where we spend countless hours looking at screens, from phones and tablets to laptops. This constant screen time exposes us to blue light, which research suggests can have negative effects on our skin. It also leads to premature aging and dark spots. The screens also leads to stress, which could further cause harm to skin. While ditching our devices isn't realistic, a growing number of skincare products claim to protect against blue light. But do these products actually work?

What is Blue Light Skincare?

You can find many skincare products that say they protect against blue light, like sprays, creams, gels, and sunscreens. Some promise to undo the damage blue light might cause, while others try to prevent it in the first place. Blue light sunscreens are special because they protect against both the sun's UV rays and blue light. This is what regular sunscreens don't do very well. Regular sunscreens, whether they use chemicals or minerals, don't block blue light as effectively.

However, tinted sunscreens are different. Tinted sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher can protect your skin from blue light, as well as UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This is because of the coloring in the tint. Some newer sunscreens also have special ingredients that help protect against visible light, including blue light. While scientists are still learning about how blue light affects skin, many skin doctors have found it to be helpful for skin.

What is Blue Light and Why Might It Be a Problem?

Blue light comes from screens, TVs, and even the sun. While we used to worry mostly about how it affects our eyes and sleep, now we're learning it might also affect our skin. Some studies show that too much blue light can damage skin cells and speed up aging, leading to wrinkles and uneven skin tone. It can also cause dark spots on the skin. This happens because blue light can cause something called "oxidative stress" in the skin, which is linked to aging. It leads to dead skin cells. Blue light goes deeper into the skin than the sun's UV rays and can make skin cells produce more pigment, causing dark spots. It's important to know that not all blue light is bad. There is a difference between the blue light that comes out of the screens and the blue light that is used from a certain blue light wavelength as a therapy. The latter is used by doctors to treat acne and some skin cancers.

Many people rely on over-the-counter medicines, but a pharmacist has recently cautioned against the frequent use of some well-known remedies. Occasional indigestion or heartburn is common, but if these symptoms keep returning, there are important health points to be aware of to avoid creating bigger problems.

A pharmacist who goes by Pharmacist Anum on TikTok has shared a warning for people who regularly turn to these treatments. She explained that using certain medications too often can lead to complications, and said it is crucial for people to understand the risks before depending on them long term.

Health Warning For Taking Indigestion Medicines

This is not the first time she has offered such guidance. Only a few weeks earlier, she highlighted key concerns around taking excessive amounts of paracetamol. In her recent video, Pharmacist Anum said: “If you’re taking over-the-counter medicines without being properly checked, you could actually be doing more harm than good. The first group of medicines I’m talking about are those used for indigestion.

“Think about products like Gaviscon, Rennies, and esomeprazole. These are easy to buy over the counter in the UK and, for most people, they are safe when used for a short time.

“Problems arise when people start depending on them, taking them several times a week or even more often. If that sounds familiar, I would urge you to speak to your GP so they can look into what’s really causing your symptoms. Using these medicines too much can raise the risk of side effects and may also hide symptoms of a more serious issue.” In the same video, she also spoke about the risks linked to overusing common painkillers. She added that there are specific things people should understand about indigestion treatments.

What To Do If You Take Indigestion Medicines

Taking indigestion medicines too often, including antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can conceal serious health problems and may lead to notable side effects. These can include kidney-related issues, such as stones or damage, as well as electrolyte imbalances, including low sodium or potassium levels.

Using the recommended dose for a short period is generally safe, but long-term use can interfere with normal digestion and may even lead to dependency. This is why it is important to seek medical advice if symptoms continue, so the underlying cause can be identified.

If you have been using these medications for an extended period, or even for years, it is important to speak with your doctor. A discussion about the risks and benefits can help determine whether there may be another health issue behind your symptoms.

What The NHS Says

According to the NHS website: “Always follow the instructions provided with Gaviscon or the guidance given by your doctor. The dose you need depends on the type of Gaviscon you are using.

“If you experience occasional mild heartburn or indigestion, take Gaviscon only when needed. If heartburn or indigestion is frequent, Gaviscon can be taken up to four times a day.

“The most effective times to take it are after meals and before bedtime, whether or not symptoms are present, as discomfort often worsens during these periods.

“If you have been taking Gaviscon for more than seven days and still feel uncomfortable or in pain, speak to your doctor. If you have used Gaviscon regularly over a long time, consult your doctor before stopping, as stopping suddenly may cause symptoms to return.” Further details are available on the NHS website.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the instructions on medication labels and consult a qualified healthcare professional or your GP before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If symptoms persist, worsen, or recur frequently, seek medical advice promptly.

A major international study has revealed that 99% of heart attacks, strokes, and serious cardiovascular events are linked to just four common health risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar, and tobacco use.

The research drew on data from more than 9 million adults in the United States and South Korea, making it one of the largest studies of its kind. Published in 2025, the findings underscore the vital role of early prevention and lifestyle management in reducing cardiovascular risk, as per NDTV.

Even among younger women under 60, a group generally considered at lower risk, over 95% of heart attacks, strokes, and other major cardiovascular events were connected to at least one of these four factors.

High Blood Pressure Leads The Risk

High blood pressure, or hypertension, stood out as the biggest contributor, affecting more than 93% of people who suffered a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

“We believe this study demonstrates very clearly that exposure to one or more of these preventable risk factors before major cardiovascular events is nearly universal,” said senior author Dr. Philip Greenland, professor of cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

He added, “The focus now should be on controlling these modifiable factors rather than chasing other less treatable or non-causal risks.”

How Can High Cholesterol Lead To Diabetes?

High cholesterol can trigger heart attacks by contributing to plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, along the walls of arteries, as per Mayo Clinic. This buildup narrows the arteries and limits blood flow to the heart. If a plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot to form, fully blocking the artery. This prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle, resulting in tissue damage or death, often in the coronary arteries.

How Does Elevated Sugar Lead To Diabetes?

Consuming too much sugar harms blood vessels, triggers inflammation, and contributes to weight gain, high blood pressure, and poor cholesterol levels. Together, these effects speed up plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the arteries, limiting blood flow and sharply increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Excess sugar is converted into fat, raises triglyceride levels, lowers “good” HDL cholesterol, and can lead to insulin resistance, creating a cluster of metabolic problems, known as metabolic syndrome—that directly strain the heart.

Early Detection and Management Are Key

The results highlight the urgent need for regular health checks, early screening, and proactive management of common conditions to prevent life-threatening heart problems.

Greenland and his team also point out that their findings challenge earlier reports suggesting cardiovascular events can occur without risk factors. They argue that previous studies may have missed subtle conditions or overlooked risk factors that were below clinical thresholds.

In a related editorial, Duke University cardiologist Dr. Neha Pagidipati, who was not involved in the study, stresses that addressing these health risks early is critical to preventing severe and potentially fatal cardiovascular outcomes.

A smartphone app called Are You Dead? has rapidly climbed the charts in China, striking a chord with young adults who live alone in fast-growing urban centres. The app asks users to regularly confirm that they are still alive, and in recent weeks it has become the country’s most downloaded paid application.

Its stark idea may sound unsettling, but that very premise appears to be what draws people in. Beyond its novelty, the app reflects a deeper issue, showing how living alone, along with rising mental health concerns, is increasingly being viewed as a public health issue.

What Is Are You Dead?

An app named “Are You Dead?” hardly sounds inviting at first glance. Still, for many people who live by themselves, it has turned out to be more comforting than alarming. Its strength lies neither in flashy features nor complex technology, but in how plainly it speaks to a fear most people keep to themselves.

The app, known as Sileme in Chinese, was launched in May and has already become the most downloaded paid app in the country. It is designed for those who live alone and worry about what could happen if they fall ill, meet with an accident, or suddenly collapse with no one nearby to help. For users without close family or regular social contact, this fear is not abstract. It is part of everyday life.

The idea behind the app is straightforward. Users are required to check in every two days by tapping a large button to confirm they are okay. If they fail to do so, the app alerts a pre-selected emergency contact, signalling that something may be wrong.

When it first launched in May last year, the app attracted little attention. That changed dramatically in recent weeks, as large numbers of young people living alone in Chinese cities began downloading it.

On the Apple App Store, the app is described as a “lightweight safety tool designed for people who live alone, offering quiet protection through regular check-ins and emergency contact features to make solo living feel safer.”

Who Is Are You Dead For?

Are You Dead? refers to itself as a “safety companion” for people who live alone, whether due to work, education, or a personal preference for living independently. It is aimed at those vulnerable to social isolation, including students, working professionals, and older adults living by themselves in cities. According to the Chinese media outlet Global Times*, China may have as many as 200 million single-person households by 2030, underlining why digital tools like this are finding a ready audience.

How Living Alone Can Lead To Increased Health Concerns

Living alone can affect health in several ways, mainly through loneliness and reduced social contact. These factors are linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, weakened immune function, and even early death. Living alone can also influence daily habits, increasing the likelihood of falls, poor nutrition, smoking, and unsafe alcohol use, particularly among older adults, while making it harder to manage existing health conditions.

When people think about staying healthy, they usually focus on diet, exercise, and sleep. The role of social connection in protecting health is often overlooked. Loneliness, and the rise in stress hormones like cortisol that often comes with it, can quietly take a toll on the body.

“We clearly understand how sitting too much, smoking, and obesity contribute to chronic disease,” says psychologist Amy Sullivan, PsyD. “Loneliness should also be seen as a risk factor for long-term health problems.”

Health risks linked to loneliness include:

• High blood pressure.
• Cold and flu.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Stroke.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Dementia.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Suicide and self-harm.
• Premature death.

“We know how stress affects the body, and loneliness is a powerful form of stress,” adds psychologist Adam Borland, PsyD, as cited by the Cleveland Clinic. “When people feel lonely, they are less likely to care for themselves properly, and that can eventually lead to serious health problems.”