Myanmar and Thailand were devastated after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit their land on Friday. At least 1,644 people have now been confirmed killed in the biggest earthquake to hit Myanmar in decades. There are fears the death toll could rise significantly, with some predictions estimating a figure as high as 10,000.

How Do Earthquakes Impact Health

1. Wound Infections

Earthquake-related injuries range from cuts and bruises to fractures and crush injuries. If not attended to on time, these wounds can lead to infections like sepsis, tetanus, or even amputations if untreated. Regions with scarce medical resources face higher risks of untreated injuries and antimicrobial resistance. Ensuring prompt medical care and deploying teams to assess building safety is critical to preventing further injuries and fatalities.

A recent study examined infections in 225 earthquake survivors with musculoskeletal injuries treated between February and April 2023. It found that gram-negative bacteria were common in the wounds of the victims. Acinetobacter baumannii (49.4%) and enterococci (28.6%) were the most prevalent. Many pathogens were multidrug-resistant, with 76% from wound cultures and 58% from deep tissue cultures showing resistance. Common infections included surgical site infections (32.8%), urinary tract infections (5.3%), bloodstream infections (5.7%), and pneumonia (0.4%). Intensive care was required for 35.6% of patients, with a mortality rate of 2.7%.

2. Infectious Diseases

Earthquakes disrupt water supplies, leading to unsanitary conditions that spread waterborne diseases such as cholera. Meanwhile, it also pushes people to take shelters in dingy places, which can outbreaks of measles, respiratory illnesses, and parasitic infections like leishmaniasis. Cold conditions and stress suppress immunity, increasing the risk of disease spread.

3. Chronic Conditions

Access to medication and medical care is often disrupted by earthquakes. Studies show increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes following earthquakes due to stress and disrupted routines. Destruction of health records and facilities exacerbates these issues, especially in disaster-prone regions.

4. Healthcare Disruption

Damaged medical facilities and transport links hinder healthcare delivery. Pregnant women and individuals with chronic diseases face heightened risks. Refugees and displaced populations encounter accessibility barriers to healthcare services.

5. Psychological Trauma

Survivors of these earthquakes often suffer from anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Tailored mental health programs are crucial for recovery, especially for those already living in conflict zones or displacement.

On April 14 2010, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Qinghai Province, China, devastating Yushu County. A psychological relief study, published in the Journal Of Affective Disorders in 2011, assessed the mental health of 505 survivors three to four months post-disaster. Using tools like the PTSD Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C) and Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), the study found prevalence rates of 33.7% for probable PTSD, 43.8% for anxiety, and 38.6% for depression, with one-fifth of participants experiencing all three. Key risk factors included being female, experiencing intense fear during the quake, and having limited social support, as measured by the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS).

A regular manicure became a lifesaver for 58-year-old Michelle Tagliamonte of Centreville, Ohio. What appeared to be a minor cosmetic issue—a strange black line on her thumbnail—proved to be an early warning sign of melanoma, one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer. Her experience highlights the value of being attentive to changes in your body and seeking medical advice when things do not feel right.

Tagliamonte, like many others, had a regular beauty routine. She visited a nail salon every four weeks for a manicure, a routine she followed without much thought. Yet, at the time of her last September visit, she noticed something odd—thin black lines on her right thumbnail. She initially dismissed it, thinking that nothing was wrong.

"I typically get my nails done every four weeks, so I don't know how long it had been there," she remembered. "But my nails grow pretty quickly because I have really good nutrition. It could have been there for six months or longer."

She snapped photos of the lines and went on with her nail appointment, unaware that this apparently insignificant detail was an indicator of something much more severe.

As the weeks went by, Tagliamonte observed that the lines did not extend out with her nail as she had anticipated. Rather, they stuck at the base of her thumbnail and appeared to be getting deeper. By the time her next appointment arrived, the marks persisted—unchanged and unerased.

That was the wake-up call. Not taking any chances, she went to see a doctor. Over Thanksgiving, the results revealed her worst fears—the black lines were evidence of melanoma, stage zero or 'melanoma in situ.'

What is Stage Zero Melanoma?

Stage zero melanoma, or 'melanoma in situ,' is a situation where the cancer cells remain in the epidermis and have not extended beyond it. Although it is the most treatable and earliest stage, it can become invasive melanoma, spreading to other regions of the body and threatening life, if it goes undiagnosed.

Physicians moved quickly to eliminate the cancerous cells before they had a chance to disperse. On January 17, Tagliamonte received a four-hour surgical procedure in which physicians amputated her entire thumbnail. To reattach the damaged area, a skin graft was conducted using tissue from the rest of her thumb.

The dermatologist noticed discoloration at the bottom of my nail," she said. "Whatever was producing this black line was originating from within the growth plate, way down deep inside my nail.

The procedure was invasive and complicated. The melanoma extended down to the first knuckle of her thumb, and a considerable amount of tissue had to be removed. The exposed bone and tendon were covered with the skin graft to allow the area to heal. Although she permanently lost her thumbnail, Tagliamonte is thankful for the timely medical intervention that left her alive.

Tagliamonte attributes her routine manicure sessions and her own vigilance for detecting the disease before it advanced to a more serious phase.

"The nail appointment definitely saved my life," she stressed. "I am thankful that I noticed it and then went about having it checked out."

Her experience is an eye-opener that even slightest changes in the body, whether seemingly innocuous, can prove to be signals of major illness at times. She now prefers others to be alert and hearken to instincts.

If you notice something unusual or different, listen to your own instincts and have it looked at," she warned. "If I'd have ignored it, Lord only knows what might have happened to me in the future."

Hidden Dangers of Nail Health and Exposure to the Sun

Tagliamonte's account also makes one mindful of other health hazards of nail care. Numerous individuals are not aware that dark or black stripes in the nails can be markers of hidden underlying medical conditions. At times, such markings could be a consequence of a disorder known as subungual melanoma, an infrequent yet malignant form of skin cancer beneath the nail.

Moreover, experts caution against the dangers posed by the UV lamps that are employed in certain professional manicures to harden gel nail polish. Such machines release UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin, heightening the risk of skin cancer with extended exposure.

"Too much exposure to UV light can harm the DNA of skin cells, causing them to grow out of control and form tumors," say dermatologists. "UVA and UVB radiation both help cause skin cancer, though UVB is more directly responsible for sunburn, with UVA causing more long-term harm and hastening the skin's aging process."

Uncommon Signs of Melanoma

Although melanoma is usually linked to moles and skin lesions, Michelle Tagliamonte's situation featured a number of uncommon warning signs:

Black Stripes on the Nail – Rather than a visible skin lesion, she saw dark stripes along her thumbnail, a less common symptom of subungual melanoma.

No Discomfort or Pain – Most people expect cancerous tumors to be painful, but Michelle felt no pain, making the diagnosis even more surprising.

Slow and Steady Growth – The streaks did not fall out or simply grow out with her nail, an indication that there was something amiss.

Concealed Source – The melanoma was growing from the growth plate of the nail underneath, hence hidden at first.

Stage Zero Diagnosis – Despite the alarming signs, the melanoma was actually in its earliest stage, illustrating how intervention at this point could avoid fatal effects.

Have you ever considered how your daily routines affect your vision? While we all link smoking and drinking to lung disease or liver damage, their impact on eye health is commonly disregarded. But these habits may be quietly stealing your vision.

Imagine this: You smoke a cigarette or have some cocktails after work, having no idea that the behaviors are speeding along the development of such conditions as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even blindness. Research indicates that smokers are four times more likely to have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most prevalent cause of vision loss. At the same time, excessive drinking removes vital nutrients that promote healthy eyes, causing blurry vision, optic nerve damage, and an increased risk of cataracts.

According to Dr. Ajay Sharma, top ophthalmologist, "The toxicants present in cigarette smoke have the potential to irreversibly damage sensitive eye tissues, and alcohol misuse speeds up vision loss in the long run.

The best news? Saving your eyesight begins with knowledge. Knowing how smoking and drinking affect your vision is the beginning of making better decisions. So go ahead, reach for that next drink or cigarette, and ask yourself: Is it worth risking your eyesight? Let's take a look at the true effect of these habits on your eyes.

We hear plenty about the ill effects of smoking and heavy drinking when it comes to heart disease, lung diseases, and liver disease. Their effects on the eyes, however, are much less talked about. Our eyes, just like all other organs, are prone to harm brought about by these bad habits. Smoking brings with it poisonous chemicals that damage crucial eye structures, and heavy drinking causes nutritional deficiencies and nerve damage, both of which have severe effects on the eyes.

Effects of Smoking on Eye Health

1. Risk of Blinding Eye Diseases

Smoking is a significant risk factor for several diseases that can lead to blindness, including:

Cataracts: Cigarette smoke releases toxic chemicals that speed up oxidative stress, which causes clouding of the lens of the eye. Research indicates that smokers are twice more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers. Ophthalmologist Dr. Ajay Sharma says, "The harmful substances in cigarette smoke directly harm the lens, and there is a greater chance of cataract formation at an earlier age."

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The macula, the retina's central region, which is used for clear vision, degenerates as a result of chronic smoking. Smokers are up to four times more likely than non-smokers to develop AMD, according to research. This condition progressively blurs central vision, making ordinary activities like reading and identifying faces more difficult by the day.

Glaucoma and Optic Nerve Damage: Smoking leads to high eye pressure, weakening the optic nerve and risking glaucoma. "The long-term eye effects of smoking are grave and irreversible, which is why quitting smoking as early as possible is very important," Dr. Sharma adds.

2. Dry Eye Syndrome and Increased Tear Reduction

Smoking interferes with tear production and quality, causing chronic dry eye syndrome. The symptoms are redness, irritation, and discomfort. The cigarette smoke exposure also increases inflammation, which makes it hard for the eyes to stay moist.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy Aggravation

For diabetics, smoking also aggravates diabetic retinopathy, a disease that destroys blood vessels in the eye. This will result in progressive visual impairment, further emphasizing why diabetics should eschew smoking.

Effects of Alcohol on Eye Health

1. Nutritional Deficiencies Leading to Vision Impairment

Long-term drinking drains vital vitamins and nutrients needed for eye health, especially:

Vitamin A Deficiency: Causes night blindness and dry eyes.

B-Complex Deficiency: Compromises optic nerve function, which raises the risk of vision loss.

Zinc Deficiency: Compromises retinal function, lowering clarity and contrast sensitivity.

Excessive alcohol consumption impairs the body's capacity to absorb these vital nutrients, hastening the loss of eye health.

2. Alcohol-Induced Optic Neuropathy

Alcohol abuse may lead to toxic optic neuropathy, which is a condition that involves blurred vision, impairment in color perception, and progressive vision loss. Chronic excessive drinking destroys the optic nerve over a period of time, causing permanent vision loss.

3. Transient and Permanent Blurred Vision

Whereas frequent drinking of alcohol may temporarily cause blurred vision through dehydration and insufficient oxygen flow to the eyes, long-term abuse of alcohol can result in sustained vision complications such as double vision and limited peripheral vision.

Yes, smoking and excessive drinking for many years can result in permanent vision loss. As Dr. Sharma points out, "Smokers are much more likely to get cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, both of which will result in permanent blindness if untreated."

Smoking-related eye disease symptoms are:

Cataracts: Dull vision, blurred color vision, and difficulty with vision in low light.

AMD: Altered or absent central vision, trouble reading, and trouble with identifying faces.

The initial phases of such conditions usually show no signs and symptoms, so frequent eye examinations are essential for early detection and treatment.

Stopping Smoking and Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption

The silver lining is that quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol intake will substantially reduce the chances of eye-related ailments. Research indicates that people who quit smoking find their eye diseases to progress gradually. On the same note, having moderate alcohol intake and following a balanced diet can safeguard long-term eye health.

Important Steps to Safeguard Your Vision:

• Stop smoking to lower the chance of cataracts, AMD, and optic nerve damage.
• Restrict alcohol use to avoid optic neuropathy and preserve vital vitamins.
• Eat a balanced diet filled with vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants for healthy vision.
• Have regular eye exams to detect and treat vision issues early on.

Dr. Ajay Sharma, Ophthalmologist, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Eye-Q Eye Hospitals in India

We always believe we are getting enough vitamins as long as we are having a balanced diet, taking the occasional multivitamin supplements, and generally feeling alright. But then out of the blue, more and more people are constantly tired. Hands numb, memory felt foggy, and simple tasks start to feel more difficult than they should be. Like most people I was also experiencing similar symptoms and so I went and got a routine blood test done, my doctor dropped a bombshell- my blood work was excellent but still vitamin B12 levels were deficient!

What most amazed me? My levels were technically within the "normal" limit. That's when I found out that vitamin B12 deficiency isn't always apparent—it can sneak up on you, even if your blood tests are all okay. And the effects? They can be serious, from taking a toll on your nerves to impairing your brain function. If you’ve ever dismissed fatigue or brain fog as just a part of life, it’s time to take a closer look at this essential nutrient.

Vitamin B12 is important to the overall health of the body, and its deficiency usually goes undetected until it has created irreparable harm. The majority of individuals believe that being within the normal range indicates that they are protected, but studies reveal otherwise. Even those who are within the normal range for vitamin B12 levels are showing cognitive impairment and neurological issues. This presents an imperative question: Are we ignoring the actual effect of the deficiency of vitamin B12?

Vitamin B versus Vitamin B12

The use of 'vitamin B' is to define a group of water-soluble vitamins whose functions serve to keep many different body functions. Of these, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is unique in serving as an integral part of the production of red blood cells, DNA formation, and the nervous system. All other B vitamins are predominantly derived from animal food sources, a fact that leads to concerns from vegetarians as well as persons with absorptive problems.

Hidden Dangers of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Deceptive as it takes, Vitamin B12 deficiency will gradually make one manifest its full blown effects when most often taken for granted with nonspecific unhelpful clinical findings or at worse, overlooked with wrong diagnosing. This impressive Massachusetts General Hospital case featured a 62-year-old male patient who developed two months before presentation with alarming neurological and bodily manifestations of paresthesias, walking impairment, jaundice, and dyspnea. What did they discover?

A severe deficit in vitamin B12. If not treated, advanced B12 deficiency can cause permanent neurological damage, depression, paranoia, and even dementia.

Who Is at Risk?

B12 deficiency is most prevalent among older adults, but other populations are also at risk. Some of the most important risk factors are:

Strict Vegetarian or Vegan Diets – Because B12 occurs naturally only in animal foods, vegetarians who do not eat meat, eggs, and dairy might have difficulty obtaining sufficient B12 from diet.

Weight-Loss Surgery – Certain operations, like gastric bypass, can inhibit the body's uptake of vitamin B12 from food.

Digestive Disorders – Certain disorders, including celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and atrophic gastritis, can impede B12 absorption.

Long-Term Use of Acid-Reducing Medications – Commonly prescribed for heartburn, these drugs reduce stomach acid, which is needed to absorb vitamin B12 efficiently.

Aging – As people grow older, their stomach acid production decreases, making it harder for the body to extract B12 from food.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency can take on a wide variety of symptoms, which can appear gradually or abruptly. Among the most typical symptoms are:

• Numbness or tingling in hands, legs, or feet
• Problems with walking and balance
• Weakness and fatigue
• Anemia
• Tongue inflammation or swelling
• Decline in cognitive function, memory loss, and confusion

Since these signs can be suggestive of other ailments, vitamin B12 deficiency frequently goes undetected or misdiagnosed.

'Normal' B12 Levels May Not Be Enough

One of the widespread myths is that if B12 levels are within the normal range, then nothing is wrong. But research indicates that even people with "normal" B12 levels may develop cognitive impairment and neurological dysfunction. A recent study revealed that even at the lower end of normal, individuals had evidence of slowed nerve impulse conduction and impaired spatial processing speed.

In the USA, deficiency is characterized as blood levels below 148 pmol/L. Nonetheless, research indicates that neurological manifestations can be present at higher levels, particularly if bioavailable B12 (Holo-TC) is diminished. This serves to reinforce the value of measuring functional B12 levels in preference to total B12 levels in the diagnosis of deficiency.

Link Between B12 Deficiency and Brain Health

Low B12 status is increasingly linked with cognitive impairment, memory loss, and dementia. Research has shown that deficiency in B12 is a causative factor for white matter injury in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in delayed nerve conduction. Elevated homocysteine due to low levels of B12 may also promote further brain shrinkage and neurodegenerative disorders.

Surprisingly, although B12 supplementation has the ability to correct such blood abnormalities as anemia, its effect on neurological symptoms is not as predictable. In a few instances, even with supplementation, slight neurological dysfunctions remain, emphasizing prevention and early detection.

Diagnosing and Treating B12 Deficiency

Because the symptoms of B12 deficiency are often subtle and nonspecific, diagnosis usually depends on a blood test for total B12, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and homocysteine. Individuals at risk—vegetarians, people with gastrointestinal disorders, and older individuals—should seek out B12 testing from their healthcare providers actively.

Treatment usually consists of dietary changes and supplementation:

Dietary Sources: Beef liver, clams, oysters, dairy foods, eggs, and fortified cereals are good sources of B12.

Oral Supplements: Use Standard B12 tablets or sublingual (under-the-tongue) tablets to ensure adequate levels.

B12 Injections: For serious situations or if there are absorption problems, intramuscular B12 injections are the answer.

Early detection of a vitamin B12 deficiency is important in order to avoid irreversible neurological harm. If you feel unusually tired, numbness, memory problems, or balance difficulties, ask your physician to check your B12 levels—despite the fact that they might be "normal." With ongoing research further emphasizing the intricacies of vitamin B12 metabolism, it is evident that trusting only on past definitions of deficiency can place many at risk.

B12 deficiency is far more prevalent than most people think and can be associated with profound health effects even when blood tests remain within so-called "normal" limits.