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.

Being in love, having somebody you deeply care for or enjoying the company of that special someone can be a great feeling- the elevated feeling of being on cloud nine and the joy it brings people yearning for a healthy and loving relationship. Everyone claims love changes people, and there are many biological bodily changes that take place when you are in love.

Here are some ways love can change the way you are.

It Gives You a Dopamine Rush

When you fall in love, your brain gets flooded with dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel really good. Harvard Health explains that when one is in love, there is a dopamine surge throughout the body, like the pleasure you get from other enjoyable activities. It's the brain's way of rewarding you, making you want to be around that person more.

It Helps You Form Strong Bonds

Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," helps you form strong connections with others, this hormone gets released when you feel attracted to someone. This hormone plays a big part in building relationships, helping you communicate and create good memories together. It's also important for things like childbirth and sex, strengthening the bond between partners.

It Can Impair Your Judgment

When you're in love, it's hard to see your partner's flaws. Your brain kind of ignores the negative things. Harvard Health explains that love basically deactivates the neural pathways which are responsible for negative emotions. You only see the good stuff, making your partner seem perfect. It's like your brain is wearing rose-colored glasses, focusing only on the positive aspects of the relationship.

It Affects Your Fight-or-Flight Response

That nervous feeling in your stomach, the sweaty hands, and fast heartbeat? That's your body's "fight-or-flight" response. When you fall in love, your body releases adrenaline and norepinephrine. These chemicals make your heart race and give you a burst of energy.

It Affects Your Pain Receptors

A 2010 study published in PLOS One showed that love changes the way your pain response works. In the study they gave people small heat stimulants while they looked at a picture of a loved one. This connection helps reduce physical and emotional pain. It shows how powerful love and physical contact can be, providing comfort and support during difficult times.

It Affects Your Cortisol And Anxiety Levels

Falling in love can also be stressful, experts explain that our body releases more cortisol, which can make you feel anxious. This happens because your brain is dealing with a new and intense situation. It can also cause a drop in serotonin, leading to feelings of uneasiness.

It Can Cause Impaired Decision-Making

Love can make you do things you wouldn't normally do. Strong feelings of love, especially in the initial stages, can indeed impair decision-making by influencing brain chemistry and leading to heightened emotions and reduced cognitive control. This can lead to impulsive and risky behavior, as you're less worried about the consequences.

Hailey Okula, a 33-year-old Los Angeles emergency room nurse and social media nursing influencer, sadly died on March 29, just minutes after giving birth to her first child by C-section. Popular for sharing her IVF experience and life as a nurse on social media, Hailey's life touched thousands of people. But her celebratory birth was transformed into a tragic loss when she experienced an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) and suffered cardiac arrest minutes after giving birth to her baby boy, Crew.

Hailey's husband, Matthew, announced the tragic news in a video clip uploaded to her Instagram and TikTok accounts. "She was able to see him for a split second," he remembered in an emotional interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles. "She had a little tear in her eye, and we had a little laugh. Then they said they were just wrapping up, and she'd be with us soon. Then everything changed."

What is Amniotic Fluid Embolism?

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but devastating childbirth complication that occurs in an estimated 1 in 40,000 births, reports the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic. It happens when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, or other fetal tissue enters the mother's circulation—most often during labor or delivery—causing a violent immune response. The response can lead to abrupt cardiovascular collapse, respiratory arrest, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a severe blood-clotting disorder.

Although a mother having amniotic fluid in her blood during delivery is usual, AFE is unusual because it's the overreaction of the immune system that results in a crisis. The majority are not detectable until symptoms arise, making it virtually impossible to treat at the early stages.

"AFE occurs abruptly and unpredictably. It's very difficult to treat and needs emergency medical treatment," the Mayo Clinic says.

Risks Factors related to AF

Since amniotic fluid embolism is such a rare occurrence, the exact causes have not been elucidated. Some risk factors, however, have been noted in medical literature:

• Advanced age of the mother (35+ years)
• Placenta problems, like placenta previa or placental abruption
• Preeclampsia or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
• Medically induced labor
• Excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
• Forceful contractions or physical trauma during labor
• Tearing of the uterus or cervix
• Forcedps or vacuum extraction during delivery

In fact, AFE has been known to happen in both vaginal and cesarean births, and in Hailey's situation, it occurred during a C-section. Medical professionals estimate that the breakdown in the placental barrier—either from natural or surgical causes—could enable amniotic fluid to leak into the mother's circulatory system. Once there, it can cause the body's severe inflammatory reaction.

Why Amniotic Fluid Embolism is a Condition Without Warning Signs or a Cure?

Hailey's unexpected cardiac arrest was a shock to her care providers and family. Her case emphasizes the heartless truth of AFE: there's no screening test, no diagnostic testing, and no known method to prevent it. Treatment is strictly limited to emergency management—resuscitation, transfusion, and stabilizing the patient.

Unfortunately, outcomes are often grim. The maternal mortality rate ranges from 40% to 80%, and nearly 50% of deaths occur within the first hour. Survivors may face lifelong complications, including neurological damage due to lack of oxygen during cardiac arrest.

Hailey's husband was abruptly faced with the unimaginable—whether to stay with his wife, now critically ill, or his new son. "Not the choice I imagined that I would make," he said, remembering the moment when he discovered doctors were giving Hailey CPR.

While amniotic fluid embolism is largely fatal for mothers, about 70% of babies are delivered safely if immediate emergency measures are taken. The key factor is time. Medical teams must act within minutes to increase the odds of survival for both mother and baby.

What Causes Amniotic Fluid Embolism?

Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, or other debris enters the mother's bloodstream, triggering a severe allergic-like reaction. This can result in catastrophic heart and lung failure as well as abnormal blood clotting. Although the cause is not yet certain, it has been thought to be due to a failure of the placental barrier, usually secondary to trauma during labor or delivery. Risk factors include advanced maternal age, placental abnormalities, preeclampsia, induced labor, or cesarean section. But AFE is unusual and unavoidable, occurring in about 1 in 40,000 deliveries, and can't be averted or forecast with accuracy.

With Hailey, Crew survived and now stands as the only surviving product of a mom who battled long-term infertility, heroically seeking to deliver him into this world. "We wanted this so badly," wrote Matthew in an impassioned Instagram tribute, reflecting on the IVF struggle shared by the couple. I will never forget the day I collapsed apologizing for how much the [IVF] process would affect her. She looked at me and said, 'We are a team.' That was Hailey. A woman who would do anything for the people she loved.

Hailey Okula's untimely death has shed new light on the risks of AFE—a condition even some doctors are not familiar with because it is so rare. As a public figure and ER nurse, Hailey was well-known for speaking out about awareness of women's health and infertility, openly and honestly sharing her IVF journey with her audience.

With the resources of world-class medical technology, no mother should ever die giving life to new life. Still, complications such as amniotic fluid embolism indicate that childbirth is still dangerous—even for healthy, well-tested pregnancies. With the maternal mortality rate still on the increase in most corners of the globe, we owe it to mothers like Hailey to invest in research, education, and quicker emergency response protocols.

What is trauma? It is an emotional and physical response to distressing events such as violence, accidents, or natural disasters. It can also have lasting effects on your mental and physical health. One of the most well-known conditions linked to trauma is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can cause symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and hyper-vigilance. What is more interesting to note is that trauma is also believed to be stored in the body, particularly in the hips.

How Are Emotions Stored?

In 1985, neuroscientist Candace Pert found that small proteins which are called neuropeptides activate the circuits linked to emotions. She also noted that "your body is your subconscious mind". It was she who pointed out that the physical body can change depending on what you are feeling. Her research suggests that emotions are electrochemical signals that can carry emotional messages throughout the body. They are then stored, expressed and experienced through body.

As per a 2021 study, titled, Biomolecular Basis of Cellular Consciousness via Subcellular Nanobrains, noted that cell consciousness can be explained by the presence of nano brains and that cells are “highly sensitive” and respond to sensory stimuli as well as internal and extracellular electromagnetic fields.

The researchers concluded that eukaryotic cells, or the cells that make up plants, animals, fungi, and single-celled organisms, are “cognitive and intentional.”

Why Is It Stored In Your Hips?

The body’s response to trauma is complex, involving both the nervous system and hormonal changes. When faced with danger, the body activates the fight, flight, or freeze response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body for survival but can also lead to prolonged physical tension if the trauma is not processed properly.

The nervous system plays a crucial role in this process. The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, can keep the body in a heightened state of alertness even after the threat has passed. This prolonged response may contribute to tension and trauma being stored in certain muscles, including those in the hips.

The hips serve as a critical connection between the upper and lower body, supporting movement and weight distribution. They are also linked to the sacral chakra, which is associated with emotions and creativity. Because of this connection, many believe that emotional trauma can become trapped in the hip muscles, particularly the psoas muscle.

The psoas muscle extends from the lower back to the hips and plays a role in movement and posture. When the body experiences trauma, the psoas may contract as a protective mechanism. Over time, this can result in chronic tension and pain.

Are There Any Signs That Your Hips Stored Trauma?

Chronic stiffness or pain in the hips and lower back

Difficulty relaxing, particularly in hip-opening stretches

Feelings of anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness

Difficulty expressing emotions or engaging in creative activities

What Can Help?

Yoga can immensely help release the stress in and around your hope, especially when trauma is stored. You can try the pigeon pose or the butterfly pose that can help stretch and release the tension in the hips.

Somatic therapy focuses on becoming aware of physical sensations and gently releasing stored trauma. This approach helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and gradually let go of tension held in the muscles, including the hips.

Deep tissue massage and myofascial release techniques can target muscle tightness and help release stored emotions. Regular bodywork can support relaxation and healing.