We love experimenting with our hair, but that comes with its fair share of hair damage and brittleness. Does that mean we just let our hair be their normal self? Actually no, to enhance your looks and bring out your personality it is important to keep changing your hair but it is also important to take goo care of your hair.

And for those who think hair care can cost a bomb, then follow the below mentioned DIY recipes and you can thank us forever.

Rice Water and Fenugreek Hair Mask

• Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in rice water overnight.
• Blend the soaked seeds with rice water to form a paste.
• Apply it to your scalp and hair, leaving it on for 45 minutes before washing.

Avocado & Olive Oil Hair Mask

• Scoop out the pulp from the avocado and mash it. Now add olive oil to the pulp and mix properly.
• Apply the mixture to your scalp and strands. Leave it on for about an hour before washing your hair.
• Use this mask once a week.

Banana and Olive Oil Hair Mask

• Use one ripe banana and one tablespoon of olive oil.
• Blend or mash the banana until it reaches a lump-free puree. Add the olive oil and continue blending.
• While in the shower, apply the mask throughout the hair and scalp with fingers. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.

Lemon and Yogurt Hair Mask

• Take 1 bowl of yogurt and add 3-4 drops of lemon juice to it.
• Mix it thoroughly and apply it evenly onto your hair.
• Keep it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off and remember to use a conditioner after.

Shea Butter Homemade Hair Mask

• Melt shea butter and add some coconut oil to it. You can also add argan oil instead of coconut oil.
• Apply it to your scalp and strands. Give it one to two hours to work its magic. After a few hours, wash and condition as usual.
• Use it twice a week.

UK health officials have urged those at risk to get vaccinated against mpox as a particular strain of the virus continues to spread across parts of Europe. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed a small number of locally acquired cases of a strain known as clade Ib in the USA, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, all of which have no travel links to regions with known outbreaks. This indicates that community transmission of the disease is now taking place globally.

Most of the newly reported infections in Europe and the USA have been identified among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, a group where transmission of this specific strain has not previously been observed.

New Strain Of Mpox Spreading In UK

According to a recent UKHSA update, as of October 20, 2025, a total of 16 clade Ib mpox cases have been detected in the UK, all of them in England. So far, there is no evidence of sustained transmission within the community of men who have sex with men. Nearly all cases have been linked to international travel to regions where community spread has been recorded, except for one case in which the source of exposure remains uncertain.

What Is ‘Clade Ib’ Mpox?

Clade Ib is a newer variant of the mpox virus (MPXV) that first emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023. Since then, it has spread to other parts of Africa and beyond. The variant belongs to clade I, which is considered more severe, but clade Ib is thought to be more easily passed from person to person, particularly through sexual or close physical contact. Infections caused by this strain have been linked to more intense symptoms and a higher fatality rate, especially among children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Common Symptoms Of The Mpox Virus Spreading In The UK

According to the World Health Organization, the first signs of mpox often include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Muscle and back pain
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Joint pain

A rash typically appears within one to five days after the onset of these symptoms. It may show up on various parts of the body, including the hands, feet, mouth, genitals, and anus. Symptoms usually resolve within a few weeks, but the infection can spread to others while these signs are present.

As noted by health agencies, most of the recent cases in Europe and the United States have been reported in the gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men population, a group that had not previously seen transmission of this particular strain.

Urgent Need For Mpox Vaccination

The UKHSA has renewed its call for eligible individuals to come forward for mpox vaccination. The agency has also confirmed limited local transmission of clade Ib cases in the USA, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal, noting that this reflects a broader pattern of community spread worldwide.

In its statement, the UKHSA explained that most of the recently confirmed cases in Europe and the USA have occurred in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, a group in which transmission of clade Ib mpox had not been observed before.

The spread of this variant beyond endemic regions such as parts of Africa has prompted heightened global surveillance. In August 2024, the World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency. Research suggests the existing vaccine offers about 75 to 80 percent protection against clade II mpox. Although specific data on its effectiveness against clade Ib are not yet available, experts believe it will still provide protection. A large number of people in eligible groups across the UK have already received their vaccination.

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.