Imagine this. A young teenager, 17, years old, who is fully developed. Now imagine this, the same teenager has a fully developed extra set of limbs and a pelvis. That extra set of pair is attached with chest artery. But, how can this happen?

While it is extremely rare, and has a chance of less than one case occurring per 100,000 births. Such things do happen. This is called parasitic twin.

What Is A Parasitic Twin?

It is an extremely rare type of cojoined twin where a baby is born with an underdeveloped twin attached to its body. This condition is also known as vestigial twins. The condition is very closely related to conjoined twins, where babies are connected at birth and share organs. However, the main difference is that in conjoined twins, there are two developed babies, whereas in parasitic twins, only one is fully developed, other one is underdeveloped and non functional.

In such a case, the twin who is developed is medically known as the autositic or the dominant twin. The dominant twin is healthy in most aspect but may have extra tissue, organs, or limbs from the parasitic twin.

The parasitic twin may be attached with the dominant twin through several places. The common joints are at the head, torso, chest, pelvis, buttocks, or back. In these cases, the parasitic twin is not alive and they die either in the womb or during the childbirth.

Doctors Remove Parasitic Twin

Now, let's go back to the case we referred to, where a young teenager had an extra pair of limbs attached to chest. The teenager who has not been named is from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao neighbourhood, and was treated in AIIMS, Delhi. The team of doctors successfully removed the extra set of limbs from his body.

Dr Asuri Krishna, who led the team of specialist who surgically removed the extra limbs told the BBC that only 40 to 50 cases of parasitic twins have been documented in world medical literature, and in those cases, the surgery had been attempted on children. The doctor said that without much medical literature to guide them, the team of doctors depended on "intuition, skill and knowledge".

The doctor shared that the child had two fully formed legs, buttocks and external genitalia, which weighed around 15kg "protruding from his abdomen".

How Was The Surgery Performed?

The doctor shared that first they identified how interconnected the parasitic and host twins were. The doctors took scans and found that parasitic twin was attached to the teen's breastbone. The blood was being supplied from a vessel in his chest. However, "there wasn't much connection with other main organs like the liver or kidneys," said Dr Krishna. The team also found a large cyst in the teen's abdomen.

Then the surgery was performed in two stages. In the first stage, the parasitic twin was removed. Then the cystic mass was extracted from the surrounded area. The entire surgery was completed in two and a half hours and the team of doctors included radiologists, anaesthetists, and plastic surgeons.

The biggest challenge was when the teen's blood pressure dropped as 30 to 40% of his blood flowed to the parasitic twin, however, the doctors were prepared for it and they stabilized him.

Your habits have a much bigger impact on your brain health than you realize. Doctors and health experts warn that habits as simple as sleeping late can increase the risk of dementia and Parkinson's.

In a recent post made by Neurologist Dr Priyanka Sehrawat on Instagram, the AIIMS doctor listed 3 key behaviors that can increase one’s risk of dementia.

3 Habits That Increase Risk Of Parkinson’s And Dementia

In the post Dr Sehrawat, she explained that these three things suggest people not do if they wish to reduce their risk of dementia, Parkinson's or any other neurological conditions.

Sacrifice Sleep

Think of sleep as a "repair shop" for your head. When you sleep, your body fixes damaged brain cells and clears out toxins. If you don't get enough rest, your brain cells can wear out faster, which makes it harder to remember things and increases the risk of brain diseases as you get older. To keep your mind sharp, you should try to get between seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

The best time to be asleep is between 10PM and 5AM, even if you can't hit that exact window, try your best to be in bed by 11.30 PM at the latest. Giving your brain this dedicated time to rest is one of the best ways to stop it from degenerating over time.

Never Skip Breakfast

Starting your day without eating is a bad idea for your brain and your immune system. Many children today are suffering from painful migraines and frequent headaches simply because they are going to school on an empty stomach. When you skip breakfast, your body doesn't have the fuel it needs to function properly, which puts a lot of stress on your nervous system.

Eating a morning meal also helps protect you from getting sick. It keeps your immune system strong so that when you or your children go out into the world, you are better prepared to fight off infections. Make sure everyone in the family eats something nutritious before leaving the house, the expert advices.

Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle

Being "sedentary" means sitting down for most of the day without much movement. While it is good to hit 10,000 steps by doing chores or walking around the office, that isn't enough to truly protect your brain. Your body needs more than just casual movement to stay healthy and prevent neurological illnesses.

To see benefits, you need to set aside time for a "brisk walk." This means walking fast enough to get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes straight. Whether you do it in the morning or the evening, this dedicated exercise is what helps keep your brain and body in top shape as you age.

How Many People Suffer With Neurological Conditions?

In 2021, according to the World Health Organization, 3 billion people worldwide were living with neurological conditions. This means that about 1 in 3 people were affected, making this one the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide. One of the top ten conditions that affected people was dementia.

As global organizations like WHO work towards closing the treatment gap, healthcare professionals are working towards spreading awareness among the masses.

Jiang Yueqin, a 101-year old Chinese grandmother is changing the way people look at longevity online. While most people think her long life is due to a strict diet and routine, Yueqin credits her long life to her mindset, reports South China Morning Post.

Yueqin, who lives in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, has developed a unique schedule over the last two years. While most people are turning into early risers, she sticks to being a ‘night owl’. She stays up until 2AM every single night, spending her time watching her favorite television programs.

Yueqin usually falls into a deep, high-quality sleep within minutes of her lying down on her hard the pillow. Once she is up and ready for the day, her first task is to enjoy a strong, refreshing cup of green tea.

How Can Your Mindset Affect Longevity?

When asked how her mother reached 101 while ignoring traditional health rules, Yueqin says it isn't just about the tea or the sleep, it’s about her mental outlook. The longevity expert lives with an extraordinary sense of clarity and peace. She chooses not to hold onto anger and never carries a grudge, regardless of what happens in her life.

Yueqin’s philosophy is simple: she addresses the problems she can solve and does not worry over the ones she cannot.

And researchers at the University of Florida agree.

They explain that when the body is in a state of stress for weeks or months, it keeps pumping out a hormone called cortisol. While cortisol helps you handle quick emergencies, excessive amounts of it in your system for too long acts like a toxin. This chemical imbalance can lead to several serious health problems that directly impact how long you live.

Online followers have praised her family’s support, noting that a stress-free environment and a positive attitude are likely the true "superfoods" behind her long and happy life.

What Else Does Yueqin Do?

One of the most surprising things about the expert is her physical health. Remarkably, at 101 years old, she still has all of her natural teeth and has never needed a single dental procedure or dentures.

Her eating habits are just as lively as her schedule. She eats brunch in the morning and dinner around 6:00 PM, but she often gets hungry again around 9:00 PM. When those late-night cravings hit, she reaches for local crispy pastries or modern snacks like potato chips, rice cakes, and dried sweet potatoes, treats which are usually preferred by much younger people.

Yueqin lifestyle is a clear sign mindset is as important as is eating well and exercising to live a long life

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is among the most common vaginal conditions and develops when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. If you have experienced it before, the symptoms are likely familiar: a strong fish-like smell, changes in vaginal discharge, and persistent discomfort. Because BV is usually framed as a condition affecting people with vaginas, it raises an important question many people still ask: can men get bacterial vaginosis too?

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when healthy lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina decline, allowing other bacteria, such as Gardnerella, to multiply. This imbalance typically causes thin grey or white discharge with a noticeable fishy odor, which often becomes stronger after sex.

Although BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, it does raise the risk of acquiring STIs and can lead to pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. Diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional, and treatment usually involves antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin. Even after treatment, BV is known to return in many cases.

Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms And Causes

• Vaginal discharge that looks off-white, grey, or slightly green
• A fishy-smelling discharge, especially after intercourse
• Itching or irritation in the vaginal area
• A burning sensation while urinating

Can Men Get Bacterial Vaginosis?

A major study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has challenged long-held beliefs about BV. The research showed that BV can be passed through sexual contact and that treating male partners significantly lowers the chance of the infection coming back. These findings have already influenced medical guidelines in the United States, ending years of treating BV as a condition affecting only women, despite frequent recurrence.

The study suggests that persistent BV was not due to poor treatment adherence but rather incorrect assumptions about transmission. While BV is not a traditional STI caused by a single organism, it does spread through sex and thrives when the vaginal environment is disturbed. This has highlighted the limitations of strict STI definitions and the consequences of excluding partner treatment.

For both patients and clinicians, this shift matters. It reframes BV as a shared health concern rather than a problem limited to the vagina, helping reduce stigma and improve outcomes. It also exposes how narrow thinking in women’s health delayed better research, treatment strategies, and shared responsibility.

Bacterial Vaginosis: What Causes Similar Symptoms In Men?

Men cannot develop BV itself, but they can experience symptoms that resemble it, such as itching, unusual discharge, or unpleasant odors. Several conditions may be responsible.

Thrush

STIs

Several sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria can mimic BV-like symptoms in men. These include:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Trichomoniasis
• Genital herpes
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

STIs are typically spread through unprotected sexual contact.

Urinary Tract Infection

Although UTIs are more commonly associated with women, men can develop them too. This happens when bacteria multiply in the bladder or urinary tract. Symptoms may include:

• Inflammation
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine

UTIs often occur when Escherichia coli bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and move upward.

Balanitis

Balanitis refers to inflammation of the skin at the tip of the penis. It is more common in men who are uncircumcised and may make it difficult to retract the foreskin due to swelling. Possible causes include:

• Overwashing or poor hygiene
• Use of scented or irritating products
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Reactive arthritis
• Poorly controlled diabetes