A large portion of our population has been suffering with depression and the numbers keep increasing, according to the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry by 2050, 46 million US adults aged 18 years or older will be diagnosed with depressive disorder. According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 5% of people globally are affected by depression. The Journal of Psychiatric Research explains that the number of people with depression has seen an 49.86% increase since 1990 to 2017.

Depression affects many different aspects of a person’s life. Whether it is their daily activities, their lifestyle or livelihood etc.

Scientists are now learning that how we live our lives, like what we eat and how much we move, can make a big difference in whether we get depression. They're finding out which parts of our lifestyle are most important and how they work. Recent studies have shown that mundane things like what we eat, our activity levels and even the medicine we consume for other health issues have an influence over depression. These studies are important because they show how depression or any other mental health problem does not make you different. These studies help researchers come up with better solutions for people who are going through difficult phases in their lives. Here are some of the studies that explain how these things affect the risk of developing depression.

Ozempic and Lower Depression Risk

People with diabetes often also struggle with depression. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 2025 compared different diabetes medicines and found that Ozempic might help lower the risk of depression. This weekly injection that works to lower blood sugar by aiding the pancreas in releasing more insulin. When people with diabetes took Ozempic, they were less likely to also have depression compared to people taking other diabetes pills.

Doctors think this might be because Ozempic helps control appetite and weight. When people feel healthier physically, they often feel better mentally too. Losing weight and having better blood sugar can improve someone’s overall feeling of wellbeing which can positively affect mood. It’s like a chain reaction, where one good thing leads to another.

Oranges and Reduced Depression Risk

What we eat has a big impact on how we feel. Eating an orange every day might actually help protect against depression. A study published in the journal Microbiome 2025 found that people who ate oranges regularly were less likely to feel depressed. This could be because oranges help healthy bacteria grow in our gut. These good bacteria help our brains work better. When our gut is happy, our brain is often happier too. It seems that oranges, more than other fruits, have this special power. It’s like oranges have a secret ingredient that helps keep our mood bright.

Exercise and Lower Risk of Brain Conditions

Moving our bodies is very important for keeping our minds healthy. Even simple exercise, like walking, can make a big difference. A study that is to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in April 2025, found that people who exercise regularly are less likely to get depression and other brain problems. Even if it is just a little bit of exercise, it is better than none.

It is like exercise is a shield that protects our brains. Sitting still too much is bad for our brains. Doctors say we should try to move more every day, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. This is especially important for people who work at desks or who have health problems. Simple things like standing up and walking around periodically during the day can make a big difference.

Boils that form in or around the ear can be painful and irritating, and knowing how to handle them is key to preventing complications. Experts warn that you should never try to pick, pop, puncture, or cut open an ear boil, as doing so may spread the bacterial infection and lead to further issues, including more boils.

If you notice a bump in or around your ear, it's likely to be either a pimple or a boil. While both can be uncomfortable and cosmetically unpleasant, boils require special care. Understanding how to recognize, treat, and prevent them is essential for ear health.

How To Identify An Ear Boil

A boil typically presents as a painful, red, and hard lump on the skin. These tend to appear in areas with hair and sweat—yes, that includes your ear canal, which has fine hairs that, along with earwax, help trap dirt and debris.

Because it’s hard to see inside your ear, it may be difficult to distinguish a boil from a pimple. However, a boil will generally grow larger than a pea and become soft or "fluctuant," meaning it contains fluid inside. If you or someone else can safely examine the bump, look for signs like swelling, pinkish-red skin, and a white or yellow centre. Boils in the ear may also cause pain in the ear, jaw, or head, and might even affect hearing if they block the ear canal.

Safe Treatment At Home

In some cases, ear boils will heal without medical intervention. To help them drain naturally, keep the area clean, apply warm compresses several times a day, and avoid touching or squeezing the boil. If using a compress inside the ear, ensure it’s made from clean medical cloth and isn’t overly wet, as excess moisture could cause a swimmer's ear.

What Causes Ear Boils?

Boils form due to bacterial infections, usually from Staphylococcus aureus, that develop in hair follicles. The infection results in a buildup of pus and dead tissue, which forms a visible bump. They’re more common in areas with hair and frequent sweating, like the armpits, face, neck, inner thighs, and buttocks. To prevent ear boils, gently clean your ears during showers and avoid harsh or invasive cleaning tools.

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When To See A Doctor

If the boil doesn’t resolve on its own within two weeks, it’s time to seek medical care. A doctor may need to perform a minor surgical procedure to drain the pus by making a small incision. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to clear the infection.

You should seek professional treatment if:

- The boil keeps coming back

- It persists beyond two weeks

- You develop a fever or nausea

- The pain becomes severe

Avoid using tweezers, fingers, cotton swabs, or any tools to try and examine or remove the boil yourself, as the ear canal is highly sensitive and prone to further infection from scratches or irritation.

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Colour blindness, or colour vision deficiency, is a condition where a person has difficulty perceiving colours accurately. While often associated with adults, colour blindness can also affect children—sometimes without them even realising it. Experts emphasise the importance of early detection, especially since colour blindness is inherited and is far more common among boys than girls. Because children may not be aware that they see colours differently, recognising the signs early can play a key role in helping them adapt and thrive both academically and socially.

What Causes Colour Blindness?

Also known as colour vision deficiency, this condition is most often inherited and typically passed down through genes on the X chromosome. However, it is not always something you're born with—it can also develop later in life due to certain eye or brain injuries, specific medical conditions, or even as a side effect of some medications.

What Are The Early Indicators Of Colour Blindness?

Children with this condition often show difficulty in identifying or distinguishing colours. This often becomes evident during preschool or early school years when children begin learning about colours. They may confuse red with green or blue with yellow and may repeatedly mislabel colours even after correction.

Abnormal patterns of colouring during activities like drawing or painting may also suggest colour blindness. For example, a child might colour the sky pink instead of blue or use orange for leaves. While occasional mistakes are normal, consistent errors could point to an underlying issue in colour perception.

Another significant identifier is the trouble engaging with colour-based study materials. Many classroom exercises rely heavily on colours—such as sorting games, charts, and even instructions using coloured markers. A colour blind child might struggle with these tasks, which can lead to frustration and difficulty keeping up with peers.

A Colourblind Child May Not Be Able To Identify Bright Light

Light sensitivity is also an important indicator. A child might be able to distinguish colours under bright lighting but struggle to do so in dim light or when colours appear against similar backgrounds. This inconsistency can further complicate their ability to navigate learning environments and daily life.

Is There A Cure?

While there is no cause for this condition, there are several strategies and equipment that can help children manage the condition effectively. Specially designed glasses and contact lenses may improve colour perception in some types of colour blindness. Additionally, digital tools and mobile apps can assist by recognising colours and offering alternative cues.

Educational adaptations can also make a difference. Parents and teachers can support learning by using patterns, symbols, or labels along with colour-coded materials. Maintaining proper lighting can further enhance contrast and make colour identification easier.

Experts also recommend teaching children to rely on alternative strategies for identifying colours—such as using brightness levels or object positions rather than hue. These coping mechanisms can boost their confidence and reduce confusion in everyday activities.

Many people turn to cannabis to unwind, ease anxiety, or soothe pain, but not all cannabis products affect the body the same way—especially when it comes to sleep. Cannabis-derived products Cannabidiol (CBD) is often the go-to for those seeking relaxation without the high, while tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) delivers the psychoactive effects. Now, there is an ongoing debate on whether THC is helpful or detrimental to sleep.

How Does It Impact Sleep?

According to experts, while going high on THC may lead you to fall asleep quickly, it can affect different stages of your sleep because it interacts with receptors in your brain. "While THC initially decreases sleep onset time by interacting with cannabinoid receptors and modulating neurotransmitter systems, it significantly alters normal sleep architecture — typically increasing deep sleep while suppressing crucial REM sleep," said Dr Jason Singh, Chief Medical Officer at One Oak Medical Group. He also noted that THC can impact sleep patterns differently in the long term.

Sleep Foundation says 70% of young adults use cannabis recreationally to improve their sleep, and 85% of medical marijuana users claim it helps because it relieves pain. Singh said his patients agree, but there is a catch. He underscored that although all his patients report subjective improvements in sleep quality, objective measurements do reveal more fragmented sleep patterns.

Falling asleep in a high state may increase non-REM sleep, which might make you feel well-rested. However, it also reduces the time spent in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep—the stage associated with dreaming, emotional processing, and memory improvement. According to the Sleep Foundation, adults need about two hours of REM sleep each night.

Singh added, “With regular use, tolerance develops as CB1 receptors downregulate in the brain and this diminishes cannabis's sleep-inducing effects over time. When use stops, withdrawal commonly causes REM rebound and insomnia.”

Long-Term Effects On Brain

Although people with chronic pain may notice better sleep while using cannabis, experts often advise against its use as the sole sleep aid. "I usually tell my patients that while cannabis may temporarily improve sleep initiation, its disruption of normal sleep cycling long-term is not helpful for sleep quality,' Dr Singh said. The Sleep Foundation also recommends that children and adolescents avoid cannabis for sleep due to its effects on brain development.

Over time, long-term cannabis use may alter the structure and function of the brain. A 2018 review in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that heavy cannabis use can impair thinking and memory for at least a week after use. Brain imaging studies have shown smaller brain regions involved in memory, learning, and emotional regulation in cannabis users.

Regular users who stop may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, low mood, appetite changes, and sleep issues. However, according to a 2017 review in Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, brain receptors begin recovering within two days and may return to normal in about four weeks.

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