Many of us may have taken ibuprofen, sometimes two pills at once, especially when we are struggling with menstrual cramps. Well, as good these pills may be in treating the pain, they are not recommended for your health, especially if you are someone who consumes it on a daily basis or frequently. Gastroenterologist Trisha Pasricha, MD, writes in The Washington Post about why should you avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

What happens when you consume pain killers?

She writes that NSAIDs are great in treating short term pain. They comprise of a group of drugs that inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which serve as a variety of purposes in the body. Some of which also includes contracting the uterus during menses and regulating blood flow in our vessels.

While one to two doses every now and then is okay, following a regular dosage routine, which could range from several times a month, or twice in an hour or so could lead to health risk. NSAIDs are well known to increase intestinal permeability. This means, these painkillers could damage the lining of your gut.

A 2018 review by Ingvar Bjarnason et. al., also writes about how NSAIDs can reduce the blood flow in the tiny vessels that feeds our guts. It can also disrupt the intestinal cells forming a barrier between the outside world and your insides.

What can be done?

While people with conditions like migraines, chronic back pain or bad period cramps can find NSAIDs to be helpful. It is always advisable to have a chat with your physicians to explore NSAID alternatives.

Pasricha suggests acetaminophen.

However, if someone is in dire need of NSAID, her tip is to take the pill right at the start of your symptoms. She says that the drug can do a far better job at stopping things at the source than chasing after all prostaglandins.

Why is it a concern?

NSAIDs are available as over the counter drug, which means people do not need a prescription for it and can make medical decision about them without the guidance of a physician.

A 2018 study published in the Official Journal of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology by David W Kaufman, et.al., found that 15% of adult ibuprofen users in the US have exceeded the maximum recommended daily dose. The study also mentions that more than a third of ibuprofen users were taking other NSAIDs, like aspirin and naproxen, while consuming ibuprofen at the same time. Out of these, 61% did not realise that they were using NSAIDs.

Pasricha talks about how it ruptures the gut wall, as she herself has rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night "far more times than" she can count "to perform an emergency endoscopy on someone who was bleeding profusely from an ulcer caused by NSAID".

Another 2009 study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology states that as many as 1 in 4 chronic NSAID users will get an ulcer and about 4% will bleed or rupture through the gut wall.

An older study from 2005 titled A quantitative analysis of NSAID-induced small bowel pathology by capsule enteroscopy, found that as 75 percent of people regularly using NSAIDs develop low-grade inflammation in their small bowels. NSAIDs can also lead to development of fatty liver disease. This happens because your gut lining becomes more permeable, more toxins and bacteria from the outside world enters your liver and leads to inflammation.

A 2011 study titled Haemoglobin decreases in NSAID users over time: an analysis of two large outcome trials, states that as many as 6% of people taking NSAIDs regularly have found their blood count dropping within a few months of starting the medicines, this suggests that this is due to the small, slow amount of bleeding in the gut overtime.

April 2 is celebrated worldwide as “Autism Awareness Day” and April as Autism month to create awareness and promote inclusivity and acceptance in society for individuals with autism.

So what exactly is Autism, and why do we need to create a culture of awareness and acceptance?

As per DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria, in simple terms, there is poor eye contact, impaired social communication skills, repetitive patterns (certain movements or fixation on certain toys, objects), difficulties with sensory processing - extreme sensitivity to sensory inputs (dislike loud noises, sensitive to touch), etc.

As a child, these individuals may not respond to name-calling, have poor eye contact/lack gestures like pointing, etc., lack imagination in play, and may not be able to relate and respond to the emotions of others. They have set routines and dislike changes to their routines. All this can cause significant disruption to their day-to-day functioning.

This year’s theme of -Autism and Humanity- Every Life has Value” reiterates the need for inclusion of autism, ensuring equitable representation of these individuals. Ensuring that society not only recognizes them but also treats them with equal respect and dignity.

Educational Support and Inclusive Workplace

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was one of the Government's flagship programs, along with Action for Autism, to disseminate information in schools regarding inclusive education for autism. Education is a key foundation to ensure children with autism get suitable opportunities as adults. Special educators, with additional support in schools, can go a long way in ensuring their potential is maximized.

Many IT giants like Microsoft, Google, and SAP encourage tapping the potential of individuals with autism and their exceptional skills. In our country, organizations and NGOs, including Action for Autism, offer training for future employment opportunities.

There is a spectrum of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) known as Asperger’s syndrome, and these individuals have normal to above average intelligence and can have some exceptional skills, and the world includes some living examples of these with a higher IQ, some of whom are the most successful and famous personalities. Even on the other end of the spectrum, autistic individuals have exceptional skills, some of which include great attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and lateral out-of-the-box thinking.

Options for flexible working hours (part-time), understanding their need for routines, and explaining them beforehand regarding important changes to schedules can help them adapt better to an otherwise challenging workplace.

The Need For Sensitization

Understanding individuals with autism may need little extra support, being a little flexible with time deadlines, giving simple instructions, especially written/visual ones, and allowing them time to overcome their communication barriers can go a long way in ensuring they feel heard and valued like anyone else in the workplace.

Sensitization of all major organization employees to foster a culture of acceptance and awareness, and an accessible work environment, is the need of the hour. Autistic individuals do well in a variety of job profiles, including IT, technology, finance, art and creativity, and administration.

Environmental modifications like background noise cancellation with headphones help those with sensory processing issues. At the end of the day, none of us is perfect, it's recognizing our special skills and strengthening them.

Possibilities are endless if we wish to encourage and make these individuals heard. So, let’s carry the Autism Awareness Day beyond a mere day of awareness and light it up blue. Let’s value and acknowledge them being different, but also empower them to act on their special skills to earn them a dignified place in society and the workplace.

World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on April 2. The day is important to raise awareness about autism — a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior — affecting millions of people globally.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 127 people worldwide is diagnosed with the lifelong brain health condition. It is also among the top 10 conditions contributing to health loss globally.

The first child diagnosed with autistic symptoms was Donald Grey Triplett. Labelled as Case 1, he went on to become an American banker, demonstrating that, if provided with the right and inclusive support and opportunities individuals with autism be as productive as others.

“Like anyone else, autistic people should be able to shape their own lives — and help to shape our shared future,” said

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.

World Autism Awareness Day: Date and History

April 2 was designated as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

The 2007 General Assembly resolution highlighted the need to raise public awareness of autism.

It stated that "children with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in the community, as well as the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children".

World Autism Awareness Day: Theme

This year, World Autism Awareness Day is held under the theme "Autism and Humanity - Every Life Has Value".

The 2026 theme highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people. While there are international human rights conventions safeguarding the rights of people with autism, they continue to face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to participation.

“Access to timely, quality health care and support services remains limited, driving inequalities across the life course," the WHO said. The global health body urged "sustained action and greater investment" to address these challenges. It also called for developing inclusive policies and services that uphold the rights of autistic people.

This year's theme, thus, is a call to action to recognize the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people with autism.

Guterres highlighted the need for "equal education, fair employment, and accessible health systems" for all persons with autism and to provide inclusive opportunities to participate and thrive, along with others.

Also read: Expert Reveals Why Childhood Autism Is Going Undetected In India

What is Autism?

The National Health Service (NHS) UK defines autism as not an illness or a medical condition with treatments or a "cure", but a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, learn, behave, and interact with others.

It is a spectrum, which means "everybody with autism is different".

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have difficulty with social interaction, exhibit atypical behavior and activities, or find it hard to communicate.

Early Signs Of Autism

Studies show that symptoms of autism are usually diagnosed within the first 3 years of birth. These include:

• Limited to zero eye contact
• Delayed responses
• Repeating words or actions such as hand-flapping
• Being strong-headed about following the same routine
• Easily annoyed, throws tantrums
• Difficulty understanding and expressing emotions
• Sensitive to certain sounds, textures, lights, or smells.

The American Heart Association (AHA), in its latest update on nutrition guidance, has urged the need to eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, while also making a key shift to plant-based protein from meat-based protein earlier to improve heart health.

It has also emphasized the need to reduce the intake of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods, as well as to switch to low-fat dairy.

The scientific statement, which is issued about every five years, comes amid increasing cases of high blood pressure and obesity in the US, which can potentially lead to poor health outcomes, including deaths from cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.

“For healthy eating to be more attainable and sustainable, we recommend people focus on their overall eating pattern rather than specific nutrients or foods. This approach is actionable, something that can be modified as people pass through different life stages, while still adhering to the nine key features,” said Alice H. Lichtenstein, volunteer chair of the scientific statement writing committee and senior scientist.

“The guidance applies to wherever you eat: at home, school, work, restaurants, or in your community. You want to strive for progress rather than perfection. Every time you choose to make a swap for a healthier alternative, you’re making a step toward a healthier life,” added Lichtenstein, who is also senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston.

The 9 Guidelines for a heart-healthy dietary pattern include:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight by balancing food intake and physical activity
• Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Choose whole grains such as whole‑wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal over refined grains such as white bread or white rice
• Shifting from meat to plant-based sources such as legumes, including beans, peas, and lentils, along with nuts and seeds, and fish and seafood. Select low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
• Replace saturated fats with healthy unsaturated fats, including those from nuts, seeds, avocados, and non-tropical plant oils.
• Choose minimally processed foods instead of ultra-processed foods
• Limit beverages and foods with added sugars
• Choose foods low in sodium and prepare foods with minimal or no salt
• Limit intake of alcohol

Also read: AHA’s New Dyslipidemia Guidelines Stress Early Screening, Lifestyle Management

Healthy Eating Patterns From Childhood

The 2026 guidance for children recommends a heart‑healthy dietary pattern starting at 1 year of age. It urges families to play a significant role and become role models.

“Cardiovascular disease begins early in life; even prenatal factors can contribute to increased risk in children as they grow. So, it’s important that healthy eating patterns are adopted in childhood and continue throughout the entire lifespan,” Lichtenstein said.

“The best way to do that is for adults to role model heart-healthy eating patterns inside and outside the home,” she added.

Also read: Cardiovascular Diseases Lead As India’s Top Killer: US Cardiologist Points Out Risk Factors

While the updated guidance is specifically designed to improve cardiovascular health, it may also help improve other conditions like type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, some cancers, and brain health.