Sometimes the food you eat or the behavior you exhibit can be a sign of a deficiency and condition you may have. It is similar to when your stomach growls, which signifies that you are hungry. Other signs you may not know about are feeling fatigued when you do not drink enough water, and if you are experiencing a headache then you may need to eat etc. These things happen because they are connected in one way or the other, when you body lacks a specific nutrient you need throughout your day, it can manifest in different ways, let’s take iron for example.

Iron is like the delivery truck for oxygen in your body. It helps your red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all your tissues. The Red Cross Blood Donation explains that when you don't have enough iron, your body can't make enough of these oxygen-carrying cells. This is called iron deficiency, and it can lead to anemia. You might feel very tired, look pale, or get dizzy easily. Headaches, cold hands and feet, and weak hair and nails are also common signs. Because iron is so vital for many of your body's functions, a lack of it can really affect your overall health and energy levels. It's important to recognize these signs and get checked by a doctor if you suspect you might have an iron deficiency.

What is Pagophagia and Pica?

Sometimes, your body sends strange signals when it's missing something important. One unusual signal for iron deficiency is wanting to eat ice, which doctors call pagophagia. This is part of a bigger problem called pica, where people crave things that aren't food. Other examples of pica are wanting to eat dirt, clay, or even starch. It's not just these things; some people crave things like coal, chalk, paper, or hair. While kids get pica more often, adults with low iron can have it too, even if they don't have anaemia. This weird craving is your body's way of trying to tell you something's wrong, even if it seems odd.

Eating things that aren't food can be risky. For example, eating dirt could expose you to harmful germs or heavy metals. Eating large amounts of ice might not seem dangerous, but it can sometimes hurt your teeth or gums. Ingesting non-food items can lead to serious problems like poisoning, where harmful substances build up in your body. It can also cause blockages in your intestines, which can be very painful and dangerous. Symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, feeling very tired, nausea, and diarrhea can signal that something is wrong. If you find yourself constantly wanting to eat ice or other non-food items, it's really important to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out why you're having these cravings and make sure you stay safe.

How Can You Make This Better?

If you're craving ice or other non-food items, it's important to see a doctor. They'll ask about your symptoms and might do some blood tests to check your iron levels. It's possible that your cravings are caused by iron deficiency, but they could also be related to other nutritional deficiencies or even emotional problems. Things like stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or developmental issues can sometimes cause pica. The doctor will try to figure out the root cause of your cravings. If it's an iron deficiency, they might suggest taking iron supplements or changing your diet. If it's an emotional issue, they might recommend talking to a therapist. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is important for your health and well-being.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), including semaglutide widely used to improve diabetes control and promote weight loss, may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a new study.

The study found that the effect was particularly notable among people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as those with both IBD and type 2 diabetes. Both conditions are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer due to chronic inflammation and metabolic changes that may promote tumor development.

"GLP-1 RA use was associated with a significantly reduced incidence of colorectal cancer in all patients with IBD, as well as the subpopulation with both IBD and type 2 diabetes," said lead author Sarina Ailawadi of Case Western Reserve University, US.

"Given the elevated colorectal cancer risk in IBD, these findings suggest a potential protective effect of GLP-1 RA use in this high-risk population. Prospective studies will be important to further analyze and confirm this potential benefit," she added.

The findings will be presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Breakthrough meeting, scheduled for June 25–27 in Singapore.

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How Was The Study Conducted?

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 69,221 people in the US, including GLP-1 RA users and non-users.

Researchers also identified 209,649 people with both IBD and type 2 diabetes, including 38,567 who had taken a GLP-1 RA.

After matching users and non-users for various characteristics, data from 37,740 patients were analyzed. The GLP-1 RA group included people taking semaglutide, dulaglutide, tirzepatide, exenatide, liraglutide, or lixisenatide.

The researchers compared the five-year incidence of colorectal cancer between GLP-1 RA users and non-users.

Among people with IBD, the five-year incidence of colorectal cancer was 0.2% in GLP-1 RA users compared with 0.42% in non-users. The odds ratio was 0.49, indicating a 51% lower likelihood of developing colorectal cancer among GLP-1 RA users.

Among patients with both IBD and type 2 diabetes, the five-year incidence of colorectal cancer was 0.31% in GLP-1 RA users and 0.57% in non-users. The odds ratio was 0.54, suggesting a 46% lower likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.

The researchers noted that prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential protective effect of GLP-1 RAs on colorectal cancer risk.

Do IBD and Type 2 Diabetes Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk?

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Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, likely because of chronic inflammation in the intestines. People with IBD are estimated to be six times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than those without the condition.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, also increases colorectal cancer risk and is becoming more common among people with IBD. Scientists believe that individuals with both conditions may face an especially high risk because of the combined effects of chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of drugs that help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, many are now widely used for weight management.

These medications mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone by stimulating insulin release, slowing digestion, and increasing feelings of fullness.

Beyond blood sugar control and weight loss, GLP-1 RAs have been linked to several health benefits, including lower blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular risk. Previous studies have also suggested that they may lower the risk of colorectal cancer and other obesity-related cancers.

However, their specific impact on colorectal cancer risk among people with IBD has remained unclear until now.

A new study involving more than 13,000 parents suggests that parents who have sons may experience faster cognitive decline in later life compared to parents who only have daughters. While the findings may sound surprising, researchers stress that the results are linked to long-term caregiving and social support—not biology.

The research, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, explored how family composition might affect cognitive health as people grow older.

What Did The Study Find?

Researchers from Columbia University and Charles University analyzed data from 13,222 adults aged 50 and above who participated in the US Health and Retirement Study.

The team discovered several important patterns:

Parents with at least one son showed a faster rate of cognitive decline than parents who had only daughters.

The association was observed in both mothers and fathers, suggesting the effect is driven by social and caregiving factors rather than biological differences.

Parents with multiple sons experienced an even steeper decline in cognitive function over time compared to parents whose children were all daughters.

The researchers concluded that having sons was associated with a faster decline in memory and thinking abilities during older adulthood.

Why Might Daughters Make A Difference?

The researchers believe the explanation lies in family dynamics rather than genetics.

Previous studies have consistently shown that daughters are more likely to provide emotional support, regular communication, and hands-on caregiving as their parents age. This ongoing engagement may help keep parents mentally active and socially connected—two factors that are strongly associated with healthier brain aging.

Experts often refer to this as the "daughter effect." Strong emotional bonds and frequent social interactions are known to protect cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related mental decline.

How Was Cognitive Health Measured?

Participants' cognitive abilities were evaluated every two years using several standard mental performance tests, including:

• Immediate and delayed word recall tests
• Serial subtraction exercises
• Backward counting tasks

These assessments allowed researchers to track changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills over several years.

Even after adjusting for factors such as age, education, health status, and socioeconomic background, the relationship between having sons and faster cognitive decline remained significant.

Previous Research Supports Similar Findings:

The study also builds on earlier research that linked having more sons with poorer long-term maternal health outcomes, including an increased risk of dementia.

By examining both mothers and fathers, the new research suggests the relationship extends beyond pregnancy-related biological factors and is more likely connected to differences in caregiving and emotional support provided by adult children.

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What Does This Mean For Families?

The findings should not be interpreted as a reason to worry about having sons. Instead, they highlight the importance of maintaining strong family relationships, staying socially active, and ensuring older adults receive emotional and practical support regardless of their children's gender.

Researchers say that healthy aging depends on many interconnected factors, and supportive relationships can play an important role in preserving cognitive function over time.

The study suggests that parents with sons may experience faster cognitive decline than parents with only daughters, with the effect becoming stronger as the number of sons increases. However, experts caution that family composition is just one small piece of the puzzle. Healthy lifestyle habits, social connections, education, and quality caregiving remain the most important factors for maintaining brain health throughout aging.

Pop singer Madonna has opened up about knee damage caused by years of dancing in high heels.

The 67-year-old superstar said running and Ashtanga yoga also added stress to her joints, leaving her with “no cartilage” in her knee, according to Interview Magazine.

“I have a bad knee now. I have no cartilage in it, thanks to dancing for so long in high heels and running on pavement and doing Ashtanga yoga,” Madonna told the magazine.

“Up until a year ago, I was jumping on trampolines and doing dance cardio and doing a lot of what a doctor would call loading on my joints. Can’t do that anymore,” she added.

Madonna said she still works out regularly while listening to her new album Confessions II, but has had to modify her fitness routine to accommodate the injury.

The Queen of Pop said she now focuses on “Peloton bikes and the Versa Climber and high-intensity circuit training. I ride my bike outside a lot. I dance.”

Madonna has previously been open about her knee injury and its impact on her career. In October 2019, she postponed a scheduled Madame X show in Brooklyn, New York.

“It's Hard for Madame to admit that she is also a human being made of flesh and blood and she must rest for the next 3 days to insure full recovery for her knee,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I am not a quitter. This hurts me more than you can imagine. It's time to take those heels and fishnets off for a few days!”

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Can High Heels Affect Knee Health?

Knee osteoarthritis (OA), a leading cause of disability, is more prevalent in women than men. Wearing high-heeled shoes has been implicated as a potential contributing factor to the higher lifetime risk of osteoarthritis in women.

Several studies have examined the relationship between high heels and knee health. Motion analysis studies have shown changes in knee alignment while walking in heels, changes that researchers have suggested may resemble patterns seen in ageing and knee osteoarthritis progression.

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A 2025 study published in The Knee by researchers from the Singapore Institute of Technology found that wearing 8-cm high-heeled shoes significantly reduced the lateral joint space width of the knee in healthy young women during standing, suggesting increased lateral knee joint stress.

The findings suggest that high heels may specifically affect the lateral compartment of the knee, potentially contributing to increased joint stress during standing.

Wearing heels for long periods can increase the load on the knees. They alter posture and walking patterns, placing additional pressure on the knee joint. Over time, this may strain the ligaments and muscles surrounding the knee, leading to pain, stiffness, and long-term damage.

In 2025, the Nicki Minaj Challenge, inspired by the rapper's 2013 song High School, gained traction on social media. The challenge, which involved balancing in high heels, reportedly resulted in injuries including fractures and, in some cases, deaths.