Sleep changes as we age. When we were kids, we needed 10 to 12 hours of sleep, for teens it is eight to 10 and it decreases to seven to nine as we reach adulthood. But there is always a lack of urgency when it comes to sleep and young adults, many of whom prefer staying up and doing different activities. According to the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention, many national surveys show that about 37% of men, and 39% of people from the age of 45 to 64 reported not getting enough sleep.

Many people in America don't sleep the right amount. This means they either sleep too long or not long enough. But what happens to your body when you do not sleep enough? You just feel tired right? No, when you don't get this much sleep, your body can get stressed. This can make you more likely to get sick. A study published by the JAMA Network Open Sleep Trajectories and All-Cause Mortality Among Low-Income Adults showed that people who don't sleep the right amount have a higher chance of dying early. It's like your body needs that time to rest and fix itself. Without enough good sleep, things can start to go wrong. So, getting the right amount of sleep is super important for staying healthy.

How Was The Study Done?

Scientists wanted to see how sleep habits affect people's health over many years. They looked at almost 47,000 people who were between 40 and 79 years old. They asked them about their sleep habits when the study started, and then again, a few years later. The scientists wanted to see if people's sleep habits changed. They divided people into groups based on if they started with too much or too little sleep, and if their sleep changed over time. For example, some people started sleeping a lot but then started sleeping very little. This helped the scientists see how different sleep patterns affected people's health. They wanted to see the long-term effects of sleep.

The study found that people who had sleep habits that changed a lot had a higher risk of dying early. This means if you started sleeping too much and then switched to sleeping too little, or the other way around, you were more likely to die sooner. They also found that these people had a higher risk of heart problems. The risks were even higher for some groups of people, like white adults and people with higher incomes.

Sleep Deprivation And Its Effect On The Body

If you often doze off when you are sitting and reading, watching a movie, talking to someone, sitting quietly after lunch or even during a few minutes of traffic, you may be sleep deprived according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. They explain how sleep deprivation can cause issues with learning, focusing and reacting to certain things. The symptoms of sleep deprivation in kids differ a little as they might be overly active and have trouble paying attention to certain things. If you are experiencing sleep issues, make sure to speak to a healthcare professional who will help you identify the issues and direct you towards the treatment or changes you must make. Here are some ways sleep helps your body.

Repairs Your Heart

Good sleep allows your heart and blood vessels to heal. This keeps them strong and healthy, reducing the risk of heart problems.

Controls Hunger

Sleep helps balance your hunger hormones, so you don't feel too hungry. This helps prevent eating too much and keeps your weight healthy.

Manages Blood Sugar

Proper sleep helps your body use insulin correctly. This lowers the chance of high blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes.

Supports Growth

Deep sleep releases growth hormones, helping kids and teens grow. It also repairs body tissues, which is important for everyone.

Boosts Immunity

When you sleep well, your body's defense system gets stronger. This helps you fight off germs and stay healthy.

For years, the word "cancer" filled people with fear. Many still believe that a cancer diagnosis means the end. As an oncologist practicing in a Tier-2 city, I see every day that this is no longer true.

With early detection and modern treatment, cancer is now often curable. And the best part: you no longer need to travel to metros to get world-class care.

Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Cancer found early is cancer that can be treated easily.

- Breast cancer detected early has a survival rate of over 90%

- Cervical cancer can be prevented with a simple HPV vaccine and regular screening

- Oral, colon, lung, and prostate cancers also respond far better when caught before they spread

The problem: Most patients still come to us when symptoms become severe.

My request to you: Don’t wait. If there is a lump, persistent cough, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss for more than 2-3 weeks, please see a doctor. A 15-minute screening can add years to your life.

Also read: New Painless Brush Test Detects Oral Cancer In Just 60 Minutes With Over 90% Accuracy

Tier-2 Cities Are No Longer Behind

Earlier, patients from smaller cities had only two options: travel repeatedly to big metro hospitals or settle for limited local treatment. Both were exhausting.

That has changed.

Today, most Tier-2 cities now have comprehensive cancer centers with:

CT/MRI/PET scans, advanced pathology labs, chemotherapy daycare, radiation therapy, and experienced cancer surgeons.

This means diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and follow-up can all happen close to your home, with family support and at a lower cost.

Treatment Today Is Smarter, Not Just Stronger

Chemotherapy is still important, but it’s no longer the only option.

1. Targeted Therapy: Medicines that attack only cancer cells based on genetic testing. Fewer side effects.

2. Immunotherapy: Boosts your own immune system to fight cancer. Giving great results in lung cancer, kidney cancer, and blood cancers.

3. Advanced Radiation: Delivers precise radiation to the tumor while protecting healthy organs.

4. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Keyhole and robotic surgeries mean smaller cuts, less pain, faster recovery. Even elderly patients can now safely undergo surgery.

Also read: Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO Report

Let’s Break 3 Dangerous Myths

Myth 1: "Cancer always causes pain in the beginning"

Fact: Most early cancers are painless. Don’t wait for pain.

Myth 2: "Surgery makes cancer spread"

Fact: This is false. Surgery is often the most curative treatment when done on time.

Myth 3: "Alternative therapies can cure cancer"

Fact: Diet, yoga, and wellness help with strength and side effects. But they cannot replace doctor-prescribed treatment. Delaying proven treatment reduces your chances of cure.

A Message Of Hope

A cancer diagnosis will change your life, but it does not have to end it. Across Tier-2 India, I am seeing patients go back to work, celebrate birthdays, and live full lives after cancer.

The key is 3 things: Awareness, Early Check-ups, and Trusting Modern Medicine. If you or a loved one has symptoms, please consult an oncologist early. Treatment closer to home is now possible, effective, and affordable. Cancer can be fought. And it can be won.

By Dr. Vikas Talreja, Oncologist, Regency Health, Kanpur

It's just July, and Mumbai’s monsoon has been swinging from tumultuous to alarmingly parched. When the climate shifts with such volatility, it’s bound to have an impact on your overall health.

From dehydration risk to chances of gastrointestinal infections, here’s how rapidly changing weather can take a toll on your mental health.

Impact Of Extreme Weather On Health

Respiratory Effects

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Abizer Manked, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. One of the health impacts extreme weather has is on the respiratory system. Due to the increase of irritants and allergens, several respiratory issues can be triggered.

Dr Manked says, “The temperature and humidity can irritate our airways. This can trigger asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. It can also trigger coughing, giving us throat infections, and making it harder to breathe. This is especially true for people who already face breathing problems.”

Allergy Triggers

The expert says that allergy episodes increase significantly during the monsoon, especially when the rain is inconsistent. An increase in humidity paves the way for mould and fungi growth, which can make allergies worse.

Cold And Flu-Like Symptoms

When temperatures and humidity change rapidly, our immune response can take a hit. It can lead to frequent episodes of common cold, cough, and other flu-like symptoms.

“When the weather changes quickly, it can also make us more likely to get infections like the common cold and flu. The weather itself does not make us sick. The sudden change can affect our body’s ability to fight off infections. When we are indoors with a lot of people during the rain, viruses spread easily,” Dr Manked explains.

Also read: Delhi's Poor AQI, Monsoon Conditions Put Children's Lungs at Risk: Ways to Keep Kids Safe

Heat Exhaustion And Dehydration

When a heavy rain episode is followed by hot and humid weather, it can lead to increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

Dr Manked says, “The humidity makes it hard for our bodies to cool down. This can make us tired, give us headaches, and leave us dehydrated more frequently. It can even lead to heat exhaustion. This especially holds true for people who work outside or spend a lot of time in the sun.”

Viral And Parasite Infections

In the monsoon, Mumbai sees the highest number of cases of viral and parasite infections like dengue and malaria.

Flooding and waterlogging create breeding hotspots for mosquitoes, which can lead to more chances of infections. Poor hygiene and maintenance of surroundings further increase the risk.

Fungal Infections

Staying in damp clothes and shoes for long periods increases the risk of contracting fungal infections. The expert says it’s crucial to keep one’s clothes dry to avoid the riks of skin infections.

Also read: Allergic Rhinitis Affects 1 In 10 Indian Adults. Here's Why Monsoon Makes It Worse, And What Helps

How To Protect Yourself From Weather Changes?

Simple precautions can go a long way in reducing health risks during an irregular monsoon:

• Drink clean, safe water, and avoid consuming food exposed to floodwater.
• Wash hands regularly with soap, especially before eating.
• Avoid walking through floodwater whenever possible.
• Wear waterproof footwear if you must step into waterlogged areas.
• Keep homes dry and well-ventilated to reduce mold growth.
• Empty containers that collect rainwater to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Stay hydrated even if the weather feels cooler.
• Change out of wet clothes promptly and dry your feet thoroughly.
• Seek medical attention if you develop persistent fever, severe diarrhea, breathing difficulties, or symptoms after exposure to floodwater.

Children, older adults, and people with asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and other chronic illnesses are more likely to face these health effects during the monsoon. It is, therefore, crucial to take extra precautions and care for those with a weakened immune system.

When you hear the term plastic surgery, what comes to mind first? For many people, it's cosmetic enhancements such as facelifts, rhinoplasty, or body contouring. However, experts say this is one of the biggest misconceptions about the specialty.

Marking World Plastic Surgery Day on July 15, specialists highlighted that plastic surgery is far more than improving appearance. While cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing aesthetics, reconstructive plastic surgery is dedicated to restoring form and function after injuries, burns, cancer, or congenital conditions.

Originally launched as National Plastic Surgery Day by the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) in 2011, the observance was adopted globally by international plastic surgery societies in 2021.

The theme for World Plastic Surgery Day 2026 is "Changing Lives with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery."

Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery Are Not the Same

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Deepak K. L. Gowda, Senior Consultant – Aesthetics, Plastic Surgery & Reconstructive Surgery at SPARSH Hospital, said plastic surgery is a broad medical specialty, while cosmetic surgery is only one of its subspecialties.

Cosmetic surgery is performed to improve the appearance of otherwise healthy and functional body structures. Reconstructive plastic surgery, on the other hand, aims to restore appearance and function following injury, disease, cancer surgery, burns, or congenital defects.

According to Dr. Gowda, reconstructive procedures account for more than 75% of plastic surgery practice, while cosmetic procedures make up a comparatively smaller proportion. However, the growing popularity of aesthetic treatments has led many people to wrongly assume that plastic surgery is only about beauty enhancement.

Also read: Cyclosporiasis Outbreak: US Probes Taco Bell Link; CDC Reviews Over 5,100 Cases

Common Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic surgery is designed to enhance physical appearance in individuals whose body structures function normally. Some of the most commonly performed procedures include: breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), facelifts

and dermal fillers and more.

When Is Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Needed?

Reconstructive plastic surgery helps restore both appearance and function after illness, injury, or trauma. Common procedures include:

• Breast reconstruction after cancer surgery
• Burn reconstruction
• Cleft lip and palate correction
• Reconstruction of congenital limb abnormalities
• Hand surgery

Read: Study Decodes Why COVID Survivors Continue To Suffer Vision Problems

Seven Questions To Ask Before A Cosmetic Procedure

Dr. Chintan Gujarati, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic, told HealthandMe that cosmetic procedures can enhance appearance and boost confidence, but they should always be approached with careful planning and informed decision-making.

He recommended asking these seven questions before undergoing any cosmetic procedure:

1. Is the procedure right for me?

Discuss whether the treatment is suitable for your health, goals, and individual needs.

2. Is my surgeon qualified?

Ensure the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or a trained specialist with relevant experience.

3. What are the risks?

Understand possible complications, including infection, scarring, or the need for additional treatment.

4. What results can I realistically expect?

Cosmetic procedures can improve appearance, but they cannot guarantee perfection.

5. What is the recovery process?

Ask about downtime, pain management, activity restrictions, and when you can safely return to your routine.

6. What will the procedure cost?

Request a detailed breakdown covering consultation fees, hospital charges, medications, and follow-up visits to avoid unexpected expenses.

7. What if I am unhappy with the results?

Discuss revision policies and available corrective options before making a decision.

Making an Informed Decision

Experts emphasized that choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure is a personal decision that should be based on realistic expectations, qualified medical advice, and a clear understanding of the benefits, risks, recovery process, and overall costs.

They also stress that plastic surgery extends well beyond aesthetics, with reconstructive surgery continuing to play a vital role in restoring both function and quality of life for patients affected by injury, disease, or congenital conditions.