We are always told to never mix work and friendships in social settings. While it is normal to make friendships at work, you should always keep a professional distance to make sure things do not go sour and start affecting your work. This also means that you do not divulge private information or have private conversations with your colleagues as you may never know how this could be brought up and affect you. This is an unsaid rule in corporate culture that if you are sick or you are coming down with a serious issue, you should never bring it up and keep it to yourself. While this may seem unusual to new workers, it is a very common knowledge for people who have been in the industry for a long time. A new study showed that this is much more common than many people believe!

A new poll shows that a lot of U.S. workers with long-term health problems keep it a secret from their bosses. This affects their health and their jobs. It's a big problem that employers could help fix, which would be good for everyone. This isn't just about people having a sniffle. We're talking about serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and asthma that require ongoing management and can significantly impact a person's life, both inside and outside of work. The fact that so many people feel they need to hide these conditions shows a larger issue of stigma and lack of support in the workplace.

How Does Health Become A Hidden Burden?

Most U.S. workers which were over half of the people, have some kind of long-term health problem. But a lot of them, about 6 out of 10, don't tell their boss. They might be afraid their boss will treat them differently or think they can't do their job. Keeping secrets like this can make it hard to get the help you need at work. It can also make your health problems worse because you're stressed about hiding them. It's a tough situation, and it shows that many workplaces aren't as supportive as they could be.

The poll also found that more than a third of people with health problems have had to miss doctor's appointments because of work. This means they're putting their jobs ahead of their health, which isn't good. It's hard to balance work and health, especially when you have a long-term illness. People need understanding bosses who will let them take time off for important medical stuff. Missing appointments can make health problems worse, and it can also make people feel more stressed and anxious.

Does It Impact Their Career And Well-Being?

Almost half of the workers with health problems said they couldn't even take breaks during the day to take care of themselves. They also said they felt like they'd been passed over for promotions because of their health. And some people even got bad reviews at work because of their health problems. This can make people feel really bad about themselves and their jobs. It can also make their health problems worse because they're so stressed. It's not fair, and it's something that needs to change.

It's not just people with health problems who have a hard time. Lots of people are also taking care of someone at home who is sick. Almost half of these caregivers have to help their sick family member during work hours. And many of them have trouble taking time off to care for their loved ones. Some people even have to work fewer hours, which means less money. This shows how much pressure people are under, trying to juggle work and family and health.

June is observed worldwide as Hernia Awareness Month—a timely reminder that this common condition is widely misunderstood, often ignored, and yet highly treatable when addressed early. It is a fitting moment to look at how the way we live, work, and exercise today may be quietly shaping our risk.

What is a hernia?

Prof. (Dr.) Ashvind Bawa, MS, FACS — Director, The Hernia Institute at Bawa Hospital, Ludhiana, said, "A hernia develops when an organ or fatty tissue protrudes through a weakened area of muscle or connective tissue, most commonly in the abdomen or groin. Although hernias are popularly blamed on heavy lifting alone, the reality is more nuanced. Several features of modern life can quietly raise a person’s risk. As fitness culture grows, high-intensity gym workouts performed with poor technique or excessive loads can cause sudden spikes in intra-abdominal pressure. Importantly, exercise itself does not create a hernia in healthy tissue; rather, repeated, poorly controlled strain may unmask or accelerate weakness at vulnerable points of the abdominal wall, such as the groin, the navel, or the site of a previous surgical scar."

Is obesity contributing to hernia risk?

Obesity, increasingly common in urban populations owing to sedentary routines and energy-dense diets, places sustained pressure on the abdominal wall and is one of the most consistently documented risk factors for both primary and recurrent hernias. Chronic cough — frequently related to smoking, asthma, or other respiratory conditions — transmits repetitive pressure through the abdomen, as does chronic constipation with persistent straining during bowel movements. In men, an enlarged prostate causing straining to pass urine acts in a similar way. Each of these contributes to the cumulative load that a weakened abdominal wall must withstand.

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Modern work patterns matter too. Occupations involving repetitive lifting, pushing, or pulling place recurring demands on the abdominal wall, while prolonged sitting in desk-based roles contributes indirectly by promoting weight gain, deconditioning of the core musculature, and reduced overall fitness. It is worth emphasising that these factors do not guarantee that a hernia will form; rather, they raise the probability in individuals who are already predisposed—whether through a family history of hernia, increasing age, a collagen or connective-tissue disorder, or a prior abdominal incision.

Lifestyle changes to reduce hernia risk

First and foremost, maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight increases the mechanical load on the abdominal wall and predisposes it to weakness. A balanced diet built around fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and adequate lean protein supports not only muscle integrity but also overall metabolic health. Stopping smoking is equally important: beyond reducing chronic cough, smoking impairs collagen and tissue healing, which is directly relevant to wound and hernia repair.

Avoiding constipation and the straining that accompanies it helps minimise spikes in abdominal pressure, which makes adequate hydration and a fibre-rich diet meaningful components of risk reduction. Alongside dietary choices, the right type of exercise is key. Regular, moderate activity such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming helps with weight control while improving cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. Gradual, progressive core strengthening—planks, bridges, and controlled abdominal work—can support the abdominal wall, but technique and progression matter far more than intensity. Avoid crash diets and abrupt, very high-intensity regimens, which can lead to muscle loss and injury; a sustainable, gradual plan is safer and more effective.

Finally, adopt safe lifting habits. Bend at the knees and use your leg muscles rather than your back; keep the load close to the body; exhale as you lift rather than holding your breath; and avoid twisting under load. These simple measures reduce strain on both the back and the abdominal wall.

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When to seek medical attention — and what treatment involves

It is important to be clear that a hernia is a structural defect in the abdominal wall. Once a true hernia has formed, no diet, exercise, belt, or “conservative management” can make it disappear — these measures may control symptoms or slow enlargement, but the defect itself does not close on its own. Surgery is the only definitive treatment. The decision on timing, however, should be individualised: many small, painless, easily reducible hernias can be monitored under a planned ‘watchful waiting’ approach in consultation with a surgeon, while symptomatic, enlarging, or high-risk hernias are best repaired in a planned, elective setting before complications arise.

Some signs mean you should see a doctor the same day because the contents of the hernia—often a loop of bowel—may have become trapped and lost their blood supply, which is an emergency. Watch for a bulge that suddenly becomes hard, painful, or will not push back in; pain that is severe or getting worse; the skin over the swelling turning red or dark; feeling sick or vomiting; a swollen, bloated belly; being unable to pass wind or have a bowel movement; or a fever. If any of these happen, go to the emergency department straight away rather than waiting.

Depending on the type and size of the hernia and the patient’s overall health, repair may be performed as open surgery, by laparoscopy, or with robotic assistance, and most repairs use a mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall and reduce the risk of recurrence. Many procedures are now carried out as day-care surgery, allowing patients to return home the same day and resume normal activities sooner. The aim of contemporary care is not only a durable repair but also a comfortable recovery, with techniques chosen to minimise pain and speed return to work and daily life.

Preparing for parenthood is not just about a woman's health. A simple fertility health check can help men understand their reproductive health, identify potential issues early, and improve their chances of starting a healthy family. Here, the expert tells men about the vital tests they should get done if they want to embrace fatherhood.

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr. Mrunalini Jagne (Ahire), Fertility Consultant and IVF Specialist at Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, listed the most important fertility checks for men, and how they can go a long way in improving quality of life.

When couples plan for a baby, most of the focus is often on the mother’s well-being. However, understand that a father's health also plays an equally important role in conception and pregnancy outcomes. Are you aware? Factors such as age, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, stress, and nutrition can affect sperm quality and fertility. So, men who are planning to become fathers should consider a preconception fertility assessment to ensure they are in the best possible health before trying to conceive. Men shouldn’t miss the following fertility checks.

Fertility tests that men must go for

Semen analysis: A semen analysis is usually the first and most important fertility test for men. It helps to assess:

1. Sperm count (number of sperm)
2. Sperm movement (motility)
3. Sperm shape (morphology)
4. Semen volume

This test helps identify whether there are any issues that could make conception more difficult.

Hormone testing: Hormones play a major role in sperm production. Blood tests may be recommended to check levels of:

1. Testosterone
2. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
3. Luteinising Hormone (LH)
4. Thyroid hormones

Hormonal imbalances can affect fertility and may require treatment.

Lifestyle check: Many everyday habits can influence sperm health. During a fertility evaluation, doctors may assess:

1. Smoking and tobacco use
2. Alcohol consumption
3. Diet and nutrition
4. Exercise habits
5. Stress levels
6. Sleep quality

Making positive lifestyle changes can help improve fertility.

Medical and family history review: Certain health conditions can affect reproductive health. The expert may ask about:

1. Diabetes
2. Thyroid disorders
3. Previous infections
4. Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
5. Previous surgeries
6. Family history of fertility problems

If any problems are detected, the doctor will decide the line of treatment for you.

General health screening: Overall health is closely linked to fertility. Screening for obesity, high blood pressure, vitamin deficiencies, and other health concerns can help improve both fertility and long-term well-being.

Simple tests such as semen analysis, hormone evaluation, lifestyle assessment, and general health screening can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Therefore, men should take these tests without wasting any further time and stay updated regarding their fertility health.

A new botulism outbreak in the United States linked to the now-recalled Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic powdered infant formula has led to hospitalization of at least three infants in three states, according to a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The affected infants, aged between 2 and 5 months, are from California, Pennsylvania, and Washington state. All three have been hospitalized and are receiving treatment for infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

The CDC noted that on June 13, Nara Organics recalled all Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula products, including all lot numbers and both can sizes. The products were sold online and at major retailers nationwide.

“Testing of opened cans of Nara Organics brand formula and unopened Nara Organics product samples is underway, and results are expected in the coming weeks,” the CDC said.

This is the second recent outbreak of infant botulism linked to powdered formula. Earlier this year, investigators from the California Department of Public Health, working with federal officials and other state health departments, identified 51 suspected or confirmed cases of infant botulism across 19 states between March 2022 and December 2025. Those infants had consumed ByHeart infant formula.

What Parents And Caregivers Should Do

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The CDC has urged parents and caregivers to immediately stop using any Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula.

If you have unopened cans of the recalled formula, throw them away or return them. Parents should also wash any items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the formula with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher.

Seek immediate medical attention if your infant consumed the recalled formula and develops any of the following symptoms:

• Poor feeding
• Loss of head control
• Difficulty swallowing
• Decreased facial expression

Symptoms of infant botulism can take several weeks to appear. Parents whose infants consumed the recalled formula should monitor them for symptoms for up to one month after their last exposure.

What Is Botulism?

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Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin attacks the nervous system and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Botulism is considered a medical emergency because it can cause paralysis and breathing difficulties.

Types of Botulism

There are several forms of botulism, including:

• Foodborne botulism
• Wound botulism
• Iatrogenic botulism
• Inhalation botulism
• Infant botulism

Infant botulism is the most common form in babies between 2 and 8 months old. It occurs when Clostridium botulinum spores grow in a baby's intestines and produce toxin. Honey and contaminated soil are known sources of exposure.

Symptoms of Infant Botulism

Symptoms typically begin 18 to 36 hours after exposure and may include:

• Constipation is often the first sign
• Weak or floppy movements
• Weak cry
• Drooling
• Drooping eyelids
• Difficulty feeding or sucking
• Progressive paralysis

Infant botulism often begins with constipation but is usually first recognized through feeding difficulties, a weak or altered cry, and poor head control.

If left untreated, the illness can progress to severe paralysis, breathing difficulties, and prolonged hospitalization.