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.

Winter in India is often associated with sardio ke laddoo, but also with increasingly sedentary lifestyle, worsening air pollution, all of which leads to more time spending home than to going out, taking a stroll, working out and more. This is why as winter sets in, India also sees a quiet but consistent rise in non communicable diseases, or NCDs, conditions that now account for nearly two thirds of all deaths in the country. Heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, fatty liver disease and arthritis continue to rise across age groups, driven by sedentary lifestyles, dietary excess and delayed diagnosis.

Winter can further aggravate these risks. Physical activity drops, calorie dense foods become routine, sunlight exposure reduces and metabolism changes. Studies and hospital data in India have repeatedly shown that heart attacks and strokes tend to spike during colder months. Blood vessels constrict, blood viscosity increases and cholesterol levels often rise. Blood sugar control also becomes more challenging, while joint pain and stiffness worsen for many.

Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth, Chief Pathologist at Redcliffe Labs, says the problem is not seasonal food but seasonal neglect. “Traditional winter foods are not harmful on their own. The real risk comes from consuming them without understanding what is happening inside the body,” she explains. “Winter tends to mask symptoms while quietly worsening internal imbalances.”

With India already home to over 100 million people living with diabetes and a similar number estimated to be prediabetic, preventive testing becomes crucial. Doctors recommend five key tests that can offer a clearer picture of health before winter indulgence begins.

Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing NCDs in India, and a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed. Winter diets high in sugar and fat can trigger frequent glucose spikes. Testing fasting blood sugar and HbA1c helps identify early risk and prevents long term complications affecting nerves, kidneys and the heart.

Lipid Profile

High cholesterol is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, which remains India’s leading cause of death. Reduced activity in winter often pushes lipid levels higher. A lipid profile helps assess heart risk and guides dietary and lifestyle moderation before damage sets in.

Liver Function Test

Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasingly common in India, even among younger adults. Excess sugar and fat intake during winter can worsen liver fat accumulation. Early liver testing can flag reversible changes before they progress to chronic liver disease.

Thyroid Function Test

Thyroid disorders affect millions in India, especially women, and often go unnoticed. Symptoms like weight gain, fatigue and cold intolerance are frequently brushed off as winter sluggishness. A simple thyroid test helps distinguish seasonal lethargy from hormonal imbalance.

Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Levels

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread due to limited sun exposure in winter, while Vitamin B12 deficiency remains common because of dietary patterns. Both deficiencies are linked to low immunity, muscle pain, bone weakness and worsening joint discomfort.

Dr. Seth adds, “Preventive diagnostic testing allows people to make informed choices. It helps them enjoy winter foods in moderation without unknowingly worsening an underlying condition.”

As NCD related healthcare costs continue to rise in India, early testing offers both health and financial protection. Winter comfort does not have to come at the cost of long term health. Staying informed may be the most effective preventive step this season.

Flu season is hitting hard this year, and the symptoms could feel relentless. People are suffering from rising fever, hacking cough, blocked and stuffy nose and sore throat. While many people get relief from Tamiflu, which is a prescribed antiviral medication that is used to treat or even to prevent illness, there are other alternatives available too.

Dr Ari Brown, a Texas based pediatrician and the author of Baby411 book series told CNN health that one of the most common complaints that she gets to hear from Tamiflu is vomiting. A 2023 study published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal notes that 18% of people experienced vomiting with Tamiflu, as compared to 5% with Xofluza, an alternative.

“I’ve also had a few pediatric patients experience moodiness with Tamiflu, which is reported in the literature,” she said.

Read: Adenovirus Cases Rise In UK, Health Authorities On Alert

Tamiflu is usually gives to treat flu in people ages 2 weeks and older and to reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older. The medicine could be administered in both form, liquid and capsules and usually taken twice daily for five days straight. This is prescribed for when flu is to be treated. However, when used for prevention, it is typically taken once for 10 days.

What Are The Other Alternatives Available For Flu Treatment?

Xofluza: It is administered as a single dose tablet and is approved for ages 5 and older. This medicine can also be used to treat or to prevent the flu. While it costs nearly $200 for those without insurance, eligible patients can use coupons to lessen costs. Dr Brown points out that this medicine could have side effects like diarrhea and vomiting. However, the study aforementioned notes that for this, only 5% patients had vomiting symptoms, when compared with Tamiflu.

Dr Brown also said that Xofluza can stop viral shedding in one day, while Tamiflu could take up to three days. "Both antivirals will help reduce the duration of misery by couple of days," she pointed out.

Dr Brown also pointed out that overall, "Xofluza is rising in popularity over Tamiflu." “One dose. Fewer side effects. More insurances are covering the cost of it now and manufacturer coupon makes it less expensive than in previous years," she said.

Rapivab: This is another prescribed medication that is approved to treat flu. This could be administered for people ages 6 months and older. It has to be given by a health care provider, as it is given once as an intravenous infusion. It could cost up to $1,000 without insurance and most common reaction in adults is diarrhea.

Relenza: This flu medication is inhaled in powder form. It is administered through an inhaler device, which is to be used twice a day for five days straight. The prescribed drug is approved to treat flu in ages 7 and older and for preventative use, in ages 5 and older. It could cost about $90 without insurance.

It may have side effects like dizziness, allergic reaction, or irritation of the nose. It is not recommended for people who have breathing issues or have asthma.

Hangover headaches are miserable. Most people know that drinking too much alcohol can leave you with a long list of next-day problems, and a headache is one of the most common. You will find no shortage of so-called hangover headache “fixes” online, in home remedies, and even on store shelves. The problem is that very few of them are backed by solid scientific evidence. The surest way to prevent a hangover headache is to watch how much alcohol you drink at one time. That said, there are a few simple, home-based steps that may lower your risk of waking up with a headache, and some practical ways to manage the pain if it has already set in.

What Is A Hangover?

A hangover refers to the uncomfortable physical and mental effects you experience after drinking too much alcohol the night before. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hangovers are extremely common among people who overdrink. One study found that nearly 75% of people who consumed excessive alcohol reported hangover symptoms the following day. The same research suggested that about 25% to 30% of drinkers may not experience hangovers at all.

How Much Alcohol Does It Take To Get A Hangover?

Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per hour can lead to a hangover. Your body generally needs about an hour to break down and process a single drink. As explained by the Cleveland Clinic, one drink is roughly equal to:

• One 12-ounce can of regular or light beer (5% alcohol).
• Half a pint, or about 8 to 9 ounces, of malt liquor or many craft beers (7% alcohol).
• One 5-ounce glass of table wine (12% alcohol).
• One shot, or 1.5 ounces, of liquor (40% alcohol).

How To Cure Hangover Headache At Home?

Many products and home remedies claim they can cure a hangover, but most are not supported by science, and some may even do harm. For instance, having more alcohol the next morning does not fix a hangover. It simply adds more toxins to your system.

Instead, consider these self-care measures for hangover relief:

• Eat simple foods with complex carbohydrates, such as toast or crackers. These can help raise low blood sugar levels and ease nausea.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Water, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade® or Pedialyte®, broth, and other non-alcoholic beverages can help counter dehydration. A good sign you are rehydrated is when your urine becomes clear.
• Get adequate sleep to help your body recover from fatigue.
• Use antacids to calm stomach discomfort.

Consider aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve aches and pains. NSAIDs are generally the most effective medications for hangover-related pain, but they should be used cautiously because they can irritate your stomach. Avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol), as combining it with alcohol can damage your liver.

Give it time. Hangover symptoms usually improve within eight to 24 hours. During this period, your body works to eliminate alcohol toxins, restore hydration, repair tissues, and return normal body functions to baseline.