We all must have come across the phase: this is why women live longer than men. These are all over the social media, where men are performing more often than not, some experiments, without gears, just for fun, "in the name of science". The caption reads: this is why women live longer. However, is there really a science to it, other than the fact that women choose to do things more safely?

In the United States, women have a life expectancy of about 80, whereas men have 75. Women outlive men and this holds true regardless of the country women live, the money they make, and other factors. In fact, it is true for most other mammals too.

Dr Dena Dubal, a professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco told the New York Times, "It is a very robust phenomenon all over the world, totally conserved in sickness, during famines, during epidemics, even during the times of starvation."

But what are the reasons? These reasons are often more complicated and less established. It is important to note that only because women are outliving men does not mean they are living a better life. In fact, women tend to have shorter health spans, which means the number of healthy years in a person's life is less in women than men, confirmed Bérénice Benayoun, an associate professor at the U.S.C. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

As per a 2021 study titled, Sex differences in frailty: Comparisons between humans and preclinical models, found that women are more physically grail than men in old age. They are also more vulnerable, especially after menopause and are at more risk of developing cardiovascular issues and Alzheimer's disease because of age.

The key is in figuring out what makes one sex more resilient or vulnerable.

Genetics

For things which do not find easy explanations, scientists look for their answers in genes. Many research, including a 2020 study titled, The sex with the reduced sex chromosome dies earlier: a comparison across the tree of life, suggests that the XX set of female sex chromosomes may impact longevity. However, there has not been any clarity on how it affects longevity.

Another 2018 study titled, Female XX sex chromosomes increase survival and extend lifespan in aging mice, which was conducted by Dr Dubal's lab, looked at genetically manipulated mice with different combinations of sex chromosomes and reproductive organs. It was found that those with two X chromosomes and ovaries lived longest, followed by mice with two X chromosomes and testes. Mice with XY chromosomes had shorter life spans.

"There was something about the second X chromosome that was protecting the mice from dying earlier in life, even if they had testes. What if there was something on that second X chromosome that was in some ways a sprinkle of the fountain of youth," says Dr Dubal. While scientists have not yet looked at this factor in humans, Dr Dubal suggests that humans have the same hormones and sex chromosomes, and similar reproductive system that could corroborate the similar findings in people.

Hormones

Plenty research has shown that estrogen is responsible for longevity also effect on the immune system. The data also shows that before menopause, the female immune system tends to do better. In fact Dr Benayoun said that males tend to do much worse in response to infection.

Another 2017 study titled, Ages at Menarche and Menopause and Reproductive Lifespan As Predictors of Exceptional Longevity in Women: The Women's Health Initiative, found that women who experienced menopause later in life over the age 50 lived longer than those who experienced it earlier.

Lifestyle and Behavior

There are also disparity in behavioral patterns between men and women. This includes smoking, drinking heavily, which can contribute significantly to mortality. Women also have more "health promoting behavior", believe experts. Women are also more likely to socialize than men and thus it protects them from detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness. In fact, a 2023 analysis published in Jama Network, titled, Widening Gender Gap in Life Expectancy in the US, 2010-2021, found that women are less likely to die by drug overdose or suicide.

A stroke can happen suddenly and without warning, making every minute count. The first 60 minutes after the onset of stroke symptoms are crucial because timely medical treatment can help reduce brain damage and improve recovery.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when the blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off due to either the blockage of a blood vessel supplying that area or the bursting of the said blood vessel. Without adequate blood flow, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients and begin to be damaged within minutes.

What Happens During the Golden Hour?

The first hour after a stroke is focused on rapid assessment and treatment. Once the patient reaches the hospital, doctors evaluate the symptoms, determine when they started, and perform an urgent brain scan, usually a CT scan, to identify the type of stroke.

This step is important because treatment depends on whether the stroke is caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). For eligible patients with an ischemic stroke, clot-dissolving medication or a procedure to remove the clot may be considered.

Although treatment windows may extend beyond the first hour for some patients, reaching the hospital as early as possible offers the greatest chance of saving brain tissue. In most patients, clot-dissolving medication is given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, while selected patients may be eligible for treatment up to 9 hours. Mechanical clot removal is generally performed within 6 hours, although carefully selected patients may benefit from the procedure up to 24 hours after symptoms begin. However, earlier treatment is associated with better protection of brain tissue and improved outcomes.

Know the Warning Signs

Recognizing stroke symptoms early can help save valuable time. The BEFAST acronym is a simple way to remember the common warning signs:

B – Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Sudden vision loss or changes in one or both eyes

F – Face drooping

A – Arm weakness

S – Speech difficulty

T – Time to call emergency medical services

Other symptoms may include sudden loss of vision, dizziness, difficulty walking, numbness on one side of the body, confusion, or a sudden, severe headache.

Why Every Minute Matters

During a stroke, brain cells continue to be damaged as blood flow remains interrupted. Delays in reaching the hospital can limit treatment options and increase the risk of long-term disability. Seeking medical care as early as possible gives doctors the best chance to provide appropriate treatment.

What Should You Do?

If you notice stroke symptoms in yourself or someone else, do not ignore them or wait for them to improve. Call emergency medical services immediately and note the time the symptoms first appeared, as this information helps doctors decide the most suitable treatment.

The golden hour is a critical window during which timely action can significantly improve outcomes. Recognizing the signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical care can make a meaningful difference in recovery.

Massive wildfires have ravaged several parts of Canada and other regions of the world, filling the air with hazardous smoke. This has triggered health warnings far beyond the fire zones.

While most people experience immediate breathing problems during and after wildfires, experts say that some health effects can persist long after the skies clear.

Why Is Wildfire Smoke Harmful?

Wildfire smoke is composed of harmful gases and microscopic particles known as PM2.5. These tiny particles are small enough to travel into our lungs and enter the bloodstream, where they can trigger inflammation throughout the body.

Unlike typical air pollution, wildfire smoke also contains toxic substances released from burning homes, plastics, furniture, vehicles, electronics, and industrial materials, making prolonged exposure particularly harmful.

Long-Term Health Risks After Wildfire Exposure

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

Lung And Chronic Respiratory Disease

Prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke can have long-term effects on the respiratory system. Possible health effects may include:

• Persistent cough
• Poor lung function
• Worsening asthma symptoms
• Increased COPD episodes
• Greater risk to respiratory infections

Children, older adults, and people with existing lung conditions face the highest risk because their lung function is already compromised.

Heart Disease

Also read: Phones, Pollution, AI: What Is Driving Cognitive Decline In Humans?

The tiny particles in wildfire smoke don't just stay confined to the lungs. Once they enter the bloodstream, they can affect the cardiovascular system. In the long run, research says wildfire smoke exposure can lead to:

• Heart attacks
• Stroke
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Elevated blood pressure
• Increased inflammation in blood vessels
• Effects on Brain Health

With frequent incidences of wildfires, scientists are looking into how wildfire smoke affects the brain. Emerging evidence suggests smoke exposure may contribute to:

Headaches

• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Cognitive decline
• Increased inflammation affecting brain function

Mental Health Consequences

Wildfires can affect mental health in more than one way. Besides the stress of evacuation and property loss, smoke exposure itself may contribute to mental health problems directly. One is at the risk of the following mental health issues after exposure:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disturbances

Communities repeatedly exposed to wildfire events may experience prolonged psychological distress that could often go undetected.

Possible Cancer Risk

Growing evidence suggests that long-term exposure to wildfire smoke may increase the risk of several cancers. Studies have reported possible associations with lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and certain blood cancers

Although researchers say more studies are needed to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the findings highlight the importance of limiting repeated smoke exposure.

Also read: How Air Pollution Puts Heart Patients At Risk - What You Can Do About It

Pregnancy And Infant Health

Pregnant women are among the groups considered most vulnerable to wildfire smoke. Research suggests exposure during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and other pregnancy complications.

Healthcare providers recommend minimizing outdoor exposure whenever air quality deteriorates.

How To Protect Yourself After Wildfire Exposure?

Even after visible smoke disappears, harmful particles may remain in the air. Experts recommend:

• Monitor local air quality before going outdoors.
• Stay indoors when pollution levels are high.
• Use HEPA air purifiers if available.
• Wear a well-fitted N95 mask if exposure is unavoidable.
• Keep doors and windows closed when it is smoky outside.
• Continue taking prescribed medications for asthma or heart disease.
• Seek medical attention if coughing, chest pain, breathlessness, or other symptoms persist.

When we think of dialysis, we often picture a machine filtering blood and keeping patients alive. What rarely comes to mind is the small blood vessel in the arm that makes the entire process possible.

For every patient on haemodialysis, the arteriovenous (AV) fistula is quite literally a lifeline. Without it, dialysis cannot be performed effectively. Yet, despite being one of the most important parts of treatment, fistula care remains one of the least understood aspects of kidney disease.

This silent gap in awareness is costing patients their lifeline.

A Growing Burden That We Cannot Ignore

India adds nearly 2.2 lakh new patients with end-stage kidney disease every year, creating a demand for over 3.4 crore dialysis sessions annually.

One of the biggest challenges we see in clinical practice is that patients often seek medical help only after the fistula has already stopped functioning.

The warning signs are usually ignored.

The vibration over the fistula becomes weaker. The arm begins to swell. Bleeding continues longer than usual after dialysis. Needle insertion becomes increasingly difficult. Sometimes dialysis itself becomes less effective.

By the time patients reach an interventional radiologist or vascular specialist, the fistula may already have developed significant narrowing (stenosis) or complete blockage.

Unfortunately, many of these complications are preventable if detected early.

In our experience, nearly 30% of patients eventually lose their fistula because they report too late, when timely intervention could have salvaged access.

Also read: COVID Spikes In India: Experts Allay Fears, Stress Vaccination And Masks

Why Does This Keep Happening?

Unlike diabetes or blood pressure, there is no widespread public awareness around fistula surveillance.

Many dialysis patients receive instructions on medicines and dialysis schedules but very little education on how to examine their fistula every day.

There is also no universally implemented patient education protocol across dialysis centres, leading to inconsistent awareness about fistula care.

The result is simple: patients unknowingly damage the very access that keeps them alive.

Your Fistula Speaks Every Day - Learn To Listen

Patients should examine their fistula daily.

A healthy fistula has a continuous buzzing sensation or “thrill.” If this vibration becomes weak or disappears, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Similarly, swelling of the arm, redness, prolonged bleeding after dialysis, pain around the fistula, or difficulty during needle insertion should never be dismissed as routine.

These are early warning signs - not inconveniences.

Also read: Omicron Sub-Lineages Likely Behind COVID Surge In India: Why Deaths Are Occurring

Five Simple Habits That Can Save A Fistula

• Feel the fistula every day for its characteristic vibration.
• Never allow blood pressure measurement, blood draws or intravenous injections on the fistula arm.
• Avoid carrying heavy weights or sleeping on the access arm.
• Maintain good hygiene around the fistula site.
• Report any change in blood flow, swelling or bleeding immediately instead of waiting for the next dialysis session.

These small daily habits can often extend the life of a fistula by years.

Early Detection Can Prevent Major Procedures

One of the greatest advances in dialysis access care is that many fistula problems no longer require open surgery.

If narrowing is detected early, minimally invasive image-guided procedures such as fistuloplasty (balloon angioplasty) can restore blood flow, preserve the existing fistula and help patients continue dialysis without interruption.

The key, however, is timing.

A fistula that is evaluated early is often salvageable.

A fistula ignored for weeks may not be.

We Must Shift Our Focus from Creating Fistulas To Preserving Them

Every successful fistula represents months of planning, surgery and healing. Losing it means additional procedures, temporary catheters, higher infection risk, increased costs and emotional distress for patients already living with chronic kidney disease.

As doctors, we have become increasingly skilled at creating dialysis access.

The next challenge is ensuring patients know how to protect it.

Because for someone living with kidney failure, the fistula is not just another blood vessel.

It is the lifeline that keeps life moving.

By Dr. Avik Bhattacharyya, Senior Consultant - Interventional Radiology, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI