The clothes you wear when you work out may do you more harm than helping you to stay healthy as you hit the gym. This is because research has revealed alarming levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound linked to significant health risks in several sports wear, including sports bra, leggings, and athletic wear. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), which is a nonprofit consumer advocacy group has brought these concerns to light, and have raised awareness about the potential danger and damage these sports wear can cause because of the common chemicals used.

What is BPA? Is it concerning?

Bisphenol A, or BPA is a chemical that is used to make plastics and resins. It is also used in certain fabrics and is known for its endocrine-disrupting properties, which can also interfere with one's hormonal balance. There have been studies, including a 2019 study titled The adverse health effects of bisphenol A and related toxicity mechanisms that have linked BPA exposure to various health problems, including asthma, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer.

Many of research which have been conducted focus on the ingestion, which can happen when you store food in BPA-lined containers. Among them, some of the more recent studies show that skin absorption is also a pathway. This means when you are handling receipts which are printed on thermal paper, or wear BPA-containing fabrics, the chemical can seep through your skin and enter your bloodstream.

Though it is also true that BPA is exposed from the body within days, however, continuous exposure from multiple sources can be concerning.

Sports Wear and the harm it may cause you

CEH also tested popular athletic wear in October 2023 and found BPA levels were exceeding California's safety standards by as much as 22 times.

Testing also showed that top brands contained up to 40 times the permissible limit of BPA.

What do the laws say?

As far as laws are concerned, under California's Proposition 65, the maximum allowable dose for BPA exposure via skin is 3 micrograms per day. While this law is among the strictest in the United States, it highlights a broader issue of chemical safety in consumer products nationwide.

Ana Soto, an immunologist with decades of research on BPA, even low doses of dermal and oral exposure can combine to create a significant health risk. She also warned that prolonged exposure through fabric, especially when you are exercising, as your pores are open and sweat is present, can in fact, amplify these effects.

How does BPA affect your health?

BPA can disrupt your body's endocrine system, which is a network of glands and organs that produce hormones that control many bodily functions. These include growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction, to name a few. BPA can mimic natural hormones like estrogen and interfere in those bodily functions.

Studies also link it with obesity and diabetes, respiratory issues, especially asthma risk in school-aged children, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer risks.

How can you be safe?

There are certain steps you can follow to protect yourself:

• Avoid wearing BPA-lined sports-wear
• Change immediately after your workout
• Do not wear sports-wear for an elongated period

Oral cancer cases are on the rise because of tobacco chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and delayed medical attention. Many people ignore small red or white patches, which are early warning signs of cancer and should never be overlooked. There is an average delay of six months in cancer diagnosis, which is the reason patients are diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 cancers.

Dr Prathamesh Pai, Senior Consultant Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, explained the difference between red and white patches in the mouth and what they may indicate about your health.

Red vs White Patches in the Mouth

White patches inside the mouth are called leukoplakia, while red patches are known as erythroplakia. Both can occur on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or floor of the mouth. Though both need equal attention, red patches are more dangerous, with a higher risk of being cancerous in comparison to white patches. Red patches in the mouth indicate severe abnormal cellular changes, which can develop into precancerous conditions or cancer. Around 60% to 80% of erythroplakias are diagnosed as early-stage cancer on biopsy.

What is erythroplakia?

Erythroplakia is a fiery red, well-defined patch in the mouth. These lesions are velvety in appearance. They often appear on the floor of the mouth or the retromolar trigone (the area behind the wisdom teeth). Red patches often go unreported, as they are mistaken for traumatic mouth ulcers caused by hard foods or dental irritation.

If a red patch does not heal within two to three weeks, it should raise concerns about cancer. Besides the duration, patches that bleed on touch, are painful while eating, are associated with a burning sensation, difficulty swallowing, loosening of teeth, or voice changes should be investigated. Tobacco users should be even more mindful. Ignoring persistent red or white patches can allow the disease to progress silently.

So, make sure to seek immediate help and consult a doctor. For anyone presenting with red or white patches, the doctor will carry out a physical oral examination and a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is taken from the patch for evaluation. A CT scan and MRI may also be advised, depending on the location of the patch and other clinical features.

Why early detection of cancer matters

Remember, early detection of cancer is curable. Treatment is also less extensive, often involving minor intraoral surgery and preservation of speech and swallowing functions. As the cancer stage advances, surgery may require the removal of parts of the cheek, jaw, or tongue, as well as postoperative radiotherapy. This affects the face and neck and hampers important functions such as eating, speaking, and swallowing. This has major implications for quality of life. Treatment can also be a financial burden, especially for younger patients.

Take charge of your life. Lead a happy, healthy life. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other addictions. Visit your dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene. Prevention is better than cure. In the case of any non-healing ulcers in the mouth, swelling in the neck, altered speech or swallowing, or altered bowel habits for more than two weeks despite treatment, do visit a doctor. Remember, early detection of cancer is curable.

New Delhi's weather is fluctuating sharply, with Western Disturbances driving bouts of intense heat and sudden pre-monsoon showers. The city is currently hovering in the mid-30s°C but is also bracing for a return to scorching heat, with maximum temperatures forecast to climb into the low to mid-40s°C this week.

Such weather fluctuations can play a significant role in triggering migraine attacks, said Dr. Vivek Kumar, Principal Director - Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj.

Weather Factors That Can Trigger Migraines

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Vivek noted that many components of weather are reported to affect migraine. These include:

• Barometric pressure
• Humidity
• Temperature
• Seasons

Dr. Kumar explained that a drop in atmospheric pressure, often seen before storms, can create a pressure imbalance between the environment and the sinuses or inner ear, stimulating nerves and leading to headaches.

"Rapid temperature changes, as well as exposure to extreme heat or cold, can also trigger migraine episodes," he said.

Similarly, both high humidity and very dry air have been associated with the onset of migraine symptoms. Bright sunlight and intense sun exposure, particularly when reflected off surfaces such as snow or water, are also recognized migraine triggers.

Also read: Global Temperatures Likely To Stay Near Record Levels For Next Five Years: WMO

How Does The Weather Trigger Migraines?

According to Dr. Kumar, weather changes can affect brain chemistry by influencing serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter involved in migraine development. They may also contribute to inflammation or pressure differences within the sinuses.

Further, the expert noted that seasonal transitions can be particularly challenging.

"Spring and summer may trigger migraines because of heat and allergens, while winter's cold and dry air can also contribute to headaches and sinus discomfort," he said.

Notably, weather is often only one factor among several. Allergies during spring or viral illnesses during autumn may also combine with environmental changes to trigger headaches, Dr. Kumar stressed.

Migraine Vs Sinus Headache

Read More: What Can You Learn About Your Health From Ice Cream Headaches?

Migraine is also frequently mistaken for a sinus headache because the symptoms often overlap.

Dr. Kumar noted that migraine attacks can cause forehead and facial pressure, as well as nasal congestion or a runny nose. Unlike migraine, however, sinus infections may be accompanied by fever.

He explained that migraine can activate nerves in the face, a phenomenon known as cranial autonomic activation, which can create sensations of nasal blockage and congestion.

While weather changes are difficult to avoid, monitoring weather forecasts may help people prepare for potential triggers. Preventive treatment may also reduce sensitivity to environmental changes and allow greater freedom in daily activities.

Tips To Prevent Migraine

Dr. Kumar advised:

• Keeping a migraine diary for at least 90 days to help identify specific weather-related patterns associated with attacks.
• Treating migraine attacks early when weather-related triggers are suspected. Early treatment can shorten the duration of an attack and prevent symptoms from becoming severe.
• Maintaining adequate hydration, particularly during hot weather or physical activity. Carrying water when outdoors can help compensate for fluid loss through sweating.
• For those sensitive to bright sunlight, staying indoors during peak daylight hours may be beneficial. When outdoor exposure is unavoidable, protective sunglasses or hats can help reduce glare and light sensitivity.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most feared diseases, and it causes thousands of lives to be wasted away due to this fatal disease. According to the Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) managed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the IARC Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), about 22,982 Indians have pancreatic cancer every year.

On the other hand, the American Cancer Society's US SEER Pancreatic Cancer Stat Facts shows the annual number of cases is 67,530. Thus, any lead to resisting cancer is good news for the world. Recently, a research team from Stony Brook Medicine and Luisa Escobar-Hoyos of Yale School of Medicine, led by Kenneth Shroyer and Natalia Marchenko, found an important fact to fight the fatal disease.

The study investigated the role of Keratin 17 (K17) and found that the protein can be a driver of chemoresistance to gemcitabine. It is often used to treat various types of cancer. The study shows that the K17 can act as a target for the development of novel treatments.

They discovered that the protein is a key driver of chemoresistance to gemcitabine, an agent used to treat a wide range of cancers, including advanced tumors of the pancreas, lungs, and breast.

How New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Daxorrasib Can Help You?

Daxaronrasib is a daily oral pill that has demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with standard intravenous chemotherapy.

Described as a multi-selective inhibitor of RAS(ON) proteins, it is the first investigational drug in a new class of RAS inhibitors designed to target a broad spectrum of cancer-causing RAS mutations.

The drug works by blocking KRAS signalling proteins that drive tumor growth.

Read More: New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Daxaronrasib May Benefit Patients With Lung And Ovarian Tumors Too

Daraxonrasib is the first drug. It works by pairing up with a protein called cyclophilin A inside cells, acting like a molecular glue, glomming onto the mutated protein.

Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most RAS-dependent cancers, with more than 90 per cent of patients carrying tumours driven by RAS protein mutations. Similar RAS-targeting drugs are also being developed for pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers.

The findings were presented at a plenary session of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s meeting in Chicago on May 31 and simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine.