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

Standing up suddenly from your bed, sofa or chair can sometimes cause a brief “head rush”, you may feel light-headed, notice your vision dimming, feel weak or even slightly unsteady. While this can feel alarming, there is a simple physiological explanation for why it happens.

When you stand up, gravity causes some of your blood to temporarily move towards your legs and abdomen. This reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart. Within seconds, the autonomic nervous system usually steps in by tightening the blood vessels and adjusting the heart rate to maintain blood pressure and ensure enough blood reaches the brain.

When A Sudden Drop In Blood Pressure Becomes A Concern

A brief drop in blood pressure during this transition can be normal. However, if the drop is too significant or the body is unable to compensate properly, it can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, weakness and, in some cases, fainting. Orthostatic hypotension is clinically defined as a sustained fall in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg within three minutes of standing.

Several factors can contribute to this, including dehydration, heat, prolonged inactivity, blood loss and medications that lower blood pressure. Recurrent episodes can also be linked to problems with the autonomic nervous system, including autonomic involvement in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Also read: The Silent Killer: Why More Indians Need To Pay Attention To Liver Cancer

How To Prevent The Head Rush And When To Seek Help

One simple precaution is to avoid changing positions too quickly, especially after lying down for several hours. Sitting on the edge of the bed for a few moments before standing gives the cardiovascular system time to adjust. Moving your feet or tightening your leg muscles before getting up may also help improve blood flow back to the heart. If you start feeling dizzy, it is safer to sit or lie down rather than trying to walk through it.

An occasional, very brief episode may simply be the body’s normal response to a sudden change in posture. However, frequent episodes, fainting, falls, palpitations or persistent dizziness should not be ignored and warrant medical assessment, particularly in older adults or people taking multiple medications.

Dr Sachin Adukia Sr Consultant M.B.B.S., MD (General Medicine), DNB (Neurology), LH Hiranandani Hospital

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, and sometimes chronic cough or hoarseness. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that normally prevents backflow, becomes weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing acid to irritate the food pipe repeatedly. If left untreated, persistent reflux can lead to inflammation (esophagitis), ulcers, scarring, and in rare cases, pre-cancerous changes known as Barrett’s esophagus.

The global prevalence of GERD has been increasing in recent years, with around 14 % of adults worldwide affected according to recent meta-analyses. In India, community studies show notable rates, with higher prevalence in urban populations compared to rural areas and estimates ranging from about 8 % in some regions to higher figures in cities, reflecting shifting lifestyles. In Kolkata, according to Dr. Pradipta Sethy, Director, Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass and Mukundupur, the major patients are women, mostly pre-menopausal and menopausal, between the ages of 30-55 years. This rise can be attributed to several interconnected lifestyle and environmental factors.

One major contributor is dietary change. Traditional diets rich in fiber and whole foods are increasingly replaced by high-calorie, processed, and high-fat foods, along with frequent consumption of spicy and fried items. These foods can relax the LES and increase gastric acid production, making reflux more likely. In addition, habitual late-night meals followed by lying down soon after eating are common in urban settings and further promote reflux episodes.

Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are also important risk factors. Excess abdominal fat increases pressure on the stomach, forcing acid upward into the esophagus. Many adults with GERD in India and globally have overweight or central obesity, a trend growing alongside reduced physical activity. Stress and irregular eating patterns that accompany modern work life are additional contributors, often exacerbating symptoms and prompting unhealthy habits like caffeine or alcohol use, both of which can aggravate acid reflux.

Thankfully, GERD can often be managed effectively through simple lifestyle modifications. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding known trigger foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and high-fat foods can reduce reflux episodes. Waiting 2–3 hours after eating before lying down and elevating the head of the bed during sleep helps keep acid in the stomach by using gravity to support digestion. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity reduces abdominal pressure, while quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake supports LES function and esophageal health. Managing stress with techniques such as meditation or yoga further helps control symptoms by improving overall digestive function.

In conclusion, the rise of GERD in India mirrors global trends driven largely by dietary shifts, obesity, and modern lifestyle pressures. While medication is valuable for many patients, sustainable improvements often begin with these evidence-based lifestyle changes that address the root causes of acid reflux and improve long-term digestive health.

Rashes are common in children and can occur for many reasons. Most are harmless and settle on their own, but some may need medical attention. Knowing the warning signs can help parents decide when home care is enough and when to consult a doctor.

Why Do Rashes Happen?

Children’s skin is sensitive and can react to heat, friction, allergens, insect bites, irritants or infections. Common causes include heat rash, eczema, contact dermatitis, insect bites and viral infections such as chickenpox, hand-foot-and-mouth disease and roseola.

A rash can look worrying, but the child’s overall condition is often as important as the appearance of the rash itself.

When Home Care May Be Enough

If your child is active, reasonably comfortable, feeding and drinking well, and otherwise appears well, a mild rash can often be managed at home.

Home care may be appropriate when the rash:

• Is mild and limited to a small area
• Is not spreading quickly
• Causes only mild itching or discomfort
• Occurs without concerning symptoms
• Looks consistent with a known condition such as heat rash or eczema

Avoid applying multiple creams, powders, antiseptics or home remedies, as these may irritate the skin or make the rash harder to assess. Medicines or steroid creams should not be used without medical advice. Your paediatrician can recommend suitable treatment based on your child’s age, weight and the likely cause of the rash.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if your child has:

• A rash with fever, particularly if the child appears unwell, unusually sleepy, less responsive or is becoming progressively worse
• A red or purple rash that does not fade or become lighter when pressed firmly with a clear glass, especially if the child has fever or appears unwell
• A rapidly spreading rash
• Large blisters, peeling skin or a painful/tender rash
• Signs of a secondary skin infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain or pus
• A new or unexplained rash in a newborn or young infant, especially if accompanied by fever, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness
• Unusual sleepiness, weakness, poor feeding or reduced drinking
• A rash that is getting worse, keeps recurring or does not improve with appropriate home care

Seek Emergency Care Immediately If

A rash is accompanied by:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the lips, mouth, face or tongue
• Extreme sleepiness, marked weakness or a child who is difficult to wake
• Rapid deterioration in the child’s overall condition
• A concerning non-fading red or purple rash in a child who appears unwell

What Parents Should Remember

Most childhood rashes are temporary and harmless. However, it is important to look beyond the rash itself.

Note when the rash started, where it first appeared, whether it is spreading and whether your child has fever or other symptoms. A photo of the rash can also help your paediatrician understand how it has changed over time.

Trust your instincts. If your child seems unusually unwell, is getting worse or something simply does not feel right, it is always better to seek medical advice rather than waiting.

A Simple Rule for Parents

Home care may be enough if your child is well, active and comfortable. Seek medical attention if the rash is accompanied by significant illness, rapid worsening or any warning signs.

By Dr Navin Bhatia, Senior Consultant & HOD – Paediatrics & PICU, PB Health