Your nerves are responsible for carrying messages between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. They help you feel pain, temperature, touch and movement, while also controlling many important body functions. When nerves become irritated, compressed, damaged, or affected by an underlying health condition, they may not send signals properly. Sometimes the symptoms are mild and easy to ignore, but persistent or worsening changes in sensation or movement deserve att

Climbing stairs looks like a simple everyday activity, but it asks your knees to bend, stabilize your body and handle considerably more load than normal walking. That is why some people feel perfectly fine while walking on a flat surface but suddenly notice pain, pressure or weakness when going upstairs. The cause isn't always obvious. Sometimes the pain comes from the kneecap, muscles around the joint or an old injury rather than the knee joint itself. Here are six possible

You brush your teeth twice a day, maybe even use mouthwash, yet that unpleasant smell seems to return. It can be frustrating—and it doesn't necessarily mean you're brushing incorrectly. Brushing is important, but it mainly cleans the surfaces of your teeth. Odour-causing bacteria can also hide on the tongue, between teeth, around the gums, or become more active when your mouth is dry. Persistent bad breath, known medically as halitosis, can sometimes also be linked to dental

Your nervous system is like the body's communication network—it carries messages between your brain, spinal cord, muscles, skin and other organs. When these signals are disrupted, the changes may first appear as symptoms that seem minor, such as occasional tingling, unexplained weakness or difficulty maintaining balance. These symptoms do not always mean you have a neurological disorder, but persistent, worsening or sudden changes deserve medical attention. A neurological exa

Your eyes need proper nutrition just like the rest of your body. A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colorful vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and seeds can provide nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, which support normal eye function and overall eye health. The National Eye Institute particularly recommends dark leafy greens and omega-3-rich fish as part of a healthy diet for your eyes. However, food cannot mag

Delhi-NCR is seeing a sharp rise in influenza cases, with H1N1 making up a large share of the reported Influenza-A infections. According to the latest Delhi surveillance data available on August 29, 2026, 2,729 H1N1 cases and 3,736 Influenza-A and B cases combined had been recorded in the capital up to August 27. The increase has understandably raised concerns about symptoms, transmission and whether people should get vaccinated. However, there is no need to panic. The import

Your pelvic floor muscles may not be something you think about every day—but they quietly work throughout the day. They help support the bladder and bowel, contribute to bladder and bowel control, and play an important role in core stability and sexual function. Like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor can become weaker when it is repeatedly placed under pressure or not given enough opportunity to stay strong. Pregnancy, childbirth, ageing and certain medical conditions

After a long, stressful day, your body may be tired while your mind is still wide awake. One reason can be an evening stress response involving cortisol, a hormone that naturally follows a daily rhythm and is generally higher around waking and lower toward bedtime. While no drink can magically “flush out” or switch off cortisol, choosing a calming, caffeine-free beverage can become part of a relaxing bedtime routine. Some drinks also have limited research suggesting they may

Every year, Eye Donation Fortnight is observed from August 25 to September 8 in India to create awareness about eye donation, encourage people to pledge their eyes after death, and address the shortage of donor corneas needed for transplantation. The 2026 observance marks the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight. Eye donation is more than a medical procedure—it is an opportunity to leave behind something meaningful. Donated corneal tissue can help restore useful vision in peo

Dry eyes are more than just an occasional feeling of discomfort. They happen when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tear film does not provide adequate lubrication and protection. This can leave the eyes irritated, tired, watery, or blurry. Long hours on screens, air-conditioned environments, wind, contact lenses, certain medicines, aging and other factors can contribute to dry-eye symptoms. Recognizing the signs early can help you take appropriate steps to pr

Have you ever noticed tiny black dots, cobweb-like shapes, or sudden flashes of light moving across your vision? These are commonly known as floaters and flashes. While they can happen because of normal changes inside the eye, a sudden change in your vision can sometimes signal a problem that needs urgent attention. Floaters are usually shadows created by small clumps or strands within the vitreous—the clear, gel-like substance inside the eye. Flashes can occur when the vitre

Good posture isn’t just about sitting or standing up straight. Your core, spine, hips and upper back work together to keep your body stable and moving efficiently. When these areas become weak or stiff — especially after long hours of sitting — you may notice slouching, reduced flexibility or stiffness during everyday movements. The good news? You don’t need a complicated workout. Adding a few gentle mobility and core-focused movements to your routine can help you move more c

For teenagers, screens and social media are now part of everyday life. From scrolling through skincare videos to comparing selfies and staying up late on the phone, digital habits can influence much more than just how much time is spent online. Recent research is drawing attention to the connection between screen time, social media use, acne and skin-related quality of life. A 2026 study of adolescents with chronic skin conditions found that longer screen time was associated

Cosmetic surgery is often surrounded by dramatic before-and-after photos, celebrity transformations, social-media trends, and plenty of misinformation. Some people believe cosmetic surgery always produces an unnatural appearance, while others assume it is completely risk-free or that one procedure can permanently change everything. The reality is more balanced. Cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and results depend on the procedure, the individual’s anatomy, health, expectation

When people hear “high-protein diet,” they often imagine protein shakes, powders, expensive supplements, or complicated meal-prep recipes. But your everyday Indian kitchen already has plenty of protein-rich foods. From chicken and fish to paneer, eggs, dal, chickpeas and curd, it is possible to create a satisfying dinner that provides more than 30 grams of protein without adding protein powder. The key is not simply eating more food—it is combining protein-rich ingredients in

Endometriosis can affect much more than menstrual pain. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue and digestive discomfort can also make everyday life difficult. While no specific diet has been proven to cure or remove endometriosis, choosing balanced, nutrient-rich foods and identifying personal food triggers may help some people manage symptoms and support overall health. Current guidelines also emphasize that evidence for dietary treatment remains limited. 1. Fill Your Pla

When a loved one is unconscious and connected to a ventilator, it can be extremely difficult for families to understand what is happening. Coma and brain death are not the same condition. Knowing the difference matters because it can affect medical decisions, family understanding, and, in some circumstances, the possibility of organ donation. In India, brain-stem death is legally recognized as death under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act. 1. Coma Does Not M

Imagine that after your life ends, a part of you could help someone else see, breathe, live or simply get another chance at life. That is the powerful idea behind World Organ Donation Day, observed every year on 13 August. The day encourages people to understand organ donation, clear common misconceptions and talk openly with their families about their wishes. Organ donation can help people suffering from serious organ failure. According to India’s National Organ and Tissue T

Children do not always say, “I’m feeling anxious.” Sometimes anxiety shows up as clinginess, frequent worrying, anger, perfectionism, trouble sleeping, or fear of making mistakes. While many factors can contribute to childhood anxiety, certain parenting patterns may unintentionally make children feel less secure or more fearful over time. 1. Being Overprotective All the Time Parents naturally want to protect their children from disappointment, failure, or uncomfortable situat

A wave of H1N1 influenza, commonly called swine flu, is drawing attention across Delhi-NCR. Delhi has reported 1,344 H1N1 cases this season, compared with 229 around the same period last year — a nearly six-fold increase. Reports also indicate increased flu-like illness in parts of the NCR, including Gurugram and Faridabad. For many healthy people, influenza gets better with rest and supportive care. But H1N1 can become serious, particularly in young children, older adults, p

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it can also bring worries, mood changes, tiredness and plenty of things to think about. A little stress from time to time is normal, but finding healthy ways to relax can help you feel calmer and more comfortable throughout pregnancy. The good news is that relaxation doesn’t have to mean spending hours doing something complicated. Simple activities such as gentle movement, breathing exercises, listening to calming music or spending time o

Seeing more hair than usual on your pillow, comb, or bathroom floor can be worrying. Many people immediately reach for hair oils, believing regular oiling can stop hair fall and bring lost hair back. But not all hair loss has the same cause. When hair loss is caused by genetics—commonly known as androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss—oiling may make the hair and scalp feel healthier, but it cannot change the underlying genetic process responsible for progressive hair thin

Your heart works nonstop to keep you going, but the foods you eat every day can either support its health or work against it. While nuts, fruits and vegetables often get the spotlight, seeds are another simple way to add heart-friendly nutrients to your diet. Many seeds provide a combination of healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, plant protein, minerals and antioxidants. Some are particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while others may help support healthy cholesterol levels a

Every year, World Breastfeeding Week (August 1–7) highlights the importance of breastfeeding for the health of both babies and mothers. Despite growing awareness, many new mothers continue to receive conflicting advice from family, friends, and social media. Unfortunately, several long-standing myths can create unnecessary stress and even discourage breastfeeding. Understanding the facts can help mothers feel more confident and make informed decisions for their baby's nutriti