Too Much Phone Use? Here's How Mobile Addiction Is Making Your Neck Age Faster

Rahul Gandhi Does Martial Arts, Swimming And Yoga: What Each Can Do For Your Health

Vijaya Mishra — Sat, 8 Aug 2026 10:08:31 +0530

Fitness does not always have to mean following a strict workout plan, according to Rahul Gandhi. The Congress leader has spoken about how he approaches exercise as a regular part of his daily life rather than something he does only when he finds spare time. From martial arts and swimming to running and yoga, his routine includes a variety of physical activities. Gandhi said the key is to stay consistent and allow the benefits to build over time. He also stressed that exercise alone cannot compensate for unhealthy eating habits or excessive alcohol consumption, describing fitness as requiring a balanced approach.

Rahul Gandhi's Fitness Routine

For Rahul Gandhi, the biggest part of staying fit is not sticking to one particular form of exercise. He believes making physical activity a regular habit is more important. “The thing about fitness that's important is not really the routine you follow. It's being persistent, doing it continuously, and allowing it to compound.”

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Gandhi said he usually combines several activities rather than depending on just one workout. His routine includes martial arts, swimming and running, while yoga is a more recent addition. “Generally, I do a little bit of martial arts, which I like. I do a little bit of swimming and running. Now these days I've started, uh, yoga, which is, uh, which is quite interesting.”

The mix allows him to work on different aspects of fitness instead of focusing solely on strength or cardio.

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Making Fitness Part Of Life

Gandhi also explained that exercise is not something he leaves for his free time. He considers it part of his work life and deliberately sets aside an hour for physical training. “It is part of my work life to do one hour of building strength, building aerobic capacity, building flexibility.”

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His approach is particularly focused on consistency. Even when his schedule gets demanding, he said he makes sure to find time for exercise. “So it's not something I do in my free time; it's something that I make time for regardless of what happens.” He added that the timing does not matter as much as completing the activity. If necessary, he is prepared to work out late at night rather than skip it altogether. “If I have to do it at eleven at night, I'll do it at eleven at night.”

Fitness Also Depends On Diet

Gandhi's comments also highlight an important part of fitness that often gets overlooked: everyday lifestyle choices. According to him, regular exercise cannot compensate for consistently unhealthy habits. “If you are eating badly or you're drinking a lot of alcohol or, you know, you're snacking all the time, then forget all this fitness stuff.”

He believes fitness works best when exercise, food and other lifestyle choices are considered together rather than separately. “Don't bother with it because it doesn't work. It only works if you take it as a composite thing.” Rahul Gandhi's fitness philosophy ultimately centres on consistency and balance. His routine may include different forms of exercise, but his larger point is simple: staying fit requires regular effort as well as sensible lifestyle choices.

ABP LIVE Doc Talk | Is Excessive Screen Time Quietly Increasing India's Lifestyle Disease Burden?

Dr Kaushik — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 10:25:40 +0530

Every scroll, swipe, and streamed episode comes at a price that never appears on any bill. Let’s call it the hidden tax of the screens - the hidden and slowly accumulating price tag being paid by the nation in terms of poor physical and eye health due to exposure to the screen for hours each day.

How Prolonged Screen Use Affects The Body

The non-communicable disease burden in India is massive, to say the least. According to national data collected by the ICMR-INDIAB (Indian Council of Medical Research – India Diabetes) national survey, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology study in 2023, over one-third of Indians suffer from high blood pressure, close to 29 percent are suffering from general obesity, while over 80 percent have dyslipidaemia. This does not occur in old age; it is happening much sooner because of screens.

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The recent NFHS-6 (National Family Health Survey-6) indicates an epidemiological paradigm change in the health scenario of India. Despite the nation's positive progress in the areas of maternal and child health, it is at the same time facing a surge in the number of lifestyle diseases. As per the survey, 30.7% of the women and 27.3% of the men aged 15-49 years are either overweight or obese, which has seen an increase from NFHS-5 levels. Equally worrying is the fact that there has been a surge from 13.5% to 17.8% among the women and from 15.6% to 20.9% among the men aged 15 years or more with high/very high blood sugar levels.

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Why Reducing Screen Time Matters

Most of the activities performed on screens are naturally sedentary activities. Sitting down or lying down for long hours to watch TV, use phones, work on laptops, play video games, and browse through social media requires little energy. Screen time is invariably linked with reduced physical activity levels. Increased screen time has always been linked with decreased physical activity. Several studies show that people who have increased screen time fail to meet the WHO recommendation of having 150-300 minutes of moderately intense physical activity weekly. Several studies have reported that continuous sitting without taking any breaks in between may have an adverse impact on glucose metabolism, circulation, and the musculoskeletal system even in physically active individuals.

It is simple biology cloaked in contemporary garb. Hours spent with one’s head buried in their device are hours not spent on their feet, running around, or in motion. Snacking turns into an unconscious activity. Late-night blue light from devices disturbs the production of hormones that control hunger and glucose production.

These all point to a population increasingly being exposed to the risks of metabolic disorders due to sedentary behaviours, unhealthy diets, and excessive use of screens. The problem of NCDs in India, therefore, is not an emerging one but one that requires a more proactive approach in terms of preventive measures and healthy behaviours.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

ABP LIVE Doc Talk | Why Conjunctivitis Spreads Faster In Offices During The Monsoon

Dr Kaushik — Thu, 6 Aug 2026 15:22:46 +0530

Every year during monsoon season, India witnesses yet another bout of red, watery eyes affecting classrooms, buses, and now more often than not, office spaces as well. This condition, known colloquially as Madras Eye, is nothing but viral conjunctivitis, mostly resulting from adenoviruses, and finds itself quite comfortable in office settings too.

Why Offices Are Becoming Hotspots

The working environment is almost ideal for the growth and multiplication of the adenovirus. The virus infects rapidly in schools, offices, and crowded areas, especially in a warm and humid environment, infecting the first eye and then the second one after a day or two.
A few specific office factors accelerate this:

Common surfaces and continuous contact: The infection is spread through physical contact. An infected person touches his/her eyes, then a surface; another person then comes and touches the surface and then touches his/her eyes. Common surfaces include mobile phones, TV remotes, keyboards, lift buttons, door knobs, meeting tables, hand towels, and other kitchen utensils.

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Air conditioning and closed environments. Centrally air-conditioned systems circulate the air and dry the eyes, causing them to be more susceptible to infection, while confining everyone in close quarters for eight or more hours daily. A whiff of fresh air, once in a while, would do a world of good. Humidity causes the virus to survive longer. The virus particles can remain alive longer on surfaces in humid conditions, and the crowded public transport during the rainy season increases exposure even before reaching work premises.

Many employees come to work with symptoms that could be minor and due to ignorance about their contagious nature or fear of taking time off from work due to the mild eye infection.

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How To Guard Against It

Isolate at first symptom. Redness, watering, or a gritty feeling in one eye warrants working from home for a few days — this is the single most effective containment step.
Avoid touching your face. Especially eyes, since that's the primary route of self-inoculation from contaminated hands.
Wash hands frequently, particularly after using shared equipment, elevators, or washrooms.
Don't share personal items such as towels, spectacles, eye drops, or cosmetics, even briefly.
Disinfect shared surfaces regularly, especially keyboards, phones, and door handles during an active office outbreak.
Skip the makeshift remedies. Home remedies or leftover antibiotic drops can worsen viral cases; see a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen.

Madras Eye normally runs its course in one to two weeks without any complications. However, in an office environment where there is much crowding, and especially during the monsoon, it doesn’t take much for one case not to be reported and suddenly turn into twenty cases.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Pradeep Rawat Death: Blood Cancer Has 3 Major Types; Know Their Symptoms And Causes

ABP Live Lifestyle — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 21:07:00 +0530

Actor Pradeep Rawat, known for his memorable performances in films such as Ghajini and Lagaan, died at a hospital in Bhiwandi on Tuesday evening. He was 74. According to his business manager Siddharth Tiwari, the actor had been battling blood cancer for around five years. He had reportedly recovered from the disease earlier, but it returned a few months ago. Rawat had been hospitalised for the past few months, and his condition deteriorated in recent days. The actor's death has once again drawn attention to blood cancer, a group of serious diseases that affect the production and functioning of blood cells. Most blood cancers originate in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood-forming stem cells develop into red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

What Are The Main Types Of Blood Cancer?

There are three major types of blood cancer: leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Leukaemia generally begins in the bone marrow, where abnormal blood cells multiply rapidly and interfere with the production of healthy cells. Lymphoma affects the lymphatic system and begins in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. The two major categories are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Myeloma develops in plasma cells, which are another type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is the most common form of myeloma. There are also less common blood-related cancers, including myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndromes.

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Symptoms And Causes Of Blood Cancer

Symptoms can differ depending on the type and stage of the disease. Some commonly reported signs include persistent tiredness, frequent infections, fever, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss and excessive night sweats. Bone or joint pain, an enlarged spleen or liver, unusual bruising and bleeding may also occur. However, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate blood cancer and can occur with several other health conditions. A persistent or unusual combination of symptoms should therefore be evaluated by a medical professional rather than self-diagnosed. Blood cancer can develop when genetic changes or mutations affect blood-forming cells. These changes can cause abnormal cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably, eventually interfering with the production of healthy blood cells. Certain factors may increase the risk, including increasing age, smoking, prolonged exposure to some chemicals, previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment and certain inherited conditions. Family history can also contribute to the risk of some blood cancers, although many people diagnosed with the disease have no known family history.

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How Is Blood Cancer Diagnosed And Treated?

Doctors generally begin with a medical history and physical examination before recommending appropriate tests. A complete blood count (CBC) can help assess levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Depending on the suspected cancer, doctors may recommend imaging tests, blood chemistry tests, genetic testing or a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment depends on the specific type of blood cancer, its stage and the patient's overall health. Options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Some patients may also be candidates for stem cell transplantation. Blood cancer is not necessarily incurable. Some forms can be treated successfully, while in other cases treatment may control the disease and achieve long-term remission. Outcomes vary significantly depending on the cancer type, stage, age, overall health and response to treatment. There is no guaranteed way to prevent all blood cancers. However, avoiding smoking and limiting prolonged exposure to certain harmful chemicals may help reduce some known risk factors. Anyone experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

Doc Talk | Struggling With Brain Fog? Know The Hidden Health Conditions Behind It

Dr K K Jindal — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 15:40:08 +0530

Brain fog is often taken to mean a state of slowed mental processing, poor memory, or an inability to focus. Stress is a common culprit, but it is not the only one. Chronic brain fog should not be explained away with excuses such as “being overly busy”; there may be an underlying health issue.

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Common Causes Of Brain Fog

Several of the most common causes of brain fog include lack of quality sleep and sleep disorders, especially compromised sleep due to sleep apnea; deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D; hormonal problems such as menopause and hormonal imbalance; as well as use of sedatives, antihistamines, and certain types of pain medicines, all of which impede mental functioning.

Medical Conditions Associated

Brain fog has come to be acknowledged after viral infections, including COVID-19, whereby some people encounter prolonged cognitive symptoms that can last for weeks or months. Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, depression, anxiety, autoimmune illnesses, and chronic fatigue syndrome might also add to the problem. In older adults, ongoing cognitive alterations should be assessed to eliminate mild cognitive impairment or early dementia.

Management And Prevention

To promote healthy cognition and thinking, it is important to understand the root problem rather than simply masking symptoms. To reduce the risk of brain health problems caused by a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, it is essential to eat a balanced diet with plenty of essential vitamin-rich foods such as fish, vegetables, and fruits; exercise regularly; drink plenty of fluids; and get the sleep needed for one’s body. It is also a good idea to keep one’s brain engaged through reading, learning, and communicating with others.

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When To Seek Medical Help

In case of prolonged cognitive difficulties such as brain fog symptoms, seek medical assistance. An early diagnosis might help to discover potentially reversible causes. Brain fog is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Knowing the cause should help in getting the proper treatment and being restored to normal cognitive condition quickly.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequent Headaches? These Everyday Mistakes Could Be The Cause

ABP Live Lifestyle — Wed, 5 Aug 2026 13:36:38 +0530

Headaches are common and often go away on their own, but experiencing them frequently should not be ignored. Everyday habits such as inadequate hydration, irregular meals, poor sleep, prolonged screen use and stress can contribute to headaches in some people. Identifying possible triggers and making simple lifestyle changes may help reduce their frequency. However, recurring or severe headaches may require medical evaluation.

Common Habits That Can Trigger Headaches

Not Drinking Enough Water: Dehydration can contribute to headaches. When the body does not get enough fluids, it can lead to symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness and headache. Staying adequately hydrated throughout the day may help prevent dehydration-related headaches.
Skipping Or Delaying Meals: Going for long periods without eating may trigger headaches in some people, particularly when it leads to hunger or changes in blood glucose levels. Maintaining regular meals and avoiding prolonged gaps can help.
Excessive Screen Time: Spending long hours looking at phones, computers or other screens can contribute to eye strain, which may be accompanied by headaches. Taking regular breaks and adjusting screen brightness and viewing distance can help reduce discomfort.
Lack Of Sleep: Sleeping too little or maintaining an irregular sleep schedule can trigger headaches in some people. Consistent, good-quality sleep is important for overall health and may help reduce headache frequency.

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Stress, Posture And Caffeine Can Also Play A Role

Stress: Mental stress is a common headache trigger. Stress can contribute to tension in the muscles around the head, neck and shoulders, potentially resulting in a tension-type headache. Relaxation techniques, regular physical activity and adequate rest may help manage stress.
Poor Posture: Sitting for long periods with the head bent forward, particularly while using a phone or laptop, can put strain on the neck and shoulders. Maintaining a comfortable posture and taking movement breaks may help reduce associated head and neck discomfort.
Sudden Changes In Caffeine Intake: People who regularly consume large amounts of caffeine may experience headaches after suddenly cutting down. Gradually reducing caffeine rather than stopping abruptly may help minimise withdrawal symptoms.

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Simple Ways To Reduce Headache Triggers

Start by paying attention to your daily routine. Drink enough fluids, eat meals at regular intervals and take short breaks during prolonged screen use. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and getting adequate sleep can also support overall wellbeing. Managing stress through activities such as walking, gentle exercise, yoga or meditation may be helpful for some people. Keeping a headache diary can also help identify patterns, such as whether headaches occur after missed meals, poor sleep, stress or prolonged screen use. If headaches keep returning, become unusually severe, suddenly change in pattern, or interfere significantly with daily activities, it is important to consult a healthcare professional rather than relying only on home remedies.

FSSAI Warns Against Misleading Food Labels; Here's What ‘Natural’, ‘Organic’ And ‘Heart-Healthy’ Really Means

ABP Live Lifestyle — Tue, 4 Aug 2026 13:00:39 +0530

Words such as natural, healthy, organic and heart-healthy have become powerful selling points on packaged food products. However, these claims may not always reflect what is actually inside the packet. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently stepped up its scrutiny of several food companies, asking whether the claims displayed on product packaging are supported by evidence. The development also serves as a reminder for consumers to look beyond front-of-pack marketing and carefully read food labels before making a purchase.

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FSSAI Questions Popular Claims On Packaged Food Products

In recent weeks, FSSAI has issued notices to companies across multiple packaged food categories, seeking clarification over health and quality claims printed on their products. The regulator is examining whether promotional terms used on packaging accurately represent the ingredients and manufacturing process.

The notices cover products including bread, noodles, chocolates, juices, cooking oils, dietary supplements, packaged drinking water and caffeinated beverages.

Among the claims under scrutiny are "100% Natural", "Pure", "Fresh", "Organic", "Healthy", "Heart-Healthy", "Anti-Cancer", "Detox" and "Zero Maida".

For instance, products such as buns and noodles often feature words like natural, pure and fresh on the front of the pack. FSSAI is examining whether the ingredients and production methods genuinely justify these descriptions.

Similarly, products marketed as organic are being checked to determine whether they hold the required certification. Claims such as healthy and detox on products including cooking oils, tofu and packaged water have also come under the regulator's lens where sufficient supporting evidence may be lacking.

It is important to note that these are currently notices only. No final decision has been taken, and the companies concerned are yet to respond.

Why Experts Say Consumers Should Read The Entire Label

Former FSSAI chief Pawan Kumar Agarwal says that most consumers neither read nor fully understand the detailed information printed on the back of food packets. As a result, eye-catching claims displayed prominently on the front often influence purchasing decisions.

Nutrition experts describe this as the "health halo" effect, where a single positive-looking claim creates the impression that an entire product is healthy, even when that may not necessarily be the case.

AIIMS dietitian Monita Gehlot advises consumers to first check the ingredient list, where ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. She also recommends paying close attention to the nutritional information, including sugar, sodium, fat and protein content.

Food testing expert Ashwin Bhadri says one of the biggest warning signs is when a bold claim appears on the front of the package without any supporting explanation or evidence on the back. Before purchasing any packaged food, consumers should always turn the packet over and carefully read the complete label.

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What Consumers Should Keep In Mind Before Buying Packaged Foods

Read the ingredient list before making a purchase.
Check nutrition values, especially sugar, sodium, fat and protein.
Don't rely only on words such as natural, healthy or organic.
Look for certifications where products make specific claims.
Read the information printed on the back of the package before deciding.

US Reports First Two Deaths Linked To Cyclospora Outbreak As Michigan Confirms Fatalities

Devyani Nautiyal — Tue, 4 Aug 2026 09:34:10 +0530

The United States has recorded its first deaths linked to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, with Michigan health officials confirming that two people have died after contracting the intestinal illness. Although cyclosporiasis is generally not considered life-threatening, authorities said both individuals had serious underlying health conditions that may have been worsened by the infection and dehydration. The announcement comes as cases continue to rise across the country and investigators work to identify all possible sources of the outbreak.

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Michigan Confirms First US Fatalities From Cyclospora

Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services announced on Monday that two people had died in connection with the outbreak, marking the first reported US fatalities linked to cyclosporiasis.

According to the department, both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by cyclosporiasis and dehydration. Officials have not released any further details about the patients.

What Is Cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic Cyclospora parasite. The illness most commonly leads to watery diarrhoea, nausea, stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes the disease as causing "frequent and sometimes explosive bowel movements". While most healthy people recover, severe dehydration can pose a greater risk for individuals with weakened immune systems or existing medical conditions.

The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with faeces. Previous outbreaks have often been linked to contaminated fresh produce.

Cases Continue To Rise Across The US

Michigan remains the hardest-hit state in the current outbreak, reporting 11,234 outbreak-linked cases and 193 hospitalisations as of Monday. Adults aged between 30 and 39 years account for the largest share of infections, with 2,216 reported cases.

Nationally, the CDC has confirmed 6,707 laboratory-confirmed cases as of 28 July, while more than 11,500 additional suspected cases are still awaiting confirmation or investigation. The agency has noted that state health departments may report probable cases before laboratory confirmation, leading to higher state-level figures.

Overall, federal officials say they are aware of more than 18,000 confirmed or suspected infections, while state reports suggest the nationwide total has surpassed 20,000 cases.

Is Taco Bell Lettuce Behind The Outbreak?

Federal investigators have linked part of the outbreak to iceberg lettuce supplied from central Mexico by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell restaurants across multiple US states. However, health authorities continue investigating whether other food sources may also be contributing to the spread.

Taco Bell has removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants, while Taylor Farms has announced a voluntary recall of lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

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How Can People Protect Themselves?

The CDC advises consumers to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water, including produce labelled as pre-washed. However, officials caution that rinsing alone may not completely eliminate the parasite. According to the agency, cooking produce to at least 70°C (158°F) can kill Cyclospora.

As investigations continue, health authorities are urging people experiencing prolonged diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms to seek medical advice, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or are at greater risk of complications.

Pregnancy Despite Using Copper-T: Causes, Risks And When To See A Doctor

ABP Live Lifestyle — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 20:14:52 +0530

Copper-T is widely regarded as one of the most reliable long-term contraceptive methods, offering more than 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. However, like any birth control method, it cannot guarantee complete protection. In rare cases, pregnancy can still occur even after a Copper-T has been inserted. According to Dr. Pavan HN, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Sector 48, Noida, pregnancy with a Copper-T is uncommon but should never be ignored. Prompt medical evaluation is essential to confirm the pregnancy, assess the position of the Copper-T and rule out any complications. With timely treatment and regular monitoring, many women can still have a healthy pregnancy.

How Can Pregnancy Happen Despite Copper-T?

Copper-T works by creating an environment inside the uterus that prevents fertilisation and implantation. Although it is highly effective, there are rare situations in which pregnancy may occur. This can happen if the device shifts from its original position, is partially expelled from the uterus or fails to function as intended. If a woman with a Copper-T misses her period or gets a positive pregnancy test, she should consult a gynaecologist immediately. An early ultrasound helps determine whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus and whether the Copper-T remains correctly positioned.

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What Are The Possible Risks?

Pregnancy with a Copper-T may carry a higher risk of complications than a routine pregnancy. These can include miscarriage, uterine infection and preterm birth, making close medical supervision important throughout the pregnancy. Doctors also prioritise ruling out an ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Since an ectopic pregnancy can become a medical emergency, symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, fainting or shoulder pain require immediate medical attention. Whether the Copper-T should be removed depends on the individual case. If the device's strings are visible and it can be removed safely, doctors often recommend removing it early in pregnancy to reduce certain risks. However, the decision should always be made by a qualified healthcare professional, and women should never attempt to remove the device themselves.

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Can A Healthy Pregnancy Still Be Possible?

A pregnancy with a Copper-T does not automatically mean there will be complications. According to Dr. Pavan, many women go on to deliver healthy babies, particularly when the pregnancy is diagnosed early, the Copper-T is removed safely when appropriate, and regular antenatal care is maintained. If you are using a Copper-T and suspect pregnancy, take a pregnancy test without delay. A positive result should always be followed by an immediate consultation with a doctor. Early diagnosis and timely medical care remain the best way to protect both the mother and the developing baby.

Too Much Phone Use? Here's How Mobile Addiction Is Making Your Neck Age Faster

ABP Live Lifestyle — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 16:18:40 +0530

Smartphones have become an inseparable part of daily life. From checking notifications first thing in the morning to scrolling through social media, working, streaming videos and chatting, many people spend hours every day looking at their screens. While this habit keeps us connected, it is also putting increasing strain on our neck and spine. Health experts say prolonged screen time can lead to Text Neck Syndrome, a condition caused by repeatedly bending the head forward while using mobile phones, tablets or laptops. Over time, this poor posture can weaken the neck, affect the spine and cause long-term discomfort, making it a growing concern in the digital age.

What Is Text Neck Syndrome And Why Does It Happen?

Text Neck Syndrome is a repetitive stress injury that develops when the head remains tilted forward for extended periods while looking at a screen. This posture places excessive pressure on the neck muscles, cervical spine and shoulders. A human head typically weighs around 10 to 12 pounds (4.5–5.5 kg) in a neutral position. However, as the head bends forward, the load on the neck increases significantly. At a 15-degree tilt, the pressure can rise to nearly 27 pounds, while at a 60-degree tilt, the neck may experience a force of up to 60 pounds. Repeated exposure to this strain can gradually affect posture, muscle strength and spinal alignment. Experts attribute the condition to modern lifestyle habits such as prolonged smartphone use, extended hours on laptops, poor sitting posture, inadequate ergonomics and failing to take regular breaks during screen time.

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Signs That Your Neck May Be Under Stress

Text Neck Syndrome often develops gradually, making it easy to ignore in its early stages. Common symptoms include persistent neck pain and stiffness, shoulder discomfort, upper back pain, headaches and reduced flexibility in neck movement. Some people may also experience muscle spasms, numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers, along with visible postural changes such as rounded shoulders or a forward-leaning neck. If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time and may interfere with everyday activities.

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Simple Ways To Protect Your Neck

Preventing Text Neck Syndrome starts with improving your daily screen habits. Try to keep your phone or tablet at eye level instead of bending your head down. While working on a laptop or desktop, maintain an upright posture with your back supported and shoulders relaxed. Experts also recommend taking a short break every 20 minutes to stretch and change your position. Gentle neck and upper-back exercises can help strengthen supporting muscles and reduce stiffness. Most importantly, limiting unnecessary screen time can go a long way in protecting your neck and spine from long-term damage.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]