London: Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, on Friday revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. The 42-year-old wife of Prince William, Britain’s future king, was hospitalized for almost two weeks at the private London Clinic after having major abdominal surgery in January.

In a heartfelt statement and accompanying video, the Duchess revealed that tests conducted after her surgery in January detected the presence of cancer. She shared the news to keep the public informed and to prevent any speculation.

She said, “Following the advice of my medical team, I am now in the initial stages of a preventive chemotherapy course. William and I were deeply shocked by this diagnosis. We are focusing on managing this situation privately for the well-being of our young family.”

Kate Middleton Suffering From Cancer, Undergoing Chemotherapy

Breaking her silence after weeks of widespread speculation over her health, the princess shared a video on X, watch it here:

A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales pic.twitter.com/5LQT1qGarK

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2024

“It’s been an incredibly challenging few months for our family. However, I’ve been fortunate to have an exceptional medical team who have provided me with excellent care, for which I’m deeply thankful,” she said in the video.

“In January, I had a significant abdominal surgery in London, initially believed to be non-cancerous. The surgery was successful, but post-operative tests revealed the presence of cancer. Consequently, my medical team recommended a preventive chemotherapy treatment, which I’ve now begun.”

 

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A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)

Kate Middleton’s Medical History

Kate, 42, the wife of heir-to-the-throne Prince William, spent two weeks in hospital in January after having what her office said at the time was successful, planned surgery for a non-cancerous but unspecified condition.

King Charles revealed in February that he too was to have treatment for cancer, meaning he has had to postpone his public royal duties. Her office, Kensington Palace, said it would give no further details about the type of cancer. It said she was on a recovery pathway and the preventative chemotherapy had begun in February.

After her operation, the palace said Kate would not return to official duties until after Easter, but her absence from public life has provoked intense speculation on social media.

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IUD’s are Intrauterine devices which are inserted into the uterus or the womb of a woman to prevent pregnancy. It’s is considered as the safest form of contraception by doctors worldwide. It’s inserted into the uterus by a gynaecologist. After the insertion is complete, an IUD will be effective for at least 10 years. However, there are different types of IUD’s and therefore its effectiveness and timeline also depends on the type of IUD that your gynaecologist is advising for you. Note that IUD’s are not there to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, they are only meant to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

What Are The Different Types Of IUD’s?

According to Journal Cleveland Clinic, there are mainly two typed of IUD’s that are widely in use by doctors:

1. The first type is a copper IUD. This is a very thin copper wire which is T-shaped. The thin copper wire coils around the stem part of the T. The end of the stem is made into a smooth ball which helps it not puncture the cervix when the IUD is being inserted into the womb.
2. The second type of IUD is the Hormonal (levonorgestrel) IUD. The top T shaped part contains the progestin hormone levonorgestrel. This hormone also flows through the stem of the IUD.

Are IUD Insertions Painful?

Research published in the Journal WebMD says that, pain during IUD insertion depends on certain factors. But, there are medically approved painless ways which doctors can and should undertake while inserting it into the uterus. Here are some important facts about IUD insertion you should known as a woman:

1. It is an uncomfortable process but it if done correctly, it should not hurt too much.
2. You may feel slight cramping as the doctor inserts the IUD.
3. Doctors can opt for numbing creams or other pain-free methods of insertion like anesthesia, painkillers. This is esepcially recommended for people who suffer from chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis.
4. IUD pain may depend slightly on a person’s pain tolerance.
5. After the IUD insertion is complete, do not stand up suddenly as you might feel faint or dizzy, Take your time and get up when you feel better.
6. Your doctor will guide you through the entire process.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on existing research but is not vetted by an expert. Please take the advice of a certified medical professional before trying any of the above-mentioned tips.

Are you experiencing breast sagging? While many people think of saggy breasts as a by-product of old age, the muscles can become loose and sag in young women, too; there could be many reasons for it. According to Anshuka Parwani, celebrity yoga and holistic wellness expert, sagging breasts is a ‘natural process’ that takes place in every woman’s body. But, certain factors like ‘drastic loss of weight’, ‘not wearing supportive bras’, ‘lifestyle habits’ and ‘pregnancy’, etc., can speed up the process, she says. The expert adds that while yoga cannot change the shape of someone’s breasts, it can strengthen the muscles around the chest and improve posture which, in turn, helps tone and lift the saggy breasts.

In a post shared on Instagram, Parwani demonstrated some asanas with which you can take care of the problem of sagging breasts. She mentioned that while practising these asanas, one must focus on maintaining proper alignment and engaging the muscles around their chest and upper back. They must incorporate these poses in their daily yoga routine to see the best results. Take a look.

 

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A post shared by ANSHUKA YOGA (@anshukayoga)

Extended Arms To Cactus Arms In Vajrasana

In this asana, you sit with your legs folded and extend your arms outwards, like shown in the video. Lock your fingers and thrust your chest in. Then, take your arms to your side with your elbows bent, look upwards and thrust your chest out. Repeat this motion for a few minutes. You can also change sides and continue doing it.

Reverse Table Top Pose

This is the second asana that can take care of saggy breasts. In this, you basically sit on the yoga mat first and then make a table-top with your body. Place your arms behind you and lift your body up. Place the weight of the body on your hands and feet as shown in the video and stare upwards. It is a difficult pose to master, so you might have to practise it a few times. It can open and stretch the muscles of the chest. Gently bring your pelvis down, relax, and assume the position again.

Cow Face Pose

The third yoga asana is the cow face pose. In this, you take your arms behind you, over the shoulders, and lock them on your back — with one arm bent over the shoulder and the other reaching it by bending at the rib cage. Hold this position by locking your fingers.

Cobra Pose

The fourth asana is the cobra pose. Lie down on your stomach and then gently lift your upper body up by placing the weight on the palms. Make sure your elbows are straight and your legs are relaxed.

Camel Pose

Finally, try the camel pose, wherein you stand on your knees, your legs bent backwards. Gently bend your spine and bring your upper body backwards so that your arms reach the heels. Look up and hold this posture.

Would you like to try?

Hair fall in women has become quite common these days, as compared to earlier days, when it was mostly seen in men of a certain age. These days, stress-induced hair loss is prevalent. Then, there are other health-related setbacks that are a result of poor lifestyle choices — including diet and exercise — that lead to loss of hair volume in women. Experiencing hair loss in your 30s, or at any age, can be incredibly unsettling, because for women, their hair is linked to their overall personality and confidence.

According to Dr Shareefa Chause, a Mumbai-based dermatologist, hair loss in women occurs when there is an ‘unexpected and significant’ increase in the shedding of hair strands. Women naturally lose around 100 strands of hair per day, and shedding is a normal part of the hair’s life cycle, where old strands fall out and new ones grow in their place. When this natural balance is disrupted, female hair loss can occur, which is referred to as alopecia, she said.

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles and causes hair loss. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and the face. “This condition differs from regular hair shedding or thinning. While some women may not be concerned about the changes in their appearance due to shedding, many others experience feelings of sadness or embarrassment as they notice increased amounts of hair falling out,” Dr Chause said.

Telogen Effluvium

The dermatologist explained that the most common hair loss in females is telogen effluvium, also known as female pattern alopecia or female pattern hair loss (FPHL). It causes thinning of hair on the top. Telogen effluvium occurs due to deficiencies, low Hb levels in female or certain diseases and medications that affect growing hair follicles. “Telogen effluvium happens when a higher number of hair follicles enter the telogen phase, leading to hair shedding,” said the doctor.

The Symptoms

• Noticing numerous broken strands scattered on your brush, the floor, and in the bathroom drain.
• Thinning at the crown of your head, which intensifies over time.
• Developing circular or patchy bald areas that expand.
• Abrupt hair shedding and decreased thickness in ponytails and braids.

What Causes Hair Loss In Women?

Dr Chause explained that hair loss in women can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as:

• Damaged hair follicles
• Alterations in diet leading to rapid weight loss
• Stress
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Chemical hair treatments
• Medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Underlying health conditions like abnormal thyroid function or anemia
• Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause
• Medications
• Genetic predisposition

How To Address Hair Loss In Women?

According to the doctor, possible treatments include reducing stress levels through therapy or counselling; avoiding damaging hair products like chemical treatments; tackling vitamin deficiencies through supplements; preventing harm to hair follicles by avoiding styling; utilising medications as prescribed. “Additional options may involve scalp microneedling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to stimulate hair growth and, if nothing works, undergoing hair transplant surgery.”

Hair Loss Preventive Measures

This what the doctor recommends:

1. Consuming foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth. Incorporating foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds for essential nutrients.
2. Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle. Practising relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to support hair health.
3. Maintaining a consistent hair care routine is crucial in preventing alopecia in women.
4. Using gentle products, avoiding heat styling tools, and minimising chemical treatments to protect the hair from damage and breakage.
5. Regular scalp massages with essential oils or serums, as recommended by the doctor to improve blood circulation and promote hair growth.

Archana Puran Singh, who is known for her impeccable comic timings and her many endearing movie roles, has also had to fight demons for decades. The actor, comedian and television personality recently revealed that she has grappled with anxiety. Opening up about her personal battle with the mental health issue, the 61-year-old took to Instagram to write a long and candid post about her experience. “I’m no expert, obviously. But I’ve had experience dealing with it. Learning from it. And managing to reduce its power or grip on me,” Singh wrote, adding that anxiety is sometimes her ‘best friend in doing a job well’, but it also keeps her ‘awake’ when she wants to ‘sleep early’.

“Nonetheless, I don’t focus on it. I choose instead to focus on all the good things that happen every day in my life. I count the number of happy and joyful moments of each day, and that makes my whole day a happy one,” the ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai‘ actor, who is married to actor Parmeet Sethi, added.

 

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A post shared by Archana Puran Singh (@archanapuransingh)

Singh went on to state that she wanted to share her thoughts in the form of an Instagram story, but her son Ayushmaan Sethi insisted she write a post, so as to raise awareness about anxiety, and inspire others to stay strong.

Along with her caption, the actor also wrote a short poem that read, “Today they call it anxiety. Back in my day it was a normal state of being before an exam, an event, a date… Nobody asked us how we felt. We ourselves didn’t question the frequent knot in our stomachs! We just soldiered on. It was just another day, and sometimes an almost constant state of being for long periods of time. I define my life as a very happy one… even through the tough times. You’ll be fine too.”

Her advice to her followers? “Choose to focus on the good moments. The rocky times are for building your character. Let them do their job. You can choose to just count the happy moments. And declare your life to be a happy one.”

 

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A post shared by Archana Puran Singh (@archanapuransingh)

What Is Anxiety?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more women are affected by anxiety disorders than men, and that people living with anxiety may experience ‘excessive fear or worry about a specific situation’ or, in the case of generalised anxiety disorder, about a ‘broad range of everyday situations’. Anxiety-induced fear is typically experienced over ‘an extended period – at least several months’, and people usually avoid situations that make them anxious. Other symptoms of anxiety disorders may include:

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling irritable, tense or restless
• Experiencing nausea or abdominal distress
• Having heart palpitations
• Sweating, trembling or shaking
• Trouble sleeping
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom

The WHO warns that anxiety disorders can increase the risk for depression and substance use disorders, as well as the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. As such, psychological interventions are essential treatments for anxiety disorders.

When a person experiences a stroke, it happens because there is a sudden obstruction in the blood flow to the brain. This may be caused by existing blockages in the pathway of the blood blow or even due to bleeding in the brain. According to the definition cited by The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, a stroke occurs when the artery is either blocked or ruptured. A rupture artery is what causes bleeding in the brain and a blocked artery will obstruct the blood flow to the organ which can be absolutely fatal for anyone experiencing it. We have all heard of stroke and its symptoms but have you hear of a wake-up stroke? New research claims that older women may be at risk of this health problem and that prior preventive methods are extremely crucial. Let us dive into the details.

What Is A Wake-Up Stroke?

Often unacknowledged, a wake-up stroke is just like stroke, only, this may happen to some people right after they wake up. This is also a type of stroke which may show up when a person has just woken up from sleep. You may think that it is normal to feel dizzi and disbalanced after waking up but it is definitely not normal and these are subtle signs of an impending stroke. The difference between the commonly known stroke type and a wake-up stroke is that the onset of symptoms may happen during the day, right after your night’s sleep and there is a big chance you may ignore it thinking that it is normal.

What Are The 10 Symptoms Of Wake-Up Stroke?

The symptoms of wake-up stroke are very similar to that of other types of stroke that we have common knowledge of. Let’s take a look:

1. Difficulty while speaking
2. Weakness in the face
3. Facial drooping
4. Weakness or numbness in the legs and arms
5. Sudden headache which is very severe
6. Confusion
7. Sudden feeling of weakness if one particular side of the body
8. May face difficulty understanding someone or even speaking
9. Problems in vision
10. High blood pressure and high cholesterol

Note that factors like cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and smoking can increase the risk of this type of stroke and this can especially happen more among older women.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not vetted by a health expert. Please consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms of if you feel any type of physical discomfort that is out of the ordinary. Symptoms of strokes, if not observed and take note of can be fatal in some severe cases.