college
Maximize your university experience with these tips for all things collegiate–how to achieve a perfect GPA, select the right major, finance your college education and more.
Text therapy: study finds couples who use emojis in text messages feel closer
Using emojis in text messages enhances connection and fun in close personal relationships, US study finds The secret to a good relationship may be staring smartphone users in the face.
By SHYAKA MARSabout a year ago in Education
Stop counting sheep – and 13 more no-nonsense tips for getting back to sleep
Don’t count sheep Bad news for that old favourite, counting sheep. “It has been studied and it doesn’t work,” says Dr Eidn Mahmoudzadeh, a Manchester GP and co-founder of The Sleep Project, which offers support for sleeplessness at all ages. “It is too simple and mundane; people don’t carry on, they just get bored and their thoughts wander to worrying about sleep.” Counterintuitively, you should go for something more mentally challenging, he says, to distract the brain.
By SHYAKA MARSabout a year ago in Education
Rising Heart Attacks in Young Men: What’s Really Going On?. AI-Generated.
Rising Heart Attacks in Young Men: A Silent Alarm It’s the kind of thing that used to be rare—something you’d hear about happening to someone’s uncle in his 60s or 70s. But today, the story is different. Young men in their 20s and 30s are being rushed to emergency rooms with symptoms of heart attacks. And it’s not just a few isolated cases. It’s becoming a worrying trend all over the world. I still remember when a close friend of mine—just 29—collapsed during a morning jog. Fit, full of life, and with no major health history. That moment changed everything for him… and honestly, for all of us who knew him. It forced us to ask a serious question: how can someone so young have a heart attack? The Shift We Can’t Ignore Heart disease has always been among the top causes of death globally. But for decades, the focus was mostly on older people. Now, that narrative is changing. Health data from multiple countries show a sharp rise in heart attacks among young adults, particularly men. Hospitals are reporting more emergency cases involving men between 25 and 40 years old. In some cases, these men had no family history, no obvious signs of illness, and no reason to expect something so serious. That’s what makes this trend even more alarming. But there’s no mystery here. This rise is being fueled by real-life issues—many of them connected to the way we live today. What’s Causing Heart Attacks in Young Men? Let’s break down the main causes behind this growing health crisis. Some may surprise you, while others might feel uncomfortably familiar. 1. Chronic Stress and Mental Pressure Modern life is stressful—especially for young men. There’s constant pressure to “succeed,” to earn more, to look strong, to act like everything’s fine. Social media only adds fuel to the fire, showing perfect lives and making you feel like you’re falling behind. But stress isn’t just emotional. When it lingers, it affects your physical body. It increases cortisol (the stress hormone), raises your blood pressure, and inflames your blood vessels. Over time, this wears down your heart. I've seen this firsthand. During my university days, I had friends who were working full-time, studying, supporting their families, and trying to stay “strong” for everyone. They rarely talked about stress—but it showed up in the form of constant fatigue, headaches, and even panic attacks. 2. Unhealthy Eating Habits The convenience of fast food has made it a daily choice for many. Burgers, fries, energy drinks, processed snacks—it’s all quick and cheap. But it’s slowly damaging the heart. High intake of trans fats, sugars, and sodium leads to high cholesterol, clogged arteries, and increased blood pressure. These are the perfect conditions for a heart attack. I’ll admit, I’ve had weeks where I barely ate any fresh food. Between deadlines and late nights, junk food was easier. But looking back, I now understand that those choices, if made regularly, can cost you years of your life. 3. Smoking and Vaping It’s not just cigarettes anymore. Vaping and hookahs are trending, especially among young people. While they may look less harmful, the truth is: nicotine in any form damages the heart. It tightens blood vessels, limits oxygen, and increases the risk of clot formation. Even “occasional” use adds up. What’s worse is that many young men think vaping is “safe” or “just a phase.” But the damage doesn’t wait. It builds silently. 4. Lack of Physical Activity Let’s face it—our lives have become more digital and less physical. Most of us spend 8–10 hours a day sitting, whether for work or entertainment. After that, we move from the desk to the couch, often with our phones in hand. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest hidden causes of heart issues. It leads to weight gain, poor blood circulation, weak muscles, and an increased risk of diabetes and hypertension—all of which impact heart health. Just 30 minutes of daily movement—like walking, stretching, or cycling—can improve your heart function drastically. I started a routine of walking after dinner, and not only did it help my body, but it also cleared my mind. 5. Ignoring the Warning Signs Most young men don’t take symptoms seriously. Feeling tired? “Just stress.” A tight chest? “Probably gas.” Shortness of breath? “I’m just out of shape.” But these can be early signs of a heart issue. And ignoring them can be deadly. This mindset—that young people don’t get heart attacks—is dangerous. If you feel unusual fatigue, dizziness, pain in the chest, arm, or jaw, or rapid heartbeat—don’t wait. Get checked. 6. Genetics and Family History Of course, family history matters. If your father or uncle had heart problems early in life, your risk goes up. But genes aren’t fate. They’re just part of the puzzle. Lifestyle choices can either trigger or prevent the worst-case scenario. If you know you have a family history, it’s even more important to make healthier choices early. How Can We Prevent It? The good news? This isn’t hopeless. Most of the factors leading to early heart attacks can be controlled or changed with awareness and effort. Here’s how: ✅ 1. Improve Your Diet Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut down on deep-fried and processed foods. Drink more water. It may sound basic, but it works. Even just swapping soda for water and adding a serving of vegetables a day can start to turn your health around. 🏃 2. Move Daily You don’t need an expensive gym membership. A simple walk, bike ride, or home workout is enough. The goal is to keep your blood flowing and muscles active. 🧘 3. Manage Stress Talk about your feelings. Take breaks. Try breathing exercises or meditation. Mental health is real, and ignoring it can damage your physical health too. 🛏️ 4. Prioritize Sleep Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep every night. Lack of sleep increases blood pressure, weight gain, and inflammation—all harmful to the heart. 🚫 5. Quit Smoking & Limit Vaping It’s never too late to stop. The body starts healing as soon as you quit. Even reducing use can lower your risk significantly. 🩺 6. Get Regular Checkups Even if you feel fine, annual health checks can catch early warning signs before they become serious problems. Final Words: Take Your Heart Seriously Being young doesn’t make you invincible. Your heart doesn’t care if you’re 25 or 45—it reacts to how you treat it. Don’t wait for a scary moment to make a change. Start now. Talk to your friends, your family, your doctor. Share stories, ask questions, and build habits that will protect you for life. Your heart is with you every second of the day. It’s time you gave it the care and attention it truly deserves.
By Sherooz khanabout a year ago in Education
The Silent Rise: Understanding the Increasing Rate of Cancer in People. AI-Generated.
Just a few decades ago, cancer was something most people only whispered about. It was rare in our communities and mostly associated with older age. But today, things have changed dramatically. Almost every family has a story—someone’s uncle, cousin, sister, or friend battling cancer. The disease, once distant and mysterious, is now heartbreakingly familiar. As cases rise globally, the question isn’t just why this is happening but also what can we do about it. Cancer is no longer just a health concern. It’s a deeply personal and emotional issue that’s shaping how we live, eat, work, and care for one another. A Modern Disease? Not Quite. But It’s Growing Fast. Cancer isn’t new. It’s been around for centuries. But the rate at which it’s increasing today is alarming. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is now one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It’s expected that by 2040, the number of new cancer cases per year will rise to over 29 million. This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people, real families, and real pain. So, what’s changed? Why does it feel like more people—especially younger individuals—are being diagnosed than ever before? Our Environment Is Part of the Problem Modern life comes with convenience, but it also brings hidden dangers. Our environment has drastically changed in the last 50 years. We’re exposed to more chemicals, pollutants, and artificial substances than any generation before us. Pesticides in our fruits and vegetables, preservatives in packaged food, air pollution from traffic and factories, and plastic toxins in our water bottles—these aren’t just environmental issues. They’re health issues. Studies have shown strong links between these factors and increased risks of cancers like lung, breast, colon, and skin cancer. I remember once visiting a friend in a small rural village. They lived near a factory that released smoke daily. Over the years, more than a dozen people from their community were diagnosed with cancer. Some were farmers, others were children. It made me realize how deeply our surroundings affect our health—often in ways we don’t fully see until it’s too late. The Lifestyle Link: What We Eat, How We Live Our eating habits have also transformed. Home-cooked meals made with natural ingredients are becoming rare, replaced by processed foods, sugary drinks, and takeaways. These dietary changes are strongly linked to several types of cancer, particularly colon, stomach, and liver cancers. I’ll admit, I was guilty of this too. Fast food was my go-to after work, and I rarely paid attention to labels or ingredients. But when a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s, everything changed. Her doctors believed her high-sugar, low-fiber diet, combined with stress and lack of exercise, contributed to her condition. It was a wake-up call—not just for her, but for all of us around her. Since then, I’ve made conscious changes. More vegetables, fewer processed items. I started cooking more at home, walking daily, and drinking more water. It wasn’t easy, but I realized prevention isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. The Stress Factor: A Hidden Enemy One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough is stress. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, affects sleep, and increases inflammation in the body—all of which can contribute to cancer. We live in a world of deadlines, digital distractions, and constant pressure to do more, be more, and achieve more. But our minds and bodies aren’t designed for nonstop tension. I used to brush off stress as just “part of adult life.” But over time, I saw how it silently affects health. Not just mine, but everyone around me. High blood pressure, anxiety, poor sleep—all signs of a system under strain. Mental health is physical health. And learning to manage stress—whether through prayer, meditation, therapy, or simply spending time in nature—is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Genetics vs. Environment: What Really Causes Cancer? It’s true that genetics play a role in cancer. Some people are more likely to develop certain cancers because of inherited genes. But here’s something important: only about 5–10% of cancers are purely genetic. The rest are linked to environmental and lifestyle factors. That means we can take steps to reduce our risk. We may not control our genes, but we do have a say in how we live our lives. Regular checkups, early screenings, and awareness of family history are important. But so is drinking clean water, avoiding tobacco, using natural products, and getting enough rest. Emotional Impact: What Cancer Does Beyond the Body Cancer isn’t just a physical illness—it’s an emotional journey. The fear, uncertainty, and pain it brings are unimaginable unless you’ve lived it or watched someone you love go through it. I still remember the trembling voice of my cousin when she got her diagnosis. The waiting. The hospital visits. The sleepless nights. But I also remember the strength. The prayers. The small victories. The way everyone rallied around her with meals, hugs, and hope. That’s the other side of cancer—the way it brings people together and reminds us what truly matters. Can We Prevent Cancer? Some, Yes. Others, We Fight Early. Not all cancers are preventable, but many are. According to the American Cancer Society, at least 40% of cancers could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes like: Avoiding tobacco Eating a healthy diet Staying physically active Limiting alcohol Protecting skin from the sun Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals Early detection also saves lives. Many cancers, if caught early, can be treated successfully. That’s why awareness and education are so important. Final Words: What We Can Do Together The rising number of cancer cases isn’t just a statistic. It’s a story unfolding around us—one that involves real people with dreams, families, and futures. We need to speak more openly about it. Share our experiences. Encourage healthier living. Support those in treatment. And demand cleaner, safer environments for ourselves and future generations. If cancer has taught me anything, it’s that life is fragile. Every moment matters. And while we may not be able to stop every case, we can certainly fight for a world where fewer people suffer—and more people survive. Let’s live smarter, love deeper, and take care of ourselves and each other.
By Sherooz khanabout a year ago in Education
The Gift of Gratitude
There was a time when I woke up each day feeling like I was walking through a fog. I had a job that paid the bills, a small apartment in a quiet neighborhood, and friends who occasionally checked in. By all outward appearances, life was fine—but internally, I was adrift. I was constantly chasing what I didn’t have: a better job, a bigger home, more recognition. I compared myself to others on social media, and each scroll left me emptier than before. Everything changed one rainy afternoon when I stumbled upon an old journal in the back of my closet. Flipping through the pages, I found an entry from years ago where I had listed ten things I was grateful for. Simple things: my mother’s cooking, a warm shower, the smell of rain. I couldn’t remember the last time I had paused to be thankful for anything. That night, I sat down with a blank notebook and wrote just one sentence: “Today, I’m grateful that I made it home safely.” It felt small, even silly. But I committed to doing it every night—one thing I was thankful for. In the beginning, my entries were basic. “Grateful for coffee.” “Grateful the bus was on time.” But as days turned into weeks, something strange began to happen. My perspective started shifting. I began noticing moments I would’ve otherwise ignored: a kind smile from a stranger, a funny message from a friend, the way sunlight filtered through my window in the morning. Instead of focusing on what was missing, I started appreciating what was already present. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was training my brain to see the good. Studies show that consistent gratitude practice can rewire the brain, improving mood, sleep, and overall well-being. I was living proof of that transformation. One particular moment solidified the power of gratitude for me. A few months into my practice, I lost a close friend in a car accident. The grief was overwhelming. The pain came in waves—sometimes dull, sometimes sharp enough to knock the air from my lungs. I stopped journaling. I didn’t feel grateful. I felt broken. But then I remembered a quote I’d once read: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” I returned to my notebook, tears streaming down my face, and wrote: “I’m grateful for every memory we shared.”It didn’t erase the pain, but it reminded me of the love that had existed, the laughter, the support. Instead of being swallowed by loss, I was cradled by the gratitude of having experienced a beautiful friendship. From then on, gratitude became my anchor. When work got stressful, I’d write: “Grateful for the chance to grow.”When I faced rejection, I’d write: “Grateful for lessons learned.” Even on days when everything seemed to go wrong, I could still find something—a sunset, a breath, a heartbeat—to appreciate. Over time, that practice reshaped not only my mindset but my relationships. I started expressing gratitude out loud—to my parents, my colleagues, my friends. I noticed how powerful it was to simply say, “Thank you. I appreciate you.” Those small words opened hearts and deepened connections. Eventually, I began sharing my journey online. I created a gratitude journal template and invited others to join me. To my surprise, hundreds of people resonated. Some wrote daily, others weekly, but all felt the shift. Gratitude was no longer just my story—it became a shared experience.Today, my life isn’t perfect, but it is peaceful. Gratitude didn’t change my circumstances; it changed me. It made me more present, more hopeful, more kind. I learned that happiness doesn’t come from having more, but from recognizing what we already have. If you’re feeling stuck, lost, or just overwhelmed by life, start small. One sentence. One moment. One heartbeat. Let that be your gift to yourself. Because gratitude, when practiced genuinely, has the power to heal, connect, and transform. It did for me. It can for you, too.
By Current affairs about a year ago in Education
The Gift of Gratitude
There was a time when I woke up each day feeling like I was walking through a fog. I had a job that paid the bills, a small apartment in a quiet neighborhood, and friends who occasionally checked in. By all outward appearances, life was fine—but internally, I was adrift. I was constantly chasing what I didn’t have: a better job, a bigger home, more recognition. I compared myself to others on social media, and each scroll left me emptier than before. Everything changed one rainy afternoon when I stumbled upon an old journal in the back of my closet. Flipping through the pages, I found an entry from years ago where I had listed ten things I was grateful for. Simple things: my mother’s cooking, a warm shower, the smell of rain. I couldn’t remember the last time I had paused to be thankful for anything. That night, I sat down with a blank notebook and wrote just one sentence: “Today, I’m grateful that I made it home safely.” It felt small, even silly. But I committed to doing it every night—one thing I was thankful for. In the beginning, my entries were basic. “Grateful for coffee.” “Grateful the bus was on time.” But as days turned into weeks, something strange began to happen. My perspective started shifting. I began noticing moments I would’ve otherwise ignored: a kind smile from a stranger, a funny message from a friend, the way sunlight filtered through my window in the morning. Instead of focusing on what was missing, I started appreciating what was already present. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was training my brain to see the good. Studies show that consistent gratitude practice can rewire the brain, improving mood, sleep, and overall well-being. I was living proof of that transformation. One particular moment solidified the power of gratitude for me. A few months into my practice, I lost a close friend in a car accident. The grief was overwhelming. The pain came in waves—sometimes dull, sometimes sharp enough to knock the air from my lungs. I stopped journaling. I didn’t feel grateful. I felt broken. But then I remembered a quote I’d once read: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” I returned to my notebook, tears streaming down my face, and wrote: “I’m grateful for every memory we shared.”It didn’t erase the pain, but it reminded me of the love that had existed, the laughter, the support. Instead of being swallowed by loss, I was cradled by the gratitude of having experienced a beautiful friendship. From then on, gratitude became my anchor. When work got stressful, I’d write: “Grateful for the chance to grow.”When I faced rejection, I’d write: “Grateful for lessons learned.” Even on days when everything seemed to go wrong, I could still find something—a sunset, a breath, a heartbeat—to appreciate. Over time, that practice reshaped not only my mindset but my relationships. I started expressing gratitude out loud—to my parents, my colleagues, my friends. I noticed how powerful it was to simply say, “Thank you. I appreciate you.” Those small words opened hearts and deepened connections. Eventually, I began sharing my journey online. I created a gratitude journal template and invited others to join me. To my surprise, hundreds of people resonated. Some wrote daily, others weekly, but all felt the shift. Gratitude was no longer just my story—it became a shared experience.Today, my life isn’t perfect, but it is peaceful. Gratitude didn’t change my circumstances; it changed me. It made me more present, more hopeful, more kind. I learned that happiness doesn’t come from having more, but from recognizing what we already have. If you’re feeling stuck, lost, or just overwhelmed by life, start small. One sentence. One moment. One heartbeat. Let that be your gift to yourself. Because gratitude, when practiced genuinely, has the power to heal, connect, and transform. It did for me. It can for you, too.
By Current affairs about a year ago in Education
A Beginner’s Guide to Cybersecurity Companies: What They Do and Why They Matt
Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever Think of the internet as a massive digital city. Every time you shop online, use email, or log into a social media account, you're moving through that city. Now imagine that city is filled with pickpockets, spies, and criminals.
By Tech Thrilledabout a year ago in Education
How to Research Online for Writing a Brilliant Essay?
Essays are the most common types of assignments for any student. It doesn’t matter what subject they’re studying. If it is theoretical, they can be given an essay to write on it. However, many students often underestimate it. In addition, they think of it as easy but boring. But it is definitely not so.
By Carrie smithabout a year ago in Education
Why Every Student Needs a Study Abroad Consultant Today
Studying abroad is a transformative journey that offers students unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, the path to international education is filled with complexities, from selecting the right university to navigating visa processes. For students in Dehradun, study abroad consultants in Dehradun play a pivotal role in simplifying this journey, providing expert guidance and personalized support.
By Sameer Ranaabout a year ago in Education
How Dissertation Help Improves Your Academic Performance
Completing a dissertation is one of the most challenging academic tasks a student can undertake. It requires rigorous research, structured writing, critical thinking, and time management. Many students, due to time constraints or lack of experience, find this process overwhelming. This is where Dissertation Help comes in — a support system designed to ease the pressure and enhance your academic performance.
By Ellis Jonesabout a year ago in Education











