A recent survey has raised concerns across Delhi-NCR, revealing that over 56% of households have reported Covid-like symptoms in recent weeks. While this may sound alarming, health experts say the situation is largely under control and does not currently indicate a severe outbreak.

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What the Survey Found

According to a survey by LocalCircles:

• 56% of households reported symptoms
• Common symptoms include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
• Children are also experiencing:
  • Mild fever
  • Cold
  • Reduced appetite

These symptoms closely resemble those seen in COVID-19, which is why concern has grown.

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What’s Causing the Spike?

According to Dr Vamshi V, Consultant in Internal Medicine, the rise is not unusual for this time of year.

Key Reasons:

• Seasonal viral infections
• Weather transitions
• Increased awareness and testing
• Circulation of multiple mild viruses

👉 In simple terms:
Not every Covid-like symptom means Covid itself.

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Are We Heading Towards Another Wave?

Experts currently say no strong evidence suggests a severe Covid wave.

Most cases are:

• Mild
• Self-limiting
• Recovering within a few days

However, vigilance is still important, especially for vulnerable groups.

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Symptoms to Watch Out For

While most cases are mild, keep an eye on:

• Persistent high fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe fatigue
• Chest discomfort

If these symptoms appear or worsen, medical attention is necessary.

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Precautions You Should Still Follow 😷

Even if the situation is not alarming, basic precautions remain crucial:

✔️ Daily Safety Measures:

• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid crowded places if unwell
• Wear masks in high-risk settings (hospitals, public transport)
• Maintain respiratory hygiene

👶 For Children:

• Ensure proper hydration
• Provide balanced nutrition
• Keep them home if symptomatic

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Avoid This Common Mistake

One of the biggest concerns doctors highlight is self-medication.

Taking medicines without proper guidance can:

• Mask symptoms
• Delay diagnosis
• Lead to complications

👉 Always consult a doctor if:

• Symptoms persist beyond a few days
• Condition worsens
• You belong to a high-risk group

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Who Needs to Be Extra Careful?

Certain groups should remain more vigilant:

• Elderly individuals
• Children
• People with chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart disease, lung issues)

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Final Take

While the rise in Covid-like symptoms across Delhi-NCR may seem concerning, experts emphasise awareness over panic.

What you eat today may not show immediate effects—but over time, your daily food choices quietly shape your long-term health. From heart disease to metabolic disorders and even cancer risk, diet plays a powerful and often underestimated role.

That’s exactly what Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified heart surgeon with over 25 years of experience, recently highlighted. In a candid discussion, he pointed out four commonly consumed foods and drinks that, when overused, may increase long-term health risks.

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The 4 Foods to Watch Closely

1. Alcohol 🍷

Topping the list, alcohol is widely accepted socially—but that doesn’t make it harmless.

Excessive or regular intake is linked to:

• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Increased risk of certain cancers
• Heart rhythm issues

Even moderate consumption, when frequent, can gradually impact cardiovascular health.

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2. Processed Meats 🥓

Foods like sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats are convenient—but come with hidden risks.

They often contain:

• High sodium
• Preservatives like nitrates
• Saturated fats

Regular consumption has been associated with:

• Heart disease
• Increased cancer risk (especially colorectal cancer)

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3. Sugary Drinks 🥤

Soft drinks, packaged juices, and energy drinks are a major concern.

As Dr London explains, they provide “empty calories”—meaning:

• High sugar content
• Little to no nutritional value
• Poor satiety (you don’t feel full)

This makes it easy to overconsume calories, contributing to:

• Weight gain
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Fatty liver issues

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4. Saturated Fats 🍔

Commonly found in:

• Fatty cuts of meat
• Butter
• Full-fat dairy products

While not inherently “bad,” excessive intake can:

• Raise LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Increase risk of Heart Disease
• Contribute to arterial plaque buildup

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Why These Foods Are Risky Over Time

The key issue isn’t occasional consumption—it’s frequency and quantity.

When these foods become a regular part of your diet, they can:

• Trigger chronic inflammation
• Affect blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Increase long-term disease risk

These changes happen gradually, often without obvious early symptoms.

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The 80/20 Rule: A Practical Approach

Interestingly, Dr Jeremy London does not advocate extreme dieting.

Instead, he follows a realistic principle:

👉 Eat healthy 80% of the time

This approach:

• Reduces stress around food
• Encourages consistency
• Makes healthy eating sustainable

Rather than eliminating foods completely, the goal is to avoid making unhealthy options the foundation of your diet.

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A Smarter Way to Eat for Longevity

Focus More On:

• Whole foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Lean proteins
• Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil)

Limit:

• Ultra-processed foods
• Excess sugar
• Frequent alcohol intake

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The Bigger Message

One of the most powerful takeaways shared by Dr London is simple:

It’s not about perfection. It’s about awareness, balance, and consistency over time.

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Final Take

Your diet doesn’t need to be flawless—but it does need to be mindful.

Small, repeated choices—what you drink, snack on, or eat daily—can either:

Skincare trends often promise universal results—but climate can change everything. One such trend making waves is skin cycling, a routine praised for balancing effectiveness with skin safety. But in a country like India, where summer brings intense heat, humidity, and sweat, the big question is: does skin cycling still work, or does it need adaptation?

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What Is Skin Cycling?

According to dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor, skin cycling is a structured skincare routine designed to maximise benefits while minimising irritation.

The Standard 4-Night Cycle:

1. Night 1 – Exfoliation:
   Use chemical exfoliants (AHAs/BHAs) to remove dead skin cells
2. Night 2 – Retinoid:
   Apply retinol or prescription retinoids for skin renewal
3. Night 3 & 4 – Recovery:
   Focus on hydration and barrier repair

The idea is simple: use powerful actives, then give your skin time to heal.

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Why Indian Summers Change the Game ☀️

Indian summers are not skincare-friendly. The combination of:

• High humidity
• Excess sweating
• Increased oil (sebum) production
• Strong UV exposure

puts your skin in a constantly stressed state.

This can lead to:

• Acne flare-ups
• Fungal infections
• Heat rashes
• Compromised skin barrier

In such conditions, blindly following global skincare trends can backfire.

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The Biggest Mistake People Make

The most common issue? Overusing active ingredients without adjusting for the weather.

Using strong exfoliants and retinoids in hot, humid conditions can:

• Strip the skin barrier
• Increase sensitivity
• Trigger redness, irritation, or breakouts

What feels like a “skincare upgrade” may actually result in long-term damage.

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How to Adapt Skin Cycling for Indian Summers

The good news: you don’t need to abandon skin cycling—you just need to modify it smartly.

1. Switch to Lightweight Hydration

Replace heavy creams with:

• Gel-based moisturisers
• Water-light, non-comedogenic formulas
• Products with ceramides for barrier repair

This prevents clogged pores while keeping skin hydrated.

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2. Increase Recovery Nights

Instead of the usual 2 recovery nights:

• Go for 3 recovery nights, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin

This gives your skin more time to heal in stressful weather conditions.

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3. Be Gentle with Actives

• Use milder exfoliants
• Reduce frequency if irritation occurs
• Avoid combining multiple strong actives

Less is more during summer.

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4. Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable 🧴

After exfoliation or retinoid use, your skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight.

Always:

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher
• Reapply every 2–3 hours if outdoors

Skipping sunscreen can lead to hyperpigmentation and sun damage.

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5. Listen to Your Skin

Skin is not static—it changes with:

• Weather
• Diet
• Hormones
• Lifestyle

If you notice irritation, burning, or breakouts:
👉 Pause actives and focus on recovery.

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Is Skin Cycling Worth It in Summer?

Yes—but only if customised.

Skin cycling remains one of the most balanced skincare approaches, but its success in Indian summers depends on:

• Personal skin type
• Climate conditions
• Product strength
• Consistency and moderation

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Final Take

Trends may go viral, but skincare is never one-size-fits-all.

As Dr Rinky Kapoor highlights, your routine should always reflect your environment and your skin’s needs—not just what’s trending online.

In Indian summers, the smartest skincare move isn’t following trends blindly—it’s adapting them wisely.