Latest news with #thrush
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Warning over nasty infections that trigger horror itching and affect millions in the hot weather
AS the UK weathers up for another scorching weekend, a GP has a warned of a rise in nasty infections triggering itching, soreness and discharge. "While we might enjoy the warmer weather, your vagina might not be best pleased," GP Dr Nisa Aslam warned. "That's because vaginal infections such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are more common during hotter temperatures," the advisor to PrecisionBiotics told Sun Health. Thrush is a common yeast infection that happens when there's an overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus. As for BV, this is a vaginal infection that occurs when normal bacteria that live in your vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance Dr Aslam said: "Around 1.2 million women in the UK suffer from thrush - with 75 per cent of women developing thrush at least once in their lifetime. "Up to 50 per cent of women suffer from BV. "Both BV and thrush can be incredibly uncomfortable," according to the GP. But research from PrecisionBiotics found that up to 76 per cent of women suffer with the infections in silence, feeling too uncomfortable to open up about their vaginal health concerns. 'If you're concerned that you might have developed thrush or BV, there are a few tell-tale signs," Dr Aslam said. Both can cause irritation such as itching, however thrush often comes with a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, sometimes with a mild, yeasty smell, whereas BV typically involves a thin, watery, grey or white discharge and a fishy smell. "If these are left untreated, they can continue to cause irritation. Cheap hacks to stay cool this summer "BV can also increase your risk of contracting STIs, so it's worth booking an appointment with your GP if you experience symptoms.' Dr Aslam explained what causes thrush and BV in the first place. 'These common problems are caused by vaginal dysbiosis, a disruption of the vaginal microbiome, the delicate balance of good bacteria that helps maintain a healthy pH level and protect against infections. "Dysbiosis is more likely to occur in hot, sweaty conditions," the GP explained, which is why warmer weather can be a major trigger. "It can result in an overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria and/or yeast, so it's important to do what we can to maintain the good bacteria.' But there are ways you can protect your vaginal health as the weather heats up over the weekend - soaring to 34C in some parts of the UK. 1. Breathable clothing 'Avoiding tight clothing is vital," Dr Aslam stressed. "Cool, breathable clothes help avoid sweat from building up - sweat creates a warm, moist environment, providing the perfect conditions for yeast and bacteria to thrive. "This can then lead to infections such as thrush. "The same applies for wet swimsuits; change as soon as possible to keep your vaginal area dry." 2 2. Minimise booze It not just about what you wear - what you drink can up your risk of infections too. Booze might seem like the perfect pairing for hot weather, but it may it leave with lingering consequences that don't include hangovers. 'Alcohol has been linked to a higher risk of BV as it changes the balance of the microbiome," Dr Aslam explained. "So if possible keep alcohol to a minimum and make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water. "Dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness which can affect the pH balance of the microbiome." 3. Snack smart It's also worth paying attention to what you're eating. 'Refined foods high in sugar and saturated fat are also associated with a higher risk of BV," according to the GP. "Think pastries, cakes, crisps and processed meats. "Instead, tuck into a primary whole food, high fibre diet filled with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats." 4. Try supplements You could also give supplements a go, Dr Aslam suggested. 'We can support our microbiome with the correct strain of probiotic bacteria – as certain probiotic lactobacilli strains have been shown to be an effective strategy for maintaining vaginal health," she said.
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
This botanical illustrator is charting the endemic and endangered species of the Western Ghats, one brushstroke at a time
At the intersection of art and science, lies the realm of botanical illustration. For Suresh Ragavan, a bird artist, who has served as a botanical illustrator at the Botanical Survey of India for over 33 years, this realm has not only been a source of his bread and butter, but inspiration too that kept fuelling his passion for Nature. This passion has now translated into a solo exhibition — titled, Brushstrokes of Endemic Echoes — of his creations, 157 of which adorn the Kadambari Art Gallery, DakshinaChitra Museum, Chennai. 'A botanical illustrator faces many challenges, both artistic and scientific. One of the biggest is achieving scientific accuracy — even the tiniest mistake in a leaf shape or petal count can lead to rejections from botanists. Getting final approval often means multiple rounds of corrections, especially when working on species with minute differences, like male and female plants or visually similar varieties,' explains Suresh, about the nitty-gritty of his artistic endeavours. 'Capturing microscopic details like ovary shape, stamen arrangement, or leaf venation requires intense focus and sometimes working under a microscope. There's also the challenge of interpreting incomplete or wilted specimens collected from the field. Above all, patience and precision are constant companions in this demanding, but rewarding work' he adds. A graduate of the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai (1988), Suresh began his professional journey, driven by a mission to use art as a tool for conservation. In doing so, he has documented and painted a vast array of species, including wild animals, orchids, butterflies, and especially birds. He has studied and illustrated over 157 endangered bird species, ensuring that each anatomical feature — beak, feet, feather pattern, body posture, and even minute sexual dimorphisms between males and females — is faithfully represented. 'In total, I have nearly 550 paintings. This exhibition only showcases endangered birds in the Western Ghats that I have documented over the years. The list of endemic birds featured at the exhibition includes Pallas's fish eagle, mangrove pitta, Nilgiri thrush, Vigors's sunbird, great hornbill, Nilgiri Chilappan, flame-throated bulbul, Malabar grey hornbill and black-and-orange flycatcher,' he adds. The spectrum of botanical illustrators spans a colourful trajectory. Encyclopaedia Britannica cites classical pharmacologist, artist, and physician to Mithradates VI, king of Pontus (120–63 BC) Crateuas's drawings as the earliest known botanical illustrations. In India, the earliest form of botanical art traces its roots to depictions on early archaeological sites and in ancient manuscripts. This sphere of art flourishes even today, despite the convenience of high-end cameras and mobile phones. Why, though? 'Despite all the fancy cameras, a botanical illustrator captures what the lens often misses — clarity, emotion, and essence. Cameras can distort colours or miss tiny structures hidden in shadows, while the brush highlights them with precision. Illustrations unify multiple views — flower, fruit, leaf, dissection — into one clear visual story. There's a sensitivity in hand-drawn art that breathes life into the subject. The paintbrush doesn't just record a plant — it interprets it,' says Suresh. True to his words, Suresh's work stands out for its scientific accuracy and sensitivity to detail. He uses water colours on paper as his medium of expression. His illustrations have been widely acknowledged in academic papers, conservation reports, exhibitions, and they serve as visual records of species that are increasingly threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human encroachment. Many of his paintings focus on endemic and endangered species of the Western Ghats and India, highlighting their fragile existence and the urgent need for their protection. On display at Kadambari Art Gallery, DakshinaChitra Museum, Chennai, till June 2; 10am to 6pm; weekends till 7pm. Entry is included with regular museum admission (closed on Tuesdays).
