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Shoaib Ibrahim shares an update on Dipika Kakar’s health (Photo: Dipika Kakar/Instagram)After a whole week, Shoaib Ibrahim took to his YouTube vlog to share an update on the health of actor and wife Dipika Kakar amid treatment for the ongoing cyst recurrence. “MRI me iss bar phir se chote chote spots nikle hai” (MRI has detected two tiny dots). Dipika was by his side. “But they are very tiny,” he said. Doctors said that it wouldn’t make sense. This will become a regular procedure when we repeat the scan after a few months…we will need to do close scans.” Shoaib continued, “Those were so small that a CT scanner couldn’t even detect them…since MRI was sensitive, they were visible.” Close scans are necessary so that if anything recurs it can be treated easily. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. During the vlog Dipika said: “We need to perform an MRI every single month.” We have been told that it is a much safer scan than other scans. There are no side-effects on the body. I have been preparing myself mentally for it. “Many doctors have recommended it. She has to go to the hospital…it will be a 4-5 hour process. Here’s what doctors told Dipika Kakar. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock). “MRI is a sensitive test and can detect changes which may not be visible on a CT scan. When doctors say that they are too small to act upon, they mean they are not large enough or clear enough to confirm an active disease or to require immediate treatment,” explained Dr Pandrowala. Story continues below this adIn these cases, the expert stressed that size and clarity are important. “Acting on small findings can lead to unnecessary procedures.” Doctors prefer to monitor closely with repeated scans. This allows doctors to track whether the spots change or grow over time, before deciding on the next step. If there is a slight increase, the treatment can be adjusted immediately. This approach allows timely intervention while avoiding overtreatment.”Should patients be worried about these findings?It is natural to feel anxious, but very small findings do not always mean active disease, described Dr Pandrowala. “The focus should remain on regular follow-ups and completing the treatment as prescribed, while maintaining overall strength. Shoaib Ibrahim says wife Dipika Kakar’s latest blood test reports are normal, doctor has asked her to eat fresh food”Starting it even when the disease burden is low can improve control and reduce the chance of progression. It is usually given in cycles and may take a few hours per session in a hospital setting,” said Dr Pandrowala.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Hardik Pandya shows his Pilates strength (Photo: Hardik Pandya/Instagram; Yasmin Karachiwala/Instagram Stories)Trainer Yasmin Karachiwala recently shared a glimpse of Hardik Pandya doing Pilates on the reformer. This article is based upon information that was obtained from public sources and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Goyal said that the kind of strength Pilates requires is deep, internal and brutally honest. Hardik is working here on core control, muscle coordination, and stability. “Pilates does not just target your visible abs, it activates deeper core muscles that support posture, overall movement, and your spine. Goyal shared that even elite athletes incorporate it into their routine. The biggest shock for men is how Pilates exposes their weak points. “Tight hips and poor balance, a weak lower back and lack of flexibility… all this is revealed within minutes.” Since the movements are controlled and slow, you cannot cheat to get more reps,” Goyal added. Unlike high-impact routines or heavy weight-lifting, Pilates emphasizes controlled movement and alignment. Over time, it strengthens deep muscles in the back and pelvis. It also helps improve posture, correct movement, and reduces compensatory stress which aggravates pain. From a fitness and performance perspective, Pilates improves flexibility, reduces injury risks, and enhances performances. ‘Stretching your body is the gold standard for longevity’ says Preity Zinta as she uses a Pilates reformerSo, Pilates is not easy. “It is just a different type of hard. This article is based upon information that was obtained from public sources and/or experts we spoke with. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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A Quora user asked recently, “What are some of the risks associated with taking high-dose Vitamin D supplements over a long period of time?” It is a valid question, particularly in India, where vitamin deficiency and self-supplementation are common. We spoke with Dr Vyankatesh Shivne, Consultant Endocrinologist and Metabolic Doctor, Department of Endocrinology at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, and Dr Vimal Phuja, Assistant Director, Internal Medicine and Metabolic physician, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, to clear up the confusion. DISCLAIMER : This article was based on public information and/or experts we spoke to. What is a “high dosage” and what is toxic? Vitamin D is often called the Sunshine Vitamin because it is abundant in sunlight. “India, despite being a sunny nation, is a country where most people are either Vitamin D deficient or insufficient,” says Dr Pahuja. “Normally, a Vitamin D level more than 30ng/mL would be considered a sufficient amount, as this level stabilizes the Parathyroid hormone without harming the bones.” He explains that Vitamin D levels above 100-150ng/mL can be harmful to the body. At these levels, more calcium will be excreted into the urine and this can lead to kidney stones. “Vitamin D supplements exceeding 50,000 IU daily for several weeks are toxic,” he says. According to Dr Shivane: “In India, vitamin D deficiencies are widespread, but excessive supplementation is a new concern.” The optimal serum 25(OHD)D range for bone and muscle health is 20-40ng/mL. Testing is recommended before starting supplements. Since vitamin D is fat soluble, toxicity can develop slowly and manifest as nausea, thirst and confusion. It is not always the situation, but some patients continue to take daily supplements instead of weekly. ‘How can someone differentiate between normal dehydration and the excessive thirst associated with diabetes?’How long can one safely take high-dose vitamin D?”One should take Vitamin D supplements only as per their Doctor’s advice. “Do not take these supplements longer than prescribed,” says Dr Pahuja. “One should check and confirm these levels at the earliest. In some cases, concomitant tests of Blood Calcium and Phosphorous are required to detect excess calcium in the blood.”Story continues below this adHow often should vitamin D levels be tested? It is important to confirm these levels as soon as possible. In some cases, concomitant blood tests for calcium and phosphorus are needed to detect excess calcium in the body. The sun should be able to reach the maximum surface area of the body, such as both hands below elbows and both legs below knees. It is advised not to apply sunscreen or lotions on these parts to get maximum benefit of sunlight.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Kriti Sanon revealed recently that she had never before in her life gone on a low-calorie diet. Cocktail 2 also stars Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Manndanna, and other celebrities. “Cocktail is the only time I’ve been on a very rigid diet and consistent exercise. It was the first diet I had ever done. She told Sophie Choudry on the Famously Fit with Sophie show that she couldn’t imagine being in Italy with pizza and pasta. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. Dt Amreen Sheikh is the chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals in Thane. She said that a calorie surplus, where you eat fewer calories than what your body burns, was a key principle for weight loss. When done correctly, it is effective and sustainable. How you create the deficit is important. Extreme restrictions may lead to fatigue, hormonal imbalances and even muscle loss. She said that a well-planned calorie surplus should be moderate, nutritionally suited to the individual’s lifestyle, and tailored to their energy needs, rather than being overly restricting. “People often drastically reduce their calorie intake without considering the nutrient content. It is not a good idea to skip meals, cut out entire food groups, such as carbohydrates, or follow fads. Inconsistency is another common mistake. Being very strict for a brief time and then reverting to old habits can be a common mistake. This can slow down the metabolism and complicate weight management over time. “Hydration, sleep and stress management, which are often overlooked, are important for overall outcomes,” said Sheikh. A calorie-deficient dietary plan may not work for everyone (Photo: Freepik). It means making conscious choices most of the times. In situations where tempting foods are readily available, portion control is crucial. By consuming a small amount of your favourite dish rather than avoiding it entirely, you can prevent feeling deprived. Consistency can be achieved by planning meals, having healthy snacks available, and following a regular schedule. Namita Thapar says she develops a ‘food baby’ on eating toor dal khichdi instead of moong: ‘Pouch under your…’Sustainable weight loss isn’t about restriction; it’s about building a healthy relationship with food, where enjoyment and nutrition go hand in hand.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Aerial roots on an Amazonian River. There is something deeply humbling about entering a forest that predates the human civilisation. These are not just a few trees, but ecosystems that have survived ice age, tectonic changes, and the rise and falls of empires. There are a few ancient forests that still stand on different continents. They offer travellers the chance to walk back in time. Daintree RainforestThis is the oldest rainforest on Earth, estimated to be 180 million years old. Its biodiversity is astounding, with primitive plants dating back to dinosaur age. Borneo Lowland Rainforest

This forest, which spans Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, is approximately 130 million years old. Orangutans, pygmy elephans and other animals live in this ecosystem. Taman Negara

Visitors can explore canopy walks and dense jungle trails in this pristine ecosystem. Visitors can explore dense jungle trails and canopy walks in this pristine eco-system. A farm on an island within the Ganges Delta, Sunderban area)a (Photo by Freepik4) Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is the oldest on the list, but it is also the most biodiverse. Yakushima Forest

This magical forest is home to ancient cedars, some of which are over 7,000-years-old, and they’re covered in moss, mist, and a mystical atmosphere that inspired films such as Princess Mononoke. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

This rugged forest, which is home to some of the oldest trees on Earth (over 5,000 years), is a testament to its resilience in extreme climates. Story continues below this advertisement7. Caspian Hyrcanian Forests

These ancient forests are ecological relics. They date back to 25-50 million years ago and once covered most of the Northern Hemisphere. Reunion National Park

The Western Ghats are a unique ancient eco-system. Western Ghats

Dense evergreen stretches of Kerala and Karnataka are among the richest eco-zones, with rare wildlife, medicinal plant species, and unique flora that is found nowhere else on Earth.

What is forest bathing?Story continues below this ad10. Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

The mangrove ecosystem, while younger in geological terms, is older in evolutionary terms. The Sunderbans, one of the oldest mangrove forest in the world is a rare, living, shifting forest that has been shaped by the tides.