A recent study by experts from Lund University in Sweden has suggested a potential link between tattoos — regardless of size — and cancer.

There has been a global rise in the popularity of tattoos in recent times more than they were a couple of decades ago. Tattoos are now considered more socially acceptable, with several people wearing them, especially in the entertainment space.

But in the study — published in eClinicalMedicine — researchers found a 21% increased risk of lymphoma in tattooed individuals compared to those without tattoos.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a network crucial to the immune system that fights infection.

The research states that the concern lies with potentially carcinogenic chemicals in some tattoo inks. When injected, the body perceives them as foreign, triggering a low-grade inflammation that might contribute to cancer development.

The study included 11,905 people — 2,938 of whom had lymphoma and were between ages 20 and 60.

They were then given a questionnaire about lifestyle factors to see if they were tattooed or not. 1,398 participants answered the questionnaire, while the number of people in the control group was 4,193.

In the group with lymphoma, 21 percent were tattooed (289 individuals), while 18 percent were tattooed in the control group without a lymphoma diagnosis (735 individuals).

“After taking into account other relevant factors, such as smoking and age, we found that the risk of developing lymphoma was 21 percent higher among those who were tattooed,” said Christel Nielsen, the researcher who led the study.

“It is important to remember that lymphoma is a rare disease and that our results apply at the group level. The results now need to be verified and investigated further in other studies and such research is ongoing.”

The study found no connection between tattoo size and cancer risk.

“We do not yet know why this was the case. One can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger cancer. The picture is thus more complex than we initially thought,” Nielsen said.

The researchers said they will now examine whether or not there is a link between tattoos and other forms of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

“People will likely want to continue to express their identity through tattoos, and therefore it is very important that we as a society can make sure that it is safe,” he added.

“For the individual, it is good to know that tattoos can affect your health, and that you should turn to your health care provider if you experience symptoms that you believe could be related to your tattoo.”

Bed bugs are tiny, elusive pests known for their ability to hide in small crevices and feed on human blood.

They thrive in warm environments and conceal themselves in places like mattresses, bed frames, and furniture, making them difficult to eliminate.

Bed bug bites can cause discomfort, redness, and itching, so it’s crucial to get rid of them promptly. While chemical treatments are effective, many people prefer natural methods to avoid potential health risks.

Here are some natural methods that can help you get rid of bed bugs.

• Sunlight

Bed bugs are vulnerable to high temperatures, so sunlight can be an effective natural method to help reduce their infestations.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bed bugs die when their body temperatures reach 45°C (113°F); so expose them to sun heat.

Place infested items outside in direct sunlight for several hours. Spread them out to maximize exposure. The longer the exposure, the better the chances of killing bedbugs and their eggs.

For big items like mattresses or cushions, ensure all sides are exposed to the sun by rotating them periodically.

Also, after exposure, thoroughly inspect the items for any remaining signs of bed bugs and use a vacuum to remove any dead bugs or eggs.

• Encasement

Mattress and box spring encasements are another way to get rid of bed bugs, according to the EPA.

These mattress encasements are special bed bug covers that help trap and starve bed bugs. They also prevent bed bugs from getting to you while sleeping and infesting other areas.

For effective results, leave the encasement on for a year and ensure it has been tested for bed bugs and is strong enough.

• Hot water

Bed bugs cannot survive high temperatures so hot water is an effective natural method for killing bed bugs and their eggs.

For washable items, wash them in hot water or tumble dry for 30 minutes. According to a study, a 30-minute hot temperature wash can kill all stages of bed bugs.

For non-washable fabrics or areas, use a steam cleaner with a hot water setting to kill bed bugs.

• Declutter

Decluttering is crucial in eliminating bed bugs. Bed bugs can conceal themselves in piles of clothing, stacks of books, and other clutter, making it difficult to locate and treat them effectively. So reducing clutter in your home will help minimize the number of hiding spots for bed bugs and make it easier to detect and address infestations. Aside from decluttering, you should also do vacuuming consistently. Focus on vacuuming crevices, seams, and edges where bedbugs are likely to hide. With decluttering and vacuuming, you need to be consistent and thorough.

Do you drink a glass of water before bed? Here’s what’s happening:

Daily hydration is very important for the proper functioning of our body.

We are reminded to drink water by phone applications, magic bottles and glasses placed in every possible corner of the house.

Some of us drink the last glass of water right before going to bed. Is it good idea? Experts explain when it’s best to drink the last glass of water of the day.

• Drinking water right before bed can disrupt your natural sleep cycle and make you wake up more often during the night.
• A glass of water taken two hours before falling asleep will ensure optimal hydration during sleep.

Is drinking water before bed healthy?

Drinking water before bed is to ensure proper hydration at night. However, scientists point out that drinking water before bed is not always healthy.

The idea is that when we drink one or two glasses of water right before going to bed, we can disrupt our natural sleep cycle. Why? At night, the need to urinate is reduced, allowing us to sleep for six to eight hours straight.

Drinking before bed can make us wake up at night to go to the toilet.

Disturbed sleep patterns can adversely affect heart health and also increase the risk of high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels.

Sleep disorders specialist, Jessica Vensel Rundo explains in an interview with Cleveland Clinic that it is generally not recommended to drink a lot of water before bed, but a small amount is fine. He also adds that you should drink the last glass of water of the day two hours before going to bed . This also applies to other drinks.

Benefits of drinking water before bed

“Developing the habit of drinking water before bed can help people reach their daily fluid limit,” notes dietitian Lauren Manaker in an interview with eatingwell.com.

According to research, water deficiency can negatively impact your overall sleep-wake cycle. A 2014 study tested 52 people who habitually drank a lot (22 people) or a little (30 people) of fluids. It turns out that for people who normally drank a lot of water, limiting their water intake was associated with an increase in anxiety and a decrease in positive emotions, compared to when they could drink as much water as usual.

People with low fluid intake showed an increase in positive emotions, satisfaction and calmness when they started consuming more water.

In addition, drinking water, especially warm water, is one of the natural ways to help cleanse the body and improve digestion.

Drinking warm water before bed will ensure optimal hydration throughout the night and will also help get rid of excess toxins (when sweating). Warm water can also relieve stomach pain and cramps.

It is important to drink adequate amounts of water during the day so as not to dehydrate the body. If we drink water before going to bed, it is worth drinking the last glass no later than two hours before falling asleep.