Omakase, a Japanese concept meaning "I leave it to you," is transforming Delhi's bar scene. Patrons fill forms with preferences like gin-based, sweet-and-sour drinks, and mixologists create bespoke cocktails, such as vodka infused with amla murabba or Parle-G biscuit flavors. This surprise element, rooted in trust, appeals to those weary of choices, offering personalized experiences at bars like Call Me Ten and PCO. It extends from traditional sushi meals to experimental Indian dining, blending global trends with local tastes in cocktail culture.

A long-term study in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds younger males (starting around age 35) develop cardiovascular disease risk, particularly coronary heart disease, about 7-10 years earlier than females. Analyzing over 5,100 adults tracked for three decades, males reached 5% CVD incidence seven years sooner, driven by heart disease rather than stroke or heart failure. Factors include hormonal differences, visceral fat accumulation, and behavioral patterns like delayed screening. Experts recommend earlier prevention starting in young adulthood with lifestyle changes and regular check-ups to address risks before symptoms appear.

A large UK study published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that allopurinol and other urate-lowering therapies for gout significantly reduce heart attack and stroke risk when serum urate levels drop below 360 micromol/L (ideally <300 micromol/L). Analyzing nearly 110,000 gout patients, those achieving target levels showed higher five-year survival and fewer major cardiovascular events. Experts attribute benefits to reduced inflammation from dissolved urate crystals. Gout affects 12 million US adults, with risks rising post-flares. The findings reinforce treat-to-target dosing for dual gout and heart protection, though observational data limits causality proof. Long-term adherence is encouraged despite patient reluctance.

Country music star Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) revealed testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as a key factor in his weight loss, having low levels equivalent to a preteen boy. Combined with nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes, TRT helped him lose significant weight. Experts explain TRT restores levels to 600-900 ng/dl improving energy, metabolism, muscle mass, and fat loss when paired with healthy habits. About 50% of obese men have low testosterone. Benefits include better body composition and motivation; risks involve side effects if levels exceed normal. TRT is not a standalone weight loss drug and requires monitoring. Jelly Roll plans lifelong therapy.

A new study models the growing burden of frailty among adults aged 40+ with virally suppressed HIV in the USA (estimated 522,000 people), projecting significant health and economic impacts. Nearly half are prefrail or frail, with average age 56. Remaining life expectancy is over 20 years, but around 12 spent with prefrailty/frailty and 10 falls per person. National scaled burdens include millions of life-years and QALYs lost, plus billions in healthcare costs from frailty and falls. The study urges systematic identification, prevention, and treatment of prefrailty, frailty, and falls in routine HIV care through assessments, exercise, bone health, and medication reviews to maintain independence and quality of life.

Excess body weight is a key modifiable risk factor for breast cancer in women, especially post-menopause, with research indicating 20-30% higher risk for obese individuals due to higher estrogen production from fat tissue, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance. Maintaining healthy weight through diet and exercise can reduce this preventable risk by up to 40%. Experts urge awareness, regular screening, and healthy habits to counter rising cases linked to global obesity trends.

Chronic stress frequently triggers or worsens back pain by causing prolonged muscle tension, shallow breathing, and poor sleep patterns that create a self-reinforcing cycle. Emotional pressures from work, relationships, or anxiety tighten muscles in the neck, shoulders, and lower back, reducing flexibility and irritating spinal structures. The pain is physical but often rooted in mental triggers. Experts recommend holistic approaches combining movement, yoga, meditation, and counselling with physiotherapy or minimally invasive procedures like radiofrequency ablation to break the cycle.

Three districts in India—Murshidabad and Nadia in West Bengal, and Karimnagar in Telangana—have caesarean delivery rates exceeding 90% in private hospitals, according to NFHS data, far above the WHO's recommended 10-15% range. These hotspots persisted from 2016 to 2021 despite a slight national decline in public facilities and rise in private ones. Experts point to infrastructure gaps, socio-cultural preferences for "auspicious" dates, and urban pressures driving unnecessary surgeries that increase maternal risks in low- and middle-income countries.