Health News - Page 17
2025’s global health polycrisis: Climate, contagion and the limits of our defences
One of the defining public health stories of 2025 was the return of diseases once thought to be under control. As the world moved beyond the immediate trauma of COVID-19, it found itself facing a “polycrisis” of resurgent pathogens, climate-driven emergencies and a deepening mental health burden
The silent crisis: 50% of humanity is resistant to antibiotics, who's to blame?
Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a looming risk but a structural failure in global health systems. As infections outpace medicines, gaps in policy, surveillance and stewardship are being dangerously exposed.
Tatiana Schlossberg, JFK’s granddaughter, dies at 35. What is acute myeloid leukaemia?
Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former US president John F Kennedy, died after battling with acute myeloid leukaemia. It is a rare and aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The former journalist was diagnosed in May 2024, after giving birth to her second child
Are you tired of celebrations this holiday season? You may have social jet lag
Many of us have experienced jet lag after a holiday. But did you know you can have social jet lag as well? This happens when one becomes tired due to celebrating and entertaining during the holiday season. Experts say social jet lag can leave the body’s circadian rhythm in tatters
Do you drink water from plastic bottles? Here’s why you should ditch them
People who drink bottled water every day ingest 90,000 more microplastic particles per year than people who drink tap water, according to a new study. Lead author Sarah Sajedi warns that plastic bottles should be used only in an emergency and not every day
From hot baths to pickle juice: 7 things science revealed about health and wellness in 2025
Several scientific studies conducted in 2025 have revealed interesting facts about common health and wellness practices. From beetroot juice to collagen, here are 7 wellness myths that were put under the scanner in 2025 and what the evidence really says.
Are you taking an overdose of antibiotics? ICMR backs PM Modi's call amid rising drug resistance
In the 129th episode of Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against using antimicrobial resistance, urging Indians to stop self-medicating with antibiotics. ICMR Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl echoed the Prime Minister’s concerns, signalling the gravity of the situation.
Pause the reels: Are short-form videos fuelling addiction in children?
Today, short-form content is everywhere, even on Netflix. While they are running as a constant background noise in most adults' lives, these seconds-long videos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are especially harmful for children
Doctor explains: Why winter raises the risk of dry eye, blepharitis and UV damage
Dry-eye symptoms often intensify in winter as low humidity, cold winds, increased screen exposure and dehydration destabilise the tear film. Firstpost brings out expert insights to identify who is most at risk and how to safeguard eye health during colder months.
A pill a day to keep obesity away?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a nod to a pill version of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. The drug, which uses the active ingredient semaglutide, has to be taken daily on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. It is the first oral version of a GLP-1 drug that will hit the market for weight loss. But does it work?
Can Delhi’s toxic air make menstrual cramps more painful?
Delhi's polluted air has been forcing people to wince with every breath. It’s known that deteriorating air quality impacts lung and respiratory health, but a study says that the effect is beyond. Several findings show a higher risk of painful menstruation in smog-heavy cities. So, is Delhi's ‘hazardous’ air quality worsening your period pain?
Sleep-deprived driving causes rare World War-era ‘aviator’s fracture’ in young man
A 21-year-old man narrowly survived a severe early-morning car crash, sustaining a rare injury once seen only in World War I aircraft accidents. Fatigued from a late night, he reportedly dozed off at the wheel, causing his vehicle to collide with a tree. Read here
Why festive binge drinking poses higher health risks than regular alcohol use
As the world prepares to ring in the New Year, the festive spirit is often measured by the glass. However, global health authorities and medical experts are issuing a sobering warning: the "celebratory binge" is far from harmless. Read here
Explained: The science behind headaches and how to prevent them
Headaches are complicated, with researchers still trying to learn what causes them. However, studies show that the head pain that someone suffers is a sign that the body is under some stress
Beyond the scale: Why young Indians are developing diabetes and fatty liver earlier than ever
Rising metabolic disorders in India are fuelled by genetic predisposition, rapid lifestyle changes and hidden risk factors. Experts believe that early metabolic testing, comprehensive biomarker panels and vigilant monitoring of GLP-1 therapies can help prevent diabetes, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disease.
A second chance at life: NHS to trial revolutionary treatment for end-stage liver disease
The National Health Service (NHS) has greenlit a major trial for a "game-changing" device that acts like a dialysis machine, but for your liver
'Misleading': Eggs don't cause cancer, FSSAI debunks claim
Some videos and posts circulated on social media claiming the eggs that we eat daily can cause cancer, addressing these concerns, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has claimed that these posts are misleading and eggs do not cause cancer.
Heatwaves, cold and pollution: How climate change fuels risk of heart attacks
Rising temperatures, extreme cold, worsening air pollution and climate-related stress are increasing heart attack risk, especially for the elderly and people with heart conditions, say cardiology experts. Read here
Why air pollution is no longer just a lung issue but a brain health crisis
Long-term exposure to air pollution is linked to higher dementia and Alzheimer’s risk. Experts explain how fine particles affect brain health, accelerate cognitive decline, and steps to reduce neurological risks in polluted regions.
Doctor explains: How pollution and cold weather are worsening respiratory infections
Viral flu cases are rising across north India this winter. Firstpost brings out experts' views on how air pollution, cold weather, and weakened lung defences are driving infections, who faces the highest risk and how vaccination can help.
'No conclusive data' directly linking high AQI to lung diseases: Govt tells parliament
The government of India told the country's parliament on Thursday that there is "no conclusive data" establishing a direct link between a higher Air Quality Index (AQI) and lung diseases.
Swearing boosts performance, helps you 'go for a little more': Study
Swearing can help people push harder during physical tasks by lowering inhibitions and boosting confidence, researchers say, challenging long-held views about taboo language.
Will ‘super flu’ steal Christmas? Mutated H3N2 virus hits US, Canada after UK
A mutated version of the influenza A (H3N2) strain dubbed ‘subclade K’ is spreading in the US and Canada after the UK. Some are calling it the ‘super flu’. How deadly is this variant, which is sending people to hospitals this holiday season?
Why cervical cancer remains one of India’s deadliest yet preventable killers
Cervical cancer kills nearly 80,000 women in India each year. Most cases are detected late, and low awareness, limited screening and low HPV vaccination leave the disease largely preventable.
Posture correctors to lumbar belts: Home-based musculoskeletal care gains ground
Rising lifestyle-related pain is transforming household wellness, with preventive orthopedic and mobility aids gaining ground in India as experts warn of growing musculoskeletal risks among youth and ageing populations.
How bone marrow transplants are transforming treatment of rare blood diseases
Once seen as a last resort, bone marrow transplantation is now being viewed as a potential cure for several rare blood disorders. What has changed and why doctors say early referral can make all the difference. Read here
WHO explores how AI could bring science to traditional healing
The three-day conference is looking at how governments can more effectively regulate traditional medicine, while using new scientific tools to determine which treatments are safe, effective and suitable for inclusion in modern healthcare systems.
Dr explains: How toxic air and low vaccination rates are fuelling India’s H3N2 surge
Public health experts say the current wave of H3N2 influenza is being fuelled not just by colder temperatures but by a complex mix of environmental stressors, immunity gaps following the Covid-19 pandemic, low influenza vaccination uptake and sustained exposure to hazardous air pollution.
FDA weighs 'black box' warning for Covid-19 vaccines amid safety debate
The FDA is planning its strongest safety alert for Covid-19 vaccines as debates over risks, including myocarditis in young males, intensify, according to a report
US approves first device to treat depression at home. Here’s how it works
In a first, the US FDA has approved a device that allows you to treat depression at home. The headset delivers a mild electric current to the part of the brain that is known to regulate mood