Health News - Page 18
Ozempic, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, launched in India: How effective is it?
Ozempic has come to India after a long-awaited approved or type 2 diabetes. The blockbuster drug by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has taken the world by storm due to its weight-loss benefits. But how does it help with weight management? Are there side effects?
TEER therapy helps revive Iraqi patient with 15% heart function and multi-organ failure
A critically ill 58-year-old Iraqi patient with just 15% heart function and multi-organ failure recovered after a high-risk double TEER valve repair, avoiding a heart transplant through advanced minimally invasive intervention.
This UK hospital bans hand-washing, removes sinks — it’s to protect people from infections
Wexham Park Hospital leads the UK’s first “water-safe” overhaul, removing sinks from wards to combat rising antimicrobial-resistant infections and rethinking everything clinicians know about hygiene
Super virus cases surge in UK, NHS facing ‘worst case scenario’
The UK’s National Health Service faces record hospital admissions as a highly contagious H3N2 “super flu” surges, compounded by staff shortages and strikes, prompting urgent calls for vaccination and responsible healthcare use.
Can eggs cause cancer? Viral claim by Indian doctor is sparking concern
In the last few days, social media has been buzzing with a worrying claim: that eggs, especially those sold by the brand Eggoz, may contain banned chemicals, such as nitrofuran and nitroimidazole, that could cause cancer. Orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Manan Vora, also expressed concern about the supplier. The egg brand, however, maintained that its product remains safe and compliant with Indian regulations
What is glioblastoma that led to ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ author Sophie Kinsella’s death?
Sophie Kinsella, author of the ‘Shopaholic’ series, died at the age of 55 after battling glioblastoma. It is considered the deadliest and fastest-growing brain tumour. Kinsella was diagnosed with cancer in 2022
How many energy drinks are too many? A man suffered a stroke after 8
A man in his 50s, otherwise fit and healthy, was rushed to hospital as he suffered a stroke after he consumed as many as eight energy drinks every day. The incident has pushed doctors to warn about heart risks associated with energy drinks. Medical experts push for stricter rules and awareness on marketing and the consumption of these beverages
How the West takes away foreign-trained doctors from developing nations
Nearly 25 per cent of doctors across OECD nations, which include the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, among others, were born abroad, while 20 per cent trained outside their destination countries. Now, Canada is opening 5,000 new residency nomination spots and notes that 13,000 internationally trained physicians are not working in their field. Australia may require 13,000 additional doctors by 2026
Man unexpectedly cured of HIV in Berlin — have scientists found a new way to treat Aids?
A seventh person has been 'cured' of the HIV through a stem cell transplant. But the treatment can only be used for people with fatal cancers as it is very risky to be attempted in people without fatal diseases.
Is there a case for not treating some cancers?
Even as incidence of several types of cancers is rising, death rate does not always rise, and that has led several specialists to explore whether all cancer diagnoses need treatments — and whether treatments in some cases can do more harm than good.
What's the new treatment that can reverse incurable blood cancer?
Scientists have used a new type of gene therapy to cure leukaemia patients. The treatment, which uses edited immune cells from donors, is giving hope to millions of people around the world who have had to live with incurable cancers
Is social media damaging your child’s ability to focus?
A new long-term research, tracking over 8,300 children in the US, has found a clear link between social media use and the rise in inattention symptoms between ages 10 and 14. While TV viewing and video games did not affect concentration, apps like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat were associated with declining focus
Japan turns to AI, robot caregivers to tackle dementia crisis
The government now considers dementia one of its most urgent policy challenges. The Health Ministry projects that dementia-related health and social care costs will reach 14 trillion yen by 2030, up from nine trillion yen in 2025
Experts call for continued surveillance as WHO flags rising malaria risk in India
India is making steady progress toward its malaria-reduction goals, but the latest WHO report shows the country continues to bear the highest malaria burden in the South-East Asia Region. Doctors warn that weak surveillance, delayed testing and late treatment are undermining control efforts despite the wider availability of improved prevention and diagnostic tools.
Over 2 lakh young Indians seek help for stress, burnout and emotional distress, finds study
Mpower’s five-year review shows over 2 lakh young Indian men face rising mental health challenges, with Pune and Mumbai leading engagement. Early support brings immediate relief, reducing stigma.
Can kimchi really boost your immune system?
A new study suggests Korea’s iconic fermented dish, kimchi, may do more than enrich the gut — it could strengthen the immune system. Researchers tracking overweight adults for 12 weeks found that daily kimchi powder boosted the activity of antigen-presenting cells and helped T cells
Can smog cause vitamin D deficiency? Experts warn of bone health risks as winter pollution blocks UVB
Toxic winter smog is now emerging as a major driver of vitamin D deficiency, with new evidence showing that pollution blocks UVB rays essential for bone health. Experts warn that Delhi-NCR faces a heightened risk as reduced sunlight, indoor living and heavy clothing create a “triple barrier” to vitamin D absorption.
Struggling with weight? A new hormone-based treatment may offer women hope against obesity
India’s obesity crisis is colliding with a transformative moment in treatment, as GLP-1 therapies and a key court ruling on semaglutide signal major shifts in medical access, affordability and long-term disease management.
Rich nations have been gatekeeping Ozempic-like weight-loss drugs. WHO wants it to end
In new treatment guidelines published this week, the WHO issued a “conditional recommendation” for GLP-1 medicines—including Wegovy, Ozempic and Mounjaro—to be used alongside healthier diets, physical activity and medical supervision
HIV is no longer a death sentence but social & behavioural challenges remain
HIV remains a life-changing diagnosis, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) and progressive policies have transformed it from a death sentence into a manageable condition that allows a person with HIV to have a near-normal lifespan and quality of life. But social and behavioural challenges remain.
World AIDS Day: India at a crossroads as rising youth infections challenge gains in HIV control
As World AIDS Day draws global focus to the continuing battle against HIV/AIDS, recent data and expert insights reveal a twofold story emerging across India. Read here
Ignored male infertility is driving couples into unnecessary IVF, experts say
Leading causes of male infertility, such as a condition called varicocele—where enlarged veins in the scrotum raise temperature and impair sperm production—are often treatable, sometimes with simple surgery or lifestyle changes
Dinner Table Conversation: Why eating earlier may help you during winter
For most people, eating an early dinner in winter is beneficial. It enhances blood sugar control, energy use, fat burning, and digestion. Earlier meals can also help improve one's mood
Dr explains: Why skipping eye checks could cost you your sight if you're diabetic
India’s soaring diabetes burden is fuelling a silent surge in diabetic retinopathy. Firstpost brings out a doctor's perspective on rising risks, screening gaps and the urgent need for stronger policy action.
Is Trump cancelling World Aids Day in the US?
US President Donald Trump has halted all official recognition of World Aids Day for the first time in over three decades, directing State Department staff and grantees to avoid public messaging or events tied to the global observance. The move raises concerns about America’s future role in the global HIV/Aids response
India can’t fight AMR without rethinking antibiotic use in maternal and postnatal care, say experts
Antibiotic misuse among pregnant and postnatal women is driving antimicrobial resistance, weakening maternal–infant health outcomes and shrinking treatment options. Experts warn India’s high, unregulated consumption urgently demands stricter stewardship and public awareness.
Is ChatGPT pushing people to suicide? Here's why it's not your therapist
Gen Z increasingly turns to ChatGPT for mental health support, but tragic cases like Zane Shamblin and Adam Raine highlight AI's dangers. Experts urge real therapists for true healing.
After Australia, Deloitte’s AI scandal in Canada: A global consulting crisis in the making?
Concerns over AI use in public-sector consulting have increased after Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador uncovered unverifiable citations in a $1.6 million Deloitte health workforce report. The revelation mirrors a recent Deloitte scandal in Australia, raising questions about the growing risks of AI-generated material influencing major government decisions
What is autophagy? Sonali Bendre claims it helped in cancer recovery
Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2018, sparked a row by crediting autophagy as being part of her 'healing process'. But what is autophagy? Can it help cancer patients?
Delhi air gets more toxic from Ethiopia volcano ash. How harmful can it be?
The volcanic ash from the eruption of a long-dormant volcano in Ethiopia reached parts of India on Monday, entering Delhi last night. Experts warn that this volcanic ash, which is made up of pieces of broken rock, minerals and volcanic glass, could further worsen the city’s already toxic air. Volcano ash and gases can also impact human health. Here’s how