Health News - Page 20
World Stroke Day: Why every minute counts when the brain is under attack
Stroke remains one of the most serious health emergencies that can strike anywhere, anytime and to anyone. When blood flow to the brain is interrupted, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, survivors experience long-term challenges such as paralysis, speech problems, or cognitive difficulties. Read here
Is taking one long walk better for you than several short ones?
A major study finds that a single, uninterrupted 15-minute walk may do more for heart health and longevity than several shorter walks totalling the same steps. Tracking over 33,000 adults for nearly a decade, researchers found markedly lower heart disease and death rates among those walking in longer bouts
Shreyas Iyer injury: What is spleen laceration? How dangerous can it be?
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer suffered an ‘impact injury’ to his left rib cage during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on Saturday (October 25), with scans revealing a laceration injury to the spleen. Reports say the mishap could have been fatal since it caused internal bleeding. While still in the hospital, Iyer is now out of danger
Is a new non-hormonal pill the answer to hot flashes in menopausal women?
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug that could ease menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Developed by drug manufacturer Bayer, this non-hormonal medication can be an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapies for managing vasomotor symptoms. Here’s how it could be a godsend pill for menopausal women
President Murmu inaugurates Yashoda Medicity, calls for quality and inclusive healthcare for all
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said that healthcare is an integral part of national development, and no citizen should be deprived of effective medical services.
Sound therapy: How music can ease pain from surgery and illness
Most of us have believed that painkillers are the only way to reduce pain after a major surgery or illness. Now, scientists have figured that listening to music can reduce the illusion of pain. In UC San Diego Health, Nurse Rod Salaysay takes the help of his guitar and ukulele to make patients feel better
Polio-free but not risk-free: How cuts to polio surveillance could impact India’s disease preparedness
Eleven years after India was declared polio-free, doctors warn against the gradual closure of the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN). Experts say continued monitoring is crucial to prevent the re-emergence of wild and vaccine-derived poliovirus, especially as neighbouring countries report new cases.
Dr explains: What a silent stroke is and how it can affect your brain over time
The dangers of silent strokes—covert brain injuries that can impair memory, cognition and coordination. Firstpost brings out expert view on early detection through MRI scans, regular health checks and lifestyle changes that can help prevent long-term neurological damage.
Can the ‘military sleep method’ help you fall asleep in 2 mins?
The military sleep method, as the name suggests, is meant to help military personnel prime their body for sleep, regardless of the environment. While it is a catchy way to package healthy sleep techniques, in practice, it’s a blend of tools already grounded in sleep science: relaxation, breathing, and visualisation. How useful is it for those struggling to fall asleep?
Rethinking doctor count: The story of a WHO 'norm' that it never prescribed
WHO has denied ever recommending a 1:1,000 doctor-population ratio, warning that workforce planning should reflect national health needs
Poop cameras are the new health fad. Are they simply a waste?
Bathroom brand Kohler has unveiled a smart toilet camera that actually analyses what you flush. Called Dekoda, the smart device uses sensors and AI to study your waste and offer health insights such as your hydration levels and your gut health. The tracker costs Rs 55,722 (approx USD 599)
Doctor says short squat breaks beat long walks for better health
Apollo neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar says short bursts of movement, like doing ten squats every 45 minutes, can be more effective than a single long walk in managing blood sugar and improving heart health for people who sit for long hours.
Going bonkers over boba? Why you shouldn’t be drinking bubble tea every day
Who doesn’t love bursting those bubbles while drinking boba tea? However, a new study may make you rethink your obsession. High levels of lead have been found in some of America’s bubble tea products
Air pollution-linked dementia kills 625,000 a year, 29% of such deaths: Study
The study indicates that fine particulate matter and other air pollutants are not only devastating lung and cardiovascular health but are also accelerating neurodegenerative diseases like dementia on a massive scale
India goes digital to track cough syrup ingredients after child deaths
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed regulators and manufacturers to register in the Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS) portal for real-time monitoring of solvent batches
Measles outbreak in US: Utah and Arizona hardest hit with over 100 known cases
Over 100 measles cases surge in Utah and Arizona as declining vaccination rates and exemptions spark concerns over the return of this once-eliminated virus.
mRNA Covid vaccines may boost cancer survival: Study
People with advanced skin and lung cancers who received mRNA Covid-19 vaccines within 100 days of starting immunotherapy lived nearly twice as long as people who did not get vaccinated within this time, according to a study.
Ditch gyms: Why bodyweight training is all you need to stay fit
Every now and then, we promise ourselves to focus on fitness. However, not all of us can take out time to pay the hefty fees to go to the gym. From push-ups to squats, bodyweight training has become a popular way of exercise that can be done anywhere and is free
Confused which cooking oil is healthier? Here's why you should pay attention to its origin
Many food products list only 'vegetable oil' without specifying type or origin and sustainability labels are inconsistent and easily manipulated. So how do you choose the best option? A greater ingredient transparency, accurate information about its source and production holds the answer
Dr explains: What is trigeminal neuralgia and why it’s called the most painful condition in medicine
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that causes sudden, electric shock-like facial pain, often triggered by the lightest touch or simple movements. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s insights into its causes, symptoms, available treatments and strategies to help patients manage the condition.
What is the connection between Angelina Jolie and prostate cancer?
A new study reveals that men with a mutation to the BRCA genes, often known as the ‘Angelina Jolie’ gene because the Hollywood star discovered that she carried the mutation, are at double the risk of developing prostate cancer. Also, tumours tend to be more aggressive in men with the faulty gene
KBC kid controversy: What is the six-pocket syndrome that everyone’s talking about?
Ishit Bhatt, a 10-year-old contestant on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17, sparked controversy after his short appearance on the quiz show. Many felt the boy's tone was snarky and disrespectful towards the host, Amitabh Bachchan. His behaviour has now triggered a wider discussion on what many experts call the ‘six-pocket syndrome’ in children
Johnson & Johnson sued in UK: Thousands claim baby powder linked to cancer risk
The lawsuit involves complaints by 3,000 people, internal memos, and scientific reports that claim that baby talcum contains traces of asbestos, a known cause of cancer
World Spine Day | What is ‘tech neck’ and why it’s emerging as a major workplace health risk
As screen time surges worldwide, doctors warn of “tech neck”, a posture-related spine disorder caused by excessive phone and laptop use. Experts explain symptoms, prevention, and why this modern ailment demands early attention and awareness.
How Vitamin D deficiency is undermining India’s health and what policymakers can do
ICRIER highlights that one in five Indians are vitamin D deficient and submits a national roadmap, urging Centre and Delhi government to launch a joint ‘Vitamin D Kuposhan Mukt Bharat’ mission to improve public health outcomes.
Why your post-workout protein shake might be doing more harm than good
A report by Consumer Reports, a American non-profit that tests consumer products, found that most protein powders and shakes, including plant-based options, contain high levels of heavy metals. In some cases, a single serving exceeded the safe daily limit for lead, with a few products showing levels more than 10 times higher than recommended. So, are your protein supplements safe?
How a deadly flu outbreak is making Japan sick
Japan faces a nationwide epidemic, with over 4,000 people hospitalised with influenza. The outbreak has already forced hundreds of schools to shut down and left hospitals overwhelmed with patients. This year, the flu season has arrived almost five weeks early, sparking concerns about the evolving virus
How your urine could reveal if you are at risk of dementia
A new study reveals that higher concentrations of a specific protein in urine could be a predictor for developing dementia. This finding is significant as it opens exciting possibilities for prevention of the brain disorder
Are women more prone to depression?
A project led by Australia's Berghofer Medical Research Institute saw scientists review the DNA of almost 200,000 people with depression to discover shared genetic markers. This is what they found about depression when it comes to men, women and genetics
Dr explains: Why some cough syrups can be dangerous for children and what parents need to know
As concerns over contaminated cough syrups resurface, experts warn that certain formulations can be toxic for children, explaining how harmful ingredients like diethylene glycol damage vital organs and what parents must do. Firstpost brings out why certain syrups pose serious risks, how harmful ingredients like diethylene glycol damage vital organs, and the precautions parents must take.