Health News - Page 23
Get dirty: How gardening is a good stress-buster
Research suggests 20 to 30 minutes of gardening a few times a week can reduce stress and lift mood, with benefits increasing the more regularly one gardens. Digging the dirt also strengthens social connections, and increases fibre intake, which helps reduce risk factors for some physical and mental illnesses, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancer
Is intermittent fasting increasing the risk of heart attacks?
A new study, published in the journal Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, links intermittent fasting to a 135 per cent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes. While researchers say more long-term study is needed to know for sure, they have cautioned against the one-size-fits-all approach to fasting
How safe are sleep gummies for kids? Here's what sleep researcher says
Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that makes us feel sleepy, is used to treat sleep-related issues. Amid a rise in reports of non-fatal overdoses of melatonin gummies in Western Australia, a sleep researcher looks at their safety.
Dr explains: Why 60% of liver cancers are preventable and how early action can save lives
Liver cancer, sixth in incidence and fourth in deaths globally, is mostly preventable. Rising cases are linked to MASLD, obesity and diabetes. Firstpost brings out experts’ view on the growing burden, the importance of early detection, and how lifestyle changes, better surveillance and newer therapies can help reduce its toll.
Was CDC director Susan Monarez fired for opposing RFK Jr's vaccine policy?
Susan Monarez’s tenure as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director ended abruptly less than a month after she was sworn in. The White House announced her removal, while her lawyers insist she was neither fired nor resigned. Her ouster, driven by clashes over Robert F Kennedy Jr’s vaccine policies, triggered the resignations of several top CDC officials
How heatwaves are making people age faster
Heatwaves are no longer just short-lived threats. New research reveals that repeated exposure to extreme heat accelerates biological ageing, with effects comparable to smoking or alcohol. Outdoor workers and rural residents are most vulnerable, while rising global temperatures mean billions could face long-term health consequences
Do you get safe drinking water? UN says 25% don’t have access to it
In 2024, 89 countries had universal access to at least basic drinking water, of which 31 had universal access to safely managed services
What is the flesh-eating screwworm parasite detected in a person in the US for the first time?
The first US human case of screwworm was found in Maryland, raising fresh alarm among authorities. The infected person is a traveller who had recently visited Central America, where an outbreak of the parasite has been spreading. It has also raised fears in the US livestock industry, which was declared screwworm-free decades ago
Sitting all day in your office AC? Why prolonged exposure can make you sick
Improperly maintained air conditioning can give you ‘sick building syndrome.’ It can lead to headaches, respiratory issues such runny nose, persistent cough, and spread viral disease and fungal infections
Do young men need ‘T maxxing’ testosterone?
T maxxing is gaining traction on social media these days. The initiative aims to promote higher testosterone levels in young teenage boys, encouraging both natural methods and the use of synthetic hormones. But do boys really need it?
London clinic claims to remove microplastics from body for Rs 13.5 lakh. What is the procedure?
A London clinic claims it can remove microplastics from the blood for $13,000 (around Rs 13.5 lakh). Clarify Clinics says its Clari procedure can clear between 90 and 99 per cent of microplastics. Recently, actor and singer Katy Perry’s ex-fiance Orlando Bloom also shared on Instagram that he underwent the procedure at the clinic
Talking to chatbots can lead to 'AI psychosis'. Is this a growing mental health risk?
AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are now everyday tools, but psychiatrists warn of a disturbing trend dubbed 'AI psychosis'. A small group of users report delusions, emotional dependence or losing touch with reality after long conversations with chatbots
Why US has warned against an Indian cookware brand
The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has warned against using aluminium cookware under the brand Tiger White, manufactured by Saraswati Strips Pvt Ltd. The health regulator found that its products could release unsafe levels of lead, a toxic heavy metal linked to serious health problems
Silent killer alert: Nearly 20 cr Indians have high BP, renal denervation therapy offers new hope
India faces a hypertension crisis with only a fraction of patients controlling blood pressure. Experts point to renal denervation as a minimally invasive therapy showing sustained results in resistant cases. Read here
Cracking cachexia: How brain-liver miscommunication drives severe weight loss in cancer patients
A ground-breaking new study has highlighted the crucial role of disrupted communication between the brain and liver in causing severe weight loss that impacts a large fraction of cancer patients. Oncologists stressed that understanding the metabolic and neural drivers of this syndrome could be key to improving outcomes for thousands grappling with the physical and psychological toll of cancer.
Surrogacy in the age of AI: Could a 'pregnancy robot' soon give birth to children?
Chinese scientists are reportedly developing the world’s first 'pregnancy robot', a humanoid that will carry a baby in an artificial womb and mimic a full-term pregnancy. For those struggling to conceive, hiring a humanoid to carry their baby will cost 100,000 yuan (around Rs 12 lakh). Here's how it will work
Doctor explains: Why chronic venous insufficiency is often mistaken for ageing and how it can be managed
Chronic venous insufficiency is often mistaken for normal ageing in seniors, delaying treatment and leading to ulcers, skin damage and mobility loss. Firstpost brings out expert's views on how CVI differs from varicose veins, the warning signs, lifestyle risks and effective management options for India’s ageing population.
How a blind Canadian woman can now see through her tooth
Gail Lane, a 75-year-old Canadian woman, regained vision after a decade of suffering from visual impairment; she had damaged her corneas due to an autoimmune disorder. However, through a very rare procedure, osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis, or colloquially known as "tooth-in-eye" surgery, she can now see again
AI errs: What is bromism that man developed after ChatGPT query?
A 60-year-old man was diagnosed with a rare condition after he consulted ChatGPT about removing table salt from his diet. As per the paper published in the medical journal 'Annals of Internal Medicine', the man developed bromide after switching from sodium chloride to sodium bromide. But what did the chatbot tell him?
New variant Stratus causes spike in Covid-19 cases: What are its symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to other Omicron subvariants, including fever, chills, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, and diarrhoea
Why noise irritates some people more than others: It's all in the brain
Noise sensitivity, often dismissed by health professionals, can significantly impact both mental and physical wellbeing. Affecting up to 40% of the population, this condition is linked to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and long-term health risks.
Will a new pill beat out other weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro?
Eli Lilly’s weight-loss pill, orforglipron, shows promising results in trials, offering a needle-free alternative to injectables like Ozempic and Mounjaro. In a major study, people who took the drug lost more than 12 per cent of their body weight. Is it better than popular injectables?
Crispy warning: How eating French fries can increase risk of diabetes
A new study published in the BMJ journal has found that eating three servings of French fries a week may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20 per cent. The research also showed that those who eat fries five times a week could face a 27 per cent higher risk of the condition. The study suggested that switching from fried potatoes to boiled, baked, or mashed ones may help lower the risk of this long-term illness
Rare pneumonia-like illness kills 3 in New York City: What is Legionnaires’ disease? Is it deadly?
Three people have died and 67 others have been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease in New York City in recent weeks. The illness, a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, mainly affects people over 50, smokers, and those with chronic lung issues or weakened immunity
After billions spent, why is polio still spreading in Pakistan and Afghanistan?
Despite a decades-long global push and over $20 billion spent, polio remains entrenched in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Health workers report falsified data, mismanaged campaigns and persistent vaccine mistrust. As eradication deadlines continue to slip, insiders question whether the strategy — particularly the use of the oral vaccine — is part of the problem, not the solution
Covid-style measures, drones and more... Inside China's efforts to battle Chikungunya outbreak
A chikungunya outbreak in southern China has infected over 7,000 people, triggering aggressive mosquito-control measures and hospital isolations. Originating in Foshan, the virus has spread across Guangdong province
Ditch that soda and noodles. The lung cancer link to ultra-processed foods
A study in the Thorax journal reveals that those consuming ultra-processed foods like fast food and sugary drinks have a 41 per cent higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who ate the least. The study analysed data of over 100,000 Americans aged 55 to 74, who were tracked for more than a decade
Drink Responsibly: Is it safe to boil water more than once?
We have often heard that re-boiled water leads to the accumulation of allegedly hazardous substances, including metals such as arsenic, or salts. Here’s why that isn’t true
Can a broken heart really kill you? Science says yes — here’s why
Scientists now confirm that grief isn’t just an emotional wound — it can be deadly. A 10-year Danish study found those experiencing the most intense, unrelenting grief after losing a loved one were nearly twice as likely to die within a decade, highlighting how heartbreak can trigger physical decline, heart issues and even premature death
Dr explains: How music therapy matches CBT in easing anxiety among cancer survivors
Music therapy is emerging as a powerful, evidence-based tool in cancer survivorship care. A recent MSK study finds it as effective as CBT in managing anxiety with long-lasting benefits through song writing and telehealth delivery. Read here