Health News - Page 26
Before or after strength training: When should you add cardio into your fitness routine?
The debate over whether to do cardio before or after weightlifting has always been on the minds of fitness enthusiasts. Recently, researchers conducted experiments on two sets of people to better understand the effects. And they have an answer
Pee power: How scientists have used urine to make dental implants
A team of scientists at the University of California, Irvine, have figured out a way to turn human urine into a key material used in dental and bone implants. The discovery will not only help turn this everyday waste into a valuable medical resource, but also help clean wastewater and mitigate environmental pollution
Dr explains: How to spot early Alzheimer’s symptoms and why younger adults should care too
Alzheimer’s disease isn’t just a condition of old age. Subtle symptoms can appear earlier than expected and are often mistaken for routine forgetfulness. Firstpost spoke to an expert on how to recognise the red flags, distinguish the disease from normal ageing, and adopt preventive measures to protect brain health early.
Fighting a genetic enemy: How sickle cell disease quietly impacts childhood in India
Sickle cell disease affects thousands of Indian children, yet its most dangerous complications often go unnoticed. Experts tell Firstpost that what begins as a blood disorder can escalate into serious, chronic health problems if not diagnosed and managed early.
Australian woman dies of caffeine overdose. How much is too much?
An inquest in Australia has heard that Christina Lackmann, a 32-year-old from Melbourne, died of a caffeine overdose. Lackmann, who was studying biomedical science at a college in Australia, called a helpline after feeling dizzy and numb. However, help did not show up for another seven hours, by which time she was found dead on the floor of her bathroom. Here's what we know about caffeine overdose
How new blood test could reveal cancer long before symptoms appear
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University in the US have developed a new blood test that can detect signs of cancer up to three years before symptoms appear. When cancer is present, tumours release small fragments of genetic material into the bloodstream. Researchers found that these fragments can be identified in blood samples long before symptoms emerge. This could allow doctors to detect cancer much earlier than current screening methods, improving the chances of timely treatment
British tourist dies after being 'scratched' by a pup in Morocco: How common are rabies deaths today?
A holiday to Morocco turned tragic for British woman Yvonne Ford, who died following a rabies infection. The 59-year-old didn't pay attention to a dog's scratch at first, but after months her condition worsened and she lost her ability to walk, talk, sleep and even swallow. How deadly is rabies?
New red alarm for America: 1 in 56 older adults die due to unintentional fall; 41,000 in 2023
More than 41,000 retirement-age Americans died of falls in 2023, the most recent year for which final statistics based on death certificates are available. That suggests that falls were blamed in about 1 of every 56 deaths in older Americans that year
Covid in India: Death toll crosses 100 in current wave, Kerala leads national caseload
On Monday, 11 deaths were recorded, taking the total number of deaths to 108. While seven of these deaths were from Kerala, one each occurred in Delhi, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh
Dr explains: Why sickle cell disease disproportionately affects India's tribal communities
Sickle Cell disease disproportionately affects India’s tribal populations, with complications impacting both children and adults. Firstpost brings out experts' view on early signs, treatments and strategies for managing pain and infection in sickle cell patients.
Indian women are having fewer children. Is this good news or bad?
India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1, as per a recent United Nations demographic report. This means women are having fewer children than required to maintain a stable population. But is it a cause of concern yet?
RT-PCR test for Cabinet ministers? What rules are in place for rest of India
Experts have recommended maintaining Covid-appropriate behaviour, such as wearing masks, practising hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded areas.
Explained: What is the new XFG variant detected in India amid rising Covid cases?
A newly emerging strain called 'XFG' has now been detected in India, with the Covid-19 case tally surpassing 6,500. According to Insacog, the government agency monitoring the different variants, as many as 163 cases of the XFG variant have been reported in India so far, with the most from Maharashtra (89). Is there a reason to worry?
Breakthrough in hunt for AIDS treatment: Scientists develop new mRNA technique for permanent HIV treatment
A paper published in Nature Communications says that scientists at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne have tapped into mRNA technology to locate the AIDS virus and thereby fully clear it from an infected body
40 women using weight-loss drugs see unexpected pregnancies; prompt UK’s warning over contraceptives
The weight loss drugs, by mimicking gut hormones, effectively reduce appetite and promote weight loss, which can in turn boost fertility in women with obesity
Real or fake? How to decode a smile in seconds
From uncomfortable family portraits to forced workplace smiles, our brains often sense something’s off before we can explain why. The reason lies in a mix of facial anatomy, brain function and emotional truth. Both genuine and fake smiles rely on cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve, which carries signals from the brain to facial muscles. So the next time you are trying to read someone’s expression, do not focus only on the mouth. Watch the eyes. The orbicularis oculi rarely lies
Light meals, dark moods: How cutting calories can leave you depressed
A University of Toronto study found low-calorie diets can increase depression risk, especially in men and overweight individuals, due to nutritional deficiencies and lack of weight loss.
What’s really on your plate? How pesticide residues could increase your cancer risk
Scientific studies link long-term exposure to pesticide residues in food with increased cancer risk, especially for vulnerable groups. Experts highlight the importance of washing produce, choosing organic options and advocating safer farming. Policy reforms and farmer education are crucial for reducing pesticide misuse and ensuring food safety, protecting both health and the environment.
How Salmonella contamination spreads and what it means for consumers
Salmonella is a leading global cause of diarrhoeal diseases, often spread through contaminated food and water, including fresh produce like cucumbers. While most infections are mild, severe cases can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable groups. Read here
Dr explains: Why booster shots are crucial even with mild Covid-19 symptoms prevailing
India is experiencing a mild surge in Covid-19 cases driven by new Omicron subvariants, with mostly mild symptoms. Experts stress the importance of boosters, surveillance and protecting vulnerable groups. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on symptoms, vaccine effectiveness, and the country’s preparedness in tackling the evolving situation.
New cases over 4,000, India holds Covid mock drill today for hospital checks
On Wednesday, India recorded 276 new Covid cases, with seven deaths in the past 24 hours. The highest toll was recorded in Maharashtra at four and one fatality each in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat. The total number of deaths now stands at 44
Nigeria deadliest country for expecting mothers, accounts for 30% of maternal deaths globally
Every year, 75,000 women die in Nigeria in labour, which translates to one death every seven minutes. Nigeria’s spending on health is just 5 per cent of its total budget, way short of its 15 per cent target that it committed to under a 2001 treaty with the African Union
US okays Moderna's 'next generation' Covid-19 vaccine
The new vaccine, mNexspike (mRNA-1283), is a step toward next-generation coronavirus vaccines. It's made in a way that allows for a lower dose, a fifth of the dose of its current COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax (mRNA-1273) by refining its immune target
How rising Covid cases is causing a rush at OPDs in Indian hospitals
Outpatient departments (OPDs) at Indian hospitals are seeing a three-time rise in footfalls in the past 10 days. Doctors attribute this to the Covid surge in the country — as of Monday, the country has a total of 3,961 active cases. But despite the rise in infections, medical experts note that the situation is under control
How 3 nights of poor sleep can harm your heart
A new study from Uppsala University in Sweden has found that just three nights of restricted sleep, about four hours per night, can trigger changes in the blood associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Notably, these changes were seen even in young, healthy adults after only a few nights of poor sleep
Four new Covid cases detected in Gurugram, total rises to 23 in latest surge
Four more people were diagnosed with coronavirus infection in Gurugram on Sunday, a health department official said.
Covid cases in India surge to 3,395, 4 dead in past 24 hours; Delhi sees highest daily spike
Kerala remains the most affected, reporting 1,336 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 467 and Delhi with 375, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Wake-up call: How snoozing your alarm is costing you more sleep
A study by Mass General Brigham has found that hitting the snooze button on a morning alarm does more harm than good. Not only does it disrupt the important REM sleep stages, required for optimal cognitive functioning, but it also leads to poorer sleep quality and grogginess throughout the day. So, how can you fix this habit?
Karnataka reports fourth Covid death, 63-year-old with co-morbidities dies in Bengaluru
A 63 year old man with comorbidities and who tested positive for Covid19 died at a private hospital here, taking the coronavirus related death toll in the state to four, officials said on Saturday.
'A gift of life': How a cancer drug doubles the survival rate
A new study has revealed that the drug called pembrolizumab, sold under the brand name Keytruda, not only kept head and neck cancers at bay for five years compared to 30 months with standard care but also significantly lowered the chances of cancer spreading