Health News - Page 12

US reports nearly 500 confirmed cases of measles, Texas worst hit

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that 97 per cent of the measles cases have been reported in unvaccinated or those people whose vaccination status was unknown

No time to eat? Why having your meals in 20 minutes or less is bad for you

If you regularly have your breakfast, lunch or dinner in less than 20-30 minutes, you are eating too fast. According to experts, when people eat rapidly, they can miss signals from the body that indicate fullness. Doing so over a long time can lead to a range of health problems, including obesity

'Workout Queen' Katie Donnell dies, mother blames energy drinks. Are they bad for the heart?

Katie Donnell, the 28-year-old 'workout queen' from Florida, died following a heart attack, which her family blames on energy drinks. While Donnell led a healthy lifestyle, her mother said she was 'used to the buzz' from the energy drinks and used to consume at least three cans before her twice-a-day sessions. Can the consumption of such beverages lead to heart ailments?

World TB Day: India’s TB decline outpaces global average but high burden remains a concern

World Tuberculosis Day 2025: India accounts for 30% of the global TB burden and 62% of multidrug-resistant cases. Despite a 17.7% reduction in incidence since 2015, achieving the 2025 target remains daunting. Experts advocate for private sector integration, mandatory lab accreditation and community awareness to strengthen TB control

China’s modified virus therapy shows promise in last-stage cancer trials

A new cancer therapy utilising a genetically modified herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) offers hope for late-stage patients, especially those resistant to existing immunotherapies.

India recorded 51 ragging-related deaths in colleges from 2022 to 2024: Report

Based on 3,156 complaints registered at the National Anti-Ragging Helpline from 1,946 colleges, the report identified key trends, high-risk institutions, and the severity of ragging-related cases.

What is the new self-injecting jab that will help avoid pregnancies?

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a DIY jab that could soon offer women long-term protection from pregnancy, without the need for daily pills or invasive procedures. While it is yet to be tested in humans, scientists are hopeful about its effectiveness as a contraceptive

UK detects first H5N1 bird flu case in sheep, raising livestock spread fears

The H5N1 virus was detected in a single sheep in Yorkshire, England, during routine testing conducted on a site where avian influenza had previously been identified in birds. No other sheep in the flock tested positive for the virus.

It's getting hot! How much water should you drink in summer?

Staying hydrated in summer isn’t just about guzzling litres of water. Too little can sap your energy, while too much can disrupt your body’s natural balance. So, how much water should you ideally drink? We explain

930 deaths daily: How air pollution, malnutrition and stigma fuel India’s TB surge

India carries a significant share of the global TB burden. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2023, the country recorded 2.8 million new TB cases in 2022, a 13% increase from pre-pandemic levels. An estimated 340,000 Indians die from TB annually, translating to 930 deaths per day.

How blood donations could help provide a lifeline to donors

A new study shows that rolling up your sleeve to give blood might do more than just help others — it could also improve the donor’s health in many ways, including reducing cancer risks and improving insulin sensitivity

Is HCoV-HKU1 a cause for concern or just another seasonal virus?

HCoV-HKU1, which spreads through respiratory droplets, is less severe than SARS or COVID-19. Experts suggested preventive measures like hand hygiene, masking and vaccination can help reduce the risk of infection. While recovery is usually quick, vulnerable groups may experience prolonged symptoms.

7 common summer skin problems and expert tips to prevent them

Summer brings sunshine and outdoor fun, but it also introduces skin issues like sunburn, heat rash, acne and fungal infections due to heat and humidity. Experts recommend using SPF 30 sunscreen, wearing breathable clothing, staying hydrated and avoiding heavy creams. With proper care, you can enjoy the season while keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Is screen time stealing your vision? Here’s what experts say

The average screen time has steadily increased over the last few years. From recognising early symptoms of digital eye strain to preventive measures and the role of outdoor activities, the experts shared invaluable insights on maintaining healthy vision in a screen-dominated world.

Mounjaro, the injection to fight type-2 diabetes, draws global attention as new weight loss drug

Mounjaro, an injectable medication designed to support weight loss, works by imitating the effects of two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which help control appetite, blood sugar levels, and digestion

Weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India: Is it better than Ozempic?

US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro, a diabetes and weight-loss drug, in India. Priced at Rs 3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial, the 'game-changing' medication has debuted in the Indian market as the country tackles high rates of obesity and diabetes. But is Mounjaro a better option than Ozempic?

National Anaemia Day: When should anaemia patients consider a bone marrow transplant?

Anaemia remains a major public health concern in India, affecting women, children and pregnant mothers, leading to severe health complications. Firstpost brings you an expert's view on when a transplant becomes necessary and the risks associated with the procedure

Blockbuster weight-loss drug Mounjaro comes to India: How does it work?

The popular anti-obesity drug Mounjaro has finally been launched in India. The development comes after Eli Lilly received approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). But how does the drug work? What will it cost?

HPV knows no gender: Why a women-only approach falls short

While HPV prevention efforts have largely focussed on women, the virus poses significant health risks to men as well emphasising the need for gender-inclusive vaccination strategies to curb its rising impact

What is the human coronavirus HKU1 detected in a woman in Kolkata?

A 45-year-old woman in Kolkata has been diagnosed with human coronavirus or HKU1. According to a report, the woman had been suffering from a persistent fever, cough, and cold for the past 15 days. HKU1 is a type of virus that mainly affects the lungs and respiratory system

Can aspirin stop cancer from spreading?

Aspirin, one of the world’s most common over-the-counter painkillers, could help fight cancer, a new study, published in Nature, a scientific journal, has discovered. Calling it a 'Eureka moment', scientists say the drug may stop some cancers from spreading, a process called metastasis. However, given its side effects, more research is needed before it can finally be used for treatment

After Covid, is the world well prepared for another pandemic?

The world was shaken to its core when the Covid pandemic hit in 2019 killing as many as seven million people across the world. According to experts, no country was prepared enough to deal with the deadly disease or its consequences then. Now, five years later things may have changed. So, how prepared is the world for the next pandemic?

Bugs with benefits? Is cockroach milk better than cow’s milk?

As unappealing as it may seem, cockroach milk is real and packed with nutrients. Despite its name, cockroach milk is not milk but a yellowish fluid that crystallises inside the stomachs of cockroach offspring. Recently, it has sparked interest as a potential superfood, with claims of high nutritional value and health benefits

Extreme dieting or slow suicide? Why eating disorders kill more than they cure

Anorexia nervosa with its devastating mental, behavioral, and physical symptoms has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders, claiming lives through medical complications like cardiac arrhythmias, organ failure and suicide. Despite its lethality, societal misconceptions, stigma, and the proliferation of harmful online trends continue to fuel this silent epidemic.

What are ultra-processed foods? Are they bad for you?

Robert F Kennedy Jr, Secretary of the US Health and Human Services, has begun targetting ultra-processed foods. Kennedy Jr has claimed that these foods are the cause of several chronic diseases that have been on the rise in recent years. But what are these foods? Are they harmful to the human body?

World Sleep Day: Orthosomnia is making you lose sleep: What is this unhealthy obsession?

Orthosomnia is the obsession with chasing ‘perfect’ sleep, usually triggered by wearable devices like sleep trackers. People get so consumed with sleep performance that it disrupts their slumber and makes them anxious

5 million dollars down the drain: Is employee burnout draining company profits?

Employee burnout is costing businesses millions, with the average US company losing around $5 million annually due to disengagement and lost productivity. A new study highlights how burnout impacts different employee levels, why it spreads, and how companies can prevent it. Employers who invest in well-being strategies can significantly cut financial losses and boost performance

Does marriage make men obese?

Researchers at the National Institute of Cardiology in Poland’s Warsaw claim marriage increases the risk of men being overweight by 62 per cent, while for women it was 39 per cent, compared to those who are unmarried. The study also discovered that weight gain was influenced by age. The findings are crucial because obesity is a problem that nearly every nation is facing

World Kidney Day: Are your kidneys at risk? Signs you shouldn’t ignore

Kidney disease is a silent epidemic and for those with end-stage renal disease, timely dialysis or a kidney transplant can mean the difference between life and death. Experts warn that delaying dialysis leads to toxin build-up, increasing the risk of fatal complications like heart disease and stroke.

2% lifeline: Why kidney patients in Delhi are dying waiting for cadaver transplants

With an acute shortage of cadaver kidney donations, most transplant patients rely on living donors—leaving many on dialysis with little hope. Experts highlight awareness, policy reforms, and financial support as key solutions.