Health News - Page 19

Experts call for early detection, lifestyle changes as breast cancer cases surge among younger women

Experts stressed that raising awareness about cancer is essential for fully leveraging medical advancements. Despite remarkable progress in early detection and treatment, millions continue to succumb to this serious disease.

How long can you stand on one leg? It reveals how much you will live

According to a new study, how long one stands on one leg, especially the non-dominant one, is a clear indicator of age-related decline. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that the ability to balance on one leg declines more quickly with age than walking gait, grip, and knee strength assessments

Why McDonald's burgers are making people sick in the US

One person died, and several others have fallen ill in the United States due to E. coli infections linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. Initial investigations by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that slivered onions served on the burgers are the 'likely source of contamination'. So, what is E. coli bacteria, and how dangerous can it be?

Can weight-loss drugs like Ozempic help fight addiction?

A recent study revealed that weight loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro might help individuals battling addiction. The findings, published in the scientific journal Addiction, said that people with alcohol addiction who were prescribed these medications had a 50 per cent lower rate of binge drinking compared to those who were not. What else does the study say?

Do you keep craving bread, rice? How early humans fell in love with carbs

Modern humans’ love for carbohydrates is not new. As per a new study, the genetic foundations of the human ability to digest carbs date back more than 800,000 years, which is significantly earlier than previously believed and predates the development of agriculture

Breakdancing can lead to 'cone-shaped' head. Here's how

Break dancers are prone to developing a unique condition known as 'headspin hole', also called a 'breakdancer bulge'. It entails a cone shaped mass forming on top of the scalp after repetitive head-spinning. The symptoms can include inflammation of their scalp, hair loss and even pain around the lump

Why are some women taking cold medicine to get pregnant? Does it work?

Several women on TikTok are now claiming to get pregnant by using a medicine generally recommended to cure cough and cold. Here is what experts have to say about the latest 'Mucinex method' to conceive

Experts stress early detection, lifestyle and technology's role in breast cancer survival

With the integration of advanced technologies like 3-D mammography and artificial intelligence, the field of breast cancer screening and treatment continues to evolve. Public health campaigns and greater awareness are vital in addressing barriers to screening, ultimately empowering women to take proactive steps toward their health and well-being.

Doctor explains: What you need to know about mammograms, ultrasounds & MRIs in breast cancer detection

As breast cancer continues to emerge as a major global health challenge, Firstpost brings out a doctor's view on managing the risk factors associated with the disease and the necessary precautions for leading a healthier life

How safe are your Kellogg’s? The protest against the cereal maker explained

Kellogg's, one of the most popular cereal brands in the US, has been facing backlash from hundreds of consumers over presence of artificial colours and chemical preservatives in its products —Froot Loops and Apple Jacks. On Tuesday, health activists, parents, and cereal lovers marched to the company’s Michigan headquarters demanding a ban

How urbanisation, genetics and lifestyle fuel the global rise in obesity

Lifestyle and environmental factors have been important components of the story, but genetics also predispose individuals to be at higher risk for obesity. P

What is male breast cancer? Is the treatment any different from women?

As the world marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Matthew Knowles, the father of Beyonce, is sharing his journey of recovering from male breast cancer. This has shone light on the rare condition that is usually associated with women

In Graphics | What breathing polluted air does to your body?

Delhi's air quality was in the poor category for a third day straight on Wednesday. From burning eyes to asthma attacks, here is how dangerous polluted air is for the human body

What is total plasma exchange, the procedure that US billionaire underwent to remove toxins?

US millionaire Bryan Johnson, who is committed to reversing the effects of ageing, recently had a procedure called Total Plasma Exchange (TPE), which he claims is a treatment for several ailments. As the name implies, the procedure involves substituting a different fluid—in this case, albumin—for the patient's plasma. It is often used in anti-ageing and regenerative medicine procedures

What is ‘shaken baby’ syndrome over which a US man could be executed?

Robert Roberson, a 57-year-old from Texas, could become the first person in the US to be executed for a murder conviction tied to the diagnosis of ‘shaken baby’ syndrome. The condition is a serious brain injury caused by forcefully and violently shaking a baby

Alia Bhatt opens up on ADHD: What is it? How common is it?

Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt has gone into more detail about her battle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — a neurodevelopmental condition marked by hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common symptoms include difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, getting easily distracted, interrupting people while they are talking, and being unable to sit still

Why India has most oral cancer cases in South Asia

Research published in the medical journal ‘The Lancet Oncology’ revealed that India had the highest number of oral cancer cases in South Asia, notching up 83,400 of the 120,200 cases globally in 2022. The cases were driven by high consumption of areca nut and smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, pan masalas, khaini and betel quid

American woman buys tapeworm pills for weight loss. How dangerous are they?

A peculiar case of a woman who took tapeworm egg pills as a quick-fix solution to lose weight has come to light. Doctors said the 21-year-old Iowa resident bought pills filled with tapeworm eggs using cryptocurrency and ended up with a serious infection. Tapeworms are parasites that, once swallowed, can make a home in the gut and grow up to 30 feet while consuming the hosts

How smoking is increasing your chances of having a oral disease

As a cigarette is smoked, chemicals from it enter the oral cavity and change the surrounding environment by reducing oxygen levels, changing the pH (level of acidity) and preventing adequate production of saliva. A dry mouth leads to overgrowth of bacteria, leading to an array of dental problems including plaque formation, periodontitis, gum diseases and tooth decay

How should you place your arm during a blood pressure reading?

Researchers have found that improper arm positioning can affect the accuracy of blood pressure readings. The study is significant because variations in readings may result in an increased number of high blood pressure diagnoses and the prescription of unnecessary medications to patients

The Workout Pill: Can a capsule mimic the effects of running a marathon?

Researchers in Denmark claim to have created an innovative new pill that replicates the benefits and effects of intense exercise without moving a muscle. The pill, known as LaKe, can safely and successfully regulate how much lactate and ketones the body produces

Experts call arthritis a 'silent epidemic,' urge early diagnosis to prevent lasting damage

According to experts, arthritis prevalence is expected to increase alarmingly and only a higher level of awareness on early diagnosis and treatment of the disease will help to reduce the future impact of the disease in India too.

Doctor explains: How early diagnosis can prevent millions from losing their sight

Vision impairment impacts individuals across various age groups. Severe vision impairment in young children can have long-lasting consequences while in adults, it significantly affects the overall quality of life. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on effective strategies for managing vision impairment and blindness.

World Arthritis Day: Advances in stem cell and gene therapy offer new hope for arthritis treatment

Lifestyle changes become critical components of arthritis management. An appropriate diet, low-impact exercise, and management of stress behaviors will alter these to reduce inflammation, strengthen the muscle around the joint, and improve mobility to avoid worse disease outcomes and lessened need for medication or surgery.

Particulate matter: A growing risk factor for stroke in older adults

Particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 pose significant health risks including stroke. Preventive action is essential to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution, particularly for vulnerable populations by identifying the sources of particulate matter pollution, we can strive for cleaner air and improved health outcomes.

Mental health crisis among Indian children may be closely linked to biochemical factors

Mental health conditions, including childhood epilepsy, developmental disabilities, depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders, are significant causes of illness and disability among young people. Globally, 8% of children and 15% of adolescents experience mental disorders, yet most do not receive help or care.

World Mental Health Day: How using dating apps can be bad for you

Dating apps have become a go-to option for people seeking love, flings or both. But constant swiping, until you find your ‘perfect’ match, is negatively impacting your mental health. Some say these platforms are also addictive

India is the world’s diabetes capital. Here’s why samosas, cakes are to blame

An Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study has found how fried, baked and ultra-processed foods are fuelling India’s diabetes crisis. Here’s what the paper says and why it is groundbreaking

What is trachoma, the eye disease eliminated by India?

After decades of fighting, India has finally eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to achieve this milestone. The contagious bacterial infection affects the eyes and can result in visual impairment or blindness if left untreated in its initial stages

Explained: Why are eye transplants so rare and challenging?

Eye transplant surgeries are a relatively recent entry into surgical history, with the first partial transplant occurring in 2005 and the first full transplant in 2010. As of September 2023, only 50 surgeries have been undertaken globally. Here's why