Health News - Page 2

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.

Struggling with screen fatigue? Here’s how digital detox can help you reconnect with life

Constantly glued to your phone or laptop? Experts reveal how a simple digital detox can boost your mental health, improve sleep and help you reconnect with real life.

How healthy is Donald Trump? What is his 'cardiac age'?

The 79-year-old US president was found to be in 'exceptional health' following a recent medical evaluation. White House physician Sean Barbabella said Trump's 'cardiac age' was found to be 14 years younger than his actual age and was 'exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance'

Measles outbreaks wreak havoc in US; over 100 unvaccinated children quarantined

While Minnesota has quarantined 118 students, South Carolina has isolated 153 children for at least 21 days, as they are not vaccinated for measles and were exposed to the highly contagious virus

Karva Chauth and maternal health: What doctors recommend for pregnant women

Pregnant women considering fasting for Karva Chauth are urged to prioritise health. Experts highlight risks like dehydration, low blood sugar and reduced fetal growth, offering tips to safely observe rituals without compromising well-being.

Untrained workers, over 300 violations: Inside Tamil Nadu factory that produced deadly cough syrup

Tamil Nadu’s Drugs Control Department has exposed several lapses during raids conducted at the manufacturing site of the Coldrif cough syrup, which has been blamed for the recent deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. It found 350 violations in the manufacturing process, including the cough syrup being produced in unhygienic conditions. Traces of diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial solvent, were also found in the medicine

Can India’s new antibiotic Zaynich change the global fight against superbugs?

India’s Wockhardt has unveiled Zaynich, a breakthrough antibiotic that has shown exceptional success against multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Combining cefepime and zidebactam, Zaynich achieved up to 100 per cent cure rates in clinical trials, marking India’s first major antibiotic innovation in nearly 30 years

Why Coldrif cough syrup, linked to over dozen children deaths in MP, Rajasthan, is dangerous

The 'Coldrif' cough syrup has come to the spotlight after 16 children died in Madhya Pradesh and at least two in Rajasthan. A batch of the medicine collected from a Tamil Nadu manufacturing unit was found to contain the toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) beyond permissible limits. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has repeatedly warned of cough syrups contaminated with DEG and ethylene glycol (EG), linking them to over 300 child deaths globally since 2022

Is alcohol quietly fuelling a liver disease crisis?

Research shows liver disease is rising sharply, with alcohol a key driver — even at levels once considered 'moderate'. Beyond heavy drinking, binge patterns and low-dose consumption are linked to liver damage, cirrhosis, and higher mortality. Combined with conditions like MASLD and hepatitis C, alcohol poses an urgent public health threat

Do strong friendships slow down ageing? Science says yes

A new study has found that people who build strong, supportive relationships over their lifetime don’t just feel younger, but their bodies may actually age more slowly. Published in the journal Brain, Behaviour & Immunity – Health, the research suggests that meaningful relationships can lower biological ageing and levels of chronic inflammation

'Not recommended for below 5': Centre issues advisory on cough syrups for children amid deaths

The Centre has issued a safety advisory on the use of cough syrups in children, following reports of child deaths linked to them in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Ministry has warned that cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under two years, while older children should only take them under careful medical supervision.

What’s the planetary health diet that could save lives and the planet?

A new report from the EAT-Lancet Commission shows that shifting to mostly plant-based diets could prevent millions of deaths every year and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farming. It warns that without big changes to the global food system, even switching to cleaner energy won’t be enough to stop the worst effects of climate change

US FDA approves new generic abortion pill, prompting backlash from Conservatives

US regulators have approved an additional generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, a normally routine move that nevertheless angered anti-abortion activists.

Walmart's big clean-up: Artificial colours, 30 food additives to get eliminated from store brands by 2027

Walmart will remove over 30 additives from US private-label foods by January 2027, impacting brands like Great Value and Bettergoods, responding to consumer demand for cleaner ingredients.

Autism is more complex than Trump suggests, new research shows

The research shows that this brain-based condition is very complex and doesn’t have just one cause

Can babies be born without a womb? Scientists make human eggs in lab

Researchers have now managed to create human eggs from skin cells. The development could help millions of people around the world who are unable to have children – those suffering from infertility, for example, or same-sex couples – to produce genetically related heirs. Here’s what we know and how it works

Ozempic, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, coming to India soon: How effective is it?

Ozempic has been approved in India for type 2 diabetes. The blockbuster drug by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has taken the world by storm due to its weight-loss benefits. But how does it help with weight management? Are there side effects?