Health News - Page 20

England mulls to ban vaping outside schools and hospitals in a bid to safeguard children

Ministers in England are pushing for a bill in the British parliament which aims to ban vaping outside schools and hospitals. The endeavour is being taken amid growing concerns over the rise in figures of young adults consuming vapes in the UK

800 deaths, cases in 16 African countries: WHO approves first mpox diagnostic test kit

The WHO approved diagnostic test for mpox enables the detection of the virus from swabs taken from human lesions

Can cake from your local bakery give you cancer? Karnataka govt’s warning explained

The Karnataka Food Safety Department found that out of 235 cake samples they tested, as many as 12 samples contained dangerous levels of cancer-causing artificial colours, particularly those seen in visually appealing treats like red velvet and black forest cakes. These carcinogenic chemicals can pose a serious threat to one's physical and mental health, the department said in a statement

‘October heat’ is here. How does it affect your health? How can you stay safe?

As the rains retreat in India, people are sweating it out owing to high temperatures and lingering humidity. This creates a distinctive weather phenomenon known as October heat. This unusual and uncomfortable weather can lead to serious health problems such as heat exhaustion, giddiness, and headaches as people struggle to stay cool

Breast cancer awareness month: Why women should opt for regular screenings after 40

As ‘Pink October’ begins, women must be aware of the signs to detect breast cancer, including any lumps or thickening. The disease is treatable if diagnosed early. Here’s why experts recommend women to start mammography screening at age 40

A first in the world: How Chinese scientists ‘cured’ type 1 diabetes

Chinese scientists claimed to have cured a type 1 diabetes patient using cell transplants in what was stated to be the first such case in the world. The 25-year-old patient, who had the chronic condition for over a decade, can now naturally regulate her blood sugar. This come around 2.5 months after undergoing the minimally invasive ‘chemically induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived islets’ or CiPSC islets

'One in a million': How Chinese woman gave birth to twins from different wombs

A Chinese woman with two uteruses captured headlines after she delivered twins from her separate wombs in September. Diagnosed with uterus didelphys, a rare condition that affects just 0.3 per cent of women globally, she gave birth to a healthy boy and girl

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann diagnosed with leptospirosis: What we know about the disease

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been diagnosed with leptospirosis after being admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali for a routine check-up following tropical fever. Leptospirosis, a bacterial illness, is among the most prevalent zoonotic diseases globally. It is often associated with poor sanitation and contact with infected animals

What is body roundness index (BRI)? Can it be an alternative to BMI?

Experts are exploring a new method for measuring obesity called the Body Roundness Index (BRI), which is said to offer a more accurate assessment than the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI). How is BRI calculated and can it replace BMI fully?

Explained: The disastrous fallout of Taliban's suspension of polio vaccines in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is one of only two countries, alongside neighbouring Pakistan, where polio has continued to spread. So the news that the Taliban have suspended polio vaccination will probably have major consequences for the control of the disease in the country and the surrounding region

World Heart Day: Lifestyle, pollution & mental health linked to rising heart disease among youth 

For younger populations in India, increasing air pollution, a higher prevalence of diabetes, and a lack of awareness about preventive healthcare are major concerns. Mental health issues, such as chronic anxiety and depression are also indirectly linked to the rising incidence of heart disease.

World Heart Day: How diet, exercise & stress management can lower cardiovascular disease risk

Unhealthy lifestyle choices and environmental factors significantly contribute to the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. The most important behavioural risk factors include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption.

World Heart Day: With heart attacks on the rise, why CPR is a life skill that every person should learn

Indians, especially the younger generation, are struggling with heart diseases, resulting in cardiac arrests. On World Heart Day, we take a closer look at how CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is performed and how it could save a life

Doctor explains: The alarming surge in cardiovascular diseases and how to combat them

Cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of death globally, with rising cases among younger populations. The increasing prevalence of heart conditions like coronary artery disease, hypertension and congenital heart defects calls for greater awareness about risk factors. Firstpost brings out an expert’s opinion on various aspects of the disease.

What is the highly-infectious Marburg viral disease that killed 6 in Rwanda?

The virus can be transmitted from bats to primates, including humans, and then spread through direct contact with blood or other body fluids from infected individuals

Do you exercise only on the weekend? Is that enough?

Exercise is essential for health and well-being. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a work out daily, new research suggests the benefits are the same. Both are found to reduce risks across the full spectrum of human disease, including hypertension, diabetes, mood disorders and kidney disease

Mpox in India: What are the new dos and dont's issued by the Centre?

The Union Health Ministry has rolled out new advisories to states and Union Territories, urging them to build more isolation facilities and boost diagnostic capabilities to stem the spread of the mpox virus. This comes after a Kerala man was found to be infected with the more virulent and transmissible Clade 1B mpox strain, prompting authorities to enhance their response efforts

Kerala confirms second mpox case, again a UAE return youth tests positive

The 26-year-old youth, a native of Kerala's Ernakulam district, who returned from the UAE on Friday tested positive for mpox. He is receiving treatment at a private hospital

Why paracetamol, antiacid, and other common Indian drugs have failed quality tests

India’s top drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has flagged over 50 commonly used medications, including household names like paracetamol, antiacid Pan-D, and Vitamin D3 supplement Shelcal, for failing to meet safety and quality standards. How big a concern is this?

World Lung Day: Why respiratory health matters more than ever

World Lung Day, observed on September 25, seeks to raise awareness about lung health. As crucial organs responsible for supplying oxygen to every cell in the body, the increasing prevalence of lung health issues calls for urgent action. Here are some key facts about human lungs and tips for maintaining their health

Chennai infant suffers from rare black nose disease. What is it?

An infant in Chennai has been diagnosed with a rare condition called ‘black nose disease’. The condition is a new symptom of chikungunya, transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The disease is often characterised by macular (flat), speckled pigmentation primarily affecting the nose

India reports first case of mpox clade 1 infection: What is this strain declared public health emergency by WHO?

A 38-year-old man from Kerala has been confirmed as India’s first mpox clade 1 infection. This is a deadlier strain of the virus, first identified in Africa’s Democratic Republic of Congo. Experts note that those with the clade 1b have more intense symptoms, making it more dangerous

Pack your bags: How travelling can help keep you young

Travelling isn't only about fun and new experiences. A new study reveals it can also make you look and feel younger. This is because of its positive physical and mental health benefits that help slows down the signs of ageing

Are you gulping down water to get rid of a hangover? It's not the cure you think it is

For a long time, it has been believed that drinking lots of water would reduce the intensity of a hangover. It could rid you of nausea, headaches and fatigue. However, new research indicates that this remedy may not be as effective as you believed

World Marrow Donor Day: How matching challenges affect cancer patients worldwide

World Marrow Donor Day highlights the crucial role that bone marrow and stem cell donors play in saving lives, particularly for patients with life-threatening conditions like leukemia and other blood disorders. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view to dispel myths about the donation process, highlighting its simplicity, life-saving potential and recent advancements in transplantation techniques continue to improve patient outcomes globally.

Doctor explains: The alarming rise in Alzheimer’s cases and its impact on global health

Alzheimer's is now the 6th leading cause of death among adults 65 years or older. The progressive condition, characterised by gradual cognitive decline is projected to double its affected population from 6.9 million in 2020 to nearly 14 million by 2060. Firstpost brings expert insights to highlight the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s and explore ways to address this growing concern.

Alzheimer's kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined

The lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer's at age 45 is 1 in 5 for women and 1 in 10 for men, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

World Alzheimer's Day: How lifestyle changes can reduce risk of brain disorder

A notable trend becomes apparent when comparing deaths linked to Alzheimer's with those from heart disease, the leading cause of mortality. Between 2000 and 2021, Alzheimer's-related deaths more than doubled, while fatalities attributed to heart disease declined.

Doctor explains: How intense workouts & lifestyle choices trigger heart attacks among youth

As India witnesses a surge in heart attacks among young gym-goers, concerns about the factors driving this alarming trend are growing. To better understand the issue, Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view to explore the reasons behind the trend, its implications and preventive measures surrounding this worrying phenomenon and how to address it.

Quicksplained: How a 23-year-old US woman is fighting for life after vaccine reaction

A 23-year-old woman is facing a critical health crisis after a severe reaction due to vaccines administered at the UCI Medical Centre in California's Orange County. Alexis Lorenze was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) in January and subsequently received Tetanus, Pneumococcal, and Meningitis vaccines at the hospital for her condition. Here's what happened next