Health News - Page 21

How Nipah virus re-emerged for the sixth time in Kerala

The Nipah virus has resurfaced in Kerala, tragically claiming the life of a 24-year-old student from the state's Malappuram district on September 9th. This marks the sixth time since 2018 that the southern state is staring at an outbreak with 175 people in contact with the deceased being tracked

Scientists discover new blood group, solve 50-year-old mystery. What does this mean for patients?

Scientists have discovered a new blood group system, MAL, solving a medical mystery that has puzzled experts since 1972. The research, led by NHS Blood and Transplant and the University of Bristol, identified the AnWj antigen’s genetic basis, marking the 47th known blood group system. It is expected to reduce the risk of transfusion

How superbugs could kill nearly 40 million people by 2050

Superbugs will kill nearly 40 million people over the next 25 years, according to a new global analysis. The study discovered that whereas drug-related mortality among very young children is on the decline due to advancements in immunisation and hygiene, the trend for their grandparents is the opposite

New XEC COVID variant spreads across the world: How contagious is it?

First detected in Germany this June, the XEC variant is fast spreading across the world with infections recorded in 15 countries. A hybrid of the KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 variants, experts believe this could ‘really take hold and start to cause a wave’

What is 'dead butt syndrome' caused by sitting for too long?

The 'dead butt syndrome', also known as gluteal amnesia is a disorder that strikes when your glutes, or butt muscles, effectively 'forget' how to do their job after a proonged period of inactivity such as sitting at your desk for too long. This condition can lead to serious discomfort and even potential long-term damage if left unchecked

Doctor explains: How lifestyle choices & genetics drive alarming surge in fatty liver disease

One in three Indians is affected by Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. This alarming trend, often a precursor to Type 2 diabetes and other serious metabolic disorders highlights a growing health crisis that mirrors the rising rates observed in Europe. As the prevalence of fatty liver disease continues to rise in India, Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view to explore the reasons, its implications and preventive measures and how to address it.

What’s the no-sleep challenge? How safe is it?

Sleep deprivation can be acute or chronic. Acute deprivation can happen over a day or two. Many studies have shown too little sleep is associated with an increased risk of death

How unprotected sex is driving up STis in Europe

Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control shows that syphilis cases have risen by 34 per cent from 2021 to 2022, chlamydia cases by 16 per cent and gonorrhoea cases by 48 per cent. The decline in condom use is a major factor contributing to the rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Europe, especially among key populations like young people and sex with men (MSM)

From bald to bold: How safe are hair transplants?

Hair loss will affect everyone at some point in their life. But, despite its prevalence, treating baldness is a big business. While there are many positive reports of people who’ve had hair transplants abroad, there are cases where the surgery has been carried out by an unqualified person and where people unsuitable for hair transplants have still been treated

Why are heart attacks among the young rising? Does it have a connection to indigestion?

Indian TV actor Vikas Sethi died of a cardiac arrest last Sunday with his wife later saying that he complained of indigestion before passing away. Could this be a warning sign of poor heart health? Should we take heartburn and acid reflux more seriously?

World Sepsis Day | Doctor explains why it's life-threatening condition & who is at risk

According to the World Health Organisation, Sepsis is one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide. There were 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths reported worldwide, representing 20 per cent of all global deaths, according to data published in 2020. As sepsis continues to impact global health with alarming frequency, understanding its complexities and challenges is crucial. To shed light on this critical issue, Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view to understand risk factors and, importance of early detection and prevention strategies.

Why India's drug regulator has suspended licence for 'Pres Vu' eye drop that would 'replace reading glasses'

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has suspended approval for PresVu, the eye drop that stirred excitement with its claim to replace reading glasses. The drug regulator revoked the marketing and manufacturing licences granted to drug maker Entod Pharmaceuticals citing 'unauthorised promotion' and concerns over the 'unsafe use' of the eye drops by patients

Did COVID accelerate brain ageing among teens?

According to a new study, the COVID-19 lockdowns — including school closures, postponed sports, and stay-at-home drills — accelerated adolescent brain ageing by as much as four years. The findings have sparked worries about how the pandemic has affected teenagers' mental health and learning ability

Why has Delhi banned crackers until January 1? How much harm do fireworks cause to the body?

Delhi’s skies will be quiet ahead of festival season, as the AAP-led government has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and usage of firecrackers until January 1, 2025. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said the measure was essential to protect citizens from the worsening air pollution caused by firecrackers

Mpox in India: 26-year-old Haryana man first confirmed case, should Indians be worried?

Laboratory testing of the suspected mpox case in India confirmed that the 26-year-old man from Haryana's Hisar, who recently returned from abroad, has been infected by the West African Clade 2 strain of the virus

Apple Watch Series 10 can detect sleep apnea: What is the condition, can it be fatal?

Apple has launched the Watch 10 Series and its most notable feature is the ability to detect sleep apnea, a serious health problem that affects over a billion people globally. It is a condition in which one’s breathing stops and restarts many times while sleeping. The body may not get enough oxygen as a result

World Suicide Prevention Day: Why sharing your stress is key to overcoming silent battles

Sharing our struggles is not a sign of weakness but the first step toward breaking free from the weight of stress and silent suffering

India confirms first mpox case, says it's not part of current health emergency

Mpox typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and is usually mild but can kill. Children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are all at higher risk of complications.

First mpox case in India: How does it spread, what are the symptoms to watch out for?

India recorded a suspected case of mpox found in a man, who recently travelled from a country suffering an outbreak of the virus, the health ministry said on Sunday. Mpox can spread through close contact and can turn fatal in rare cases. It causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions on the body

Screen, test all mpox suspects: What Centre's advisory to states says amid global outbreak

The Union Health Ministry has asked state governments to increase awareness about preventive measures, and timely report mpox cases, if any, to mitigate panic

China ventures into medical tourism with a luxe twist while India leads in affordability

Driven by economic challenges and a need to attract foreign investment, China turns to premium medical tourism while India continues to lead in affordability

How ageing 'bursts' at 44 and 60 can make you grow older rapidly

According to a new study, the ageing process happens in pronounced ‘waves’ during the post-puberty lifespan: one in our mid-40s and the other in our early 60s. This is in contrast to the traditional notion of a slow and steady process

Psychiatrist explains: Sexual activity isn’t just biological, but about health and emotional balance too

In a candid conversation, Dr Anshu Kulkarni, senior consultant psychiatrist, unveils the intimate link between sexual pleasure and mental health

Mpox outbreak at US prison: How bad is it?

Mpox has been detected in Fort Dodge Correctional Facility in Iowa, US, which has a population of 1,251. The strain found within the prison has been classified as the less serious clade II, though it is unknown how many inmates have been affected. The prison staff have told local press that they are controlling the situation

Coming soon to India: New eye drops that could eliminate the need for reading glasses

PresVu is the first eye drop in India that has been created specifically to minimise dependency on reading glasses for people affected by presbyopia. The medicine works by reducing the size of pupils which helps to see objects up close

Do cellphones cause brain cancer? The answer is...

The possibility that mobile phones might cause cancer has been a long-standing concern. Mobile phones – and wireless tech more broadly – are a major part of our daily lives. So it’s been vital for science to address the safety of radio wave exposure from these devices

Can sleeping only 30 minutes a day 'double' your life?

A Japanese man named Daisuke Hori has maintained a tough sleep routine of just 30 minutes per day to ‘double’ his life. The practice has greatly increased his work efficiency, he claims. However, is the ultra-short sleep routine healthy?

What is phocomelia, the rare condition that Paralympics bronze medallist Sheetal Devi suffers from?

The 17-year-old Paralympian Sheetal Devi, who shoots with her legs, shoulders, and jaw, suffers from phocomelia. The congenital condition is characterised by the severe underdevelopment or absence of limbs, affecting either the upper, lower, or both sets of limbs

How Pakistan’s Peshawar has emerged as mpox 'epicentre'

Pakistan’s Peshawar city is emerging as the ‘epicentre’ of the globally concerning mpox virus. The neighbouring country reported its fifth monkeypox case on Sunday, after a 47-year-old man tested positive at the Bacha Khan International Airport. The latest mpox case has raised concerns about the virus’s spread from travellers arriving from West Asia

Wolfing down your food? Here's why it's not good for your health

Have you ever experienced excessive gas? Do you often suffer from difficult, heavy digestion or bloating? How long since you paid attention to how hungry or full you actually feel? Here's why experts say you should eat your meals slowly