Health News - Page 25

Can your daily mouthwash gargles give you cancer?

A recent study in the Journal of Medical Microbiology warned about the risks of using Listerine mouthwash, linking it to an increased chance of causing cancer, including oesophageal and colorectal cancer. The authors further ask to either 'carefully consider' its regular use or opt for alcohol-free alternatives

Deadly 'flesh-eating bacteria' outbreak in Japan: What do we know? Can it spread across the world?

A chilling rise in cases of a rare but lethal human flesh-eating bacterial infection has gripped Japan following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), this nightmarish disease can kill within just 48 hours of infection. Japan has already recorded nearly 1,000 cases this year alone, surpassing last year’s numbers

How an anti-malaria drug could help in treating PCOS

In a breakthrough study, scientists have found an antimalarial drug used in ancient Chinese medicine could effectively treat women with PCOS. The study found that women who took the herbal extract artemisinin for 12 weeks experienced more regular periods, suggesting that the extract may be able to control the production of too much testosterone

World Blood Donor Day: Born with thalassemia, this patient-doctor overcomes all odds

This is a guest column by a doctor, who has defied all odds that a person born with thalassemia faces. She ensured it was no deterrence in realising her dream. She has a message for all on this year’s World Blood Donor Day (June 14)

Mind over Matter: How Viagra could improve brain functions

Scientists of an Oxford study found that Viagra, which is used as a remedy for erectile dysfunction in men, could actually help improve blood flow to the brain, resulting in better cognitive function. Not only can it boost brain power, it can potentially avert vascular dementia in high-risk patients

Food fright: Why a new food challenge online is worrying experts

TikTok is abuzz with a new trend called the #fearfoodchallenge. It involves a person, usually someone recovering from an eating disorder, putting their courage to the test by randomly selecting a food item and then devouring it. Experts, however, are cautioning against this practice

What is driving a surge in dengue cases in Europe?

Europe has seen a ‘significant’ rise in dengue infections in recent years. The European Union (EU) health agency said tiger mosquitoes are spreading the infections. But why have the cases increased now?

Human case of bird flu detected in India: Should we be worried?

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday confirmed a four-year-old child from West Bengal was diagnosed with bird flu in late January this year. This is India's second human infection of H9N2 bird flu, with the first reported in 2019. The agency anticipates sporadic occurrences of the infection due to the virus's circulating presence in poultry

First since 2019, WHO confirms human case of bird flu in India

India's International Health Regulations informed WHO about the case on May 22 saying that the patient was infected by the avian influenza virus in West Bengal

Eat Right: What's the planet-friendly diet that may lengthen your life?

A planet-friendly diet, which is mostly based on consuming veggies and fruits, is believed to be highly beneficial for humans and the Earth. A new study backs this claim by saying that it also reduces the risk of premature death by nearly one-third in people. It also dramatically reduces greenhouse gases that are choking the planet

Hooked to smartphones? What excessive internet usage does to teenage brains

A study has found that excessive internet usage among adolescents affects regions of their brains which are responsible for controlling attention, intellectual ability, working memory, and physical coordination. This hampers overall development and well-being

Doctor explains: Is our lifestyle giving us tumours and cancers?

With tumours and cancers becoming one of the leading health challenges for people across the world, Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on how to deal with them and live a healthier life

Doctor explains: Should you take medicines to lose weight?

With studies and reports suggesting that certain medicines taken for weight loss can cause serious health problems, Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on how to manage weight and deal with obesity

No funny business: Can you faint from laughing too much?

A man from Hyderabad couldn't control his laughter while he was enjoying a comedy show with his family. After laughing hard for a few minutes, things turned serious as he lost his consciousness. A doctor later explained that he suffered from a rare condition called laughter-induced syncope. Here's what it is

How a ‘bad cold’ led to a 33-year-old Canadian powerlifter being on life support

Jared Maynar, his wife, and his daughters caught a 'mild cold' at the beginning of 2023. While the family recovered within a week, he couldn't. He was diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal autoimmune disorder called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. What is it?

Do eye exercises really help improve your vision?

While eye exercises promise to eliminate the need for glasses and give significant benefit to your eyes, health care professional says there is limited evidence to suggest its benefits.

Doctor explains: What 50°C heatwave does to your body. How to protect yourself

With Indian cities reporting record high temperatures, Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on how to deal with extreme heat-related health issues and illnesses

What are smart bandages that would accelerate healing and allow remote care by doctor?

Researchers are working on creating ‘smart bandages’, a high-tech update on a simple bandage that may monitor, evaluate, and respond to how a wound is healing to speed up the healing process. Some versions of them will also let medical professionals administer care remotely

World No Tobacco Day: Despite fears of cancer, infertility there's no end to smoking or chewing nicotine

The observance of World No Tobacco Day highlights the multifaceted repercussions of tobacco use spanning from cancer to the intricate dynamics of fertility

World No Tobacco Day: Why teen girls in India are smoking more than ever?

As per the Union health ministry’s latest report, while tobacco consumption in India has come down, the number of teenage girls who smoke has gone up more than two-fold in a decade. It is a worrying trend, with adverse health effects like cardiovascular and reproductive diseases

Explained: What are cancer vaccines? Can they cure the disease?

The UK's National Health Service has announced that thousands of cancer patients in England will get expedited access to trials of personalised cancer vaccines, following the introduction of a groundbreaking trial 'matchmaking' service designed to discover new life-saving treatments. Cancer vaccines, a type of immunotherapy, differ from preventive vaccines like the COVID-19 jab, as they are intended to treat individuals already diagnosed with the disease

Medical history: How ancient Egyptians tried to treat cancer 4,000 years ago

Ancient Egypt is known to be the place of one of the early civilisations. New evidence from skulls more than 4,000 years old has revealed that physicians from the region may have also tried to treat certain cancers with surgery

India’s heatwave is leading to rise in ‘eye stroke’ cases: What is the condition?

An eye stroke occurs when the retinal artery supplying blood to the eye becomes blocked. Heatwaves pose a unique risk by increasing dehydration and blood viscosity, making blockages more likely. Keep reading to learn about the signs to watch out for

Sleepless in Summer: How India’s rising night-time temperatures are a health concern

Parts of India, especially in the North, are struggling to survive amid extremely high temperatures. A new study has revealed that hotter nights are only adding to the woes of the people. But what’s causing the nocturnal mercury levels to remain high?

Australia firm freezes its first patient. Can cryogenics help bring people back to life?

An Australian cryonics company, Southern Cryonics, sparked a widespread debate after successfully freezing their first client, known as 'Patient One'. The man, in his 80s, passed away in a Sydney hospital before being transported to Southern Cryonics’ facility in Holbrook, New South Wales. There, his body was cryogenically preserved at -196°C, with the hope that future medical advancements might one day revive him

Too hot to handle: How much heat can a human body sustain?

Parts of India are grappling with extreme heat. Across the world too, temperatures are soaring, making people sweat profusely. Amid these rising temperatures, everyone seems to be asking — how hot is too hot? And what happens to the human body then? The answer, surprisingly, isn’t limited only to the thermometer; it has much to do with humidity. Here’s what you need to know

How longer and more intense heatwaves are linked to premature births

Examining data from 5.3 million births across the top 50 metropolitan areas in the US over 25 years, a recent study found that for every one-degree Celsius rise in temperature above a certain threshold, there was a corresponding one per cent increase in preterm and early-term births

Menstrual Hygiene Day: What is free bleeding and is it hygienic?

Free bleeding is the practice of going through your period without using a pad, a tampon, or a menstrual cup to collect or absorb your blood. The practice can be hygienic if managed correctly. Free bleeding has been around for centuries and has snowballed into a movement only recently

In Graphics | What diet should you follow if you are sitting for long hours?

With more and more people facing a increased sedentary lifestyle, food habits have gone for a toss. To better improve people's diet, India's apex health body, the Indian Council of Medical Research, has released what can be called an 'ideal' diet plan for men and women with long sitting hours

Are nightmares a sign of an autoimmune disease flare-up?

A new study published in The Lancet found nightmares often came before a disease flare-up, particularly in people who then had hallucinations as part of their disease pattern. This was more likely in people with lupus than the other rheumatological diseases such as inflammatory arthritis