Health News - Page 4

What 14 days of no sugar does to your body

Sugar addiction is real. But going without desserts or candy for two weeks has a big impact on your body

From infections to lifestyle damage, experts call for integrated surgery and physiotherapy in India

India’s orthopedic crisis is twofold: infection and inactivity. Surgeons repair bones; physiotherapists restore movement. Missing either half compromises recovery and accelerates long-term disability. Read here

Dr explains: How modern lifestyles are fuelling the 'tech neck' epidemic and orthopaedic ailments

India is witnessing a sharp surge in orthopedic complications across age groups, driven by sedentary lifestyles and an ageing population. Firstpost brings out experts’ views to understand the evolving complications and various aspects and preventive strategies, risk factors and treatment options to help mitigate the growing burden of musculoskeletal disorders.

India’s silent demographic shift: Falling fertility and looming socio-economic impact

India is quietly undergoing a profound demographic and health transition: fertility rates are falling and the challenge of achieving healthy pregnancies, especially in younger women- is becoming more complex than ever.

The new human organ scientists discovered in 2020 can help fight cancer of head and neck: Research

Dutch scientists have discovered hidden salivary glands that could ease cancer treatment side effects in the head and neck

How the masks you disposed of during Covid are now becoming an environmental disaster

Masks were critical in fighting Covid-19, but billions of them are now causing an environmental crisis. Studies show discarded masks are releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals like bisphenol B into land and water, threatening ecosystems, wildlife and human health. Experts warn that urgent policies and sustainable alternatives are needed to prevent lasting damage

How Russian troops are struggling with 'mouse fever' that causes bleeding from the eyes

A Chechen special forces unit fighting for Russia has reported cases of 'mouse fever', a dangerous hantavirus infection spread by rodents. Stationed near Zaporizhzhia, three soldiers have fallen ill amid severe rodent infestations. With no cure and limited vaccines, the outbreak poses health and operational challenges for Russian forces on the frontline

Why physiotherapists in India will no longer be allowed to use ‘Dr’ before their names

The director general of health services (DGHS) has issued a directive, stating physiotherapists are not entitled to use the prefix ‘Dr’. The primary regulatory body attached to Ministry of Health said using the title could confuse or even mislead patients into believing that they are trained medical doctors

What's the deadly kissing bug disease spreading across the US?

Chagas disease, a potentially fatal illness spread by the blood-sucking kissing bug, is now found across 32 US states, with local infections confirmed in eight. The CDC warns that over 280,000 Americans may be infected without knowing, as the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi silently damages the heart and digestive system

For the first time, world has more obese school kids than underweight

For the first time ever, global childhood obesity now outstrips underweight, affecting 1 in 10 school-aged children. UNICEF warns ultra-processed food and poor policy have created a new, urgent form of malnutrition.

Drink more, worry less: How water could be your new stress buster

A new study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, found that people who drank less than one-and-a-half litres daily showed dramatically higher levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, when faced with stressful situations. The findings further add hydration to the growing list of lifestyle factors that influence stress resilience

RFK Jr autism report: Could a common painkiller taken during pregnancy be a factor?

The US Department of Health and Human Services is set to release a report on autism this month. Led by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, the probe may link Tylenol use during pregnancy and low folate levels to autism. But what does science say?

Doctor Explains | Why Pap smears can’t detect ovarian cancer and which tests women should rely on instead

Ovarian cancer is often called the silent killer. In this report, Firstpost brings out expert insights on why it remains difficult to detect, the symptoms women should not ignore and how new treatments such as PARP inhibitors are reshaping outcomes.

Infant born with 2 babies in abdomen: What is this rare medical condition?

In a remarkably rare case, doctors in Gurugram recently removed two 'parasitic' foetuses growing inside the abdomen of a one-month-old baby girl. The condition, known as foetus in fetu, is extremely rare, seen in only about 1 in 5,00,000 live births worldwide. Here's how doctors managed to save the infant

Experts warn vitamin D deficiency during monsoon raises fracture risk

In India, an ICMR study estimates that nearly 22–39% of adults over 40 show signs of osteoarthritis, and doctors warn that weather changes like high humidity and reduced sunlight can worsen symptoms.

‘No place in children’s hands’: Why the UK is banning energy drinks for under 16s

The United Kingdom plans to ban sales of energy drinks to under-16s, citing their health risks among young people. Previously, a survey found that among teenagers aged 13 to 16, as many as one in three admits to having them weekly. Are these beverages bad for health?

Get dirty: How gardening is a good stress-buster

Research suggests 20 to 30 minutes of gardening a few times a week can reduce stress and lift mood, with benefits increasing the more regularly one gardens. Digging the dirt also strengthens social connections, and increases fibre intake, which helps reduce risk factors for some physical and mental illnesses, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cancer

Is intermittent fasting increasing the risk of heart attacks?

A new study, published in the journal Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, links intermittent fasting to a 135 per cent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes. While researchers say more long-term study is needed to know for sure, they have cautioned against the one-size-fits-all approach to fasting

How safe are sleep gummies for kids? Here's what sleep researcher says

Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that makes us feel sleepy, is used to treat sleep-related issues. Amid a rise in reports of non-fatal overdoses of melatonin gummies in Western Australia, a sleep researcher looks at their safety.

Dr explains: Why 60% of liver cancers are preventable and how early action can save lives

Liver cancer, sixth in incidence and fourth in deaths globally, is mostly preventable. Rising cases are linked to MASLD, obesity and diabetes. Firstpost brings out experts’ view on the growing burden, the importance of early detection, and how lifestyle changes, better surveillance and newer therapies can help reduce its toll.

Was CDC director Susan Monarez fired for opposing RFK Jr's vaccine policy?

Susan Monarez’s tenure as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director ended abruptly less than a month after she was sworn in. The White House announced her removal, while her lawyers insist she was neither fired nor resigned. Her ouster, driven by clashes over Robert F Kennedy Jr’s vaccine policies, triggered the resignations of several top CDC officials

How heatwaves are making people age faster

Heatwaves are no longer just short-lived threats. New research reveals that repeated exposure to extreme heat accelerates biological ageing, with effects comparable to smoking or alcohol. Outdoor workers and rural residents are most vulnerable, while rising global temperatures mean billions could face long-term health consequences

Do you get safe drinking water? UN says 25% don’t have access to it

In 2024, 89 countries had universal access to at least basic drinking water, of which 31 had universal access to safely managed services

What is the flesh-eating screwworm parasite detected in a person in the US for the first time?

The first US human case of screwworm was found in Maryland, raising fresh alarm among authorities. The infected person is a traveller who had recently visited Central America, where an outbreak of the parasite has been spreading. It has also raised fears in the US livestock industry, which was declared screwworm-free decades ago

Sitting all day in your office AC? Why prolonged exposure can make you sick

Improperly maintained air conditioning can give you ‘sick building syndrome.’ It can lead to headaches, respiratory issues such runny nose, persistent cough, and spread viral disease and fungal infections

Do young men need ‘T maxxing’ testosterone?

T maxxing is gaining traction on social media these days. The initiative aims to promote higher testosterone levels in young teenage boys, encouraging both natural methods and the use of synthetic hormones. But do boys really need it?

London clinic claims to remove microplastics from body for Rs 13.5 lakh. What is the procedure?

A London clinic claims it can remove microplastics from the blood for $13,000 (around Rs 13.5 lakh). Clarify Clinics says its Clari procedure can clear between 90 and 99 per cent of microplastics. Recently, actor and singer Katy Perry’s ex-fiance Orlando Bloom also shared on Instagram that he underwent the procedure at the clinic

Talking to chatbots can lead to 'AI psychosis'. Is this a growing mental health risk?

AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are now everyday tools, but psychiatrists warn of a disturbing trend dubbed 'AI psychosis'. A small group of users report delusions, emotional dependence or losing touch with reality after long conversations with chatbots

Why US has warned against an Indian cookware brand

The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has warned against using aluminium cookware under the brand Tiger White, manufactured by Saraswati Strips Pvt Ltd. The health regulator found that its products could release unsafe levels of lead, a toxic heavy metal linked to serious health problems

Silent killer alert: Nearly 20 cr Indians have high BP, renal denervation therapy offers new hope

India faces a hypertension crisis with only a fraction of patients controlling blood pressure. Experts point to renal denervation as a minimally invasive therapy showing sustained results in resistant cases. Read here