Health News - Page 8

40 women using weight-loss drugs see unexpected pregnancies; prompt UK’s warning over contraceptives

The weight loss drugs, by mimicking gut hormones, effectively reduce appetite and promote weight loss, which can in turn boost fertility in women with obesity

Real or fake? How to decode a smile in seconds

From uncomfortable family portraits to forced workplace smiles, our brains often sense something’s off before we can explain why. The reason lies in a mix of facial anatomy, brain function and emotional truth. Both genuine and fake smiles rely on cranial nerve VII, the facial nerve, which carries signals from the brain to facial muscles. So the next time you are trying to read someone’s expression, do not focus only on the mouth. Watch the eyes. The orbicularis oculi rarely lies

Light meals, dark moods: How cutting calories can leave you depressed

A University of Toronto study found low-calorie diets can increase depression risk, especially in men and overweight individuals, due to nutritional deficiencies and lack of weight loss.

What’s really on your plate? How pesticide residues could increase your cancer risk

Scientific studies link long-term exposure to pesticide residues in food with increased cancer risk, especially for vulnerable groups. Experts highlight the importance of washing produce, choosing organic options and advocating safer farming. Policy reforms and farmer education are crucial for reducing pesticide misuse and ensuring food safety, protecting both health and the environment.

How Salmonella contamination spreads and what it means for consumers

Salmonella is a leading global cause of diarrhoeal diseases, often spread through contaminated food and water, including fresh produce like cucumbers. While most infections are mild, severe cases can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable groups. Read here

Dr explains: Why booster shots are crucial even with mild Covid-19 symptoms prevailing

India is experiencing a mild surge in Covid-19 cases driven by new Omicron subvariants, with mostly mild symptoms. Experts stress the importance of boosters, surveillance and protecting vulnerable groups. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on symptoms, vaccine effectiveness, and the country’s preparedness in tackling the evolving situation.

New cases over 4,000, India holds Covid mock drill today for hospital checks

On Wednesday, India recorded 276 new Covid cases, with seven deaths in the past 24 hours. The highest toll was recorded in Maharashtra at four and one fatality each in Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat. The total number of deaths now stands at 44

Nigeria deadliest country for expecting mothers, accounts for 30% of maternal deaths globally

Every year, 75,000 women die in Nigeria in labour, which translates to one death every seven minutes. Nigeria’s spending on health is just 5 per cent of its total budget, way short of its 15 per cent target that it committed to under a 2001 treaty with the African Union

US okays Moderna's 'next generation' Covid-19 vaccine

The new vaccine, mNexspike (mRNA-1283), is a step toward next-generation coronavirus vaccines. It's made in a way that allows for a lower dose, a fifth of the dose of its current COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax (mRNA-1273) by refining its immune target

How rising Covid cases is causing a rush at OPDs in Indian hospitals

Outpatient departments (OPDs) at Indian hospitals are seeing a three-time rise in footfalls in the past 10 days. Doctors attribute this to the Covid surge in the country — as of Monday, the country has a total of 3,961 active cases. But despite the rise in infections, medical experts note that the situation is under control

How 3 nights of poor sleep can harm your heart

A new study from Uppsala University in Sweden has found that just three nights of restricted sleep, about four hours per night, can trigger changes in the blood associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Notably, these changes were seen even in young, healthy adults after only a few nights of poor sleep

Four new Covid cases detected in Gurugram, total rises to 23 in latest surge

Four more people were diagnosed with coronavirus infection in Gurugram on Sunday, a health department official said.

Covid cases in India surge to 3,395, 4 dead in past 24 hours; Delhi sees highest daily spike

Kerala remains the most affected, reporting 1,336 active cases, followed by Maharashtra with 467 and Delhi with 375, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Wake-up call: How snoozing your alarm is costing you more sleep

A study by Mass General Brigham has found that hitting the snooze button on a morning alarm does more harm than good. Not only does it disrupt the important REM sleep stages, required for optimal cognitive functioning, but it also leads to poorer sleep quality and grogginess throughout the day. So, how can you fix this habit?

Karnataka reports fourth Covid death, 63-year-old with co-morbidities dies in Bengaluru

A 63 year old man with comorbidities and who tested positive for Covid19 died at a private hospital here, taking the coronavirus related death toll in the state to four, officials said on Saturday.

'A gift of life': How a cancer drug doubles the survival rate

A new study has revealed that the drug called pembrolizumab, sold under the brand name Keytruda, not only kept head and neck cancers at bay for five years compared to 30 months with standard care but also significantly lowered the chances of cancer spreading

Covid scare in India: 7 dead in past 24 hours, over 2,700 cases recorded; Kerala, Maharashtra worst hit

In an alarming development, seven deaths have been reported over the past 24 hours across India, taking the total Covid death toll to 22 during the fresh wave

Busting cancer myths: Why delay can be deadly in India’s fight against the disease

With over 100,000 cancer cases reported annually, India faces a growing health crisis worsened by myths, stigma and misinformation. Firstpost presents the expert’s view to debunk common misconceptions around causes and treatments—from family history to CAR T-cell therapy—emphasising that awareness, early diagnosis and timely medical action are key to improving outcomes and saving lives.

Maharashtra reports 84 new covid cases, total rises to 681 in 2025

As many as 84 new Covid 19 cases were reported in Maharashtra on Friday, taking the tally of cases registered since the start of the year to 681, the state public health department said.

Can kissing spread depression and anxiety?

The research, published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, examined the oral microbiome of 268 newly-married couples, the levels of cortisol in their saliva and their mental health. Here’s what the study found about kissing leading to depression and anxiety

Is eating food with hands ‘unhygienic’? Indian-origin woman’s video on London Tube has stirred debate

A video of an Indian-origin woman eating with her hands on board a London Tube train has gone viral, sparking an intense debate. While some have pointed out it is a cultural practice, other users called it 'unhygienic' and 'inappropriate' for a public space. But is eating with hands, a widespread norm in many parts of the world, including Asia and Africa, unhealthy?

Covid-19 in India: Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi record 74% new cases

As of yesterday (May 27), India reported a total of 1,010 active cases of Covid-19, according to data published by the Health Ministry on its website. The largest number of cases was detected in Kerala, followed by Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu

Active Covid cases in India cross 1,000: Should you get booster vaccine, wear masks?

As per the latest update, India has 1,010 active Covid cases, with Kerala leading at 430, followed by Maharashtra with 210, according to Union government data. Amid the recent rise, concerns are growing over booster shots and protective measures like wearing masks and social distancing. With cases climbing, health officials are urging people to follow basic precautions, especially to protect vulnerable groups

Two new Covid-19 cases reported in Gurugram; toll at six

Two new coronavirus cases were reported in Gurugram city on Monday.

Kerala leads India’s Covid-19 surge with 430 active cases

Kerala has reported the highest number of active Covid-19 cases in India, with 430 people currently infected.

Fungi that could ‘eat you from inside out’ likely to spread amid warming planet

Scientists from Manchester University have projected that Aspergillus, a common group of fungi present globally, could spread to new regions as the world heats up. These moulds can cause aspergillosis, a lung disease that could spread to other organs, including the brain

New Covid-19 variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, detected in India: Should you be worried?

India currently has 1,009 active Covid-19 cases, with Kerala reporting the highest at 430, followed by Maharashtra with 209 cases. With the rise in infections, Karnataka, Delhi, and West Bengal have issued health advisories. Notably, India’s SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) has identified two new subvariants: NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, both offshoots of the rapidly spreading JN.1 variant in the country. How deadly are they?

Beyond age: Why genetics and lifestyle matter in prostate cancer risk

Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer among men in India. Often symptomless in its early stages, it is highly treatable when detected promptly. Firstpost shares expert insights on symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and the crucial role of early screening.

Can a physiotherapist help you with your headaches? Here's what the science says

Physiotherapy may ease more than just sore muscles — it can help with certain types of headaches too. Evidence shows it's effective for cervicogenic headaches, with emerging support for migraine and tension-type headaches. But identifying the root cause is key. Should you see a physio for your headaches? Here's what the science says

Health hazard: Why it’s so easy to fall for fake information about fitness, well-being

Alongside actively looking up health information online, people frequently encounter it on social media or receive it through emails and messages from friends or family. While there is an overwhelming amount of health content available, much of it is misleading or inaccurate. Often, false health claims seem believable because they blend a small truth with misleading details. This makes it hard for people to tell which sources are trustworthy and what content is worth sharing