Health News - Page 8

Real or fake? How to decode a smile in seconds

4 months ago

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

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

5 months ago

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.

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

5 months ago

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.

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

5 months ago

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

5 months ago

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

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

5 months ago

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?

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

5 months ago

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.

Can kissing spread depression and anxiety?

5 months ago

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

5 months ago

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?

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

5 months ago

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

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

5 months ago

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?

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

5 months ago

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

5 months ago

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

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