admin - First Check

19
Nov

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Vibrators or lipsticks? How India’s sex toys navigate legal gray areas

First Check Team / 2 days
0
3 min read

While there is no explicit legal provision in India barring the sale of sex toys, the lack of clear judicial guidelines has created a gray area, leaving businesses to navigate complex legal terrain. Companies often label sex toys as “massagers” to sidestep potential legal issues, but this practice raises concerns about consumer protection and could […]

19
Nov

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FACT CHECK: Are figs non-vegetarian due to wasp pollination?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 days
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Figs (Anjeer) are non-vegetarian as wasps are involved in the pollination process FACT: Figs come in multiple varieties, many of them don’t require wasps for pollination A couple of recent social media posts have claimed that figs are non-vegetarian. The claim originated on November 2 with a reel by @shashikant_iyengar, a verified account on […]

18
Nov

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FACT CHECK: Is milk from hormone-injected cows a cancer threat?

Allen Joe Mathew / 3 days
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Hormones injected into cows linked to human cancer risk FACT: FALSE! There is no conclusive scientific evidence to support this The First Check team came across an Instagram post from the account “Satvik Movement, where they attribute a person’s recovery from cancer to the diet and lifestyle changes prescribed by Satvik Movement practitioners. […]

17
Nov

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Antimicrobial resistance as urgent as climate action: WHO chief

First Check Team / 4 days
0
4 min read

The action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is “equally as urgent as climate action,” Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance which began Friday in Jeddah. “AMR doesn’t just threaten to make the medicines on which we depend less effective; it’s happening […]

16
Nov

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Fact Check: Does loud snoring signal restful sleep?

Pallav Vyas / 5 days
0
4 min read

CLAIM: Loud snoring is a deep and restful sleep FACT: No, it could signal serious breathing issues The quality of one’s sleep is contingent on many factors such as ageing, depression, medications, and circadian rhythm disorders. There’s an anecdotal account that snoring indicates a deep and restful sleep. However, medical evidence doesn’t support this. […]

15
Nov

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FACT CHECK: Does eating fish and milk together harm your health?

Pallav Vyas / 6 days
0
3 min read

CLAIM: The consumption of fish and milk leads to white patches on skin FACT: Medical evidence supporting this claim is non-existent There’s a lot of anecdotal wisdom that claims that consuming the fish and milk two together, or within a short interval of each other, could lead to white patches on one’s skin, […]

14
Nov

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STUDY: Quarter of world’s 828 million diabetes patients now in India

First Check Team / 7 days
0
4 min read

India is now home to over a quarter of the world’s diabetes cases, with 212 million adults affected, as global diabetes numbers reached 828 million—more than four times the count in 1990, according to a new analysis in The Lancet. India is followed by China with 148 million diabetes cases, and the USA (42 million), […]

14
Nov

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FACT CHECK: Can certain food help neutralise the “toxins” in food?

Pallav Vyas / 7 days
0
5 min read

A First Check reader recently shared a video with us on our newly launched WhatsApp tip line, where a patron of ayurvedic treatment is seen saying that seven food spices can ward off the poisonous and toxic effects of all the food we consume, asking us to verify the claims. The video was shared with […]

13
Nov

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US obesity rate doubles since 1990, hits 208m in 2021, to reach 260m by 2050

First Check Team / 1 week
0
2 min read

By 2050, the number of US children and teens with overweight or obesity is expected to reach 43.1 million (up by 6.74 million from 2021), and adults 213 million (an increase of 41.4 million), highlighting the urgent need for nationwide action to reverse these trends and address significant geographical and sex disparities, according to […]

12
Nov

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FACT CHECK: Can clove-studded apple ease migraines, acidity?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 week
0
2 min read

CLAIM: Eating an apple with cloves inserted overnight on an empty stomach can cure acidity, migraines, and other ailments. FACT: The claim is false. No scientific evidence supports the idea that eating a clove-laced apple can cure health issues. A viral video on Instagram shows a Hindi speaking man handing out apples inserted with cloves to people at a […]

12
Nov

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Uneven vaccine access in India slows down immunisation for children

First Check Team / 1 week
0
3 min read

India has made exceptional advances in child immunisation, but differences in coverage across regions are holding back important goals, says a recent Lancet study. India ranked first in 2021 and second in 2023 for the highest absolute number of Zero Dose children globally and figures among the top 10 countries home to children missing […]

11
Nov

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Trump’s second term: RFK Jr. to lead health policy overhaul amid expert warnings

First Check Team / 1 week
0
3 min read

As concerns rise about the implications of a second Trump administration on global health, experts caution that his return to office could be “among the most destructive” for public health, potentially undermining trust in critical areas such as vaccines and medicine. Lawrence Gostin, Director of the World Health Organization’s Center on Global Health Law, cautioned […]

09
Nov

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Study: Demand for cannabis as pain reliever spurs calls for reliable YouTube content

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
2 min read

As more people turn to cannabis for chronic pain relief, a new study reveals that only 22.7% of YouTube videos on the topic provide reliable, clinically accurate information. Researchers are calling for a verification process on the platform to prioritize accurate educational content, aiming to reduce misinformation and guide patients toward informed choices on cannabis […]

08
Nov

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FACT CHECK: The brown Vs white egg conundrum

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
2 min read

Claim: Brown eggs are much healthier than white eggs Fact: There is no difference between the nutritional value of a brown or white egg Eggs are an excellent source of high nutrition, since they provide all vitamins except Vitamin C. They also contain macronutrients such as lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. Further, eggs are also […]

08
Nov

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FACT CHECK: Are broiler chickens injected with hormones and steroids?

Pallav Vyas / 2 weeks
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Are hormonal injections like steroids used in the production of broiler chicken? FACT: While there have been reports of the practice continuing in some parts of India despite a ban on growth hormones’ use in poultry, this does not appear to be the norm. Experts have said selective breeding, immunizations, and the use […]

06
Nov

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FACT CHECK: Which is safer and healthier- raw milk or pasteurized milk?

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
4 min read

Should you be drinking raw milk over pasteurised milk? A social media user on X (formerly Twitter), claimed that raw or unpasteurised milk is a healthier alternative to pasteurised milk (milk that has been heated to a specific temperature for a pre-determined interval of time). Did you know this? Pasteurized milk is dangerous and should be […]

05
Nov

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Fact Check: Does poor oral hygiene cause heart attacks?

Pallav Vyas / 2 weeks
0
3 min read

Claim: Poor oral hygiene over time can lead to an increased risk of heart disease Fact: Poor oral hygiene affects health but has no direct link to heart attacks, experts say Teeth are an integral part of the human body, but they are often overlooked when analysing one’s health. That is, as long as […]

05
Nov

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Not just skin deep: Psoriasis also hits nails, joints

Pallav Vyas / 2 weeks
0
3 min read

Psoriasis is generally considered a skin condition with the itchy, flaky, and scaly patches of skin dominating all conversations around the disease. The fact that psoriasis also affects the nails and may simultaneously be the cause of arthritis is rarely mentioned, or known outside the medical fraternity. What is Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic condition […]

05
Nov

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Early-life sugar restriction can protect against diabetes and hypertension later in life

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
2 min read

Reducing sugar intake during the first 1,000 days after conception—from conception through age two—may lower a child’s risk of developing chronic illnesses in adulthood. a new study published in Science has found. Leveraging data from post-World War II sugar rationing in the UK, the findings highlight critical long-term health benefits from reduced sugar intake […]

04
Nov

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The public health impact of gambling is large and increasing: Lancet

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
5 min read

The Lancet Public Health Commission on gambling in a recent report has pointed out the prevalence of commercial gambling in over 80% of countries globally, with lower- and middle-income countries witnessing a particularly rapid growth in the activity. The gambling, the Commission warns, seriously undermines progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a “heavy […]

04
Nov

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Report: Heat-related deaths among seniors rise 167% in 2023 vs. 1990s

First Check Team / 2 weeks
0
3 min read

In 2023, global heat-related deaths among people over 65 soared by an unprecedented 167% compared to the 1990s — well beyond the 65% rise anticipated without climate change, finds the Lancet Countdown 2024 Report. What is more, the number of health-threatening heat days added by climate change is higher in countries with a low […]

03
Nov

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Report: Fossil fuel deaths drop 7% as global coal phase-out gains ground

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
3 min read

Despite the severe health impacts of climate change, there are some reasons for cautious optimism. Deaths from fossil fuel-derived air pollution fell almost 7% from 2.25 million in 2016 to 2.09 million in 2021, with 59% of this decline due to efforts to reduce pollution from coal burning, demonstrating the life-saving potential of coal […]

02
Nov

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Study: Political polarization a major threat to public health

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
3 min read

There is growing evidence that political polarization poses a substantial risk to individual and collective well-being, says a new study published in the journal Nature. Political polarization, according to the study, refers to “a state in which the opinions, beliefs or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but […]

01
Nov

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2023: TB surpasses COVID-19 as leading global killer, India worst affected

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
5 min read

In 2023, Tuberculosis (TB) reclaimed its position as the world’s leading cause of death, surpassing COVID-19, which had caused almost twice as many fatalities as HIV/AIDS during the previous three years, reveals the WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2024. India with 26% TB cases, leads the list of 30 high-burden countries. Alongside Indonesia (10%), […]

31
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Does sweetened lemonade have lower health benefits?

Pallav Vyas / 3 weeks
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Sugar in lemonade restricts the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin C from lemon juice FACT: Indeed! Glucose from sugar is readily absorbed by the body, blocking the absorption of vitamin C In many cultures a glass of lemonade is the beverage of choice to beat the summer heat. The humble Shikanji or Nimbu […]

30
Oct

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Election results to affect patient, community health, health care delivery system in US: Medical journal

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
2 min read

As the election date approaches in the USA, the outcome is expected to affect patient and community health, as well as the health care delivery system, in profound ways, a latest article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) says. The journal identifies key health-related issues likely to influence voters, including […]

30
Oct

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Fact Check: Can drinking too much coffee trigger hair loss?

Pallav Vyas / 3 weeks
0
3 min read

CLAIM: A popular social media post claims that coffee consumption leads to hair loss FACT: There’s little evidence to firmly link excessive caffeine intake to hair loss in people A Redditt user going by the name ArachWitch claims that he is convinced of the hair-thinning effects of consuming coffee. “I’m convinced caffeine consumption increases hair […]

29
Oct

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West Bengal extends ban on gutkha and pan masala for another year

First Check Team / 3 weeks
0
3 min read

The West Bengal government has renewed its ban on the manufacturing, storage, and sale of gutkha and pan masala products containing tobacco or nicotine for an additional year, effective November 7. This ban has been consistently extended annually since 2012. “The Commissioner of Food Safety of the state is empowered under Section 30 of the […]

29
Oct

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Fact Check: Is fake paneer made by mixing milk powder with oils to mimic real paneer?

Allen Joe Mathew / 3 weeks
0
3 min read

CLAIM: A viral video says “analogue paneer” is made by mixing milk powder with oils to mimic real paneer FACT : It is true. The FSSAI defines analogue paneer as safe, though it’s not the same as traditional paneer Recent social media claims about the production of authentic and synthetic paneer have raised concerns […]

28
Oct

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Fact Check: Donald Trump claims “I’m the father of IVF” at a Fox News Townhall

Allen Joe Mathew / 3 weeks
0
2 min read

CLAIM US presidential candidate Donald Trump says “I’m the father of IVF” FACT IVF was developed by British scientists Sir Robert Edwards, Patrick Steptoe, and Jean Purdy, leading to the first IVF baby in 1978 Former United States President and now Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump, recently claimed that he was the “father” in vitro […]

27
Oct

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Rising human cost of gambling: 449 million affected, 80 million with disorders

First Check Team / 4 weeks
0
2 min read

A shocking 448.7 million adults globally grapple with the personal, social, or health consequences of gambling, with around 80 million of them experiencing severe gambling disorders, according to a recent report by the Lancet Public Health Commission The report estimates that gambling disorder could affect 15·8% of the adults and 26·4% of the adolescents who […]

25
Oct

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Antimicrobial resistance, health reform take centre stage at MSF conference in New Delhi

First Check Team / 4 weeks
0
3 min read

Health reform, resistance to antimicrobials, health disparities, and the impact of violence were top themes discussed at the MSF–Asia 2024 Conference at India Habitat Centre on October 25. The event brought together more than 200 researchers, academics, and patient representatives dedicated to advancing humanitarian medical innovation and research. Speaking at the conference, health experts […]

25
Oct

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EXPLAINER: Early birds vs night owls – who scores higher on brain performance?

Pallav Vyas / 4 weeks
0
4 min read

Ancient wisdom dictates that going to bed early and waking up in the wee hours is good for health, wealth and happiness. We have all heard the famous saying by Benjamin Franklin since we were kids “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” But is that all true? […]

24
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Viral video claims salt isn’t a concern, blames sugar instead

Allen Joe Mathew / 4 weeks
0
4 min read

CLAIM Salt is not as harmful when it comes to high blood pressure, as the body excretes it; sugar is the bigger problem. FACT Excessive salt and sugar intake can overwhelm natural processes, leading to high blood pressure A viral Instagram video from the account @getsetfit claims that salt consumption isn’t problematic for blood pressure and […]

23
Oct

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India: Government health expenditure rose from 1.13% to 1.84% of GDP between 2014-15 and 2021-22

First Check Team / 4 weeks
0
3 min read

Government spending on healthcare has seen a significant rise over the years, according to the National Health Accounts (NHA) estimates for the fiscal year 2021-22, released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The National Health Accounts showed that government spending on health had increased from 1.13% of the GDP in 2014-15 to […]

22
Oct

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Egypt eradicates malaria, a disease that dates back to the time of the Pharaohs

First Check Team / 1 month
0
3 min read

Since ancient times, malaria has plagued Egypt, impacting the health of its people for centuries.On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the country malaria-free. The WHO said the achievement followed nearly 100 years of dedicated efforts by the Egyptian government and its citizens to eradicate the disease. “Malaria is as old as Egyptian […]

21
Oct

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Fact Check: Do Root Canals Increase Breast Cancer Risk?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 month
0
3 min read

CLAIM Root canals lead to breast cancer among women FACT No scientific evidence to support this assertion A YouTube channel The Skinny Confidential has put out a YouTube Short claiming there is a link between root canal and breast cancer. The video has got more than 18,00,000 views and over 56,000 likes. Even otherwise, […]

21
Oct

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Study: Childhood vaccinations in India have reduced antibiotic use

First Check Team / 1 month
0
2 min read

Childhood vaccinations in India can reduce disease burden and associated antibiotic use, in turn reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance, says a new Lancet study. By 2019, India achieved 91% coverage of the DPT3 vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, for children under two, leading to substantial reduction in the antibiotic […]

20
Oct

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82% seniors seek health info online: poll

First Check Team / 1 month
0
2 min read

Around 82% of people over 50 look for health information on the internet, a National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted by the University of Michigan has revealed. The poll also found that 74% of people in this age-group have very little or no trust in health information if it were generated by artificial intelligence […]

19
Oct

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Health is political, policies shaped by ideology of governments: Lancet

First Check Team / 1 month
0
2 min read

Health and health policy are shaped by the political ideology of governments, whether that means more money to invest in health systems or less regulation on health-harming products, Lancet, a peer-reviewed international medical journal, says in its latest comment. ‘Health is political. This is what many practitioners of public and clinical health believe,” argues […]

19
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Wisdom teeth removal & 6 viral false claims about it

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 month
0
5 min read

A video has been going viral on Instagram, which advocates against the removal of wisdom teeth, and is peppered with multiple claims about the benefits of keeping them, and the dangers of removing even impacted wisdom teeth. The video, which has been played close to 8 million times and has over 72,000 likes, claims […]

17
Oct

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Global Parliamentarians Unite at Berlin Summit to Support WHO Pandemic Agreement

First Check Team / 1 month
0
3 min read

Parliamentarians from around the world gathered at the UNITE Global Summit in Berlin on Wednesday, to sign a statement supporting the World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement. The WHO Pandemic Agreement is aimed at addressing gaps that became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, and also looks at the threats posed by mpox and other disease outbreaks. […]

17
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Are diabetics safe from eye sight loss if they control their blood sugar levels?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 month
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Diabetes does not affect one’s eyes, as long as your blood sugar levels are in control. FACT: Diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that can lead to vision loss in diabetics, is primarily influenced by the duration of diabetes rather than immediate blood sugar control. A common belief among diabetes patients is […]

16
Oct

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Cachexia: A muscle wasting condition in advanced cancer patients responsible for 30% of deaths

Pallav Vyas / 1 month
0
3 min read

Cachexia accounts for 30% of deaths among advanced-cancer patients, yet it remains poorly understood. According to oncologists, Cachexia is a lethal muscle-wasting and anorexic health condition accompanying advanced stages of cancer, and not cancer per se. What is Cachexia? Cancerous tumors can induce metabolic conditions such as anorexia and weight loss in […]

16
Oct

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At current rate, ending poverty for half the world could take over a century

First Check Team / 1 month
0
3 min read

At today’s feeble pace, it could take more than a century to eliminate poverty as it is defined for nearly half the world – people who live on less than $6.85 per day, according to the World Bank’s new Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report. The report released in Washington on Tuesday offers the […]

15
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Trump claims vaping helps to quit smoking

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 month
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Flavoured vapes can help people quit smoking FACT: Evidence from multiple studies supports Trump’s claim that vaping has indeed helped many people quit smoking, though the extent of its effectiveness may vary depending on the person. US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump claimed in a social media post that flavored vaping “greatly helped […]

15
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Can cleaning a cowshed cure cancer, and stroking a cow’s back lower blood pressure?

First Check Team / 1 month
0
4 min read

CLAIM: Stroking a cow’s back lowers one’s required dosage of hypertension drugs. Further, cleaning a cowshed and lying down in it can even cure Cancer. FACT: There’s no scientific evidence to back the claim that cleaning a cowshed or stoking a cow will cure one’s cancer or lower one’s need for blood pressure medication. […]

15
Oct

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17 disease outbreaks in 2024 warn of rising pandemic threat: report

First Check Team / 1 month
0
3 min read

The world has witnessed 17 outbreaks of dangerous diseases in 2024, each revealing critical weaknesses in pandemic prevention efforts and global preparedness, according to a new report by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB). The report, launched at the 15th World Health Summit in Berlin on Monday, outlined 15 key drivers of pandemic risk, categorized into […]

14
Oct

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COVID-19 pushes 100M into extreme poverty, global economy loses $22 trillion

First Check Team / 1 month
0
2 min read

The global economy is projected to lose $22 trillion in output between 2020 and 2025 due to the pandemic’s impact, according to a new report by the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB). The report, The Changing Face of Pandemic Risk, in its chapter “Social and Economic Equity” released today says COVID-19 caused close to […]

14
Oct

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Tele MANAS launches mobile app and video consultation services

First Check Team / 1 month
0
4 min read

Marking its two-year anniversary on World Mental Health Day, October 10, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) expanded its reach with the launch of the Tele MANAS mobile app and video consultation services, enhancing access to mental health support across the country. Over 11 crore people in India suffer from mental health disorders, with […]

3 COVID era conspiracy theories make a comeback after mpox

13
Oct

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FACT CHECK: 3 COVID era conspiracies make a comeback with mpox

First Check Team / 1 month
0
6 min read

Ever since the World Health Organisation declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, conspiracy theories have started circulating on social media just as they did during COVID-19 pandemic- from claims of Bill Gates being behind the spread of the infection and that this is another ‘plandemic,’ to claims that the […]

11
Oct

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FACT CHECK: ACHOO! Should you hold in that sneeze?

Pallav Vyas / 1 month
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Holding in a sneeze could be injurious to health. FACT: Indeed! Holding in your sneeze can cause injury to some body parts. One of our First Check readers recently asked us whether holding in our sneeze is dangerous on our newly launched WhatsApp tipline, where people can send in health related claims […]

11
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Does coconut oil in cooking increase blood cholesterol?

Pallav Vyas / 1 month
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Coconut oil added regularly to a balanced diet lowers cholesterol to normal. FACT: Use of coconut oil in cooking, raises the ‘bad’ cholesterol levels among individuals. Many social media users promote coconut oil as a healthful alternative to be included as part of one’s cooking regimen. An X user who has close to […]

10
Oct

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Drones revolutionize healthcare delivery in India, over 10,000 deliveries made in Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh

First Check Team / 1 month
0
4 min read

Healthcare delivery by drone is transforming access to medicines in India, with the “Medicine from the Sky” initiative successfully delivering over 10,000 medical products, according to a report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The report also noted that over 650 drone flights have been completed, covering 15,000 kilometers in equivalent ground distance. In September […]

10
Oct

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World Mental Health Day: Balancing work and well-being in the modern era

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 month
0
5 min read

As we commemorate World Mental Health Day, mental health professionals are sounding the alarm on the growing challenges of maintaining work-life balance in an increasingly connected world. Experts point to shifting workplace dynamics, technological intrusion, and a lack of coping strategies as key factors affecting mental health in professional settings. Conversations around mental health […]

World Mental Health Day: WHO says 1 in 7 young people face mental health challenges

10
Oct

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World Mental Health Day: WHO says 1 in 7 young people face mental health challenges

First Check Team / 1 month
0
3 min read

An estimated 1 in 7 children and adolescents aged 10 to 19 are affected by mental health conditions, with anxiety, depression, and behavioural disorders being the most common, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on the World Mental Health Day. With one-third of mental health conditions emerging before the age of 14 and half […]

09
Oct

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EXPLAINER: Single-dose radiation therapy to be a game-changer in breast cancer treatment

Pallav Vyas / 1 month
0
4 min read

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type that afflicts women and occasionally even men. In either case, conventional treatment involves a surgical procedure, referred to as mastectomy or lumpectomy, followed by a combination dose of radiation, chemo, and hormone therapy. The standard treatment involves anywhere from 15 to 30 sittings, ideally spaced over […]

09
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Has AIIMS said eating hot foods from plastic containers leads to cancer?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 month
0
4 min read

CLAIM: AIIMS has said that eating hot food in plastic containers or heating food in plastic containers leads to cancer FACT: Certain plastics can leach harmful chemicals into food, especially when heated, so it’s important to use food-safe, BPA-free containers and consider alternatives like glass or stainless steel. However, AIIMS has never put out […]

09
Oct

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WHO declares India free from trachoma, a major cause of blindness globally

First Check Team / 1 month
0
4 min read

The World Health Organization, on Tuesday, recognized India for eliminating trachoma, one of the leading causes of blindness globally, as a public health issue, making it the third country in the South-East Asia region to achieve the milestone. “India’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is a testimony to the country’s commitment to alleviating the suffering that […]

FACT CHECK: Will a concoction of onions in Coca-Cola help manage diabetes?

08
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Will a concoction of onions in Coca-Cola help manage diabetes?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 month
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Consuming onions in Coca-Cola can cure diabetes and significantly reduce high blood sugar levels. FACT: While onions may help regulate blood sugar due to their beneficial compounds, consuming them in Coca-Cola is ineffective and counterproductive because of the high sugar content in the beverage. One of our First Check readers sent us a […]

FACT CHECK: Apeel fruit coatings contain toxic chemicals

08
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Apeel fruit coatings contain toxic chemicals

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 month
0
4 min read

CLAIM: Apeel uses carcinogenic chemicals in its edible coatings for fruits and vegetables. FACT: Apeel’s coatings use FDA-approved, plant-derived ingredients (primarily mono- and diglycerides) that are safe for consumption and can be easily washed off. Social media is rife with posts which claim that Apeel, a company producing edible coatings for fruits and vegetables, use […]

08
Oct

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EXPLAINER: Why are young South Asians at a risk of heart disease?

Pallav Vyas / 1 month
0
5 min read

For the longest time, heart disease has been the biggest reason for deaths, worldwide, with the number of dead running into millions, and now new studies show that South Asians, including Indians, are at an increased risk on developing heart disease at a young age. While South Asians constitute a quarter of the world’s population, they account for 60 […]

07
Oct

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How chest pain units near bridges and highways are saving lives in Karachi

First Check Team / 1 month
0
4 min read

Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, has established stand-alone chest pain units (CPUs), strategically located near bridges and highways, that are saving lives, according to a report in The Lancet. The units extend beyond hospital confines, integrating into densely populated areas- financial districts, and crowded slums. They provide people experiencing acute chest pain access to timely diagnosis and […]

07
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Can one contract chickenpox twice?

Pallav Vyas / 1 month
0
3 min read

CLAIM One can contract chickenpox twice. FACT A bout of Chickenpox is self-vaccinating and rarely does one experience a second infection Many of us who had chickenpox as a child, remember being told that we would not get it a second time and that we are immune to it. However, now some social media users […]

05
Oct

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FDA raises minimum age for tobacco purchases to 21

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

Starting September 30, 2024, tobacco retailers will be required to request photo identification from anyone under 30 to verify their age, up from the previous cutoff of 27 The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. This change applies to all […]

Fact Check: Triglycerides based fish oils are of superior quality and do not react with thermocol?

04
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Triglycerides based fish oils are of superior quality and do not react with thermocol?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
4 min read

Claim: Fish Oil quality can be determined using a thermocol test. Fish Oil made of Triglycerides are superior than those of Ethyl Esters. Fact: The thermocol test is not a scientific test in any manner and does not determine anything. As for triglyceride and ethyl ester forms, both are effective omega-3 sources for the human […]

Viral claim about Leech Therapy for Cervical Pain lacks scientific backing

04
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Viral claim about Leech Therapy for Cervical Pain lacks scientific backing

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Leech Therapy cures cervical pain. FACT: There is no scientific evidence to back the claim that leech therapy can help cure pain. A recent Instagram reel, which has over 230,000 likes, claimed that leech therapy can cure cervical pain in seven sessions. The post was shared by Sehatplusshorts, who has close to […]

04
Oct

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WHO launches global plan to tackle dengue as cases surge over 12.3 million this

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

As dengue cases surge across all six World Health Organization regions, with an estimated four billion people at risk globally, the WHO on Thursday launched the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses Aedes is the scientific name of the mosquito that can transmit dengue, chikungunya, Zika, […]

03
Oct

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Banning tobacco sales among young people could prevent 1.2 million lung cancer deaths

First Check Team / 2 months
0
4 min read

Preventing a generation from ever smoking could result in 1.2 million fewer lung cancer deaths globally, according to a study led by researchers from the University of Santiago de Compostela, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and global collaborators published in The Lancet Public Health journal. The findings indicate that creating a so-called tobacco-free generation […]

Smoking cut to 5% may add a year for men, 0.2 for women by 2050

03
Oct

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Study: Smoking cut to 5% may add a year for men, 0.2 for women by 2050

First Check Team / 2 months
0
4 min read

Global life expectancy is projected to reach 78.3 years by 2050, but a reduction in smoking to 5% could add an extra year for men and 0.2 years for women, a study by the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries and Risk Factors (GBD) Tobacco Forecasting Collaborators reveals. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health journal, suggests […]

03
Oct

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India reports 9.1 million animal bites every year

First Check Team / 2 months
0
2 min read

The study, however, noted “a substantial decline” in human rabies deaths over the past two decades, and called for elimination of dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. India experiences 9.1 million animal bites every year, with dogs accounting for 76.8% of incidents last year, a survey has revealed. The survey was carried out across 78,807 […]

01
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Is there any truth to Elon Musk’s claims on birth control?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
5 min read

Earlier this year, Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur, owner of X and known supporter of US President hopeful Donald Trump, took to X to share his thoughts on birth control. “Hormonal birth control makes you fat, doubles risk of depression & triples risk of suicide. This is the clear scientific consensus, but very few people seem […]

Not all cholesterol is the same: what is 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol?

01
Oct

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EXPLAINER: Not all cholesterol is the same: what is ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol?

Pallav Vyas / 2 months
0
4 min read

To most individuals, the mere mention of the word cholesterol signifies a state of ill health. It takes a nuanced reading to understand the intricacies of the outcomes of cholesterol deposits on human health and discern between cholesterol that is good for one’s health and the one that is bad, or harmful for health. So, […]

FACT CHECK: US Vice President Hopeful JD Vance's Disease Surge Claims Contradict Health Data

30
Sep

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FACT CHECK: US Vice President Hopeful JD Vance’s Disease Surge Claims Contradict Health Data

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
4 min read

CLAIM: JD Vance asserts a “massive rise” in communicable diseases like HIV and tuberculosis in , Ohio, because of a rise in Haitian migrant population FACT: Local health data shows no such massive increase in infectious diseases, contradicting Vance’s claims. US Senator and Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 US Presidential elections, JD […]

30
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Did Kamala Harris admit that COVID was a lab grown virus?

First Check Team / 2 months
0
5 min read

CLAIM Kamala Harris admitted that the COVID virus originated in a lab FACT There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that the pandemic was the result of a lab leak with even WHO saying that “a laboratory origin of the pandemic was considered to be extremely unlikely.” The US presidential debate on September […]

30
Sep

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Study: Conversion practices linked to higher depression, PTSD in LGBTQ+ adults

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

People identifying as LGBTQ+ who have undergone conversion therapy are more likely to experience poor mental health, according to a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal. Conversion practice is a formal, structured attempt to alter a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. It often involves psychological, behavioural, physical, and faith-based practices. […]

28
Sep

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World Rabies Day: India accounts for 36% of 60,000 annual deaths from rabies

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

Every year, rabies claims more than 60,000 lives globally, with India alone accounting for nearly 36 percent of those deaths. Despite being entirely preventable, millions remain at risk. On the World Rabies Day, observed on September 28 in honor of Louis Pasteur, a UNDP report said, inadequate public awareness, low vaccination coverage for dogs, and […]

28
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Slow chewing of food helps lower blood sugar spikes

Pallav Vyas / 2 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM Slow Chewing of food can be a game changer for blood sugar control. FACT Indeed. Slow chewing of food helps lower blood glucose spikes. Can you help you manage your diabetes, simply by changing the way you chew your food? This is the latest in the everday barrage of claims about what […]

27
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Does manuka honey have anti-cancer properties?

Pallav Vyas / 2 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Manuka honey has anti-cancer properties. FACT Manuka honey has shown anti-cancer properties in animal studies and on laboratory-grown human cells. But the claim lacks evidence from clinical trials involving humans. For some time, Manuka honey has been the focus of many anti-cancer discussions on social media. This post on X.com, for instance, is all […]

27
Sep

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RFK Jr: ‘A sick child is the USA’s most valuable asset’ at Trump ally’s event

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

The US healthcare system is “an existential threat to our country,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday told members of a congressional roundtable on nutrition and the prevalence of chronic illness. The former Democrat served as a headliner for a four-hour roundtable presentation. Moderated by Senator Ron Johnson, a hard-right Republican from Wisconsin, the event was titled […]

26
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Can eating curd, salad, banana, and radish at night cause health issues?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
4 min read

CLAIM Consuming curd, salad, banana, radish at night with dinner leads to diseases FACT Scientific evidence does not support the claim that consuming curd, salad, banana, or radish at night leads to diseases; these foods are generally nutritious and easily digestible at any time of day. A popular claim among traditional medicinal practitioners […]

26
Sep

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Sex education isn’t cause of promiscuity, irresponsible behaviour: Supreme Court

First Check Team / 2 months
0
5 min read

Research has shown that sex education doesn’t encourage promiscuity and irresponsible behaviour “but actually delays the onset of sexual activity and promotes safer practices among those who are sexually active,” the Supreme Court of India said on Monday. “One prevalent misconception is that sex education encourages promiscuity and irresponsible behaviour among youth. Critics often argue […]

Should you avoid caffeine completely when trying to conceive?

25
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Should you avoid caffeine completely when trying to conceive?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
4 min read

CLAIM: Caffeine should not be consumed at all while trying to conceive. FACT: Recent scientific research suggests that this widely held belief may not be entirely accurate; moderation is the key. The notion that caffeine must be entirely eliminated from one’s diet when attempting to conceive has been a belief popular among people […]

IVF Specialist Petitions Delhi High Court to Allow Embryo Donation

25
Sep

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IVF Specialist Petitions Delhi High Court to Allow Embryo Donation

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
4 min read

An Indian in-vitro fertilization (IVF) specialist has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging current regulations that prohibit the donation of unused embryos to other couples, a practice he argues is widely accepted internationally and could benefit many struggling with infertility. Dr. Aniruddha Narayan Malpani, with over 35 years of experience in the […]

25
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Should you tie and suck a snake bite, as shown in movies?

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM If bitten by a snake, tie off that part, cut the wound, and suck the venom out as shown in movies. Local traditional medicine can also help. FACT World Health Organization cautions against these methods, saying it doesn’t help in the real world and can even prove dangerous. A tourniquet applied too tight […]

Mental health surpasses cancer as top global concern, including India

25
Sep

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Mental health surpasses cancer as top global concern, including India

First Check Team / 2 months
0
3 min read

Mental health has emerged as the leading health concern worldwide, surpassing cancer in significance, according to a Ipsos survey that included India. Ipsos is a multinational market research and consulting firm with headquarters in Paris, France. The survey, which covers 31-countries, was conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor online platform and, in India, on […]

24
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Does using a laptop on lap affect male fertility?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Holding a laptop on lap for extended periods leads to infertility in men FACT: Correct. Laptop use on the lap may potentially impact male fertility due to heat and exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) Do you also often work with your laptop on your lap? Social media often trends with hashtags such […]

women with autoimmune diseases have a 30% higher risk of developing perinatal depression.

24
Sep

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Study: Depression & autoimmune disease are linked in new mothers, pregnant women

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
3 min read

Pregnancy and motherhood can be a beautiful time- the joys of pregnancy, the anticipation of welcoming a new life, the blessing of a child. However, it can also have a darker side that is rarely spoken about. Depression during pregnancy and immediately after giving birth, called the perinatal period, is a dark reality that is […]

24
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Can cancer be cured with lemon water?

Pallav Vyas / 2 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Drinking lemons soaked in hot water can cure cancer FACT: Drinking hot water in which lemons have been soaked, or consuming lemon juice, is no cure for cancer. At best, it could boost one’s immunity. Cancer is a major concern in India, with the Indian Council of Medical Research saying that “approximately one in […]

23
Sep

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EXPLAINER: What is the Quad Cancer Moonshot to which India pledged $7.5 million?

First Check Team / 2 months
0
5 min read

During the Quad Cancer Moonshot event hosted by President Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware on September 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $7.5 million grant for cancer testing, screening, and diagnostics in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative supports the US Cancer Moonshot, championed by President Biden and […]

23
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Zinc deficiency negatively affects male fertility and overall immunity

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Zinc deficiency negatively affects male reproductive health and overall immunity. FACT: Scientific evidence strongly supports zinc’s crucial role in testosterone production, sperm quality, metabolism, and immune function, highlighting its importance for male health. There are few topics that keep social media abuzz like conversations and posts on fertility- from home remedies to help […]

23
Sep

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Air pollution, rising temperatures fuel global increase in stroke burden

First Check Team / 2 months
0
2 min read

Air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors are driving global increases in stroke, with latest figures estimating 12 million cases and over 7 million deaths from stroke each year, a new analysis from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) has revealed. Although stroke is highly preventable and treatable, the […]

20
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Does Chemotherapy have a failure rate of 97%

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
2 min read

For colorectal cancer, chemotherapy, especially when combined with surgery, can significantly boost survival chances CLAIM Chemotherapy has a failure rate of 97% FACT False. Effectiveness of chemotherapy and cancer survival rates vary based on various factors such as disease progression, patient health status, comorbidities, and lifestyle habits. This is a complex issue and cannot […]

20
Sep

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Explainer: What is diphtheria?

Florica Brahma / 2 months
0
3 min read

Given the global surge in diphtheria incidence, it’s important to focus on vaccination against this potentially serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. By Florica Brahma The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding the outbreak of diphtheria, a potentially serious bacterial infection that primarily affects […]

20
Sep

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Fact-check: Vitamin C can’t ward off the flu

First Check Team / 2 months
0
2 min read

Vitamin C has long been of interest to medical experts and researchers for its role in supporting the immune system and its potential in preventing and treating infections. As the cold and flu season approaches, many individuals arm themselves with a familiar defense: pills, powders, and various forms of vitamin C. Does vitamin C actually […]

20
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Can vaccines for children lead to autism?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Childhood vaccination leads to autism FACT: Scientific consensus firmly establishes that childhood vaccinations do not cause autism A claim that keeps popping up on social media and elsewhere, over and over again, is that vaccinating your child could lead to them developing autism. Vaccines indeed seem to cause autism. Shoutout to the […]

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