Brown rice contains higher levels of fibre and vitamins. However, it also has more arsenic, a toxic compound that can be troublesome for those with weak digestion. Which is healthier – brown rice or white rice? The question is often asked. First Check gets you the answer, backed by science and a nutritionist’s take. Let’s […]
Currently, there is no cure for IBS. However, dietary changes, medications, and therapies can help manage symptoms. Dietary modifications involve avoiding trigger foods and incorporating high-fibre foods. Medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, or antidepressants may also be prescribed.
Limited research data is available to confirm the purported reproductive health benefits of the popular herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. “Can Shatavari capsules cure infertility?” asked one of our readers on email. First Check delved into the available scientific research on this herb used commonly in Ayurveda. We also reached out to a medical practitioner […]
Not too long ago, I was a social media junkie. Guilty of falling for every health tip and trick on online platforms. Whether it was ways to get flawless skin or shed weight without breaking a sweat, I was hooked. But then, something changed when I started working with First Check. As I forayed into the […]
Social media claims about the magic mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide guaranteeing white teeth are not only false, but they also pose health and safety risks. An image circulating on social media claims that a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide can make your teeth “snow white”. “Is it true?” […]
There is no robust study to support the claims on social media about turmeric tea or supplements helping with fat loss or improving liver health. If a video on Instagram is to believed, turmeric, the spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa plant, can help with targeted fat removal. Just like liposuction, a […]
Greater awareness empowers individuals to recognise early symptoms, seek timely diagnosis, and explore effective treatment options. January marks Thyroid Awareness Month, drawing attention to the critical role of the thyroid gland in our overall well-being. Despite its importance, many remain unfamiliar with the intricacies of thyroid function and the potential impact of thyroid disorders on […]
Even as the film highlights mental illness and its struggles, it falls short of an accurate portrayal of bipolar disorder and anger management. Silver Linings Playbook, a 2012 American romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by David O Russell, is based on Matthew Quick’s 2008 novel that goes by the same title. It has been […]
A common neurodevelopmental disorder, it calls for comprehensive understanding for effective management. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterised by difficulties in inhibiting irrelevant stimuli for sustaining attention, stopping hyperactivity, and avoiding impulsive behaviours. It can significantly impact an individual’s daily functioning, academic performance, work productivity, […]
Dr Maulik Patel, First Check member and consultant physician from Gujarat, India, helps debunk 5 myths associated with diabetes. Diabetes is a complex and chronic health condition. Often, comprehending the factors that contribute to or regulate blood sugar levels can be challenging. Therefore, misinformation about diabetes tends to proliferate. Dr Maulik Patel, First Check member […]
Depending on the individual case and the underlying condition, the uterus and other reproductive organs such as the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes may need to be removed. Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that entails the removal of the uterus, which is the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. Depending on the individual case […]
It can cause various physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or both. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects some women after giving birth. Also called “baby blues”, it can occur anytime within the first year after delivery; it usually starts within the first few weeks. PPD can […]
The captivating movie dives deep into the rollercoaster of postpartum depression and many struggles of motherhood. Tully, a 2018 comedy-drama film, tells the story of Marlo, a mother of three (including a newborn), who hires a night nanny to help her cope with the challenges of parenthood. The film is based on the personal experience […]
First Check, the pioneering health fact-checking initiative by DataLEADS and a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), has been at the forefront of battling this challenge. With the recent addition of four new members, the First Check network now comprises 53 medical professionals, researchers, journalists, and technologists from across the world.
In an email interview with Dr Siti, she sheds light on the Indonesian healthcare system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevailing health myths, and more.
Celebrate International Women’s Day by busting menstruation myths! From debunking the notion that girls who haven’t menstruated by a certain age are abnormal, to clarifying the role of exercise and dairy products during menstruation, First Check separates fact from fiction.
With so much information at our fingertips todays, it’s hard to discern what’s true and what’s not. Can we trust everything we read on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram and other platforms? Particularly when it comes to quick fixes and magic cures for varied health issues.
It is important to focus on the context of online social networks, which have fundamentally changed the way information is produced, consumed, and transmitted.
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