admin - Page 10 of 16

25
Oct

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

First Check Team / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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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Study: Girls lead in social media use, boys more drawn to gaming

First Check Team / 2 years
0
3 min read

Adolescents are spending increasing amounts of time immersed in digital world – checking messages on X, tracking likes on Instagram, or scrolling through YouTube or TikTok, says a new report from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) released on Wednesday in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe. However, the study […]

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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 / 2 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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

# Tags

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

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 years
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 […]

19
Sep

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Fact Check: Can exercise reduce the risk of cancer?

Pallav Vyas / 2 years
0
3 min read

Claim Regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of cancer Fact Indeed. Research shows that regular exercise considerably lowers the cancer risk. People and health specialists generally discuss the numerous health benefits of regular exercise- from managing one’s weight and improving one’s mood, to improving one’s overall health. But does regular exercise reduce one’s chances of […]

19
Sep

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Combination immunotherapy for melanoma yields decade-long survival rates

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 years
0
2 min read

The 10-year follow-up study involved 945 patients across 137 sites in 21 countries Roughly half of metastatic melanoma patients treated with a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors remain cancer-free for a decade, according to a new report from Weill Cornell Medicine and Dana-Farber Cancer Center investigators and their colleagues, published in the New England […]

18
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Consuming soy leads to male infertility?

Pallav Vyas / 2 years
0
2 min read

CLAIM: Use of soy protein, as a body-building supplement or otherwise among men, could lead to infertility. FACT: Current data doesn’t show a link between consuming soy within recommended dietary limits, and male infertility. Body-building diet is a frequent topic of conversation in the locker rooms of gyms with focus on calories consumed, and more […]

18
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Is chewing smokeless tobacco a cancer risk?

Pallav Vyas / 2 years
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Chewing smokeless tobacco does not cause cancer. FACT: Chewing smokeless tobacco is carcinogenic with oral cancer being the most probable outcome. 45 year old rickshaw puller Manish Chauhan is waiting for his next ride on a hot afternoon in Delhi. While he waits, he turns to a vice he has been indulging […]

17
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Does moderate drinking have health benefits?

Pallav Vyas / 2 years
0
2 min read

CLAIM: No amount of alcohol consumption, light to moderate, can provide health benefits. FACT: Alcohol consumption, no matter how little, is not safe. Recently, some Twitter posts highlighted the absence of any touted health benefits of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is POISON. There is absolutely zero benefit from it lol the quicker yall […]

17
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Are you drinking estrogen when you drink tap water in the US?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 years
0
2 min read

CLAIM: Estrogen from birth control pills is contaminating tap water, and drinking it can emasculate men. FACT: Research indicates that birth control pills contribute to less than 1% of estrogens found in drinking water. The alleged link between trace amounts of estrogen in water and gender dysphoria or “emasculation” lacks scientific support. A […]

17
Sep

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Adults over 60 are the fastest-growing demographic across the world

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

A World Bank report says demographic transformations are reshaping the world, with the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 Adults over 60 are the fastest-growing demographic across the world, says the new World Bank’s report. The report says demographic transformations are reshaping the world, with the global population expected […]

16
Sep

# Tags

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh to see most deaths from antibiotic resistance by 2050

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

Deaths from Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) will also be high in other parts of southern and eastern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa Future deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections will be highest in South Asia – which includes countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh – where a total of 11.8 million fatalities are forecast between 2025 and […]

16
Sep

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Antibiotic resistance could cause 39 million deaths globally by 2050

First Check Team / 2 years
0
3 min read

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria or other pathogens change in ways that they become resistant to antimicrobials More than 39 million people around the world could die from antibiotic-resistant infections over the next 25 years, a study published in The Lancet has warned. The research, conducted by the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance […]

16
Sep

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WHO pledges 3.6 million vaccines for mpox, Japan tops contributions

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

The WHO declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024, following an upsurge of the infection in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries The World Health Organization has announced a global pledge of over 3.6 million vaccine doses to combat mpox in the affected countries, with […]

15
Sep

# Tags

Digital health and community drives cut mental health risks: study

First Check Team / 2 years
0
3 min read

“Our research marks a significant milestone in mental health care,” said Prof Pallab Maulik, Director of Research and Program Director (Mental Health) at The George Institute India A combination of digital healthcare and community-based campaigns can significantly reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm in rural India, a global study by the George […]

14
Sep

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Climate change trumps political uncertainty in priorities for global executives: report

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

85% of executives increased their investments in sustainability so far this year, up from 75% in 2023 Climate change remains a top priority for global C-suite executives, surpassing concerns such as political uncertainty, talent competition, and evolving regulatory environments, a new Deloitte report has revealed. The report highlighted that 85% of executives have increased their […]

13
Sep

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‘Mystery fever’: Death toll in Gujarat’s Kutch district rises to 16

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

Tests so far have ruled out diseases such as H1N1, swine flu, Crimean-Congo fever, malaria, and dengue-leaving experts wondering what the new mysterious fever is. The toll from what is being called a ‘mystery fever,’ affecting seven villages in Lakhpat and Abdasa in Gujarat’s Kutch district, has risen to 16 over the past nine […]

12
Sep

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Senior citizens 70 and older to get up to Rs 5 lakh in free health insurance coverage

First Check Team / 2 years
0
3 min read

The families will get an additional top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves, which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years The Indian government has approved health coverage for everyone aged 70 and above under the […]

12
Sep

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Student suicides soar in India as exam pressure takes a deadly toll

First Check Team / 2 years
0
4 min read

A Lancet study highlights the “enormous competition to gain admission into colleges and the media hype around the results,” as a contributing factor to student suicides. The rising number of students who die by suicide in India have raised serious concerns about mental health and academic pressure- official records show that close to 20% […]

12
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Should Artificial Sweeteners, Flavourings Be Avoided Completely?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 years
0
3 min read

Does your health supplement have artificial sweeteners and flavourings? Well, the co-founder of a health supplement brand has claimed that some of these substances, which are commonly found in supplements and food products, should be “completely avoided” as they are unsafe! In a recent YouTube video, the co-founder of nutraceutical brand Miduty, Palak Midha, was […]

11
Sep

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India’s tele-mental health centres received 1.36 million calls since 2022 launch

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

India, with the highest suicide rate globally, saw 171,000 suicides in 2022 India’s National Tele-Mental Health Programme has received over 1.36 million calls on its Tele-MANAS toll-free helpline, India’s Ministry of Health said on World Suicide Prevention Day. Launched by the government in October 2022, the Tele-MANAS initiative, part of the District Mental Health […]

11
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Can garlic lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease risk?

Pallav Vyas / 2 years
0
2 min read

CLAIM:
Garlic shots help lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and the risk of heart disease

FACT:
Indeed, regular consumption of garlic has all these health benefits.

11
Sep

# Tags

Australia proposes social media ban for kids to ‘have a childhood’

First Check Team / 2 years
0
4 min read

The federal legislation, which would enforce a minimum age for social media use, is expected to be introduced at the end of this year The Australian federal government on Tuesday said that it will introduce a legislation that bans children from accessing social media at the end this year. The government has however, not […]

11
Sep

# Tags

Medical conditions are major suicide triggers, says new study

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

“The higher the disability burden due to medical morbidity, the higher the risk of suicide,” findings reveal Medical conditions significantly increase suicide risk among people without mental disorders, says a study by The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). In a nationwide survey of 6,635,857 individuals from Denmark, the journal found that “most medical conditions […]

10
Sep

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FACT CHECK: False claims linking mpox to COVID-19 gain traction

First Check Team / 2 years
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Mpox is a side effect of COVID-19 vaccines FACT: There is no link between COVID-19 vaccine use and mpox infections As a new highly contagious strain of mpox spreads globally and begins affecting children even under 25, misinformation reminiscent of the COVID-19 era is spreading across different social media platforms. The most […]

10
Sep

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Healthcare workers 8 times more likely to contract TB: study

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 years
0
3 min read

The study on healthcare workers, analysed 10 distinct studies conducted between 2004 and 2023, uncovered an average of 2,391.6 TB cases per 100,000 healthcare workers, almost 8 times the rate observed in the general population A recent study has shed light on the heightened risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection among healthcare workers in India. […]

10
Sep

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India confirms its first mpox infection, not linked to African strain

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

Government says the case not part of the current public health emergency, no immediate risk to public India on Monday confirmed its first case of mpox, after the World Health Organization declared the infection a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on August 14. However, the health ministry clarified that the case is […]

10
Sep

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FACT CHECK: What are the health benefits of consuming Amla?

Pallav Vyas / 2 years
0
2 min read

CLAIM: Consuming the Indian gooseberry, known as Amla, has multiple health benefits. FACT: Amla has anti- ageing properties. It also helps with controlling blood-sugar and cholesterol levels. The lore on ancient Indian medicine has always waxed eloquent about the multiple health benefits of consuming Indian Gooseberry (Amla)- from being an excellent source of Vitamin C and rejuvenator of […]

09
Sep

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FACT CHECK: Can the HPV vaccine kill you?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 years
0
4 min read

CLAIM: HPV vaccine is dangerous leading to infertility and death. HPV and cervical cancer are not significant threats. FACT: Scientific evidence shows that HPV is a real threat, and the vaccine is safe and effective. It does not lead to infertility or death. All major health organizations recommend HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancers. […]

09
Sep

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8.1 million premature deaths annually due to air pollution: WMO

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

India, Pakistan among key global hotspots for particulate matter pollution Air pollution has emerged as the second leading risk factor for deaths worldwide, according to fourth annual Air Quality and Climate Bulletin of the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO). The report released on September 7, the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, […]

09
Sep

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Study: 90% of corporate India skips check-ups amid sedentary lifestyles

First Check Team / 2 years
0
2 min read

As Indians spend more than a third of their lives working, a new study says growing health concerns are linked to corporate lifestyles The “Health Report of Corporate India 2023,” conducted by Insurtech company Plum, reveals that sedentary work habits, the spread of illness, and workplace-related stress are major issues affecting employees. The report […]

09
Sep

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EXPLAINER: What are fixed dose combination drugs and why are they a health risk

Pallav Vyas / 2 years
0
2 min read

This is not the first time such a ban was imposed by the health ministry – 14 combination drugs were prohibited in 2023, and 328 in 2018 The Centre has banned 156 fixed dose combinations (FDCs) drugs, including antibiotics, pain-relievers, and multivitamins, among others. One of the banned FDCs include a combination of three drugs, […]

09
Sep

# Tags

EXPLAINER: How are constipation and heart attacks linked?

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 years
0
3 min read

Constipated individuals were twice as likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure compared to those without constipation, finds new study A recent Australian-led study analysed data from thousands of participants to conclude that being constipated may be more than just an uncomfortable condition– it could also mean that you are more likely to […]

07
Sep

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India faces largest Chandipura Virus outbreak in two decades

First Check Team / 2 years
0
3 min read

Between early June to August 15, the Indian health ministry reported 245 encephalitis cases, including 64 confirmed Chandipura virus infections and 82 deaths India is currently facing the largest outbreak of Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in two decades, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Between early June and August 15, there have been […]

06
Sep

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India leads the world in plastic pollution hotspots

First Check Team / 2 years
0
3 min read

Estimated global data for 2020 show that India was the worst polluting country with 9.3 million tonnes of plastic waste emissions-around a fifth of the world total A study from the University of Leeds, published in Nature, has identified new hotspots of plastic pollution, with India emerging as the largest contributor, followed by Nigeria and Indonesia. […]

05
Sep

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UN agencies vaccinate over 187,000 children against polio in Gaza

First Check Team / 2 years
0
4 min read

The UN agency said the children were vaccinated with novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) in central Gaza during the first phase of a two-round polio vaccination campaign UN agencies have vaccinated more than 187,000 children under ten years of age against polio in central Gaza over the past three days, the World Health […]

05
Sep

# Tags

Will losing weight help all pre-diabetic patients? Here’s what a new study says

Allen Joe Mathew / 2 years
0
3 min read

While losing weight may help many pre-diabetics manage their condition, it may not help all, findings reveal Losing weight can help pre-diabetic patients, but it isn’t always sufficient to reverse the disease, says a new study. According to research by the Centenary Institute, certain fats in blood can predict whether losing weight will help pre-diabetic […]

04
Sep

# Tags

FACT CHECK: No, Mpox is not ‘Money Pox,’ it is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus

First Check Team / 2 years
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Mpox is ‘Money Pox,’ a hoax used to get people to spend on vaccines FACT: Mpox is a viral illness cased by the monkeypox virus Is mpox a hoax being peddled by a pharma lobby, to loot people in the name of vaccines? Well that is exactly what this video by a Dr Biswaroop […]

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