First Check > Search results for 'admin'
air pollution
04
Feb
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Lung cancer in non-smokers rises amid declining smoking rates: study

  • Sneha Richhariya / 21 hours
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  • 3 min read

New Delhi: Despite a global decline in smoking rates, lung cancer cases among non-smokers—particularly women and Southeast Asian populations—are rising, a new study has found. Lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in the glands producing fluids like mucus, has emerged as the most common form of cancer in non-smokers, accounting for over half […]

Ivermectin
04
Feb
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FACT CHECK: Does Ivermectin harm reproductive health? What studies actually show

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 1 day
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  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Ivermectin reduces the ability to conceive and grow babies, causing infertility FACT: Misleading. Ivermectin’s safety during pregnancy remains inconclusive   An Instagram channel @simone.gisondi with a following of 275,000 has recently posted an old video of a British anti-vaccine activist and an ex-Pfizer scientist Dr Mike Yeadon where he terms Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, […]

USAID
03
Feb
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USAID is a criminal organization, time for it to die: Elon Musk

  • First Check Team / 2 days
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  • 3 min read

Tesla CEO and key Trump administration adviser Elon Musk has termed the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as necessary, calling the agency a “criminal organization” that is “beyond repair.” Speaking in a live session on X Spaces, Musk said he had discussed USAID in detail with the president, who agreed that […]

Neglected Tropical Diseases
03
Feb
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World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025: Where does India stand in its fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 days
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  • 6 min read

World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day is celebrated on January 30 every year and this year the World Health Organization (WHO) urged governments, leaders, communities and individuals to unite, act and eliminate these diseases through “bold, sustainable investments.”  Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of 21 infectious diseases that primarily impact over a billion […]

03
Feb
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FACT CHECK: Would drinking from plastic bottles make you consume a credit card’s worth of plastic a week?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 2 days
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  • 4 min read

CLAIM:   A viral video suggests drinking from plastic bottles leads to ingesting a credit card’s worth of plastic weekly.  FACT: False. While an earlier 2019 study did claim so, more recent research from 2022 shows that the actual microplastic intake is about one millionth of that amount, and comes from various sources, not just plastic […]

de javu
01
Feb
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FACT CHECK: Is frequent déjà vu harmless or a red flag for illness?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 4 days
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  • 5 min read

CLAIM:   Repeated and chronic experiences of déjà vu are a sign of neurological or psychological illness, such as temporal lobe epilepsy or psychiatric conditions  FACT:   True. Déjà vu is harmless in healthy individuals. But if experienced repeatedly along with seizures, it could indicate temporal lobe epilepsy or other neurological disorders   A reel posted by @docpriyankasehrawat […]

01
Feb
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AAP’s Health Report Card: Did the government deliver on its earlier poll promises?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 4 days
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  • 5 min read

New Delhi: As the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) gears up for a possible fourth term in office, the party released their manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections on Monday,  featuring 15 key “Kejriwal ki guarantee.” The promises or ‘guarantees,’ as the party calls it, ranged from employment for youth to 24/7 clean drinking water […]

31
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Can CT coronary angiogram detect potential heart issues without the need for a traditional angiogram?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 5 days
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  • 5 min read

CLAIM:   CT coronary scans can detect heart blockages quickly, non-invasively, and with precise detail, eliminating the need for traditional angiograms.  FACT:   This claim is misleading. While CT coronary angiograms (CTCA) are a valuable diagnostic tool, they do not replace traditional angiograms in all scenarios. Both procedures serve distinct purposes and are applied based on the […]

30
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Do pomegranate, watermelon, guava seeds, and Isabgol improve gut health?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 6 days
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  • 4 min read

CLAIM #1: Eating pomegranate, watermelon, and guava seeds improves gut health. FACT: True. Consuming these seeds is indeed beneficial for gut health, as they are rich in fiber, which nourishes gut bacteria and supports digestion. A YouTube short posted by @ReadersBooksClub claims that eating pomegranate, watermelon, and guava seeds improves gut health.  “People say don’t […]

29
Jan
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Will DeepSeek AI drive a healthcare revolution?

  • First Check Team / 1 week
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  • 3 min read

The unexpectedly powerful Chinese AI model DeepSeek has shaken up the artificial intelligence industry, with experts online predicting it will profoundly impact even the healthcare sector. According to analysts, DeepSeek’s advanced capabilities could enable smaller hospitals and research groups to run sophisticated models on their own hardware, eliminating the need for large-scale infrastructure. This shift could reshape […]

Trump
28
Jan
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‘Donald Trump right on US being top WHO contributor, but wrong on China’s contribution’

  • First Check Team / 1 week
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  • 8 min read

In one of his first orders after assuming office last week, President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO), citing the international body’s mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic, lack of political independence, and the disproportionate contributions the US makes to the organisation financially. The executive order said, “The United States noticed […]

28
Jan
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Films can promote positive parenting and reduce violence: The Lancet

  • First Check Team / 1 week
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  • 3 min read

Educational films can help parents reduce child violence and improve parenting, especially in low-income areas, according to a new one-of-a-kind study publsihed in the well regarded journal, The Lancet.  “Universal parenting interventions using a film-based entertainment-education approach can effectively reduce physical violence against children and increase positive parenting, with potential for scalability in low-resource settings,” […]

Benzoyl Peroxide
28
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Does Benzoyl Peroxide treat acne?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 1 week
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  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  Benzoyl Peroxide is effective for acne, particularly inflammatory acne.  FACT:  Benzoyl Peroxide should only be used under a dermatologist’s guidance, as improper use or concentration may cause irritation, burns, or allergic reactions.   A video posted on Instagram by skincare and lifestyle influencer @banya_biswas.00 recommends using Benzoyl Peroxide for treatment of acne has drawn drawn.3,000 […]

26
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Is paracetamol the right first-aid for fever?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 1 week
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  • 4 min read

In a viral Instagram reel posted by @behind_of_truth.ing, Acharya Manish, an ayurvedic expert and influencer, claims that commonly used fever medications like paracetamol, Dolo, Calpol, and Brufen are harmful. The video, which has garnered about 10 lakh likes and about 3 crore views, features him making statements such as, “If you have fever, never take […]

caesarean
25
Jan
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India’s uneven caesarean delivery rates: Telangana tops, Nagaland lags

  • First Check Team / 2 weeks
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  • 3 min read

While the national average caesarean delivery rate in India is 21.5 per cent, a report published in the peer-reviewed medical journal ‘The Lancet’ shows there are stark disparities based on regions, wealth and sector.  Regionally, Nagaland had the lowest rates of caesarean deliveries, 5.2 per cent while Telangana topped the charts with 60.7 per cent. […]

Cow
25
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Does cow urine have ‘anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties’, as IIT Madras director claimed?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 2 weeks
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  • 4 min read

CLAIM: IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti claims cow urine has medicinal properties including the ability to cure fever in 15 minutes and help with digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, citing an anecdote about a monk who used it.  FACT: Medical experts, including gastroenterologists who First Check contacted, state there is no scientific evidence or […]

24
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Is Elon Musk right about ketamine as treatment for depression?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 weeks
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  • 5 min read

CLAIM:   Ketamine can help manage symptoms of depression  FACT:   Ketamine is an anaesthetic with growing evidence supporting its potential for treating Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but the drug is not yet FDA approved for psychiatric applications. Its off-label use requires medical supervision due to potential risks and side effects.    With Tesla CEO and […]

24
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Can alcoholic drinks like wine, beer and rum boost your skin’s health?

  • First Check Team / 2 weeks
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  • 4 min read

CLAIM:   Wine, beer, and rum can help your skin by balancing its natural acidity, fighting bacteria, and keeping it youthful by restoring collagen  FACT:   Studies suggest limited skincare benefits from wine extracts, but alcohol’s overall adverse health effects outweigh these benefits    Can your favorite alcoholic drink double as a beauty booster?  A […]

maida
23
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Is maida safe to consume in a balanced diet?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 weeks
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  • 4 min read

  CLAIM:   Refined flour (maida) is not unhealthy if consumed with fruits, vegetables, and protein.  FACT:   Expert opinions and studies agree that maida is nutritionally inferior and linked to health risks like blood sugar spikes, nutrient deficiencies, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Small quantities, however, may not cause significant harm, so limiting […]

23
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Should you get a tetanus vaccine after every deep wound, not just rusty ones?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 weeks
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  • 4 min read

An Instagram reel posted by @dr_richa_tiwari provides guidance on the ideal timing for getting a tetanus shot. The video, which has amassed over 1.7 million views and 45,000 likes, features Dr. Richa Tiwari recounting an incident where she advised tetanus vaccination to a neighbour following a minor injury. “A lady in my neighborhood got pricked […]

22
Jan
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No fact-checking in Facebook and Meta: Time to ring the doom-bell in social media?

  • Dr Debanjan Banerjee / 2 weeks
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  • 5 min read

  Mark Zuckerberg’s recent decision to scale back or even shut down the fact-checking operations on Facebook and other Meta platforms is a move that has far-reaching consequences for the integrity of information shared across social media.   This decision has ignited a debate over the responsibility that platforms like Facebook hold in curbing the spread […]

21
Jan
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‘Woo! That’s a big one’: Trump as he decides to withdraw US from WHO

  • First Check Team / 2 weeks
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  • 4 min read

Days after the World Health Organization (WHO) sought US$ 1.5 billion to provide life-saving health care to millions of people in emergencies across the World, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the US from the WHO, while calling it a “big one.” After returning to the White […]

20
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Does the COVID-19 vaccine contain AIDS causing viruses?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 2 weeks
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  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  HIV is part of the composition of COVID-19 vaccines FACT:  False. An experimental vaccine developed by Professor Keith Chappell, a molecular virologist, in 2020 incorporated a small HIV protein segment but posed no risk of HIV transmission. The vaccine never progressed beyond initial Phase 1 trials and was never distributed publicly.   Reports about […]

20
Jan
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Indoor air pollution: How slum dwellers breathe air more toxic than others

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 weeks
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  • 9 min read

Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Thirty-two-year-old Besaniya works as a domestic worker in Noida, and lives in a slum called Chaura Basti near the Delhi-Noida border with her two kids. Her husband Ram Deen, who worked as a daily-wage labourer, has been sick with respiratory issues for the past few years. People in her neighbourhood jhuggis also […]

18
Jan
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‘Meta’s decision to stop fact-checking will fuel more health-related misinformation’

  • Dr Sabba Mehmood / 3 weeks
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  • 4 min read

Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that instead of relying on fact-checkers, Meta’s social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, will leave it to people to fact-check information on their own. While fact-checkers around the world have raised alarms about the move, as a physician, I am afraid that public health may be one of the […]

18
Jan
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FACT-CHECK: Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy the leading cause of sudden deaths in young gym-goers?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 3 weeks
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  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the leading cause of sudden deaths among young gym-goers during exercise FACT: Further studies are required to determine the true incidence of HCM-related sudden cardiac deaths and its risk factors, with no comprehensive data on HCM prevalence in India   An Instagram reel posted by @dr.arshad01 attributes the sudden death […]

vidya balan
17
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Vidya Balan claims inflammation caused her weight gain—is it true?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 3 weeks
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  • 4 min read

  A viral reel by @GalattaIndiaOffl shows the renowned Bollywood actress Vidya Balan candidly sharing her lifelong struggle with weight loss and the distinction between body fat and inflammation. “All my life, I have struggled to be thin. All my life, I have dieted like crazy, I have exercised like crazy, sometimes I would lose […]

17
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Should Keralites give up milk?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 3 weeks
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  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  A majority of Keralites are lactose intolerant, while 70% of West and North Indians can easily digest milk. FACT:  Studies show that while Indians in general are lactose intolerant, more South Indians were prone to the condition than those from Northern parts of the country.  A popular reel on Instagram claims that a majority […]

communicable disease
16
Jan
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Deaths in J&K’s Rajouri linked to toxins, not communicable disease: Govt

  • First Check Team / 3 weeks
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  • 3 min read

The Jammu and Kashmir government today announced that the recent deaths in Rajouri are not linked to any communicable disease- bacterial or viral. Instead, toxins detected in the biological samples taken are believed to be the cause of the 14 unexplained deaths in the district. “Clinical reports, lab investigations, and environmental samples indicate that the […]

mysterious disease
15
Jan
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Mysterious disease claims 14 lives in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri, minister reports inconclusive tests

  • First Check Team / 3 weeks
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  • 2 min read

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday described recent deaths in the Rajouri district as “mysterious,” saying that investigations are ongoing and no definitive conclusions have been reached. Health Minister Sakina Masood Itoo said that the deaths began in December 2024 but subsided by the first week of January. During a function in Badhaal village […]

heart attack
14
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Should you chew disprin, clopidogrel and atorvastatin tablets in case of a heart attack?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 3 weeks
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  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  Disprin, clopidogrel and atorvastatin tablets should be chewed in case of a heart attack FACT:  This claim lacks context and can be misleading for some viewers.   First Check reviewed an Instagram reel posted by @healthwithreels which talks about first aid that should be given to people if they suffer a heart attack.   The video, […]

Stillbirths
14
Jan
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Treat stillbirths as lives lost, not just as births without life: Lancet to India

  • First Check Team / 3 weeks
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  • 3 min read

The Lancet has called on India to recognize stillbirth as a loss of life rather than merely a baby born without life, emphasizing that improved stillbirth data can transform healthcare outcomes, reduce disparities, shape effective policies, and combat the social stigma surrounding stillbirth. “By harnessing accurate and comprehensive data, India can take significant strides toward […]

ginger
13
Jan
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Fact-Check: The truth about ginger’s health benefits and cancer risk

  • Sneha Richhariya / 3 weeks
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  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Ginger is a powerful metabolism booster that helps reduce cancer risk, supports immunity, and aids digestion FACT: Ginger provides health benefits supported by research, but terming it as the top metabolism booster or claiming it prevents cancer oversimplifies its impact   A thread on X, posted by Harry Psaros (@PittGuru), has highlighted the potential […]

cancer
13
Jan
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Women in Indian cancer research are underrepresented: Lancet report

  • First Check Team / 3 weeks
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  • 3 min read

  The field of oncology in India faces a stark gender imbalance, with a Lancet report highlighting that only one of the four major oncology societies has ever had a woman president, underlining male dominance in leadership. Similarly, in authorship roles, only 26% of 558 publications in two of the leading oncology journals of the […]

underarm puffs
11
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Do underarm puffs indicate toxin buildup in the body?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 4 weeks
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  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Puffs in your underarms signify toxin buildup in the body FACT: There is no scientific evidence that underarm “puffs” indicate toxin buildup. Variations in armpit appearance are normal and related to factors like body composition and anatomy An Instagram reel from the channel @excelled.health uploaded on 23 December, 2024, asserts that a “puff” rather […]

10
Jan
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WHO 2024 report: Immunization saves 154 million lives, Noncommunicable Diseases surge

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
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  • 3 min read

Geneva, Switzerland – In 2024, the WHO celebrated significant immunization achievements, saving 154 million lives, but warned that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes remain a growing global challenge. “Today immunization is the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring that babies not only see their first birthdays but also […]

10
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Can a posture corrector improve your posture

  • Sneha Richhariya / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Using a posture corrector can improve your posture FACT: Posture correctors may improve posture in the short term, but exercise is a more effective long-term solution   A YouTube reel posted by @manmidadhich3759 claims that using a posture corrector can “transform your posture and boost your confidence,” describing it as “perfect whether you are […]

Hearing loss
09
Jan
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STUDY: China’s hearing loss cases set to reach 623 million by 2060

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
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  • 3 min read

  The number of people with hearing loss in China is projected to rise by 34.72%, from 462.88 million in 2015 to 623.60 million by 2060, driven by aging and socioeconomic factors. “The number with moderate-to-complete hearing loss will increase by 110.04%, from 115.14 million in 2015 to 241.84 million in 2060,”  says a latest […]

cancer
09
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Can cancer be treated without chemotherapy

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
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  • 4 min read

CLAIM: Cancer can be cured without using chemotherapy FACT:  The claim is not supported by scientific evidence   An Instagram reel posted by @chikitsaguru and @healthknowledgeindia with over 2.7 lakh views features a conversation with an alleged former cancer patient advocating alternative approaches to cancer treatment. The interviewer asks the woman how she managed to […]

08
Jan
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WHO monitors China’s rising respiratory illnesses, including HMPV, finds no unusual outbreaks

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
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  • 3 min read

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received reports of any unusual outbreak patterns, even as data from China shows a rise in acute respiratory infections, including human metapneumovirus (hMPV), in northern provinces in recent weeks. In its report, WHO has advised member states […]

hmpv
08
Jan
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Debunking the HMPV panic: Expert explains risks, symptoms, and precautions

  • Sneha Richhariya / 4 weeks
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  • 8 min read

India has been reeling with shock, concern and panic, as seven cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) among children have been reported in the country in the past two days.  Experts and government officials and ministers have been quick to assuage concerns, urging people to stay calm, elaborating that this was not a “new” virus, […]

hmpv
07
Jan
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Stay calm, no need to panic: Experts urge as HMPV cases trigger concerns in India

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Experts, officials and ministers have urged people to remain calm, and not panic, as reports of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) confirmed cases in India triggered widespread concerns and questions about whether this was the start of another pandemic, reminiscent of COVID times.  On January 6, panic gripped India after the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) […]

sixth sense
06
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Does walking on grass enhance your sixth sense?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Walking barefoot on grass boosts your sixth sense FACT: This claim is FALSE and lacks context. While walking barefoot may help energy levels and reduce fatigue, it does not enhance any “sixth sense.” The body’s response is physiological rather than extrasensory   An Instagram reel posted by a verified account with over 600,000 followers, […]

hmpv
06
Jan
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Two Bengaluru infants test HMPV positive, health ministry assures preparedness

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 2 min read

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka as part of its nationwide surveillance for respiratory viral diseases.  The Union Health Ministry gas said it is closely monitoring the situation through established surveillance networks, while the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to provide timely updates on […]

HMPV
04
Jan
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India tracks China’s HMPV outbreak amid rising concerns, says no significant spike locally

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 2 min read

India is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases after social media reports of a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms, outbreak in China. India said it is in communication with international agencies to stay updated on developments. Director General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goel, described HMPV as a respiratory virus […]

dog bites
04
Jan
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India records 9.1M dog bites annually, survey highlights vaccination gaps

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 2 min read

A Lancet study funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research revealed 9.1 million annual dog bites in India and urged a One Health approach to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. “Integrating human and animal surveillance, ensuring timely administration of the full course of post-exposure prophylaxis, and accelerating dog vaccination across the country are […]

microplastics
03
Jan
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can fermented foods reduce, remove, or eliminate microplastics from our bodies?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 1 month
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  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Fermented food can reduce, remove and even eliminate microplastics and Bisphenol A from our tissues. FACT: Fermented foods with probiotics may support gut health, which could help mitigate some effects of microplastics indirectly. However, there is no scientific evidence proving they can remove or eliminate microplastics from the body. An Instagram reel flagged by a First Check […]

amla
03
Jan
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Amla is ayurveda’s most powerful medicine against diabetes

  • Pallav Vyas / 1 month
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  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is Ayurveda’s most powerful medicine against Diabetes FACT: Multiple studies have shown that Amla can in fact help control one’s blood sugar levels A First Check reader recently shared an Instagram reel with us on our WhatsApp tipline, where the user is seen promoting the Indian Gooseberry (Amla Berry) as a potent medicine […]

child
02
Jan
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FACT CHECK: Does your child’s body possess innate healing prowess?

  • Pallav Vyas / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  Your child’s body is born with everything it needs to heal, and we mess it up with pharma products FACT: Children are born with minimal immunity, which is not sufficient enough to protect the baby from deadly diseases   A First Check reader recently shared a Threads post by user free.range.momma, on our WhatsApp […]

2024
02
Jan
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In a hottest decade on record, 2024 was warmest, with 41 dangerous heat days: WMO

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

  2024 was the warmest year on record, capping a decade of unprecedented heat driven by human activities, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported, warning that greenhouse gas levels continue to grow to record observed highs, “locking in even more heat for the future.” The WMO will publish the consolidated global temperature figure for […]

01
Jan
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Do we really need a skincare routine?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  A YouTube reel claims that a multi-step skincare routine, including a morning face wash, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, sunscreen and lip balm is a must have for healthy skin. FACT:  While a multi-step skincare routine may benefit individuals with specific skin concerns, its necessity for everyone lacks dermatological evidence A YouTube reel shared by […]

01
Jan
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Are tea bags leaking billions of microplastics into your cup of tea?

  • Pallav Vyas / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

  A claim circulating on social media has raised concerns about the potential health risks posed by microplastics in tea bags. The claim, posted by user @MonaElizabeth56 on X (formerly Twitter), has garnered 250 views and features a video alleging that typical tea bags are sprayed with plastic to prevent tearing. According to the video, […]

31
Dec
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5 years after Covid outbreak, WHO calls on China to share data ‘to understand the origins’ of the pandemic

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 2 min read

On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization’s country office in China picked up a media statement from the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission’s website reporting cases of “viral pneumonia” in Wuhan. Five years later, the WHO has reiterated its call for China to share critical data and grant access to researchers to uncover the origins […]

30
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can a mixture of aloe vera gel, coffee powder and black tea darken your grey hair?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM: A mixture of aloe vera gel, coffee powder, and black tea can permanently darken grey hair after one application FACT: False. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that this mixture can permanently darken grey hair   An Instagram reel posted by @abhi.healthguru suggests that applying a homemade mixture of aloe vera […]

30
Dec
  • # Tags

Influenza vaccines are a lifesaver against severe flu, says WHO expert

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted influenza vaccines as the most effective tool against severe illness and death, with nearly one billion doses administered globally each year. Dr. Shoshanna Goldin, from WHO’s World Health Emergencies Programme, emphasized the need to stay ahead of the constantly evolving virus during a recent broadcast, underscoring the critical […]

malaria
28
Dec
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India exits WHO’s high-burden malaria list, aims for zero cases by 2030

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

India has officially exited the World Health Organization’s (WHO) high-burden to high-impact (HBHI) group for malaria, with the country aiming for zero cases by 2030, the World Malaria Report 2024 has revealed. India celebrated the achievement. “The WHO report recognized India’s advancements as a model for other nations aiming to combat malaria. With sustained efforts, […]

28
Dec
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FACT CHECK: Does frequent ejaculation reduce prostate cancer risk?

  • Pallav Vyas / 1 month
  • 0
  • 2 min read

CLAIM: Frequent ejaculation doesn’t prevent prostate cancer FACT: False. Frequent ejaculation lowers prostate cancer risk   A post by @Amerix on X (formerly Twitter), dismisses the claim that frequent ejaculation reduces the risk of prostate cancer. The post states, “Men, Frequent ejaculation doesn’t protect you from Prostate Cancer. These are institutionalized lies peddled by puppets […]

27
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Fact Check: Do detox supplements actually help in removing toxins and improving health?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: The growing trend of detox diets and supplements claims that your body requires a timely detox to eliminate toxins and improve health FACT: False. The body has its own efficient detoxification system, primarily through organs like the liver, and doesn’t require external supplements or products to detoxify   A growing number of videos (such […]

26
Dec
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2024: India marks major milestone in eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 2 min read

India achieved a significant milestone this year by eliminating neglected tropical disease, marking progress in the fight against conditions such as human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, and trachoma. Meanwhile, Egypt declared itself malaria-free after a century-long battle, and Cabo Verde joined the list of malaria-free nations, showcasing global advancements in combating infectious diseases. In […]

26
Dec
  • # Tags

WHO flags misinformation and disinformation as major threat to global health in 2024 review

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Misinformation and disinformation are critical threats to global health, the World Health Organization (WHO) says in its 2024 review.  The organization warns that inaccurate information about diseases, treatments, and vaccines not only undermines trust in science but also erodes public confidence in evidence-based health policies, posing a significant challenge to global health efforts. “During emergencies […]

25
Dec
  • # Tags

Over 1 in 5 adults worldwide has a genital herpes infection

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

  Around 846 million people aged between 15 and 49 are living with genital herpes infections – more than 1 in 5 of this age-group globally – according to new estimates released by World Health Organisation. In a statement,  WHO said that at least one person each second – 42 million people annually – is […]

25
Dec
  • # Tags

COVID toll so far: 7 million deaths, over 776 million cases, a surge in mental health issues

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

More than 776.8 million cases and 7 million deaths from COVID-19 have been recorded globally since the pandemic began in early 2020,  according to the latest data released by WHO.  While there are periodic waves of COVID-19 in some countries, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, largely circulates without clear seasonality and continues to infect, […]

Hydration
24
Dec
  • # Tags

Fact Check: Does drinking 8 litres of water daily boost health?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  Drinking 8 litres of water daily boosts athletic performance, speeds up muscle recovery, improves joint mobility, and lowers the risk of injuries. FACT:  False. Drinking 8 litres of water daily is not universally beneficial and can even pose health risks. While adequate hydration is essential for athletic performance and recovery, excessive water intake can […]

23
Dec
  • # Tags

India’s air pollution problem is not just urban, rural areas also suffer: Dr Suganthi Jaganathan

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 5 min read

  A new study by the Karolinska Institute has revealed that long-term exposure to air pollution is a significant contributor to millions of deaths in India. The research, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, highlights the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations. It reveals that the entire population of India is exposed to PM2.5 […]

23
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can fasting for 3 days shield you from rabies after a dog bite?

  • First Check Team / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  Fasting for three days after a dog bite enables the body to produce antibodies against rabies. FACT:  A 3-day fast cannot protect against rabies; only timely vaccination can prevent the deadly disease.   If a dog bites you, you shouldn’t go for any vaccine and instead keep a fast for three days. The body […]

20
Dec
  • # Tags

Social media platforms urged to share data to tackle science misinformation

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Social media companies must prioritize the fight against science misinformation by offering free, non-commercial access to data for researchers studying its origins, spread, and effects, a report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends.  “Universities and research institutions should help connect researchers with social media companies to improve access to reliable […]

Height
20
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK -The science behind height: Why Shah Rukh Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, and other celebs have taller sons

  • Pallav Vyas / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Sachin Tendulkar is 5’5″, Anjali Tendulkar is 5’6″, so how is their son Arjun Tendulkar is 6’3″? FACT: A diet rich in high-quality protein can significantly contribute to an individual’s height, potentially surpassing that of their parents, alongside the influence of genetics   The video begins with a person posing an intriguing question about […]

19
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can swallowing papaya seeds prevent pregnancy

  • Pallav Vyas / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Papaya seeds can act as a natural contraceptive if swallowed whole, without chewing FACT: While consuming unripe or semi-ripe papaya, which contains latex with papain, may pose risks during pregnancy, including uterine contractions and miscarriage, but their use for birth control remains unsubstantiated A post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), by […]

19
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Does sugar cause ADHD, dementia, glaucoma, aging, insomnia, or diabetes?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

  A viral Instagram post by @daveymaher_fitness, who has 436,000 followers, claims that sugar has numerous harmful effects on the body, including the controversial statement that “sugar in a baby’s brsain is called ADHD.” The video titled “Truth about the effects of Sugar” has garnered 67 lakh views and 181,000 likes. “Sugar in a baby’s […]

18
Dec
  • # Tags

India needs 6 million nurses by 2030 to ward of newborn care crisis

  • admin / 2 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

  India will need six million additional nurses by 2030 to meet rising healthcare demands, with a significant focus on addressing the growing need for newborn care, a recent study reveals. “Neonatal mortality rates are highest in rural and resource-limited settings,” the study published by Lancet reveals. “These challenges are compounded by inconsistencies in national […]

18
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can leaving your blanket quickly in cold weather trigger a cardiac arrest?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  People over 30 shouldn’t leave their blanket abruptly due to cardiac arrest risk FACT:  False. There is no scientific evidence that waking up suddenly at night can cause death   A viral WhatsApp forward claims that waking up suddenly at night, especially in cold weather, can lead to a lack of blood supply to […]

16
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Is alkaline water good for health?

  • Pallav Vyas / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  Alkaline water is beneficial for health FACT:  There’s no evidence to prove any significant benefits of drinking alkaline water A First Check reader recently posted a query on our WhatsApp tip line, asking if drinking alkaline water would afford any health benefits. “Is there any health benefits of alkaline water?, they asked on our […]

16
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can wearing a tight underwear lower a man’s sperm count

  • Pallav Vyas / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  Wearing a tight underwear lowers a man’s sperm count FACT:  True. However, its link to infertility remains uncertain   A post by the handle @Men_Sex_Health, shared on the X  platform warns people against wearing tight underwear, saying it would reduce their sperm count by up to 40%. “Stop wearing tight underwear: Wearing underwear increases […]

14
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Should we be consuming multivitamins?

  • Pallav Vyas / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM:  Stop taking multivitamins as you can get dependent on them and they offer no health benefits FACT:  Most research studies show little to no benefit from multivitamin use; however, some dieticians say that  multivitamins can be a useful addition for individuals with restrictive diets, and busy lifestyles.    A YouTube video with over 3 million views […]

lemon
13
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Does consuming lemongrass aid in lowering cholesterol?

  • Pallav Vyas / 2 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

  CLAIM: Consuming lemongrass aids in lowering cholesterol levels and improving heart health. FACT: Lemongrass may lower cholesterol, but effects have only been seen in laboratory rats, not clinical trials.   Lemongrass can help lower cholesterol, according to a post shared on the popular social media platform X, formerly Twitter. “Lemongrass is anti-hypercholesterolemic and anti-hyperlipidemic […]

12
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can staying in 40°C water cause a 1kg weight loss?

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  Sitting in 40°C water can lead to 500g-3kg weight loss FACT: Medical experts say no evidence to support the claim   A YouTube video by a person identifying himself as Dr Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury claims that in a temperature of 40°C, if a person sits in water with the water level rising up to […]

antibiotics
12
Dec
  • # Tags

Think your body becomes resistant to antibiotics? Here’s why you’re wrong

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

  A major challenge in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) lies in the public’s fundamental misunderstanding of the issue, with many people mistakenly believing that the human body becomes resistant to antibiotics, when in fact, it is the bacteria themselves that evolve to withstand these medicines, says Dr Manica Balasegaram, a leading expert at the Global […]

11
Dec
  • # Tags

‘They’ll destroy me’: Techie’s last words ignite national debate on men’s justice

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A 34-year-old tech professional, Atul Subhash, died by suicide at his Bengaluru residence, leaving behind a 24-page note in which he blamed his wife and her family for harassment. The incident has taken social media by storm, with many voicing concerns about perceived injustices against men. The victim, in a recorded video, expressed his anguish, […]

cancer
11
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Cancer misinformation gets new lease of life, after Sidhu’s ‘Diet-Based Cure’ for cancer claims

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Last month, former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu made headlines, when he claimed that his wife, Navjot Kaur, overcame Stage 4 cancer in just 40 days through a simple dietary and lifestyle regimen. While healthcare professionals were quick to call Sidhu out for the dangerous misinformation, that could potentially take patients away from medically proven treatment […]

stress
10
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Did YesMadam fire ‘stressed’ employees, or was it a PR stunt?

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

  YesMadam, an online beauty services platform, is facing a wave of criticism after an internal email surfaced, allegedly revealing that employees who reported high stress levels in a recent survey were fired. The email, which has gone viral on social media, has evoked mixed reactions and raised concerns about the company’s handling of employee […]

John Abraham
10
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Is John Abraham right about veg protein superiority?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  Non-veg food does not have more protein than vegetarian food FACT:  False. Non-veg food offers more protein, better for protein needs   A video clip from the famous Kapil Sharma Show features Bollywood star John Abraham suggesting that vegetarian food is also a rich source of protein and so can be preferred over non-veg […]

alcohol
09
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can a single sip of alcohol increase your risk for cancer?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Even one sip of alcohol can put you at risk of cancer. FACT: While alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, the claim that a single sip leads to cancer risk oversimplifies the relationship. The risk depends on the amount and frequency of consumption, as well as individual health and […]

arthritis
09
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can tamarind seeds cure arthritis or alleviate its pain?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

  First Check came across a video on Instagram, from the channel “The Sassy Sorceress” with more than 199k subscribers,  which has raked up 6.2 million views and has been shared over 115k times, with more than 250,000 likes.    View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Sassy Sorceress (@the.sassy.sorceress) The […]

07
Dec
  • # Tags

How just 1% weight change in Large Language Models can inject dangerous misinformation in healthcare

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

  Large Language Models (LLMs) hold great promise for healthcare applications, but a new study published in Nature warns that even minor manipulations—affecting just 1% of a model’s weights—can introduce harmful misinformation, posing significant risks to patient safety. “In our study, we demonstrate that misinformation such as malicious associations can be effectively injected into pretrained […]

06
Dec
  • # Tags

No, Himalayan salt is not healthier than iodized salt

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

  CLAIM:  Himalayan salt offers no significant health benefits compared to iodized salt  FACT:  No scientific evidence shows that Himalayan pink salt offers more health benefits than regular table salt   A video posted on Instagram suggests that Himalayan pink salt is a superior alternative to regular table salt due to its mineral content. The video with […]

chai causes weight gain
05
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Is your daily cup of chai making you gain weight?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: Drinking chai daily leads to weight gain. FACT: Drinking chai in moderation does not inherently cause weight gain. Factors like added sugar, full-fat milk, and frequency of consumption determine its caloric impact. A YouTube short posted by internet sensation and nutrition coach, Ryan Fernando, claimed that consuming one cup of tea daily for a year can result […]

patharchatta as a remedy for kidney stones
05
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Can patharchatta leaves dissolve kidney stones?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  Patharchatta leaves can dissolve kidney stones FACT: There is no scientific evidence to show that patharchatta leaves do not dissolve kidney stones. Experts warn against such unscientific home remedies for kidney stones,  adding that if left untreated the complications could include urinary tract infections, severe pain, and in extreme cases, kidney damage.  Recently a […]

acidic cancer
04
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Acidic foods increase cancer risk?

  • Florica Brahma / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

A popular video on Instagram, with about 20,000 likes and over a million views, claims that consuming acidic foods can raise the risk of cancer.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sanjeev Batra (@dr.sanjeev27) “Do you know that the cancerous tumours that occur in your body, they are made of […]

04
Dec
  • # Tags

Health of India Summit 2024 tackles heart disease, cancer, and AI challenges

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Experts discussed evolving challenges and solutions for India’s health sector, focusing on heart disease, cancer treatment, and health misinformation, at this year’s Health of India Summit held in New Delhi on December 3. Madhukar K. Bhagat, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the pressing challenges in India’s healthcare sector, including […]

03
Dec
  • # Tags

How prepared is India for future diseases? Experts discuss at Health of India Summit

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

New Delhi: The Health of India Summit 2024 at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi, brought together leading healthcare innovators to discuss India’s potential as a global hub for biopharmaceutical innovation, emphasizing the need for collaborative, rapid, and cost-effective R&D strategies to address current and emerging disease challenges. The session titled  “Accelerating R&D Innovation for India’s Current […]

03
Dec
  • # Tags

HOI2024: Experts discuss AI’s role in transforming healthcare at Health of India Summit

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

New Delhi: At the Health of India Summit 2024 in New Delhi, experts highlighted the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing Indian healthcare, from early tuberculosis detection in rural areas to advanced cancer prediction models, while emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks, accurate data, and patient-centric integration. The session, titled “AI & Health: How AI […]

03
Dec
  • # Tags

AI-fueled health misinformation, infectious diseases and natural remedy myths cause of concern: report

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

The “Health Misinformation Vectors in India” report, released at the Health of India Summit in Delhi, warns of AI-driven misinformation and the rise of infectious diseases like Marburg virus and Mpox, while highlighting a growing shift from evidence-based medicine to natural remedies influenced by local traditions. “Even on life threatening diseases like cancer, some of […]

health of india summit
02
Dec
  • # Tags

Health of India Summit 2024 to Explore AI and Healthcare Innovations

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

  The Health of India Summit 2024, a flagship event organized by First Check and DataLEADS, will take place on December 3 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Ashoka Road, New Delhi. The summit is set to gather a significant number of delegates, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and experts, to engage in pivotal discussions on […]

02
Dec
  • # Tags

FACT CHECK: Should you stop drinking vegetable juice?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Drinking vegetable juice is harmful and should be avoided. FACT: Vegetable juice can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced nutritional plan.   The First Check team came across a YouTube short from the account “DietTube India,” where the presenter claims that drinking vegetable […]

01
Dec
  • # Tags

UN report: Human rights key to ending AIDS by 2030

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

  The world can end AIDS by 2030 if human rights are at the center of the effort, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said in a statement on the occasion of the World Aids Day.   Titled “Take the rights path to end AIDS,” the report outlines how stigma, discrimination, and punitive laws hinder […]

01
Dec
  • # Tags

India mandates snakebite reporting amid 50,000 annual deaths

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

In a significant move to combat underreported snakebite cases, the Indian Ministry of Health has made it mandatory for all government and private healthcare facilities to report suspected and confirmed snakebite cases and deaths. The decision follows concerns about the underreporting of such incidents, which has hindered efforts to understand and address the problem. In […]

30
Nov
  • # Tags

‘Dangerous form of misinformation’: More medical experts weigh in on Sidhu’s cancer cure claim

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu’s recent claim that his wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, overcame stage four cancer through a strict diet regimen has sparked controversy, with medical professionals cautioning that such statements risk spreading misinformation and offering false hope to patients battling the disease. First Check consulted leading medical experts including Dr. Sameer Kaul, Senior Consultant […]