Representatives from the WHO’s 194 member countries agreed on a set of critical amendments to the International Health Regulations of 2005. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced recently that negotiations for a pandemic accord aimed at preventing a repeat of the COVID-19 challenges are expected to conclude within the next year. During the annual meeting […]
The vector-borne disease spread by mosquitoes can lead to severe brain inflammation, resulting in serious symptoms like seizures, coma and even death. As India and most of Asia await the onset of monsoons after a particularly challenging summer, concerns about Japanese Encephalitis (JE) transmission during the rains are justified. Once the vector populations increase, the […]
The king of fruits, mango, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. In India, the practice of ripening the fruit by injecting it with calcium carbide, a carcinogen, has drawn attention to the health risks associated with the artificial ripening of fruits. “Are black blotches on the surface of mangoes a tell-tale sign of harmful artificial ripening?” asked a First Check reader. The answer is yes; beware of mangoes with black blotches on the skin.
Collaboration between universities and media organisations can significantly strengthen the fight against health misinformation by leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors. “Educators in universities can collaborate with media organisations to build fact-checking teams.” A lot has changed since I started my fact-checking journey in 2019. Today, we have health experts who are media […]
It’s high time we de-normalise tobacco use, given the massive price we are paying in terms of poor public health, high economic cost, and detrimental environmental effects. Tobacco addiction remains a formidable public health crisis globally, claiming an estimated eight million lives each year, including 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Despite […]
Dive into the clues and fill in the squares with terms related to smoking. Whether you’re a puzzle pro or just getting started, this crossword is a fun and engaging way to learn more about the harmful effects of smoking. Want more crossword challenges in the future? Stay tuned and keep an eye on this […]
From India to Bangladesh and Myanmar to Thailand, the relentless heat has disrupted daily life, claimed lives, and exacerbated existing socio-economic challenges. Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan’s recent hospitalisation due to heat stroke has brought much deserved attention to the severity of the heatwaves sweeping across India and the broader South Asian region. While Khan […]
Currently, there is no cure for IBS. However, dietary changes, medications, and therapies can help manage symptoms. Dietary modifications involve avoiding trigger foods and incorporating high-fibre foods. Medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, or antidepressants may also be prescribed.
Vaccination accounted for 40 per cent of the observed decline in global infant mortality, 52 per cent in the African region, according to the WHO-funded study. Since 1974, vaccination has averted 154 million deaths, including 146 million children younger than five years, of which 101 million were infants younger than one year of age, according […]
More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to the practice, with more than three million girls estimated to be at a risk of being subjected to FGM annually. On the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, observed globally on May 28 every year to amplify demands for sexual and […]
Targeted exercises can improve muscle tone and appearance, but they cannot really burn fat in specific areas of the body. By Allen Joe Mathew Social media is flooded with fitness videos recommending exercises that target specific areas of the body. Whether it’s reducing belly fat or facial fat, the videos claim that spot reduction can […]
Enhanced hand hygiene, equipment sterilisation, safe water, effective sanitation, and paediatric vaccinations are key strategies highlighted in the latest modelling analysis. Improving and expanding existing methods to prevent infections, such as hand hygiene, sterilisation of equipment in healthcare facilities, safe drinking water, effective sanitation and use of paediatric vaccines, could prevent over 750,000 deaths associated […]
Health Misinformation is not a uniform phenomenon across the globe; its impact and prevalence vary significantly from one region to another. “What’s intriguing is the discrepancy between the actual prevalence of misinformation and the level of concern it generates in different regions.” It’s fascinating to see how online communities are coming together, supporting each other […]
The body temperature rises to about 40 degrees Celsius, coupled with a severe imbalance of salts such as sodium and potassium in the body. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was recently hospitalised after experiencing a heat stroke. While the discomforts associated with soaring temperatures are well acknowledged, many people are uninformed about the health risks […]
In 2022, there were 2,30,000 syphilis-related deaths and 6,30,000 HIV-related deaths, of which 13 per cent were children under the age of 15 years. Four curable sexually transmitted infections – syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis – account for over one million cases daily, according to a WHO report released this week. The report, ‘Implementing the […]
It is equally fascinating and terrifying that for the millions of years humans have spent trying to unwrap the secrets of this world, there are still just as many, if not more, that are yet to be revealed. As a child, I always found myself drawn to the genre of fantasy that attempted to answer […]
Advanced MRI techniques provide fascinating insights into how hormones influence brain structure across different menstrual phases. A women’s menstrual cycle isn’t just about periods; it’s a complex process involving hormone fluctuations and physiological changes. Research finds that the brain volume changes substantially during the menstrual cycle. Advanced MRI techniques provide fascinating insights into how hormones […]
The product is still being sold on major e-commerce sites in India, along with the misleading FSSAI logo. WhatsApp messages about cow urine now being bottled and sold in India have been doing the rounds for some time. Recently, the Press Information Bureau of India (PIB) put out a tweet that the Food Safety and […]
Just as the body benefits from being exposed to low doses of an attenuated virus to generate an effective immune response, research finds that it works the same way with the mind. Although debunking misinformation is important, the approach faces many challenges. For example, once people are exposed to misinformation, they often rely on false […]
Most infections are asymptomatic, while some manifest as moderate fever, or severe fever. No vaccine against WNV is available yet for humans. As cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) rise in the Indian state of Kerala, neighbouring regions are on high alert. While the situation is still evolving and could cause a public health concern, […]
A recent YouTube video with 256K+ views suggests that alcohol consumption can keep glucose levels “steady and flat”. Interestingly, the speaker acknowledges that it is a “devious” or unhealthy method to keep the blood glucose levels in check.
The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) — the country’s apex nutrition authority — recently updated its dietary guidelines for Indians. The guidelines, released this month after a 13-year hiatus, recommend 17 steps to meet the requirements of a balanced diet and to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity and diabetes.
In our region, one of the major health misinformation issues revolves around the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) attributed to lifestyle choices and the aging population. This has given rise to a proliferation of health products promising instant cure, often without any scientific backing. The misleading claims associated with these products pose a significant threat to public health as individuals may unknowingly expose themselves to potential harm.
The risk of vitreous detachment increases with age, particularly among individuals aged 50 and above. Recently, Raghav Chadha, a 35-year-old Indian politician and Member of Parliament, underwent a surgical procedure called Vitrectomy in the UK. Ever since, questions about the surgical procedure have been coming up online and offline. First Check gets you all the […]
Publishes the first global guidelines to prevent the occurrence of bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the first global guidelines to prevent the occurrence of bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters. Up to 70 […]
While it may be easier to reach for a supplement, calcium from food sources does a better job of building bones. We know that calcium is crucial for the strength of our bones and teeth. But it does a lot more – helps muscles contract and relax, aids efficient blood clotting, regulates heart rhythms and […]
In the age of social media trends such as GRWM for Gym/Workout, and hashtags like #gymglam #gymglow, applying makeup before heading to the gym is a common practice. What’s more, even cosmetic companies advertise their products as lasting for the entire day, despite the sweat. However, an interesting study published earlier this year in […]
Although one may not feel sick at first, if the condition isn’t treated on time, it can lead to grave consequences, and even death. High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is often called a “silent killer” because you can have it and not know it. It is a serious disease that affects almost half of […]
Proteins from dietary sources can be equally effective in muscle building as protein supplements — without the associated risks of renal, liver and brain damage. Fitness trainers, in most cases, explicitly ask gym-goers to start taking protein supplements. Doubts about potential side effects are easily quelled by citing personal examples of prolonged use. However, there […]
The aim is to build a network of healthcare influencers to counteract the spread of health-related misinformation on social media. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a noteworthy initiative to combat health misinformation. Fides aims to build a network of healthcare influencers to counteract the spread of health-related misinformation on social media, thereby supporting […]
A recent video of an Indian politician talking to the media during the ongoing election campaigns has been in the news for the dubious health claim. If an Indian politician is to be believed, the best way to cope with the scorching weather conditions is to carry an onion in your pocket! A recent video […]
With the spread of health misinformation, especially during crises like COVID-19, countries like Sri Lanka struggle, shedding light on the difficulties faced by healthcare workers who lack the necessary skills, training, and resources to combat false health information effectively. “It’s important to acknowledge that healthcare officials in most developing countries are overworked and lack the […]
The WHO’s 2023 Results Report highlights the progress made in global health, particularly the malaria vaccine’s impact, funding strategies, accomplishments, and ongoing challenges in fighting diseases worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) released its 2023 Results Report, marking significant strides in global health advancement. Among the standout achievements is the impact of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria […]
The awareness campaign by the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare educates the public about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance, caused by the overuse of antibiotics without medical supervision. Self-medication, the practice of taking medicines without prescription from a qualified medical practitioner, has become alarmingly common. Videos recommending drugs for various ailments can be […]
Mangiferin, one of the most extensively investigated naturally occurring anti-cancer substance, is present in greater concentration in mango peel than in the pulp. It is that time of the year when most households in India stock reserves of the king of fruits, Mango. Recently, there have been increasing claims online about the anti-proliferative, or anti-cancer […]
Cooking rice along with any form of fat, not just coconut oil, reduces the calories absorbed by the body from the rice. Does cooking rice with coconut oil result in the reduction of calories in the rice? The query was shared by a First Check reader after watching a video on YouTube. While the video […]
The extremely rare event of the virus mutating such that it is able to invade human bodies, could result in a public health emergency. Globally, cases of bird flu, also referred to as avian flu, are on the rise. There’s fear that this corroborates the predictions of health scientists that the future pandemic is likely […]
The relentless exposure to misinformation can cause psychological harm and moral conflict among fact-checkers as they confront widespread health misinformation that threatens public understanding and health.
The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into search engines offers exciting prospects for a more personalised and user-friendly search experience. However, a pertinent study has raised serious concerns about the associated public health risks, particularly the inadvertent promotion of illegal online pharmacies.
“If they can make penicillin out of mouldy bread, they can sure make something out of you.” The quote is attributed to Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, and I couldn’t stop smiling as I read the words in an unlikely book, picked up at an airport recently. Did you know that penicillin was one of […]
There’s an urgent need for transparent labelling, effective regulation, and greater consumer awareness to safeguard public health. Indian spice brands have been in the news lately for allegedly not following food safety regulations in various countries. Popular products from companies like Everest and MDH were found to contain ethylene oxide, classified as a ‘Group 1 […]
With over 150 million Indians requiring mental health care services, yet only around 30 million seeking help, there’s an urgent need for education and awareness. Mental health has always been a tricky issue. More so in less developed countries, such as India. Although the disease is like any other, it often isn’t recognised as one, […]
The Bihar Information and Media Literacy Initiative, conducted in partnership with JEEViKA and DataLEADS, shows how media training programmes can empower young adults to navigate the digital world responsibly. How can we equip youngsters with skills to discern and counter health misinformation? The Bihar Information and Media Literacy Initiative (BIMLI), conducted in partnership with JEEViKA […]
The popular drink may contain lead chromate, a toxic pigment that is sometimes added to turmeric to make it more yellow, leading to serious health issues. Ever since Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow has endorsed golden latte or turmeric latte, a trendy turmeric-milk drink, it has become hugely popular. But there’s a hidden danger: the latte […]
Social media and easy internet access accelerate false health information dissemination, demanding immediate intervention through media literacy to combat this public health challenge. “I encourage PhD scholars to delve deeper into the health misinformation dynamics and find solutions to combat it, with the support of suitable funding agencies.” Have you heard the popular folktale about […]
While it can be a helpful supplement for those with mild iron deficiency, for individuals with hemochromatosis, it’s important to consult with a doctor before using cast iron cookware. In kitchens across India, cast iron cookware has long been hailed as a culinary essential, renowned for its durability and superior heat retention. However, can it […]
Team First Check is thrilled to present its first-ever crossword puzzle which is designed to test your knowledge and raise awareness about the important global health issue – Malaria.
Dive into the clues and fill in the squares with terms related to malaria. Whether you’re a puzzle pro or just getting started, this crossword is a fun and engaging way to learn more about malaria.
The latest global technical consultation report addresses the issue of not having a consistent language to describe the spread of airborne pathogens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, different groups used different words to talk about how pathogens spread through the air. This caused massive confusion. A global technical consultation report by the World Health Organization (WHO), […]
Limited research data is available to confirm the purported reproductive health benefits of the popular herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. “Can Shatavari capsules cure infertility?” asked one of our readers on email. First Check delved into the available scientific research on this herb used commonly in Ayurveda. We also reached out to a medical practitioner […]
International Journal of Molecular Medicine article sheds light on the complexity of bone building, underscoring the need for incorporating vitamins A, B, C, E, and K in our daily lives. While the role of vitamin D in calcium absorption and the prevention of osteoporosis is well known, there’s little awareness about the importance of other […]
They endorse a dubious dietary supplement and unverified drug for diabetes management, while discrediting established medications by means of fabricated reviews. Advertisements from ‘The Care Lab’ claiming to cure diabetes are bogus, finds First Check. These advertisements, seen on popular Indian news websites, lead users to dubious webpages selling unscientific treatments. The website dcarelab.com primarily […]
The second leading infectious cause of death globally, every day, nearly 3500 people are dying due to hepatitis B and C infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, released earlier this month, highlights that the disease is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, with 1.3 million deaths per year. Every […]
Among overweight and obese youths, increased LPA linked with 20 per cent reduced risk of worsening hyperinsulinemia. Light physical activity (LPA) is linked to a lower chance of developing excess insulin and insulin resistance from childhood to young adulthood. Increased sedentary time worsens metabolic health, especially in those who are overweight or obese, says a […]
Gold nanoparticles have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-ageing benefits. However, those allergic to gold from contact dermatitis need to exercise caution. “Does Suvarna Bhasma work for the skin?” asked one of our readers. First Check delved into research on the subject to understand the rationale behind the use of nano and colloidal gold particles in traditional […]
Lancet Commission report estimates global breast cancer incidence to rise from 2.3 million new cases in 2020 to over three million by 2040 and one million deaths annually. In 2020, 7.8 million women were alive having been diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous five years, reflecting progress in research and cancer management that has […]
Today, there is an abundance of information available online. But there is also a significant amount of misinformation. It has become vital to separate fact from fiction. The rise of social media and other tech start-ups has shifted the way people seek information. Rather than consulting qualified experts, many turn to online platforms. Misinformation plays […]
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 […]
India TB Report 2024, by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlights the pressing need to improve the adoption of latest technology to combat the disease. Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s annual report on the state of tuberculosis (TB) India TB Report 2024 shows significant progress in the detection and treatment of […]
From its perceived confinement to motor symptoms to fears surrounding medication, common myths have hindered the understanding and treatment of the condition. Every year World Parkinson’s Day is celebrated on April 11 to spread awareness and understanding about the often-misunderstood neurodegenerative movement disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. From its perceived confinement to motor […]
The generous act of donating one’s corneas after death can enable two or more people to acquire vision. It can also be valuable for research leading to prevention or cure of blindness. Vision is one of the most cherished senses, enabling people to perceive the beauty and intricacies of the world around them. However, for […]
Apollo Hospitals’ Health of Nation report shows a concerning surge in non-communicable diseases, which are now manifesting at increasingly younger ages across the country. Apollo Hospitals, the largest private hospital network in India, recently released the latest edition of its flagship annual report, Health of Nation, which shows a concerning surge in non-communicable diseases […]
Rather than attributing certain behaviours to being an only child, parents need to focus on fostering positive social interactions and setting appropriate boundaries. Growing up as an only child, I often found myself at the centre of attention during family gatherings. While I cherished the moments spent with cousins, I couldn’t help but notice the […]
By acknowledging the social aspects of online information consumption, the researchers contend that we gain valuable insights into our susceptibility to misinformation. In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become central to how we consume information. Yet, the role of social cues and source credibility in shaping our perceptions of online content often goes […]
It’s not just COVID — it’s measles, HPV, fake cures and more. Health is wealth, they say. That’s true of individuals and countries. Unless we invest in health care, and strengthen our fight against health misinformation, true progress is impossible. We need to work together and collaborate with experts to make credible, timely, relevant, understandable and actionable health information easily accessible for all.
Contrary to what social media influencers may claim, castor oil cannot dissolve tumours, cure arthritis or detox the liver; at best, it may provide short-term relief from constipation. A viral video on Facebook and YouTube claims that castor oil can not only prevent life-threatening diseases, but it can also help patients fully recover from them. […]
TB is curable, but the biggest challenge remains the general lack of awareness about the disease, coupled with poor health seeking behaviours among most people. Tuberculosis (TB) is a common, and in many cases fatal, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that attacks the lungs, and can affect other parts of the body too. According […]
Vaginal lightening promotes unhealthy body image ideals, and reflects cultural preferences rooted in internalised colourism. While the skin-lightening industry had found a strong global foothold, several high-end spas today offer vaginal bleaching services, ranging from laser treatments to specialised peels. A plethora of DIY vaginal lightening methods are also promoted on social media platforms. Whether […]
The country ranks second worldwide in sickle cell disease incidence, with 102,021 reported cases, particularly among certain tribal populations. Recently, India got its first indigenous hydroxyurea oral suspension for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder. Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited is expected to manufacture the drug at one per cent […]
Excess acetaminophen intake is the leading cause of drug-induced liver injury, one of the most common causes of liver failure. Does paracetamol, a painkiller commonly used to mitigate fever and treat mild to moderate pain, cause liver toxicity? That’s the recurring question many readers have asked over the last couple of weeks. Based on the […]
In a year when the world’s oldest and the largest democracies are going to polls, AI-generated fake news is expected to be all over the place. Does health mis/disinformation increase or decrease during elections? Very little is known about this phenomenon. It is, however, scientifically proven that political fake news becomes rife during polls. According […]
Excessive caffeine intake can lead to poor sleep quality, increased heart rate, risks of hypertension and heart disease.
Climate change, growing regional instability, the rise of misinformation and disinformation increase the complexity of preventing and responding to the next pandemic. The United States has launched Foreign Ministry Channel (FMC) for Health Security, making health security a foreign policy priority, and effectively addressing health-related misinformation and disinformation. This comes with the recognition that the […]
Nutrition and fitness expert Layne Norton offers some sound advice on navigating false, misleading claims online. While self-proclaimed health experts on social media platforms are some of the biggest perpetuators of health misinformation, there are also several qualified professionals, who share valuable information online on health and well-being. Layne Norton, a PhD holder in Nutritional […]
Beyond short-term online campaigns, proactively engage with social media influencers and equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to counter misinformation. While measles vaccination has seen success in Nigeria, challenges persist, especially with the introduction of new vaccines. Resistance to these vaccines often arises from misinformation spread on social media platforms. Whether it is […]
Not too long ago, I was a social media junkie. Guilty of falling for every health tip and trick on online platforms. Whether it was ways to get flawless skin or shed weight without breaking a sweat, I was hooked. But then, something changed when I started working with First Check. As I forayed into the […]
58 new measles cases reported by 17 jurisdictions, raising fears of comeback of the disease that was declared eliminated from the US 24 years ago. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the United States of America. However, recent trends show a resurgence of measles cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated […]
Researchers caution against oversimplification as autophagy has been attributed tumour-suppressive as well as tumour-promoting functions. A viral video on YouTube (with 10K views at the time of writing this) claims that fasting can cure cancer, among many other ailments. The video, narrated in the Malayalam language, asserts that the practice of fasting, common in many […]
The ninth Intergovernmental Negotiating Body meeting will be held in hybrid format from March 18 to March 28, 2024. Ahead of the ninth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) for a World Health Organization (WHO) instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, later this month, the WHO has started an aggressive campaign on the […]
It is crucial to address issues comprehensively, combining efforts to counteract industry influences, regulate fake health products, and continue promoting awareness and education. The collaboration between media professionals and health experts has become increasingly robust, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pervasive nature of health misinformation during the crisis highlighted the urgent […]
These chemicals can accumulate in the body over time, increasing the risk of cancer and numerous other ailments. We live in a world where convenience often comes at a cost. The prevalence of “forever chemicals” like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and bisphenol A (BPA) has raised significant concerns – from exposure in drinking water […]
While drinking water on an empty stomach can temporarily boost metabolism, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the dubious weight loss claims made by advocates of Japanese water therapy. In recent years, Japanese water therapy has gained popularity as a method for weight loss. Advocates claim that drinking water first thing in the morning on […]
Researchers find strong association between consumption of ultra-processed foods and heightened risk of heart disease-related deaths, type 2 diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, sleep problems. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has unveiled a disconcerting association between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and heightened risk of heart disease-related deaths, type 2 diabetes, […]
The tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting it, in a manner that is consistent with our existing beliefs is very common. And this is amply evident when it comes to decisions related to health. The home remedies we seek, the warnings on cigarette packets we choose to ignore, the celebrity product endorsements […]
Stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotional conflicts can manifest in various bodily symptoms. According to a trending video on Instagram, there is a strong connection between the indigestion problems one may be facing and the strained relationship they share with their father. Does that mean the next time your stomach churns uncomfortably, you need to consider […]
Inclusion of a variety of nutrient-dense fats as part of a balanced diet can help individuals reap myriad health benefits, while minimising the risks associated with excessive consumption. Is dietary fat evil? That’s the question a reader asked First Check. The short answer is no. The notion that all dietary fat is evil stems from […]
Being diagnosed as an individual with ADHD brought a mix of emotions – relief at finally having the correct diagnosis, anger for the past dismissals, and determination to move forward. At 22, I approached my first mental health counsellor with concerns pertaining to forgetfulness and struggles with day-to-day tasks. To my surprise, the response I […]
Researchers have identified notable associations between paternal factors and birth outcomes, encompassing preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and high birth weight prevalences. “If a man is a smoker, does it affect his unborn baby?” asked one of our readers recently. Traditionally, women are believed to have the biggest influence on […]
The Supreme Court orders immediate ban on all electronic and print advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved. In a scathing indictment, the Supreme Court of India has criticised the Central Government for its lack of action against Patanjali Ayurved, co-owned by yoga guru Ramdev, in a case involving “misleading and false” advertisements. The apex court remarked that […]
Social media claims about the magic mixture of toothpaste, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide guaranteeing white teeth are not only false, but they also pose health and safety risks. An image circulating on social media claims that a mixture of toothpaste, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide can make your teeth “snow white”. “Is it true?” […]
There is no robust study to support the claims on social media about turmeric tea or supplements helping with fat loss or improving liver health. If a video on Instagram is to believed, turmeric, the spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa plant, can help with targeted fat removal. Just like liposuction, a […]
Estimating how lethal a dose can be is challenging, due to various factors, such as the specific compound involved. In the true-crime documentary ‘Curry & Cyanide – The Jolly Joseph Case’, available on Netflix, a toxicologist asserts, “When you come across cyanide in a case of death, first rule out murder.” While cyanide is often […]
As a social and behavioural scientist, I have been intricately involved in the battle against health misinformation. In the digital age, where information spreads rapidly and often unchecked, the epidemic of misinformation has become a public health concern. Health misinformation encompasses a wide array of false or misleading information related to health and well-being. From […]
While walking or jogging benefited both genders, strength training was more beneficial for women, and yoga or qigong was more effective for men. A recent study, published in the British Medical Journal, finds that exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training more effective than other exercises, particularly […]
There are two malaria vaccines recommended by the WHO, and they act against P. falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite globally and the most prevalent in Africa. Nearly 249 million cases of malaria and 6,08,000 malaria-related deaths were recorded globally in 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region continues to bear the brunt of the […]
Apart from circadian misalignment and its effect on physical health, studies show that shift work sleep disorder can also exacerbate mental health issues. “Is it really such a bad idea to take up a job that requires you to work at night?” asked one of our readers recently. When it comes to the health consequences […]
We need to examine the differential impact of false information and truthful information. Is the harm caused by falsehoods offset by the dissemination of truth? Can the viral spread of disinformation and misinformation ever be completely curbed? It is a rhetorical question. We know by now that while false narratives of any kind can be […]
Dr Safieh Shah, First Check member and Canada-based senior policy scientist, talks about the power of collaboration, the prevalent challenges, and the urgency to strengthen our fight against health misinformation. “The landscape of health misinformation is dynamic and changes over time, as does social media,” says Dr Safieh Shah, First Check member and senior policy […]
Poor dietary choices, food insecurity, certain medical conditions, and vegetarian or vegan diets lacking in protein-rich sources can contribute to protein-energy malnutrition. By Florica Brahma Protein is often hailed as the building block of life, and for good reason. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle repair and growth, hormone production, […]
While ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 can serve as supplementary sources for health information, a recent study underscores the need for validation and scrutiny of AI-generated content. By First Check Team As health misinformation continues to spread across various online platforms, the reliability of sources becomes paramount. An interesting study sought to evaluate the potential of […]
About 15% of global greenhouse emissions result from livestock farming, nearly equivalent to those generated by the transportation sector. Is it healthier for the planet if humans stop consuming meat? That’s the question a reader asked First Check. After going through the scientific evidence – there’s a lot of promising research happening in this area […]