admin - Page 4 of 14 - First Check

31
Jul

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Explainer: What Trump’s 25% tariff could mean for India’s pharma exports to the US

First Check Team / 6 months
0
5 min read

India’s pharmaceutical industry has long been a lifeline for global healthcare, supplying affordable generics, vaccines, and complex drugs to over 200 countries. But with US President Donald Trump slapping a 25% tariff on all Indian exports, including pharmaceutical products, the sector faces one of its most significant external threats in recent years. The tariffs threaten […]

30
Jul

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U-MAS: The AI tool helping public health officials fight online misinformation

First Check Team / 6 months
0
3 min read

Being under development since 2022 by researchers at the University of Waterloo, the UbiLab Misinformation Analysis System (U-MAS) has quietly emerged as one of the most robust AI tools in the fight against health misinformation online. Now in active use, the system is helping researchers and public health officials monitor the ever-growing tide of false […]

29
Jul

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Type 2 diabetes may lead to debt, bankruptcy, foreclosure: Study

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

Chronic illnesses don’t only badly affect your health, they can also wreck your finances. A new study has found that patients with type 2 diabetes face significantly greater financial hardship compared with those without the condition The study published in JAMA Network Open examined 166,285 adult patients at a Midwestern medical center in Ohio found […]

29
Jul

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Over 13 million IVF babies born worldwide since 1978: Study

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

More than 13 million infants have been born globally through assisted reproductive technology (ART) since the birth of the first “test-tube baby” in 1978, a global study has revealed. Published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, the study is based on 40 years of systematic data collection by the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive […]

28
Jul

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Why some families only have boys, or only girls, Harvard study explains birth sex mystery

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

A baby’s sex at birth is generally considered a coin toss, roughly a 50-50 chance of having a boy or a girl- until now. A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that biology may have more of a say than mere luck. “If you’ve had two girls or three girls […]

27
Jul

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Swiss scientists resurrect century-old flu virus, offer clues for future pandemics

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

Researchers from Switzerland have reconstructed a complete genome of the 1918 Spanish flu virus from preserved lung tissue of a young man who died more than a century ago, providing new insights into how pandemics evolve and how deadly viruses adapt to humans. The findings, published this week in BMC Biology, mark the first-ever fully […]

25
Jul

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Breathing dirty air may raise risk of dementia: Study

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

A major new study has found that breathing polluted air for long periods of time may increase your chances of developing dementia. The research, published this week in The Lancet Planetary Health, brings together data from over 24 million people around the world, and it confirms what scientists have suspected for years: air pollution isn’t […]

24
Jul

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Turmeric supplements cause liver damage: US woman’s case exposes dangers of unverified health advice

Allen Joe Mathew / 7 months
0
4 min read

A woman in the US was hospitalised due to severe liver damage, after she started taking turmeric supplements regularly, once again highlighting the dangers of unverified health advice. The case quickly made headlines and sent ripples through the fitness and health communities across the US, particularly those who are consumers of herbal drinks and products. […]

23
Jul

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COVID may have aged your brain by 5.5 months

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

Even if you never contracted COVID-19, the pandemic may still have aged your brain. A major study using UK Biobank data has found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated brain ageing in healthy individuals, regardless of whether they were ever infected with the virus. “Our findings reveal that, even with initially matched brain age gaps […]

22
Jul

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Prolonged delay in REM sleep may signal higher risk of Alzheimer’s: Study

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

A new study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia has found that people who take longer to enter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a stage of sleep linked with dreaming and memory, could be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). The study, a result of collaboration between Chinese and […]

21
Jul

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Aluminium in vaccines safe for children, says study, countering anti-vaxxers

Allen Joe Mathew / 7 months
0
3 min read

The anti-vaxxing community has long claimed that Aluminium used in vaccines for children leads to detrimental effects for them as they grow up. The post from X.com makes the same claim: “Injecting aluminum into our children should be considered a crime.” The post responds to an attached video statement by Dr Scott Gottlieb, former United […]

21
Jul

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RSV vaccine in pregnancy cuts baby hospital risk by 72%

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

A new UK study has confirmed that vaccinating pregnant women against RSV, a major cause of serious lung infections in babies, can dramatically reduce the risk of hospitalisation for their newborns, a study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health on Sunday has revealed. RSVpreF, as the vaccine is called, was introduced across England […]

18
Jul

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Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: What it means

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
3 min read

The White House recently announced that US President Donald Trump, now 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a prevalent vascular condition, following speculation sparked by viral photos showing bruises on his hand. During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the diagnosis was made after a routine medical […]

18
Jul

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Three-parent IVF brings hope for inherited disorders

First Check Team / 7 months
0
4 min read

In a major scientific breakthrough, eight babies have been born in the UK using a pioneering IVF technique designed to prevent life-threatening mitochondrial diseases. The treatment, known as pronuclear transfer, combines DNA from three people – two parents and a female donor – to reduce the risk of passing on harmful mutations carried in mitochondrial […]

17
Jul

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Health, caregiving and ‘preparing’ for old age emerge as top concerns at event for senior citizens

First Check Team / 7 months
0
5 min read

While life expectancy of the average Indian is now close to 75 years, the number of healthy years they may have may be almost a decade shorter, said Dr K Srinath Reddy at a seminar held in Delhi on Wednesday. Titled “Towards an Inclusive Senior Ecosystem,” the seminar underlined the need to prepare better for […]

17
Jul

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Fact Check: Is incense smoke more harmful than cigarettes?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
4 min read

CLAIM: Smoke from incense sticks can be more harmful to the lungs than cigarette smoke, potentially causing cancer and DNA damage. FACT: True. Incense smoke contains harmful PM2.5 particles, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential health risks like cancer, DNA damage, and chronic lung issues. But its overall […]

16
Jul

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WHO recommends a twice-a-year injection for HIV prevention

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
3 min read

Imagine protecting yourself from HIV with just two injections a year—no daily pills, no complicated routines. That’s now possible, thanks to a new recommendation by the World Health Organization, which has endorsed lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that offers near-complete protection against HIV. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventive method, meant for people […]

16
Jul

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USAID cuts could trigger over 14 million preventable deaths by 2030: Lancet

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

A study published in The Lancet has warned that the US decision to suspend and defund USAID health programs could lead to more than 14 million avoidable deaths, including over 4.5 million children under the age of five, by the year 2030. The study, titled “Evaluating the impact of two decades of USAID interventions and […]

15
Jul

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India targets obesity with visual alerts on junk food in public institutions

Allen Joe Mathew / 7 months
0
3 min read

In a major push to tackle India’s growing obesity crisis, the Union Health Ministry has directed all government ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies to display newly designed “oil and sugar boards” in canteens and public eating areas within their premises. The directive, issued on June 21 by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, aims to […]

15
Jul

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Smart devices now track your fruit intake, and warn about allergies

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

Imagine a device that not only knows which fruit you’re eating but also tells you how healthy it is. What’s more, it also warns you if you’re allergic to it. A new study has introduced just that. Researchers have developed two automated tools – FruitPAL and FruitPAL 2.0 – designed to make fruit consumption both […]

15
Jul

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Your stomach bugs may help clean out harmful chemicals: Study

Allen Joe Mathew / 7 months
0
4 min read

Scientists have identified certain species of human gut bacteria that can absorb and store toxic “forever chemicals,” suggesting a new avenue for reducing the health risks posed by these persistent pollutants, according to new study published July 1 in Nature Microbiology. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in products ranging from waterproof […]

14
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Can stepping on Indrayan fruit in water cure fatty liver and joint pain?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: A video claims that stepping on Indrayan fruit (Citrullus colocynthis) in a bucketful of water for 5 minutes can relieve fatty liver, joint, or heel pain. FACT: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim. First Check received a tipline request on WhatsApp that inquired about the validity of a video […]

11
Jul

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Barbie gets real: New doll with Type 1 diabetes wins hearts

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
5 min read

Mattel, an American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company, recently announced a new addition to its Barbie Fashionistas line: a Barbie doll with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This Barbie comes with a glucose monitor (CGM) and insulin pump. The point is to destigmatize T1D and help children with the condition feel included. “Introducing a Barbie […]

11
Jul

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Rise of telemedicine: Bridging healthcare’s digital divide

Insha Mushtaq / 7 months
0
10 min read

Telemedicine has emerged as a game-changer in the field of health, enabling remote health consultations across geographical barriers. This ensures a more inclusive, patient-centric and efficient approach to health care. At its heart, telemedicine involves receiving medical and health care over the internet using a computer, smartphone, tablet, and other such smart technological gadgets. Doctors […]

10
Jul

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What’s in a name? What is PCOS, and why is it not the same as PCOD?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
3 min read

In an old video circulating on YouTube reels, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, opens up about her struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hormonal issues, and self-acceptance at the #WeTheWomen Festival. She says that she was diagnosed with PCOS when she was younger and that earlier it was known as PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease. Kapoor’s […]

10
Jul

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India faces alarming rise in gastric cancer without H. pylori prevention

Allen Joe Mathew / 7 months
0
3 min read

India could see a dramatic rise in gastric cancer among those born between 2008 and 2017 unless it takes urgent action to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, a new study warns. The research, led by Jin Young Park and colleagues and published this week in Nature Medicine, estimates that “15.6 million (95% uncertainty interval 14.0–17.3 million) lifetime […]

09
Jul

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Can you protect yourself from cancer-causing plastic chemicals?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
3 min read

The pervasive presence of toxic chemicals in everyday plastics links them to serious health risks, including cancer, a new report from the Australia-based Minderoo Foundation has said. Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, commonly found in food packaging, medical devices, and household products, are under scrutiny for their potential to disrupt hormones and increase cancer risk. […]

09
Jul

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FACT-CHECK: Homeopathy, acupuncture or medicine?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
5 min read

CLAIM: Do not consume medicine or see a doctor for all small issues; instead, try acupressure, acupuncture and homeopathy. FACT: Acupressure and acupuncture may offer modest symptom relief for some conditions but cannot replace qualified medical care. Homeopathy, while popular in India, lacks reliable scientific evidence on its effectiveness. First Check received a […]

08
Jul

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How AI, IoT and drones are winning the mosquito war in Andhra Pradesh

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
2 min read

The Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS), a high-tech approach, is helping combat mosquito-borne diseases in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative launched by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department uses artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IOT) technology to monitor and control mosquito populations across 66 locations in six major municipal corporations: Greater Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Kakinada, […]

07
Jul

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FACT CHECK: US Health Secretary RFK Jr claims studies kept hidden prove vaccines lead to autism

Allen Joe Mathew / 7 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: US Health Secretary RFK Jr claims hidden studies prove vaccines lead to autism. FACT: False. The referenced “study” is an abstract, not peer-reviewed, and follow-up research found no such link. Multiple scientific authorities, including the CDC, reject the claim. The US Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr recently appeared on the The Tucker […]

04
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Can the gender of a baby really alter a pregnant woman’s looks?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Kimberly Kardashian stated that a baby’s gender affects a pregnant woman’s appearance, with boys making mothers look prettier and girls “taking” their beauty. FACT: This claim is a myth unsupported by science, as pregnancy appearance changes are driven by hormones, genetics, and health, not the baby’s sex. First Check came across a reel on YouTube that features renowned American […]

04
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Are COVID-19 vaccines behind the rise in heart attacks in Karnataka?

Allen Joe Mathew / 7 months
0
3 min read

Claim: Karnataka CM hints at COVID-19 vaccines as a cause for sudden heart attacks among people Fact: False. Multiple sources including ICMR, AIIMS have stated that there is no proof linking COVID-19 vaccines to sudden heart attacks A recent tweet from the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has linked cardiac deaths in Karnataka’s Hassan district to […]

03
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Can scientists reverse type 2 diabetes by silencing specific brain neurons?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
2 min read

CLAIM: Scientists have reversed type 2 diabetes by silencing specific brain neurons without impacting body weight. FACT: Partially true. Scientists found that inhibiting certain brain cells called AgRP neurons helped bring blood sugar back to normal for months in animals. This could even put type 2 diabetes into remission (and not reversal) without changing […]

02
Jul

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New gene therapy helps deaf children hear for the first time

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

A gene therapy has restored significant hearing ability in children, teens, and young adults with congenital deafness, a study published in Nature Medicine has revealed. Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-OTOF is a new type of gene therapy that helps some deaf people hear again. Ten participants aged 1.5 to 23.9 years across five sites in China were […]

02
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Can 72 hours of fasting cause the body to eat up tumors?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: 72 hours of fasting causes the body to eat up tumors FACT: Insufficient conclusive evidence. There is no conclusive evidence that 72 hours of fasting can make the body “eat up” or eliminate tumors. While fasting may trigger autophagy — a process of recycling damaged cells — tumors are complex and generally require […]

01
Jul

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Global loneliness hits 1 in 6, linked to 100 deaths every hour: WHO

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
4 min read

One in six people globally are affected by loneliness, which contributes to an estimated 100 deaths every hour—more than 871,000 deaths annually, a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection has revealed. The report highlights the impact of social connection on health, well-being, and economic outcomes, calling for urgent action […]

01
Jul

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TB countdown begins: Will India achieve TB elimination by deadline in six months?

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
6 min read

In 2018, India set a goal to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years ahead of the global deadline of 2030, vowing to slash TB incidence by 80% and TB mortality by 90% from 2015 levels. However, with only six months left, the nation grapples with formidable challenges, with many questioning if this target would […]

30
Jun

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New HIV gene therapy could end daily pills, say scientists

Sneha Richhariya / 7 months
0
3 min read

Gene therapy could revolutionize HIV treatment, potentially offering a durable, one-time solution for millions of people living with the virus worldwide, a study published in Science Advances by Johns Hopkins University researchers suggests. Led by Associate Professor Fabio Romerio, the study focuses on a molecule within HIV called the antisense transcript (AST), which makes the […]

30
Jun

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Extreme heat could be rewriting your DNA, making you older faster

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

The ongoing heatwave across the world, including in india, may not just be uncomfortable, they may actually be aging your body from the inside out. A study has found that older adults living in areas with frequent extreme heat show signs of accelerated biological aging, as measured by changes in their DNA. These changes, known […]

29
Jun

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Fact Check: Is using urine as an eye wash safe?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
2 min read

Claim: Using the first urine of the day to wash your eyes is a healthy and beneficial practice. Fact: False. Medical experts have strongly refuted the claim, warning that urine contains waste products and bacteria that can cause serious eye infections and harm. A viral video on social media shows a woman advising people to […]

27
Jun

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Are periodic COVID-19 spikes the new normal?

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
6 min read

Recent weeks saw renewed concern as COVID-19 cases were reported across the country. Active cases had surpassed 7,000 earlier this month; it has dropped to less than half that figure now, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reporting 3,256 active COVID-19 cases in the country as of June 27, 2025. This latest wave […]

27
Jun

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Rethinking obesity: Focus on overall health, not weight loss, urge doctors in BMJ piece

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

A group of leading experts has warned that focusing solely on weight loss in people with a high body mass index (BMI) may do more harm than good – both medically and psychologically. Writing in The BMJ, Dr Juan Franco, a family doctor at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, and colleagues argue that the […]

26
Jun

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New Nipah-like viruses found in Chinese bats, scientists warn

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
2 min read

Scientists have identified two new viruses in bats, closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, which can trigger severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans. The findings of this study, along with other newly discovered viruses, bacteria, and parasites in bat kidneys, were published in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Yun […]

25
Jun

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Fact Check: Can scanning a QR code on medicine packaging confirm its authenticity?

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Scanning a QR code on medicine packaging can verify its authenticity by providing details like batch number, serial number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and license number. If it shows “no records found,” this indicates the medicine is fake. FACT: This claim is true. In November 2022, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, […]

25
Jun

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From sting to cure? Scorpion venom offers hope against breast cancer

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

A molecule found in the venom of an Amazonian scorpion has shown promising results in killing breast cancer cells in the lab, offering hope for a new treatment against one of the world’s deadliest diseases for women. Promising cancer-curing molecule from an unlikely source Researchers at the University of São Paulo, in collaboration with the […]

24
Jun

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Fact Check: Should kids snack on flaky sea salt?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

Claim: Children wanting salt and parents feeding them flaky sea salt is a healthy sign. Fact: Children do crave sodium and nutrients than adults, but it is not advisable to give them salt flakes as snacks. First Check received a query from one of our readers through our tipline +91 9311223141 for a […]

24
Jun

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Silent epidemic: 80% of India’s IT workforce have fatty liver disease

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
4 min read

Eighty percent of IT professionals in India have fatty liver due to work pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor lifestyle choices, says a recent study. This cross-sectional study involved 345 IT employees in Hyderabad, India, who responded to a questionnaire on their occupational sitting, shift work, stress, sleep duration, smoking, physical activity, and food habits. […]

23
Jun

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Salman Khan battles Brain Aneurysm, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and AVM: What these mean

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

During an appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show recently, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan disclosed his battle with three serious neurological conditions- trigeminal neuralgia, brain aneurysm, and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The 59-year-old actor was answering a question about his marriage on the show when he candidly talked about enduring excruciating pain yet continuing to […]

23
Jun

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Fact Check: Is sitting down to pee better for men?

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Urinating in a squatting position benefits men’s health, and standing urination contributes to various health issues, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, prostate enlargement, prostate cancer, and kidney problems. FACT: Insufficient scientific evidence. Sitting can promote more complete bladder emptying, lessen pelvic floor strain, and enhance hygiene. But the decision to stand […]

20
Jun

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Over 2 lakh Indians have sickle cell disease, true count likely higher

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

More than 2.1 lakh people in India are living with sickle cell disease (SCD), with over 16 lakh carrying the trait, figures that experts warn may be just a fraction of the country’s true burden, latest government figures reveal. As India faces prevalence and childhood mortality rates comparable to Africa, the government has intensified its […]

20
Jun

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Overusing ChatGPT may erode your brain’s thinking power: MIT study

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

The LLM (Large Language Model) has reduced friction in our work, but it has come at a cost. Over-reliance on ChatGPT for writing could severely impair cognitive abilities, introducing a phenomenon termed “cognitive debt,” a new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has revealed. Conducted over four months with 54 participants, the research […]

19
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Is using the air conditioner overnight harmful to health?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Using the air conditioner overnight can cause respiratory problems, dry skin and eyes, muscle stiffness, and fatigue, among other health issues. FACT: True. Prolonged exposure to air conditioners, be it overnight or during the day can exacerbate respiratory issues. But precautions can be taken to ensure safety. As summer temperatures soar in India […]

18
Jun

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Singapore scientists create cheaper blood test to track cancer

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

Artificial intelligence (AI) can now detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in small blood samples. Fragle, a new AI tool, can detect very small amounts of cancer remaining after treatment, known as minimal residual disease (MRD), helping doctors identify potential relapse at an early stage. Scientists at the ASTAR Genome Institute of Singapore (ASTAR GIS) have […]

18
Jun

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Autistic Pride Day: How to interact with autistic people with kindness, respect and dignity

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
5 min read

Every June 18th, the world celebrates Autistic Pride Day, an occasion to recognize autistic people’s unique skills, creativity, and perspectives. This day, founded in 2005 by the autism solidarity and campaigning group Aspies for Freedom, is inspired by the gay pride movement and encourages us to consider autism as a thriving element of human diversity […]

17
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Are birth control pills a cure for PCOD?

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Birth control pills are not a permanent solution for PCOD. FACT: True. Birth control pills are not a permanent solution for PCOD but are effective for managing symptoms, with potential side effects like weight changes and mood swings. Lifestyle changes can significantly improve PCOD and may reduce reliance on medications, but a complete resolution […]

16
Jun

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22-year ordeal ends: Court finds no kidney removal, acquits doctor

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
2 min read

A unique case of medical negligence that went on for 22 years has finally been quashed by the Patna High Court, where the accused, a female gynaecologist, has been found to be innocent. The court found that the gynaecologist was wrongly implicated in allegations of unlawful kidney removal during a 2000 surgery, in which she […]

14
Jun

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World Blood Donor Day: Why the young donate blood

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
4 min read

Blood donation continues to remain a challenge in India, with demand far exceeding the supply. In 2023, then Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, S.P. Baghel had said that the demand for a blood transfusion arises every 2 seconds in India. “On an average, 14.6 million blood (units) is needed every year and […]

14
Jun

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One unit, three lives: Experts urge regular blood donation on World Donor Day

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

Voluntary blood donation can save up to three lives with every unit and remains the cornerstone of emergency care, chronic illness treatment, and life-saving surgeries, says leading hematologist Dr Kanjaksha Ghosh, highlighting the critical need for regular donations as India marks 20 years of World Blood Donor Day. “Every year, World Blood Donor Day is […]

13
Jun

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WHO’s ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative aims to shield workers, fans from heatwaves

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

As global temperatures continue to break records, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious “Beat the Heat” initiative is gaining ground in its mission to protect workers, sports fans and local communities from extreme heat and related environmental hazards. The project, running from January 2025 to June 2026, marks the first phase of collaboration between WHO […]

12
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Do painkillers really cause infertility and heart issues?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

First Check came across a reel in which a popular social media health influencer, Dimple Jangda claims that painkillers can lead to a host of issues from cardiac to infertility. “Painkillers, they increase the risk of heart attack, cardiac health issues by almost 20%,” the influencer says. “So women who would take a lot of […]

10
Jun

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Fact Check: Can putting drops of heated aloe vera into ear relieve ear pain?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
2 min read

Claim: Ear pain can be relieved by putting drops of heated aloe vera gel into the ear. Fact: False. This is unsafe and not recommended. First Check received a fact-check request on our tipline +91 9311223141 from a reader who shared a home remedy for pain relief video. The speaker claims that ear […]

10
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Is kajal really good for your eyes?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Kajal keeps the eyes healthy and prevents infections Fact: False. Experts warn kajal has no health benefits and may even harm the eyes, especially if it contains lead First Check received a fact-check request on our tipline +91 9311223141 from one of our dedicated readers who shared two videos from a channel called Hitaa […]

09
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Does eating too much protein really harm your brain?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
2 min read

CLAIM: Consuming a high-protein diet causes elevated ammonia levels in the brain, leading to memory loss, seizures, and poor sleep FACT: Misleading. The protein study cited in the video is based on a computer simulation involving liver cirrhosis patients, not healthy individuals, and offers no such conclusions for the general population First came […]

06
Jun

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Fact-Check: Can bottle gourd be a viable substitute to blood thinners?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

Claim: Bottle gourd (lauki) can be used instead of blood thinners. Fact: False. There is no credible scientific evidence that bottle gourd can replace medically prescribed blood thinners. While bottle gourd has some general health benefits, it does not have proven anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties in humans. First Check received a fact-check request on our tipline […]

06
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Bryan Johnson claims 60 oxygen therapy sessions reversed his age to that of a 10-year-old

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
4 min read

CLAIM: Completing 60 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) reverses biological age. FACT: Insufficient scientific evidence. Some of Johnson’s claims, such as increased telomere length, are supported by preliminary research on HBOT, but the extent of his reported outcomes may be anecdotal. The claims lack independent, peer-reviewed evidence. In a recent YouTube video, tech […]

05
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Should everyone shampoo their hair every day for a healthy scalp?

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

Claim: We should shampoo our hair every day for healthy hair and scalp. Fact: Not necessarily. The scientific consensus and expert recommendations do not universally support daily shampooing for everyone. The ideal frequency depends on individual hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle. A viral reel on social media and advice from many […]

04
Jun

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WHO recommends global rollout of RSV vaccines to save infant lives

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

In response to the global burden of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease among infants, WHO has recommended that all countries introduce either the maternal vaccine, RSVpreF, or the monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, in order to protect infants from the severe effects of the infection. The recommendations, outlined in WHO’s first-ever position paper on immunization against the respiratory illness, […]

04
Jun

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Breakthrough in CAR T-Cell Therapy in fighting solid tumours

Allen Joe Mathew / 8 months
0
3 min read

CAR T-Cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment across the world but has been most effective against blood cancer, and not as much against other types of cancers, until now. Now, researchers in China demonstrated that they have successfully concluded an experimental immunotherapy using engineered immune cells which significantly improves survival in people with advanced gastric […]

03
Jun

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Study links fussiness, sleep issues in kids to Long COVID impact

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
2 min read

As COVID-19 cases rise worldwide, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that young children, including infants and preschoolers, are grappling with Long COVID symptoms that differ from those in adults. These findings come at a critical time as new variants fuel a rise in infections, raising concerns about the virus’s lasting impact on the […]

03
Jun

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Depression in your 40s may raise risk of dementia: Study

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

Experiencing depression during midlife, particularly in one’s 40s, may increase the risk of developing dementia in later years, a new study published in the medical journal eClinicalMedicine, a part of The Lancet, has found. Conducted by researchers from the Institute of Mental Health and School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, the University of […]

02
Jun

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Antibiotics shortage: Only 6.9% of patients treated for deadly superbug infections in developing nations

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

Sneha Richhariya While antibiotic overuse in some regions fuels the rise of antibiotic resistance, millions in low- and middle-income countries face a deadly paradox as they are unable to access life-saving drugs for carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative (CRGN) infections–superbugs that evade powerful antibiotics. The CRGN are a group of bacteria that are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, which […]

02
Jun

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Over 60% of breast cancer cases in India diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4: Report

Sneha Richhariya / 8 months
0
3 min read

Breast cancer has emerged as the leading cancer among Indian women, with nearly 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to a new report by the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS). Titled “NAMS Task Force Report on Breast Cancer in India,” the study, published in the Annals of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, […]

30
May

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FACT CHECK: Is the ‘7-Day No Food Challenge’ a safe weight loss method?

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
4 min read

CLAIM: “7-day no food weight loss challenge” can help you lose up to 10 kgs in just 7 days FACT: False. The “7 Days No Food Weight Loss Challenge,” claiming 10 kg weight loss in seven days is dangerous, unscientific, and unsustainable, risking severe health issues like electrolyte imbalances and organ damage, with weight loss primarily […]

Bihar BIMLI Health Literacy credible health information

30
May

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Grassroots programme in Bihar boosts health literacy, combats health misinformation: The Mercury Project

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
4 min read

A grassroots training programme designed by The Mercury Project and conducted in partnership with DataLEADS and JEEViKA (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society) “produced striking effects on students’ abilities to distinguish between true and false information,” especially when it comes to health information. The Bihar Information and Media Literacy Initiative (BIMLI), which targeted almost 14,000 school […]

29
May

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FACT CHECK: Is your gut really a second brain?

Allen Joe Mathew / 9 months
0
3 min read

Claim: Gut is our second brain Fact: True. The gut contains a complex nervous system and produces mood-related chemicals like serotonin, significantly influencing brain function, though it doesn’t “think” like the brain. The phrase “the gut is our second brain” has become increasingly popular in both scientific circles and social media. First Check […]

29
May

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Each extra 10g of alcohol a day raises pancreatic cancer risk by 3%: Study

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
2 min read

Alcoholic drinks, especially beer and spirits, may raise the risk of pancreatic cancer, a new study has found. Pancreatic cancer ranks as the 12th most frequent cancer globally and carries a high death rate, particularly when detected late. In 2022, it was responsible for 5% of all cancer fatalities worldwide. Published in PLOS Medicine, the […]

28
May

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FACT CHECK: Is Robert Kennedy Jr. right about no evidence for COVID shots in healthy children?

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
5 min read

COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday. In a 58-second video posted on X, he said, “I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that as of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed […]

International Day of Action for Women's Health - AI generated

28
May

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International Day of Action for Women’s Health: Tech led solutions that are revolutionising women’s health

Mariyam Alavi / 9 months
0
17 min read

Women’s health has been neglected, poorly studied and underfunded for far too long now. It is now well established that historically, women were excluded from most medical studies. They were conducted on men, and the data collected from them were generalized to women. In fact, many studies conducted on rodents too, excluded female rodents, as […]

28
May

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Fact-Check: Can men’s poor hygiene during urination lead to UTIs in women?

Allen Joe Mathew / 9 months
0
3 min read

Claim: Poor peeing hygiene habits in men can be a cause of UTIs in their female partners Fact: True. Lack of hygiene in men can cause UTIs in their female partners. Everyone should follow clean and safe sexual practices, and maintain hygiene at all times. Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are among the most common […]

27
May

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Climate change fuels spread of deadly fungi, putting millions at risk: Study

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
3 min read

Climate change is fueling the spread of dangerous fungi, putting millions of people at risk of severe infections, according to a new study from the University of Manchester. The research warns that rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns are enabling fungi like Aspergillus to thrive in new regions, threatening public health across Europe, Asia, […]

27
May

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Your childhood environment could shape your mental health forever: Study

First Check Team / 9 months
0
2 min read

Early-life stress (ELS) can deeply alter brain development and lead to long-lasting mental health problems, according to a new study published in Neuron. “Early-life stress is common and constitutes a strong risk factor for cognitive and mental health disorders,” says the study adding, however, that much remains unclear about how young brains perceive and respond […]

26
May

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Fact Check: Can a drink made from garlic, lemon, and turmeric cure all diseases?

Allen Joe Mathew / 9 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: A drink made from garlic, lemon, turmeric, and pepper permanently boosts immunity and prevents all diseases, according to Barbara O’Neil FACT: False. No scientific evidence supports this claim, and O’Neil is banned in Australia for spreading dangerous health misinformation First Check came across a video of Barbara O Neil, the controversial Australian naturopath who […]

26
May

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Fresh COVID concern: NB.1.8.1 variant found in US, after China, India surge

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
2 min read

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, linked to a significant surge in cases in China, has been detected among international travelers arriving at US airports, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) airport screening program. The variant, which has sparked global concern due to its rapid spread in Asia, was identified through the […]

25
May

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Study links social media to teen depression

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
2 min read

Increased social media use among preteens may contribute to higher levels of depressive symptoms over time, a new study published in JAMA Network Open revealed. This cohort study, conducted by a team led by Jason M. Nagata from the University of California, San Francisco, tracked nearly 12,000 children aged 9 to 13 over three years, […]

23
May

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Fact Check: Does turmeric cause cancer due to lead chromate adulteration?

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Turmeric can lead to cancer because it contains lead chromate FACT: Lead chromate’s carcinogenic properties make chronic exposure a concern, theoretically increasing cancer risk over time. However, the assertion that turmeric itself “causes cancer” is misleading, as it implies the spice is inherently dangerous. Proper sourcing and regulation can mitigate risks. First Check came […]

23
May

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Taurine, an energy drink ingredient, doesn’t cause cancer but helps blood cancer cells grow

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
3 min read

Taurine, a popular amino acid found in energy drinks and supplements, could be driving the growth of leukemia, a type of blood cancer, according to a new study from the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute. Published in Nature, the research reveals that leukemia cells rely on taurine to fuel their aggressive spread, raising concerns […]

22
May

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Toxic plastic chemical linked to 1 lakh heart deaths in India: Lancet study

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
2 min read

A common plastic-softening chemical, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), caused 103,587 heart disease deaths in India in 2018, according to a Lancet eBioMedicine study. Found in food packaging, medical devices, and cosmetics, DEHP is fueling a health crisis in India, where plastic use is surging. The global study estimates DEHP exposure caused 356,238 heart disease deaths worldwide […]

22
May

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Declining birth rates in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi signals demographic shift

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
3 min read

The southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and the capital, Delhi, are witnessing a dramatic decline in birth rates, dropping at more than twice the national average, according to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India last week. Driven by rising female education and socio-economic progress, […]

21
May

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Explainer: What is trachoma and how India eliminated it

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
3 min read

India on Monday was awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. “This recognition is a testament to India’s sustained efforts in disease elimination, preventive healthcare, and commitment to ensuring health for […]

21
May

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Fact-Check: Black plastics cause cancer and reduce lifespan

Allen Joe Mathew / 9 months
0
3 min read

Claim: Black Plastics contain flame retardants which are carcinogens and can reduce one’s lifespan Fact: True. But the study which has been used as the reference for this claim also adds that “further studies are needed to replicate these findings and determine the underlying mechanisms.” An instagram video titled, “Stop Using Black Plastic – […]

20
May

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Study links high poultry intake to increased risk of GI cancer death

Allen Joe Mathew / 9 months
0
3 min read

Consuming more than 300 grams of poultry per week may significantly increase the risk of death from gastrointestinal cancers, according to a new population-based study conducted in southern Italy. The research, published in the journal Nutrients, analyzed data from nearly 5,000 adults enrolled in the two different cohort studies. Participants’ dietary habits were assessed using […]

20
May

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Joe Biden’s prostrate cancer diagnosis: Indian doctor warns of growing risk at home

Allen Joe Mathew / 9 months
0
3 min read

Former US President Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of aggressive, advanced prostate cancer has brought global attention to the disease and its impact on men’s health. In India, prostate cancer is fast becoming a major concern, though awareness remains alarmingly low, warns Dr. Ramesh Sarin, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, who has over three decades of experience […]

20
May

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New WHO accord promises fairer, faster response to future pandemics

First Check Team / 9 months
0
4 min read

Geneva: In a landmark move aimed at strengthening global defences against future pandemics, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states on Monday formally adopted by consensus the world’s first pandemic agreement. The decision, taken at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, marks the culmination of over three years of intense negotiations triggered by the […]

19
May

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New COVID-19 wave in Asia raises concerns for India

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
4 min read

A new wave of COVID-19 cases sweeping across Asian countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand signals a threat to India, potentially triggering a fresh wave of infections. While Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand are experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases primarily due to waning immunity, India currently reports 257 active cases. This has […]

19
May

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FACT CHECK: Stress doesn’t cause PCOS, CBD oil doesn’t cure it, fenugreek may help

Allen Joe Mathew / 9 months
0
4 min read

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) are complex hormonal disorders affecting millions of women globally, yet a lot of misinformation about their causes and treatments persist. First Check verified three such claims sent in by readers through our tipline, with insights from a medical expert. Claim 1: PCOS/PCOD is caused by stress […]

17
May

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World Hypertension Day: Rising Stress, poor sleep, and addiction is fueling hypertension in youth, says expert

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
8 min read

World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, aims to raise awareness about hypertension, a condition affecting millions globally and increasingly prevalent in India. Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension is the most significant chronic disease risk factor in India. According to recent epidemiological studies, hypertension is on the rise in India, with rural and youthful […]

16
May

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National Dengue Day 2025: India steps up fight against mosquito-borne diseases

Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
0
3 min read

India is marking National Dengue Day on May 16 amid growing concerns over a potential surge in mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season. With the early onset of rains increasing the risk of infections like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, the Union Health Ministry has directed all air, sea, and land ports to step […]

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