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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
CLAIM: Puffy 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 puffy underarm, rather than […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 treatments. The interviewer asks the woman how she managed to overcome the disease […]
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 […]
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, […]
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) […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
CLAIM: A viral video suggests traditional remedies can treat rabid dog bites. FACT: Experts confirm only medical interventions can prevent rabies. A video on social media says that local remedies can treat dog bites including bites by rabid dog “Friends, whether you live in a village, a city, or a town, you must have […]
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 […]
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 or Amla as a […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
CLAIM: The growing trend of detox diets and supplements claims that your body requires these 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 as […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 how tall an individual gets, potentially getting taller than their parents, alongside the influence of genetics A trending video raises a question that many of us […]
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), […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
New Delhi: “Badi gaadiyaan aati hain aur dhool udaake chali jaati hain hamare upar. [Big vehicles come, stir up dust, and leave it settling on us],” Ashraf Ali, an e-rickshaw driver in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area laments. Ali leaves for work at 7 AM and drives his e-rickshaw in the city till 10 PM on all working […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
A 34-year-old techie, 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, who was a Bangalore-based software engineer, expressed his […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm on Afghanistan’s worsening humanitarian crisis, calling it one of the most severe globally due to widespread food insecurity and a growing substance use epidemic affecting 4 million people. The warning follows a three-day visit by WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, who engaged […]
New Delhi: In May 2024, Ankit Gupta, a Delhi resident woke up from his deep slumber, hearing a strong beeping sound; but he couldn’t find the source of the sound. Worried about his ears ringing, he entered some of his symptoms into ChatGPT, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot that scrapes the internet for information and […]
The second edition of the week-long UK-India HealthTech Bootcamp began in the United Kingdom, on Sunday, November 24, featuring six Indian startups, which aims at furthering innovation and building business partnerships in the UK’s healthcare ecosystem. Chosen from a competitive pool of 262 applicants, the participating startups—Backyard Creators, Onward Assist, Neodocs, Niramai Health Analytix, Ramja […]
CLAIM: A homemade tea can be used to detox lungs FACT: This is not true. Lungs cannot be detoxed by tea The First Check team came across a reel on Instagram with a claim that a “tea” can detox one’s lungs. Posted by @vaidyajayashreed, with 153,000 followers, the video has over 13.5 million views, 439,000 […]
Former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday sparked criticism from health experts after claiming on social media that dietary and lifestyle changes cured his wife Navjot Kaur’s cancer. Despite the backlash, he has now gone ahead and shared a detailed diet plan. According to Sidhu, his wife’s cancer treatment involved surgeries, chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted […]
CLAIM: Bill Gates has been indicted in the Netherlands for lying to the public about COVID-19 vaccines FACT: Not true, a Dutch court has merely accepted jurisdiction to hear a civil case involving vaccine-related claims A recent Dutch court ruling that it has jurisdiction to hear civil claims against Bill Gates related to COVID-19 vaccines […]
Health emerged as one of the major issues at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), which concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 22. Recognising the increasing risks that climate change poses to global health, the conference highlighted the importance of integrating health considerations into climate policies. A major highlight of COP29 was the establishment […]
CLAIM: Turmeric, neem water, apple cider vinegar, lemon water, and lifestyle changes can cure cancer, claims cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu FACT: Doctors debunk the claim, saying there is no medical evidence supporting dietary or lifestyle changes as a cure for cancer Former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu claimed on Friday that his wife, Navjot Kaur, overcame […]
More often than not the media is abuzz with fad diets being endorsed by celebrities, such as a paleo diet, Keto diet, Atkins diet and the like. Recently, the former skipper of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli was featured in some prominent Indian dailies for advocating a vegetarian diet—to minimize the uric acid […]
Around 75% of families in Delhi-NCR have reported at least one member suffering from respiratory problems due to toxic air quality, according to a survey conducted by LocalCircles, a community-based platform that connects people with local issues and enables them to share information, provide feedback, and engage with others on various topics. The survey, […]
As Newborn Care Week is observed annually from November 15 to November 21, doctors and fact-checkers use this time to debunk common myths about newborn care. As part of this week, World Children’s Day is observed globally on November 20. The day serves as a platform to foster global unity, raise awareness of children’s issues, […]
CLAIM: Teflon-coated aluminium utensils are not safe and should be discarded FACT: They are safe for everyday use when used under 500°F (260°C) temperatures An Instagram reel flagged by a First Check reader through our WhatsApp tipline, claims that the teflon-coated aluminium utensils are harmful to health and urges viewers to discard them. The […]
While there is no explicit legal provision in India barring the sale of sex toys, the lack of clear judicial guidelines has created a gray area, leaving businesses to navigate complex legal terrain. Companies often label sex toys as “massagers” to sidestep potential legal issues, but this practice raises concerns about consumer protection and could […]
CLAIM: Figs (Anjeer) are non-vegetarian as wasps are involved in the pollination process FACT: Figs come in multiple varieties, many of them don’t require wasps for pollination A couple of recent social media posts have claimed that figs are non-vegetarian. The claim originated on November 2 with a reel by @shashikant_iyengar, a verified account on […]
Next time you’re tempted to use shortcuts like “thanx” for “thanks,” “ttyl” for “talk to you later,” or “u” for “you,” think twice. A new study suggests that spelling out words instead of using abbreviations makes you appear more sincere and increases the likelihood of receiving better responses to your texts. According to new research […]
CLAIM: Hormones injected into cows linked to human cancer risk FACT: FALSE! There is no conclusive scientific evidence to support this The First Check team came across an Instagram post from the account “Satvik Movement, where they attribute a person’s recovery from cancer to the diet and lifestyle changes prescribed by Satvik Movement practitioners. […]
The action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is “equally as urgent as climate action,” Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance which began Friday in Jeddah. “AMR doesn’t just threaten to make the medicines on which we depend less effective; it’s happening […]
CLAIM: Loud snoring is a deep and restful sleep FACT: No, it could signal serious breathing issues The quality of one’s sleep is contingent on many factors such as ageing, depression, medications, and circadian rhythm disorders. There’s an anecdotal account that snoring indicates a deep and restful sleep. However, medical evidence doesn’t support this. […]
CLAIM: The consumption of fish and milk leads to white patches on skin FACT: Medical evidence supporting this claim is non-existent There’s a lot of anecdotal wisdom that claims that consuming the fish and milk two together, or within a short interval of each other, could lead to white patches on one’s skin, […]
India is now home to over a quarter of the world’s diabetes cases, with 212 million adults affected, as global diabetes numbers reached 828 million—more than four times the count in 1990, according to a new analysis in The Lancet. India is followed by China with 148 million diabetes cases, and the USA (42 million), […]
A First Check reader recently shared a video with us on our newly launched WhatsApp tip line, where a patron of ayurvedic treatment is seen saying that seven food spices can ward off the poisonous and toxic effects of all the food we consume, asking us to verify the claims. The video was shared with […]
By 2050, the number of US children and teens with overweight or obesity is expected to reach 43.1 million (up by 6.74 million from 2021), and adults 213 million (an increase of 41.4 million), highlighting the urgent need for nationwide action to reverse these trends and address significant geographical and sex disparities, according to […]
CLAIM: Eating an apple with cloves inserted overnight on an empty stomach can cure acidity, migraines, and other ailments. FACT: The claim is false. No scientific evidence supports the idea that eating a clove-laced apple can cure health issues. A viral video on Instagram shows a Hindi speaking man handing out apples inserted with cloves to people at a […]