Have you ever thought about how physical attractiveness varies among siblings? Well, First Check came across a reel on Instagram with over 117k views titled “Beauty Difference in Siblings,” that puts forth an explanation. “Are you more physically attractive or are your siblings? This is less dependent on your genes and more on your birth […]
Geneva, Switzerland: After nearly three years of negotiations, member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) have reached an agreement “in principle” on how the world should respond to future pandemics, AFP reported on Saturday. Anne-Claire Amprou, who also serves as France’s ambassador for global health, told the AFP that the final version of the […]
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive movement disorder of the brain, demands proper dietary care to maintain brain health and manage symptoms. Although no diet can cure Parkinson’s, experts agree that nutrition is important in reducing risk, slowing disease progression, and enhancing overall well-being. Today, on World Parkinson’s Day, First Check spoke with Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, Head […]
A baby boy has been born in Mexico using a fully automated IVF system—marking a major breakthrough in fertility treatment. This is the first time an artificial intelligence-assisted system has carried out every step of the sperm injection process without human intervention. The new technology replaces the traditional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) method, which has […]
New Delhi: Researchers at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, have developed a simple blood test that can tell whether a patient’s cervical cancer is responding to treatment or not. The study, led by Dr. Mayank Singh, who is an associate professor of medical oncology at AIIMS, discovered that small pieces of HPV […]
Conception during the cold season lowers the risk of developing obesity, says a new study. Published in Nature Metabolism on April 7, the study found that people conceived in winter show more brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity, often known as brown fat, which burns calories to produce heat unlike white fat that stores energy. “Individuals […]
Last week, the US Supreme Court court upheld the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rejection of applications from two manufacturers of flavored e-cigarette liquids. This decision backed the FDA’s directive banning retailers from marketing flavored tobacco products, underscoring escalating worries about the health dangers posed by e-cigarettes. The court’s ruling Earlier the vaping companies Triton […]
A new study published in The Lancet warns that if the US fails to continue funding the PEPFAR programme, it could lead to over 1 million new paediatric HIV infections and nearly half a million child deaths by 2030. “The future of PEPFAR programmes hang in the balance. Losing stable, long-term support for PEPFAR programmes […]
Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, the fake doctor impersonating a UK-trained cardiologist and the central figure in the disturbing medical scandal centered in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, was arrested on April 7, 2025, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Allegedly posing as Professor A. John Camm, a highly respected cardiologist affiliated with St. George’s University of London, Yadav is accused […]
Social media influencer Raj Shamani on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that he will edit and remove the portion of a YouTube video of his podcast where dermatologist Dr. Manjot Marwah made disparaging claims about Dettol antiseptic liquid. The undertaking formed a part of the settlement reached between Shamani and Reckitt Benckiser India, the […]
CLAIM: In boxing films, swelling around a fighter’s eye is often shown being treated by slicing it open — is this a legitimate medical practice? FACT: False. Medical experts confirm that cutting open a swelling is unsafe, never used in professional sports, and can lead to serious complications like infection. The punches are landing […]
In a shocking case of medical fraud, a ‘fake’ doctor, posing as a British-trained cardiologist, allegedly performed heart surgeries at the Mission Hospital in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of at least seven patients, including Mangal Singh, the 63-year-old father of Dharmendra Singh, a resident of Damoh. Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, who was allegedly […]
You don’t have to hit the gym every day to stay healthy. That’s the message from a new study that finds that one or two days of exercise, also called the “weekend warrior” routine, may be just as effective as doing it everyday. “You don’t need to exercise every day to stay healthy,” said Dr […]
Hello! As promised in the previous newsletter, the month of March was dedicated to Women’s Health at First Check, where we focused on women centric stories. However, while we had started out to educate our readers and arm them with credible and verified information, it was us who truly learnt something by the end of […]
An Instagram reel claims that sunscreens are dangerous, citing a 2019 FDA report to argue that their chemicals, including oxybenzone, penetrate the bloodstream after just one use, exceed safety standards, and may increase skin cancer risk, particularly melanoma. The video has garnered significant traction with 25 million views and 330,560 likes. “Don’t use sunscreens … […]
The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged a critical lack of medicines and diagnostic tools for invasive fungal diseases, highlighting the increasing resistance to the treatment of the common infections, such as candida, which cause vaginal and oral thrush. Patients who are very sick or have compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, […]
Excessive sleepiness is linked to an increased chance of developing dementia, a study by the University of California has found. The study, published in the journal Neurology, involved monitoring of sleep-wake cycles of 733 women over five years and the changes in their health. None of them initially had dementia or cognitive problems, and their […]
CLAIM: Eating 10 eggs daily is good for health as dietary cholesterol does not significantly affect blood cholesterol levels. FACT: Though it is true that dietary cholesterol from eggs has a limited effect on blood cholesterol for most healthy individuals, eating 10 eggs daily exceeds safe limits for many. First Check came across an Instagram […]
As the world marks World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, here are some of the still prevalent myths on the condition. Myth 1: Autism can be cured It can’t. This misconception suggests that autistic individuals are ill and need treatment to become normal. In reality, autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental […]
With multiple estimates showing that well over one crore people are diagnosed autistic in India, the call for a national policy is gaining even more traction this World Autism Awareness Day, especially in the absence of even a central medical registry that captures the true prevalence of the condition in the country. World Autism Awareness […]
New Delhi – As India grapples with a growing obesity and diabetes epidemic, a new weight-loss drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), launched in the country on March 20 is generating buzz for its potential to aid millions. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, an American pharmaceutical company, the drug has shown significant weight loss and blood sugar benefits, leading […]
CLAIM: C-Section babies suffer from anxiety later in life and it can it be cured by clamping and pulling on one’s head FACT: Wrong. The exercise might provide relief similar to a massage, it has no connection to how a person was born First Check received a video on our tipline where a man, @jasonvanblerk […]
CLAIM: Bathing with hot water frequently exposes your testicles to heat, which reduces your sperm count. FACT: Indeed! regularly bathing with hot water could result in a reduction in a man’s sperm count, albeit temporarily. Hot showers and baths are part of many people’s daily routines. However, now some claim that this practice could hurt your […]
New Delhi: With summer approaching and temperatures already climbing in parts of India, the Union Health Ministry has issued an urgent directive to state and union territory governments, urging them to implement heat-health action plans. The move comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of above-normal maximum temperatures across most of the country in […]
Extreme heat may be silently speeding up biological aging in older adults, a new study from the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has warned. The study, led by gerontology experts Eunyoung Choi and Jennifer Ailshire, analyzed data from over 3,600 U.S. adults aged 56 and older. The research team used advanced […]
Household air pollution (HAP) affects over 2.67 billion people worldwide and contributes to millions of deaths, according to a new study published in The Lancet as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 project. Although the percentage of people exposed to HAP has fallen by 56.7% since 1990, the absolute decline has been […]
Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney disease in India, accounting for nearly 60% of cases, says Dr Vijay Kher. a noted nephrologist with over 40 years of experience. However, Dr Kher reassures that diabetic kidney damage typically develops gradually, providing opportunities for intervention. “It usually takes 10 to 15 years for diabetes […]
CLAIM: Men lose fat faster than women FACT: True. This is due to men’s higher muscle mass, metabolism, and hormonal differences compared to women First Check came across an Instagram reel claiming that men lose fat faster than women. The video contends that men burn fat up to 12 hours after exercise, whereas […]
New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a collaboration with the Ministries of Health in Thailand and Sri Lanka to pilot a new tool to counter infodemics—the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation that hinders access to credible health information. Named the ‘Information Environment Assessment’ (IEA), this tool is currently under trial in […]
Geneva/New York/Washington — The United Nations has warned that progress in reducing child mortality is at risk due to global funding cuts. According to new data from the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), 4.8 million children died before their fifth birthday in 2023, while 1.9 million stillbirths occurred. “Millions of children […]
Forty-year-old Ranjit Singh stays at the night shelter on Asaf Ali Road in New Delhi where residents were recently screened and tested for tuberculosis (TB), as part of the Union Government’s 100 Day Intensified Campaign on TB Elimination, which started on 7th December, 2024. Singh, one among the 200 residents at the shelter, had been […]
On March 19, 2025, Raja Babu, a 32-year-old resident of Sunrakh village near Vrindavan, Mathura, took a drastic step: he attempted to perform surgery on himself after watching YouTube tutorials. Driven by chronic abdominal pain—possibly linked to an appendectomy 18 years prior—he locked himself in a room, injected a numbing agent, and made a seven-inch […]
Rural communities are closely tied to their environment, with traditions and daily activities shaped by the natural world. As climate change disrupts these environmental patterns, it is causing significant emotional and psychological distress. This distress is often linked to ‘Solastalgia’, a psychological experience triggered by degradation of the environment around oneself. Research examines the emotional […]
CLAIM: Brush your teeth at night and then after you eat breakfast in the morning. FACT: True; doctors First Check spoke to advised that brushing two times, at night before going to bed and after breakfast in the morning is the most ideal practice. Since childhood, we have been repeatedly told that we […]
CLAIM: Rosemary oil helps treat hair fall. FACT: Indeed, Rosemary oil is found to arrest hair fall and stimulate fresh hair growth. Today, hair loss is a widely discussed problem online. With people constantly on the lookout for a solution to address these issues, the latest super cure for hair loss is rosemary, […]
A study from the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Sydney has revealed a surprising mechanism that helps cells protect themselves from cancer. The research, published in Nature Communications, highlights the active role of telomeres—protective structures at the ends of chromosomes—in preventing tumor development. Telomeres are often likened to the plastic tips on shoelaces, shielding […]
Apollo Hospitals on Tuesday launched the ‘Apollo Joint Preservation Program’, offering early intervention and personalised treatment for patients with joint pain, arthritis, inflammatory conditions and ligament injuries to help them maintain mobility. “The Joint Preservation Program at Apollo is built around patient comfort and support, designed to benefit individuals of all ages who may not […]
With the FDA approval of Merilog in February, the number of the biosimilar insulins has risen to three. Other two are Semglee and Rezvoglar which were approved by the regulatory agency in July and September 2021 respectively. However, Merilog is the first rapid-acting insulin biosimilar product approved by the FDA. The approval is for both […]
Tech giant Microsoft has launched a new AI product—a voice-activated AI assistant that would assist healthcare workers perform their professional duties more efficiently. The tool has been named Dragon Copilot and is designed to listen to and create notes based on clinical visits. The system has incorporated voice-dictation capabilities from Dragon Medical One, a speech-recognition […]
CLAIM: The trend of switching to pink salt, rock salt, and Himalayan salt without iodine is bringing the iodine deficiency back. FACT: The growing popularity of plant-based diets, which often lack key animal-based iodine sources, combined with the rising consumption of non-iodized salts like Himalayan pink salt, is increasing the risk of iodine deficiency. […]
New Delhi: Snacking plays a significant role in modern diets, but many packaged snacks are loaded with excessive sodium, added sugar, and saturated fats, posing risks to metabolic health. A large scale clinical trial revealed that frequent consumption of ultra-processed snacks such as cookies, candy, and chips is linked to increased visceral fat, elevated blood […]
CLAIM: A, B and AB blood groups are more prone to blood clotting, raising the risk of heart attacks and early strokes FACT: Misleading. While A, B, and AB blood groups have higher clotting tendencies, their link to heart attacks and strokes is still under investigation, as cardiac risk depends on multiple factors […]
CLAIM: Wearing bras for more than 12 hours a day can significantly increase the risks of developing breast cancer FACT: No association, whatsoever, is found between wearing bras and the extended risk of breast cancer Ask most women, and they will tell you that the constrictive bra can be uncomfortable, frustrating and restrictive. But can […]
CLAIM: Black coffee can treat fatty liver FACT: Misleading. While black coffee may offer some liver-protective benefits, it cannot “dissolve fat” or cure fatty liver disease on its own. First Check came across an Instagram reel claiming black coffee can treat fatty liver. “Do you know how coffee impacts liver?” says the […]
The United States is facing an outbreak of measles, a disease declared eliminated in the country since 2000. Over 250 cases have been reported across multiple states with Texas hardest hit. Two fatalities, a child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico, have also been recorded. “CDC issues Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory to […]
In an era of growing skin cancer concerns, Vitamin D is drawing some attention for its emerging role in preventing certain cancers. Studies show that vitamin D may trigger the natural death of malignant cells, inhibit the growth of blood vessels feeding tumours, and promote the differentiation of skin cells. But unprotected exposure to sunlight […]
CLAIM: Lack of sleep can cause the brain to “eat itself” FACT: Misleading. While sleep deprivation could lead brain disorder including Alzheimer’s, ‘brain eating itself’ is an oversimplification First Check came across an Instagram post claiming that “lack of sleep causes your brain to eat itself”. “Studies show that sleep deprivation causes your […]
CLAIM: Menstrual products, such as sanitary pads, can cause infections and even lead to potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome. FACT: Sanitary pads are not associated with toxic shock syndrome. Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is the only guarantee against bacterial infection of the vagina. Holistic living, going back to your roots, and trying […]
CLAIM: Taking certain supplement combinations hinders their absorption and cancels out each other’s effects FACT: Misleading as most supplements are a combination of multiple metals and minerals A Youtube video has claimed that intake of supplement combinations can interfere with their absorption or “cancel out each other’s effects.” “If we take calcium […]
A new study has found a connection between brain changes during pregnancy and postpartum depression. Published in Science Advances, the study examined how structural changes in two key brain regions—the amygdala and the hippocampus—correlate with postpartum depression symptoms. Researchers observed that women who developed moderate to severe postpartum depression exhibited an increase in the volume […]
CLAIM: Chronic stress can cause cancer FACT: Misleading. No proven link exists between stress and cancer, though research is ongoing. At around five minutes into a YouTube video posted by content creator Raj Shamani, Dr. Tarang Krishna, an oncologist, claims that long-term emotional stress can cause cancer. The video has amassed nearly two […]
Women contract Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) up to 30 times more often than do men, a susceptibility attributed to female anatomy: A woman’s Urethra – the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the bod – is shorter than a man’s, so bacteria need lesser time to invade the bladder. Further, […]
Historically, medical research has largely excluded women from clinical trials for drugs and medical devices. As a result, their participation remains disproportionately low in studies on critical health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and cancer. The gap has led to a lack of gender-specific data, potentially impacting the effectiveness and safety of treatments […]
CLAIM: Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in everyday plastics, significantly harms female fertility by reducing viable egg count, disrupting hormonal balance, and affecting implantation. FACT: True. BPA exposure can negatively impact female fertility, particularly through oral ingestion and skin contact. First Check came across an Instagram reel posted by @foundmyfitness, […]
Although the average age for heart attack among women is 72 compared to 65 among men, women are more than twice as likely to die after a heart attack than men, studies have found. One such research presented at Heart Failure 2023, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), found that “women […]
CLAIM: Air fryers cause cancer FACT: No, they do not, they are better than frying on a pan using oil or cooking over an open flame A claim that refuses to die down is that air fryers cause cancer. Social media is filled with such videos and posts. A random search on X […]
New Delhi: India is witnessing a sharp rise in swine flu (H1N1) cases, with government data reporting 20,414 infections and 347 deaths as of last December. “The government is keeping a close watch on the rising influenza cases and monitoring the trend through its integrated Disease Surveillance Programme,” an official told the media. Swine flu […]
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a range of conditions caused by fat build-up in the liver. It silently spreads through the organ over a period of time and disrupts its normal functioning. A similar condition in which the fat deposit in the organ is accompanied by inflammation is termed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH can […]
“Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” -Michelle Obama Welcome to another newsletter from First Check– your one-stop shop for all the latest credible, verified, and useful health-related information. This month I wanted to speak to you something that is very close to our hearts […]
CLAIM: High alcohol tolerance is a red flag FACT: True. People with high tolerance tend to drink more to feel the same effects as others who consume less, increasing their risk of addiction and long-term health complications A reel posted by @breakfreewithabhi, a growth and wellness influencer on Instagram, highlights the dangers of alcohol tolerance. […]
In a swanky complex in Gurgaon, Tanav Handoo fiddled with his wheelchair’s control buttons and spun in a full circle, looking both startled and amazed as the door to his apartment opened. He maneuvered his wheelchair with practiced ease, effortlessly controlling his movements. “Go slow!” his parents reminded him. Full of energy and chatter, he […]
The last day of February is celebrated as ‘Rare Disease Day’ the world over to focus attention on rare diseases and highlight it as a public health emergency—but what are rare diseases? Though some countries have their own definitions of what makes a disease ‘rare,’ according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a rare disease […]
An unknown disease outbreak in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo has set alarm bells ringing in the medical community with the speculation that it might be severe malaria, but doctors have not yet been able to draw a definite conclusion. The unknown disease has claimed at least 60 lives as of publishing […]
CLAIM: Women’s bodies need fat stores to maintain healthy hormone production FACT: True. Women need body fat for hormone production, and very low body fat levels can disrupt menstrual cycles and overall health. Maintaining abs can risk hormonal imbalances. Speaking on a podcast, actress Tanishaa Mukerji claimed that women can’t maintain abs for a long […]
Heart disease and stroke claimed more lives in 2022 in the United States than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined, an American Heart Association (AHA) report said. In 2022 alone, 9,41,652 deaths in the US had cardiovascular disease listed as the underlying cause. Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that affect the […]
The vaccine being introduced by the union government in the next six months to safeguard women against some cancers will also cover cervical cancer, the second most prevalent cancer in India, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths despite being largely preventable. The other two cancers that the vaccine is designed to […]
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church has been suffering from a condition called double pneumonia, also known as bilateral pneumonia. According to the Vatican News, the pope has been hospitalized with a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract on February 14. “A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father […]
The cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu claimed in a January 29 Facebook post that he had lost 33 kgs within five months through lifestyle changes and dietary modifications. “Before and after … have lost 33 kilograms in less than 5 months since August last year … it was all about willpower, discipline, process and […]
As Maharashtra state continues to see rising cases of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS), the Ministry of Health government of India has started social media awareness about understanding the causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), underlining that it is rarely linked to vaccinations.” GBS is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder that can affect peripheral nervous system. The condition […]
Valentine’s Day is touted to be the day of love, with roses, chocolates, gifts and words of affirmation used to symbolise this love. However, there is a darker, many a times unspoken side of love that lurks in the corners of many Indian households- intimate partner violence. Intimate partner violence refers to any behaviour within […]
CLAIM: Drinking your own urine can have multiple health benefits. FACT: There’s no scientific evidence to substantiate these claims. You have all heard the story perhaps- former Prime Minister Morarji Desai used to drink his own urine. The revelation caused such a stir, when as the Prime Minister of the country he spoke of drinking […]
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that time is running out to finalize a global pandemic agreement, urging world leaders to act decisively. Addressing the Thirteenth Intergovernmental Negotiating Body meeting on Monday, he called it a “now or never” moment, emphasizing the urgent need to prepare for future pandemics. The high-stakes negotiations, set […]
CLAIM: Consuming fish and milk together or one after other can lead to vitiligo. FACT: This is a myth; there is no scientific evidence supporting this idea, as vitiligo is primarily caused by autoimmune factors, not dietary combinations. ‘Don’t have milk and fish together!’ This is a common warning that many of our elders have […]
Indian industrialist Harsh Goenka has sparked debate over a widely touted weight loss remedy, once again drawing attention to the scientific validity of drinking lemon juice and honey for weight management — a practice that has gained significant traction on social media platforms. “I was told that if you drink lemon juice with honey every morning for […]
Since his Bharat Jodo Yatra a couple of years back, Rahul Gandhi’s choice of ‘winter clothes’ has been a matter of great discussion. This year too, we saw the Indian National Congress leader all over our Television screens and on social media in just a white T-shirt during the Delhi election campaign and parliament sessions […]
On January 25, 2025, a day before the country celebrated Republic Day, Dr Jose Chacko Periappuram, one of India’s pioneering cardiac surgeons, received a phone call from a Secretary in the Home Ministry. It was a phone call that he probably would not forget any time soon—he had won the Padma Bhushan for ‘revolutionising surgical […]
CLAIM: Drinking beer is good for bone health, and can prevent osteoporosis. FACT: Medical experts have criticized the PETA advertisement calling it a dangerous misrepresentation of scientific research that could mislead consumers. In fact, alcohol consumption is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Medical experts are strongly criticizing a PETA advertisement that claims beer consumption […]
Last week, multiple media organisations reported on the death of a local Samajwadi Party leader in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat district, claiming that the leader passed away after he took a weight-loss drug he ordered online—highlighting the real-world consequences of health-related misinformation found online. According to regional and national media reports, Furkan Pahalwan, the 35-year-old local […]
In health-care services, spaces should be allocated for private conversations and listening can be incentivised with more time for consultations and patient feedback on whether they felt heard, argues a researcher in her latest article in the Lancet. Laying stress on listening to patients, the author argues that primary care should be allowed to more […]
US President Donald Trump has been in office just a over two weeks now, and he has already passed multiple executive orders and made announcements that would have profound impact on global and domestic health policies, healthcare institutions and humanitarian aid organisations. Many of these roll back key health care and global health policies established during the […]
CLAIM: Cut down oil intake by 10 percent to improve health. FACT: True, doctors First Check spoke to agreed with the suggestion, and stated to us that if adopted this would help improve the health of people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his inaugural speech for the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand advised people […]
You might ask, what is the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer? The truth is, even one drink a day can increase the risk, and the US Surgeon General has issued an advisory highlighting this link between cancer and alcohol consumption. Data on alcohol and health in humans show a strong link between alcohol consumption […]
There is a silent ‘pandemic’ that is taking over the world, including India, and costing lives—obesity. World Obesity Atlas report from the World Obesity Federation, predicted that 51% of the global population will be living with overweight or obesity by 2035 if current lifestyle trends continue. In recent years, developing countries are experiencing a more dramatic rise in the […]
At the beginning of February, Karishma Mehta, the Founder and CEO of the popular Humans of Bombay Instagram page, shared that she chose to freeze her eggs the previous month. She shared the news in a post on Instagram where she shared the important events in her life in the first month of 2025, sparking a conversation about […]
CLAIM: Inserting fingers into the mouth can treat tonsillitis. FACT: This practice is unsafe and can introduce new infections; proper medical treatment is necessary First Check came across a viral video on Facebook in which a man claims to cure tonsillitis by inserting fingers into mouth. “I treat tonsils and jaundice free of cost here,” […]
First Check received a WhatsApp tipline request from a reader regarding a video circulating on WhatsApp. In the video, a person claims that winter causes a rise in blood pressure and urges elderly not to get out of the bed before 8 AM lest it lead to paralysis or heart attack. “We see more cases […]
The WHO has sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in wild poliovirus (WPV1) cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the world’s last endemic reservoirs, warning that geopolitical, infrastructural, and security challenges are fueling its spread. With cases surging by 283% in Afghanistan and 550% in Pakistan compared to 2023, the WHO has launched emergency measures […]
CLAIM: Paracetamol is the most harmful medicine in the world and should be avoided FACT: Paracetamol is safe when used as directed by medical professionals; risks arise only from overdose or misuse A podcast shared by @vatsalasingh in a tweet on December 3, 2024 describes paracetamol as the world’s most harmful medicine. The account has […]
It was a balmy August afternoon when I found myself in a plush New Delhi hospital, waiting for my biopsy report. The sterile white walls and the faint smell of antiseptic evoked a rush of surreal memories – rushed doctors, hushed whispers, intimidating operation theaters, and an endless cycle of blood tests. I had never […]
CLAIM: Ivermectin has 15 powerful anti-cancer mechanisms and can effectively treat various types of cancer. FACT: While laboratory research shows promising results, medical experts emphasize that Ivermectin has not undergone clinical trials for cancer, and its use as a treatment remains unproven. A post on the popular social media platform X, formerly Twitter by @bensmithlive […]
Indian Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the Union Budget 2025-26 on February 1, 2025, which featured a big push for the health sector. The budget allocated Rs 99,858.56 crore for health, which is almost 10 per cent more than what the government had allocated the previous financial year. Adding 75,000 new medical seats over the […]
Pune is currently experiencing a surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, a rare but severe neurological condition affecting the peripheral nervous system. On Sunday, the Maharashtra health department confirmed that the number of GBS cases in Pune surpassed 100, with one suspected death reported in Solapur. The Director General Indian Council of Medical Research Dr […]
Does a patient’s blood pressure rise when visiting a doctor? A YouTube video claims it does, referring to the condition as White Coat Syndrome. “The more qualified the doctor, the higher the rise; the more prestigious the hospital, the more expensive the treatment,” says Dr Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, a popular online figure who reportedly has […]
In what is being called a major leap forward for cancer care, researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of predicting the course and severity of aggressive skin cancers like Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Named “DeepMerkel”, this AI tool can help doctors tailor treatments to individual patients, ensuring they receive the most effective […]
Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, with approximately 1 crore lives lost in 2022. By 2040, annual new cancer cases are projected to increase to 2.9 crore, while cancer-related deaths are expected to reach 1.5 crore. Diseases like cancer need fact based diagnoses and evidence backed therapies and treatment protocols prescribed by […]
New Delhi: Despite a global decline in smoking rates, lung cancer cases among non-smokers—particularly women and Southeast Asian populations—are rising, a new study has found. Lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in the glands producing fluids like mucus, has emerged as the most common form of cancer in non-smokers, accounting for over half […]
CLAIM: Ivermectin reduces the ability to conceive and grow babies, causing infertility FACT: Misleading. Ivermectin’s safety during pregnancy remains inconclusive An Instagram channel @simone.gisondi with a following of 275,000 has recently posted a video of a British anti-vaccine activist and an ex-Pfizer scientist Dr Mike Yeadon where he terms Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug, as “one of the most violent fertility toxins.” “Ivermectin is […]
Tesla CEO and key Trump administration adviser Elon Musk has termed the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as necessary, calling the agency a “criminal organization” that is “beyond repair.” Speaking in a live session on X Spaces, Musk said he had discussed USAID in detail with the president, who agreed that […]
World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day is celebrated on January 30 every year and this year the World Health Organization (WHO) urged governments, leaders, communities and individuals to unite, act and eliminate these diseases through “bold, sustainable investments.” Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of 21 infectious diseases that primarily impact over a billion […]
Hello! We have some great news for our readers; you can now read selected stories by First Check on THE WEEK as well! THE WEEK, published by the 137-year-old Malayala Manorama group, is India’s bestselling news magazine in English and is known for over 40 years of award-winning journalism. First Check will be providing exclusive […]