CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that a morning drink made of warm water, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice, and grated ginger, taken daily on an empty stomach, can “detox” the entire body of parasites within seven days by giving the gut a complete reset. FACT: Recent research shows ginger and turmeric can shift the […]
CLAIM: A baby’s prolonged crying, particularly in the evening, may not always indicate acid reflux or cow’s milk protein intolerance. It may instead be part of the normal “witching hour”, a period of increased fussiness and crying commonly seen during early infancy. FACT: True. Prolonged or evening crying can be a normal part of early […]
CLAIM: Actor Pankaj Tripathi, in an FSSAI “Eat Right India” video, says he now takes 30 minutes to eat, focusing solely on food, savouring each bite mindfully, and treating meals with gratitude and reverence, like worship. He claimed that slow, distraction-free, mindful eating for a set duration benefits health and digestion. FACT: Research shows that […]
With diminishing trust in the food around us, checking labels has become increasingly important. Yet, when shopping online, consumers often cannot see key information such as a product’s Best Before or Use By date before placing an order. A recent LocalCircles survey found that 48% of Indian online grocery shoppers surveyed still could not find […]
India’s drug regulator has flagged a batch of the widely used rabies vaccine Abhayrab as substandard and potentially spurious after it failed a potency test, according to a government document. The development comes less than two years after concerns were raised about counterfeit Abhayrab doses in India, a country that reports nearly 6,000 rabies deaths […]
CLAIM: A viral reel by Twinkle Khanna suggests a DIY pesticide wash: mix 1 cup vinegar + 2 cups water + 1 tbsp baking soda, soak 5–10 minutes, scrub, then rinse. FACT: Studies show pesticide residue reduction varies by method, ranging from under 50% to over 90%. Running water and boiling tend to work best, […]
Claim: An X user claims that 87% of people in India will develop cancer by 2035 due to consumption of adulterated milk. It claims that 68.7% of milk and milk products sold in India are adulterated. Fact: False. The WHO has clarified that it has not issued any advisory to the Indian government. An […]
As India observes National Nutrition Week, the latest government survey shows that child malnutrition remains widespread, even as some indicators have improved over the past five years. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), released this year and covering 2023-24, found that 29.3% of Indian children under five are stunted, or too short for their age. […]
Between the shopping malls, the office desk and the evening commute, most of us have heard the same magical instruction that hit 10,000 steps or the day doesn’t count. The original 10,000 steps a day goal originated in 1965 as a Japanese marketing gimmick to sell a pedometer called Manpo-kei (which translates to “10,000-steps meter”). […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims that placing a pinch of sea salt under the tongue, then drinking water, cures headaches in 5 minutes, claiming sodium restores electrolyte balance, reduces brain blood vessel swelling, and stops migraine pain signals. It also links dehydration/electrolyte loss to headaches generally. FACTS: There is no evidence that salt under the […]
CLAIM: Ripe papaya is safe during pregnancy, while raw or unripe papaya should be avoided because it contains latex. FACT: It is too broad to say that papaya is unsafe during pregnancy. The concern mainly relates to raw or unripe papaya, which contains higher amounts of latex that has been shown to stimulate uterine contractions […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that a morning drink of cinnamon, lemon juice, and raw honey mixed in water can lower blood sugar, restore energy, and help “your clothes fit better.” FACT: Studies show cinnamon may modestly affect insulin and glucose responses under controlled dosages, not through water infused with a teaspoon of it. Experts […]
A large study of over 2 lakh pregnant women across India has found a strong link between anaemia and stillbirth risk, with severe anaemia carrying the greatest danger. The study was published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia by researchers from the University of Oxford, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the […]
“Trust is not given by default. Trust is something that is earned, and there is no difference when it comes to AI,” said Tushar Vashisht, Co-founder and CEO of Healthify, formerly HealthifyMe, in a conversation with First Check LIVE. during the second dialogue in the Health and Trust in the Age of AI series, titled […]
From intermittent fasting and probiotics to “gut detoxes” and so-called superfoods, nutrition advice is everywhere. Social media has turned food and gut health into a stream of competing claims – some rooted in science, others driven more by trends than evidence. But with so much advice at our fingertips, a basic question remains: what does […]
CLAIM: The viral reel claims that blue tea made from butterfly pea flowers can support metabolism, assist with weight management and reduce cravings. It recommends drinking blue tea three times a day along with a healthy diet and exercise to support weight loss. FACT: Current evidence does not show that blue tea directly boosts […]
CLAIM: Eating avocado toast can lead to weight gain because avocado, despite being a healthy source of fats and nutrients, is also high in calories. The reel suggests that large portions of avocado, calorie-dense bread and toppings such as cheese, along with drinks, can significantly increase the meal’s overall calorie content. FACT: Current evidence does […]
CLAIM: Eating fruits immediately after a meal can cause gas, bloating and stomach cramps. The reel claims that consuming large amounts of fruit, particularly fruits high in fructose or sorbitol, or combining several fermentable foods, can increase digestive discomfort. FACT: Misleading. Eating fruit after a meal does not inherently cause gas, bloating or stomach cramps, […]
Ash, a 22-year-old gender studies student from South Delhi, has been receiving psychiatric treatment and taking medication as part of it. “I have been a long-time consumer of medicines related to my anxiety,” he said. “Although I don’t get the medicines prescribed by my doctor online, sometimes I do order over-the-counter medicines, which I used […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post by longevity physician Dr Darshan Shah claims warm turmeric paste on knees nightly can break down years of joint inflammation, enabling pain-free movement. It cites “15 randomized trials, 1,670 patients” showing curcuminoids significantly reduce knee pain versus placebo, rivalling anti-inflammatory drugs, calling this “not folklore.” FACT: Turmeric supplements, taken orally, may […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims phones emit radio frequency (RF) energy that increases brain cancer/tumour risk and lowers sperm counts, especially when kept near the head or on the bed while sleeping. It advises keeping phones off the bed. FACT: False. Large-scale research has consistently found no link between mobile phone use and brain cancer. […]
A large international study has found that long-term exposure to common air pollutants is linked to millions of cancer cases worldwide each year, with women facing higher risks than men for many types of the disease. The research, published in the journal Nature Health, looked at more than 100 million cancer cases recorded across 952 […]
India is seeing a rise in seasonal influenza, with H1N1 accounting for much of the increase in influenza A infections. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged people to avoid self-medication with antibiotics and antivirals, warning that unnecessary use of medicines during the current flu surge can cause harm and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). […]
A new study has found that older adults who had more positive beliefs about ageing were more likely to show improvement in their cognitive and physical functioning over time, challenging the widespread assumption that growing old means inevitable decline. The study published in the journal Geriatrics, conducted by researchers at Yale University, tracked about 11.314 […]
Delhi has reported 1,777 cases of H1N1 influenza so far this year, including 114 new cases recorded on August 20, according to the latest Delhi government data. In all, the national capital has recorded 2,602 seasonal influenza cases in 2026, comprising 2,392 Influenza A cases and 210 Influenza B cases. H1N1 accounts for the largest […]
A parliamentary committee has said that Chronic Kidney Disease has become one of the fastest-growing non-communicable diseases in the country, with a large number of patients diagnosed only after the disease has reached an advanced stage. The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, headed by Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav, presented […]
CLAIM: An instagram post claims that eating ice cream can be a healthy food. It suggests that moderate consumption of it as part of a balanced diet might even help protect against heart disease. FACT: False. While ice cream contains some nutrients, studies suggest that high consumption can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Doctors […]
More than 3 billion people worldwide are living with a neurological condition, and fewer than one in three countries has a national policy to deal with the problem, according to the World Health Organisation’s first Global Status Report on Neurology, released in October 2025. The report estimates that in 2021, neurological disorders affected close to […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims that eating two kiwis before bed helps people fall asleep nearly 35 minutes earlier. It cites a Taipei Medical University study in which people with sleep problems eat kiwis nightly for four weeks and experience faster sleep onset, longer sleep duration and better sleep quality. FACT: False. Studies link kiwi […]
Before you scroll and add your favourite cosmetic to your cart, excited to try a new shade, serum or skincare product, a recent survey is drawing attention to another side of India’s rapidly growing beauty market – counterfeit products and adverse reactions. A new national survey by LocalCircles found that 40% of consumers surveyed who […]
Karnataka is planning to introduce a dedicated Women’s Health Policy, with menopause set to be one of its key focus areas, according to reports. The proposed policy aims to improve awareness about menopause, promote early identification of symptoms and make healthcare and counselling more accessible to women during midlife. Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister […]
Apollo Hospitals has announced a new initiative called “Always Open. Always Here.” that will make outpatient services available on all seven days of the week, including Sundays. The private hospital chain said its emergency, critical care and inpatient services have always run round the clock. What changes now is that outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, preventive […]
Introducing eggs to babies earlier, rather than delaying them, may help reduce the risk of developing an egg allergy, a new Australian study has found. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that egg allergy prevalence among infants fell from 9.2% before updated feeding guidelines to 7.6% after recommendations began encouraging earlier introduction of eggs […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel claims warming the feet before bed, via socks or a heating pad, helps you fall asleep 15-20 minutes faster by triggering heat loss through dilated blood vessels, which lowers core body temperature. It claims cold feet delay sleep by 25 minutes and shorten deep sleep, citing “Swiss researchers from the […]
More doctors and nurses are treating a larger number of patients than they were a year ago, yet a smaller share of them are thinking about leaving their jobs, according to a new global survey by Elsevier, a health information company. The report, called Clinician of the Future 2026, surveyed 2,757 doctors and nurses from […]
CLAIM: A popular podcast claimed that mixing most fruits with milk is unhealthy because fruit acids (like vitamin C) curdle milk, citing apples, oranges, and berries as examples, with an apple milkshake reportedly separating into layers after 30 minutes. It claimed only sweet, buttery fruits like mango and avocado are safe exceptions. FACT: Curdling occurs […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims toe and knuckle hair is a positive indicator of healthy peripheral circulation and strong heart pumping to extremities. It states consistent blood flow keeps hair follicles active, signaling cardiovascular health and absence of arterial blockage. FACT: Toe or knuckle hair is not a reliable indicator of heart health or peripheral […]
Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders; it is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with life’s stresses, realise their abilities and participate meaningfully in society. Yet in India, mental health remains a largely neglected dimension of healthcare. Government data suggests that around 15% of adults experience mental health […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel promotes a rice water drink, mixed with roasted cumin, dried mint, rock salt, lemon juice, and coriander, as an Ayurvedic remedy for “aggravated Pitta dosha.” It claims to help with heavy periods, painful urination, recurrent UTIs, excess body heat, sweaty hands/feet, and perimenopause symptoms, positioning it as a natural, low-cost alternative. […]
CLAIM: A 2023 UK Biobank study published in Sleep Health, involving genetic data from 378,932 adults, found that habitual daytime nappers had a slightly larger total brain volume than non-nappers—equivalent to an estimated 2.6 to 6.5 years of younger brain ageing. However, daytime napping was not significantly associated with memory or reaction time. FACT: Multiple […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims daily instant noodle consumption can silently harm fertility, citing high sodium, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats alongside low zinc, folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants. It suggests these deficiencies impair sperm/egg development and hormone balance, while a nutrient-rich diet improves fertility outcomes in both men and women. FACT: Animal studies […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel recommends drinking clove water (4-6 cloves soaked in filtered water) daily on an empty stomach, claiming benefits for skin, digestion, immunity, joint pain, and liver health. It warns eugenol in cloves can be liver-toxic in excess, limits intake to 1 cup/day, yet calls it “safe” for a 7-day challenge. FACT: […]
With Gujarat recording 35 laboratory-confirmed cases of Chandipura virus out of 184 suspected patients tested, with 22 deaths among children under 15, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare sent a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to the state on August 5 to strengthen the response to the contagion. The team has also […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post cites a 2012 study claiming women on creatine plus antidepressants saw depression symptoms drop 45% in 2 weeks, 65% in 4 weeks, and 80% in 8 weeks, with 52% reaching remission. It also claims women store 70-80% less creatine than men, depleted further by menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. FACT: Creatine, long […]
Ninety-one per cent of schools in Delhi were located within five kilometres of a documented toxic site, the highest proportion among the ten capital cities studied across the developing world, according to a new working paper from the Center for Global Development (CGD), a Washington and London-based research organisation. The report matched the locations of […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims chronic mouth breathing reduces oxygen delivery by 18%, causing dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. It also links mouth breathing to snoring, sleep apnea, daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and altered jaw/facial development in children, urging early evaluation by dentists or paediatric specialists. FACT: False. Studies indicate […]
Three widely prescribed medicines have been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research branch of the World Health Organization. The drugs are hydrochlorothiazide, a common blood pressure medicine; voriconazole, an antifungal drug; and tacrolimus, which is given to organ transplant patients to prevent rejection. The […]
Over the years, one topic has surfaced again and again—in conversations with patients, around family dinner tables, at community events, and more recently in my direct messages: food, gut health, and what it really means to eat well. That is hardly surprising. Nutrition science continues to evolve as new evidence emerges. At the same time, […]
CLAIM: A viral podcast clip features MP Ravi Kishan claiming the gut, once called the “second brain,” is now the “first brain.” He says people think through the gut, that eating involves a form of “thinking” originating there, and that the phrase “gut feeling” reflects this. The claim is widely shared on social media. FACT: […]
CLAIM: A viral video alleges that the Indian version of Fanta contains artificial colours and flavourings instead of real orange juice, has nearly 2.5 times as many calories, and contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar per 300 ml, compared with four teaspoons in the French version, suggesting weaker food regulation in India. FACT: Label checks […]
India is home to an estimated 253 million adolescents, the largest in the world, making their health and well-being a critical public health priority. Yet, evidence suggests that many young people continue to face preventable health risks while lacking awareness about healthy lifestyles. A 2025 comparative study published in the Journal of Public Health Research […]
Do you remember when we were children or teenagers and used to think, “When I grow up, I’ll buy all my favourite packets of chips,” or even, “I’ll buy the entire store!” Those were the carefree days of innocence. Fast forward a few years, and many of us find ourselves doing the exact opposite – […]
People often discuss ways to lose weight, including counting calories, hitting the gym, increasing protein intake, trying intermittent fasting, or following the latest diet trends. Social media is flooded with weight-loss tips, transformation stories and fitness advice. But there is another side of the conversation that rarely gets the same attention: people who struggle to […]
CLAIM: Wearing copper bracelets or anklets cures joint pain and inflammation by allowing copper to enter the body through the skin. FACT: False. Copper does not enter the bloodstream through healthy skin, and research shows copper bracelets do not relieve joint pain or inflammation better than placebo bracelets. A viral Instagram post claims that […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that drinking sugarcane juice slowly acts like medicine, while gulping it or water in a hurried manner can cause diseases. FACT: False. There is no scientific evidence that drinking sugarcane juice slowly makes it act like medicine, or that gulping it causes diseases. The speed of consuming sugarcane juice or […]
HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Karnataka has risen for three consecutive surveillance rounds, reversing a trend that had held for nearly twenty years, according to the state’s own annual report for 2025-26 released by the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS). The finding is significant because it comes from the HIV Sentinel Surveillance of […]
CLAIM: Consuming sugar can cause dark circles under the eyes by triggering a process called glycation, which breaks down collagen, thins the skin, and makes it more prone to pigmentation. The reel further suggests that sugar is the one dietary item people should eliminate. FACT: Current scientific evidence does not support the claim that consuming […]
CLAIM: The post claims that apricots, particularly dried apricots, can help support iron levels and are a useful food for people with anaemia. It suggests that their iron content, along with pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods, can aid iron absorption and contribute to healthy red blood cells, energy production, and oxygen transport. The […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims Germany invented a new injectable collagen gel that regrows joint cartilage without surgery, implants, or extended recovery. It says the body’s cells grow into the gel to form healthy cartilage, offering a natural alternative to joint replacement for arthritis, joint pain, and cartilage injuries. FACT: Collagen-based hydrogels for cartilage […]
Actress Hina Khan is again in the news as she braves an ice bath therapy, offering another glimpse into the routine she has been following under medical supervision. In a video shared on Instagram, Khan is seen immersing herself in a tub of ice-cold water while carefully following breathing instructions from a doctor. She also […]
CLAIM: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) combined with microneedling is an advanced treatment that effectively combats hair loss caused by factors such as poor diet, genetics, PCOD, female pattern hair loss, and COVID. The treatment claims to stimulate existing hair follicles, strengthen hair, and promote hair regrowth by delivering growth factors from a person’s own blood into […]
CLAIM: The viral Instagram post claims that eating 30–40g of 70% or higher dark chocolate daily lowers cortisol levels by 21%, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances post-workout recovery and boosts blood flow through flavonoids. It also suggests that dark chocolate supports hormonal and heart health, and may help improve cholesterol levels when consumed regularly. FACT: Current […]
Trying to lose weight to stay healthy? Most people think that the less body fat they have, the lower their risk of diabetes. But what if losing the wrong kind of fat could actually harm your metabolism? A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests exactly that. Researchers found that healthy fat […]
Feeling out of breath after climbing a few flights of stairs is common, but it isn’t always just a sign of poor fitness. According to fitness coach Sumit Dubey, breathlessness can have several causes, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions. “Being out of breath when climbing stairs can happen due to multiple reasons. […]
CLAIM: The viral Instagram post claims that women who consistently sleep for less than six hours are more likely to experience hormonal imbalances that can disrupt ovulation, menstrual cycles and fertility. It adds that chronic sleep deprivation may reduce the chances of a healthy pregnancy and negatively affect fertility treatment outcomes, while noting that sleep […]
CLAIM: Consuming powdered jamun seeds can naturally lower blood sugar spikes and help manage diabetes. The reel claims that jamun seeds contain a compound called “jaboline” and are rich in polyphenols, making them beneficial for people with diabetes. It suggests drying the seeds and grinding them into a powder for consumption. FACT: Jamun seeds contain […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims that eating a half-baked sweet potato provides 400% of your daily vitamin A, due to its high beta-carotene content, which it says supports healthy skin and eyes FACT: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A. Experts say one sweet potato can […]
CLAIM: The way a person draws the number “8” reflects their decision-making style and personality. According to the viral reel, each of the four common ways of writing the digit reveals specific traits, such as whether a person is cautious, decisive, controlling, or intuitive when solving problems and making decisions. FACT: False. There is no […]
Infertility affects an estimated one in six people globally during their reproductive years. In men, infertility is commonly linked to problems with sperm production, movement or ejaculation, while in women it may result from disorders affecting the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes or the endocrine system, according to the World Health Organization. In India, too, infertility […]
India has significantly expanded hepatitis B vaccination among newborns between 2023 and 2024, with nearly eight in ten babies now receiving the crucial birth-dose vaccine. Yet the country continues to be one of the world’s biggest contributors to hepatitis B deaths because millions of people living with chronic infection remain undiagnosed and untreated, according to […]
CLAIM: Sleeping with wet hair does not cause a cold because colds are caused by viruses, not by wet hair. However, going to bed with wet hair may leave the scalp damp for hours, which could contribute to discomfort, hair breakage or worsen certain scalp conditions in some people. FACT: Available scientific evidence does not […]
Fatty liver disease, now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has long been associated with adults, particularly those living with obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions. However, doctors are increasingly reporting that the condition is also being diagnosed in children, especially those who are overweight or obese, raising concerns about its […]
CLAIM: The post claims that recent research shows coconut oil can remove harmful oral bacteria, reduce gum inflammation, and even reverse gum disease. It suggests that oil pulling with coconut oil supports oral health by improving the oral microbiome and can serve as an effective natural therapy for periodontal disease. FACT: Current evidence suggests that […]
CLAIM: A viral YouTube Shorts video claims that 2-minute noodles are coated with synthetic wax and contain TBHQ, which allegedly sticks to the intestines and causes constipation and ulcers. It further claims that a glass of cola contains about 10 spoons of sugar and that phosphoric acid removes calcium from the teeth and bones through […]
There was a time when spending an evening at a concert, watching a play or wandering through a museum sounded exciting. Now, after a hectic week, staying in bed with your comforter often wins over stepping outside. But what if those occasional cultural outings were doing more for your health than you realised? A new […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel claims that drinking 3 litres of water the day after alcohol consumption helps “flush alcohol” from the body, that antioxidant-rich foods (berries, amla, leafy greens) reduce alcohol-related oxidative stress, and that garlic, turmeric, and fatty fish boost liver enzymes to break down acetaldehyde faster, effectively “detoxing” the body. FACT: […]
Within just two to three minutes of starting meditation, the human brain shows measurable signs of calm, with the effect peaking between the seventh and tenth minute—even among people who had never meditated before, according to a new study published in the journal Mindfulness in March 2026. Participants in the study wore a cap fitted with 128 […]
Almost nine out of every ten adults in India have some form of unhealthy fat or cholesterol level in their blood, with the condition, known medically as dyslipidemia, being more common in cities than in villages and more common among women than men. The findings come from the ICMR-INDIAB study, one of the largest health […]
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women during their reproductive years. Until recently known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the condition has been officially renamed to better reflect its endocrine, metabolic and ovarian abnormalities, rather than simply the presence of ovarian cysts. Experts say the previous name was misleading because many […]
India is among the countries using far more powerful antibiotics than clinically necessary, according to a major study published in The Lancet Public Health, which warns that the trend is accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reducing the effectiveness of life-saving medicines. The study analysed antibiotic needs across 186 countries using disease burden, antibiotic resistance, demographics […]
One in five people worldwide will develop cancer in their lifetime, and nearly everyone will feel its impact through a loved one, the WHO’s 2026 global cancer report warns. With 20.6 million diagnoses in 2024 and cases projected to hit 35 million by 2050, survival still hinges starkly on wealth, ranging from over 85% in […]
The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital has written to President Droupadi Murmu seeking an “independent, impartial, and time-bound inquiry” into the circumstances surrounding the continued hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk, the security arrangements at Safdarjung Hospital, and the alleged use of force against protesters at Jantar Mantar. In […]
From work meetings and online classes to social media and late-night scrolling, digital screens have become an unavoidable part of everyday life. While prolonged screen use is often blamed for poor concentration and mental exhaustion, researchers are increasingly examining whether excessive digital screen time may also contribute to symptoms commonly described as “brain fog” – […]
Southern India is among the hardest-hit regions in the world when it comes to sleep loss from hot nights, according to a new report by Climate Central, a US-based nonprofit of scientists and communicators. “Climate change-linked sleep losses were also high in other already-hot places: people in southern India and several countries in Southeast Asia […]
A supplement best known for helping athletes build strength may also help the immune system fight cancer, according to a new study. Researchers found that creatine, a naturally occurring compound widely used as a fitness supplement, can strengthen key immune cells that detect tumours and activate the body’s cancer-fighting response. The findings suggest creatine could […]
The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the prices of 39 medicines sold across India, revised the price of an anti-rabies injection, exempted a patented pneumococcal vaccine from price control for five years, and approved new brands of intravenous (IV) fluids under existing price orders. The decisions were issued through a series of Gazette […]
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Although most infections are mild or even asymptomatic, severe dengue can affect multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, brain and, in some cases, the heart. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “about half […]
One in seven couples worldwide struggle to conceive. For many, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) becomes the last resort. And where there is desperation, there is an industry ready to supply hope, at a price. But a study has found that most of the extra treatments routinely sold to IVF patients lack proven scientific benefit. The review, led […]
A national HPV vaccination programme in England has been associated with a dramatic reduction in cervical cancer deaths among young women, with researchers reporting that no cervical cancer deaths occurred among women aged 20–24 years between 2020 and 2024 despite more than 23 deaths being expected based on historical trends. The findings, published in The […]
As both a doctor and a mother, I often find myself looking at adolescence through two very different lenses. One comes from years of clinical experience. The other comes from everyday conversations around the dinner table with my own teenager. Those two worlds overlap more than ever. Some of our biggest conversations at home […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims that eating one mango daily provides nearly 100% of the recommended vitamin C intake, supports collagen production, improves skin health, and helps fight the common cold. It also suggests that pairing mango with healthy fats improves nutrient absorption. FACT: True. Studies and medical experts broadly support the nutritional claims about […]
CLAIM: Sleeping with a high pillow setup can increase intraocular (eye) pressure and contribute to glaucoma. The post further suggests that using two pillows to elevate the head may reduce blood flow to the eye through jugular vein compression, although it acknowledges that more research is needed. FACT: Current evidence suggests that sleeping position can […]
Monsoon brings a spike in waterborne diseases like dengue and cholera, but leptospirosis, spread through contaminated floodwater, often goes undiagnosed until complications develop. Globally, a person dies of leptospirosis roughly every nine minutes. According to data, an estimated 59,000 deaths occur per year from the disease. It spreads through something as ordinary as walking through a […]
Veteran actor Rajesh Sharma, known for his performances in films including Khosla Ka Ghosla, Ishqiya, Special 26, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and several others, has been hospitalised after reportedly suffering a suspected insect bite while shooting for Prabhas’ upcoming film at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. The incident first came to light after actor […]
The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region has stepped up efforts to help countries phase out mercury-containing dental fillings, urging governments to adopt safer and more sustainable alternatives as part of a broader shift towards prevention-focused oral healthcare. Health and environment policymakers and experts from across the region gathered in Bangkok for a two-day […]
Medha Gandhi Every year, World Population Day arrives with a ritual anxiety about numbers: how many of us there are, how many more are coming, and whether that is good news or bad. This year, theUnited Nations Population Fund has chosen a theme that quietly overturns the usual script. It asks how we might empower […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel claims excessive cardio worsens PMOS by raising cortisol levels and increasing insulin resistance, while advocating for strength training as a more effective approach for women managing the condition. FACT: True. Research suggests that exercise, including both cardio and strength training, plays an important role in managing PMOS. Doctors caution that […]
Didn’t learn a musical instrument? It may not be too late to benefit. A new study suggests that learning an instrument in your seventies may help preserve memory and reduce age-related brain shrinkage. Researchers found that older adults who continued practising a musical instrument over four years maintained their memory better than those who stopped, with […]
CLAIM: The post claims that microplastics accumulating in the male reproductive system can cause testicular inflammation, lower testosterone levels and reduce sperm count, thereby harming fertility. It further claims that reducing plastic exposure and following a sauna-based “detox” protocol can remove most microplastics from sperm and improve reproductive health. FACT: Studies have detected microplastics in […]
The world’s first lung transplant between two people living with HIV in New York City on March 21, 2026, is now expected to reshape organ allocation policies for people living with HIV in the United States, where about 1.2 million individuals are estimated to be living with the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control […]