First Check > Stories
periods
20
May

FACT CHECK: Can this tiny seed really regulate periods?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 11 hours
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Consuming 1–2 tablespoons of flax seeds daily can help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles. The post suggests that flax seeds can reduce PMS symptoms, cramps, and inflammation.  FACT: Flax seeds contain lignans and omega-3 fatty acids that may support hormonal health, particularly by influencing estrogen metabolism and helping with mild symptoms like PMS […]

sugar
20
May

Is your daily sugar habit secretly ageing your face faster?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 17 hours
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Eating excess sugar can accelerate skin ageing by damaging collagen through a process called glycation. This may make the skin less elastic, lead to earlier wrinkles, and contribute to a more aged appearance over time.  FACT: Current scientific evidence suggests that excessive sugar intake may contribute to skin ageing through processes like glycation and […]

osteoarthritis
19
May

Breakthrough drug target may help regrow cartilage, ease osteoarthritis pain

  • First Check Team / 1 day
  • 0
  • 4 min read

A promising new study suggests that blocking a single age-linked enzyme could help regenerate damaged cartilage, reduce pain and potentially transform treatment for osteoarthritis, a condition that affects mobility in millions of people worldwide. Researchers reported in Science that inhibiting the enzyme 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) led to substantial cartilage repair in both aged mice and younger […]

snoring
19
May

FACT CHECK: Can snoring really damage your brain and increase dementia risk?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 days
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Snoring may contribute to brain damage and increase the risk of dementia. The post suggests that frequent, loud snoring – especially when linked to sleep apnea, can reduce oxygen supply, disrupt sleep, and over time negatively impact brain health and cognitive function.  FACT: Snoring alone does not cause brain damage or dementia. However, loud and chronic […]

pomegranate
18
May

FACT CHECK: Can pomegranate juice reduce artery blockages?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 days
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Drinking one cup of pomegranate juice daily can reduce artery blockages by up to 30 per cent. The post implies that its antioxidant properties can support better blood flow and contribute to preventing heart-related issues. FACT: Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants that may help improve heart health by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cholesterol levels. However, scientific evidence does […]

obesity
18
May

Can you stop obesity medication after losing weight?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 days
  • 0
  • 8 min read

For years, weight loss has largely been spoken about as a journey of discipline — eat less, move more, stay consistent. But for millions struggling with obesity, the reality is often far more complicated. People spend years moving between diets, workout plans, nutrition advice, and periods of frustration, only to find the weight returning again […]

ebola
18
May

WHO declares latest Ebola outbreak a global health emergency amid rising cases in Congo and Uganda

  • First Check Team / 3 days
  • 0
  • 3 min read

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a “public health emergency of international concern”, as health authorities warn that the current strain has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. According to WHO, as of May 16, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected […]

PCOS
15
May

PCOS renamed PMOS to reflect wider health risks

  • First Check Team / 6 days
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A major shift has taken place in women’s health terminology, with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) officially being renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) following a global medical consensus published in The Lancet. The new name aims to better reflect the condition’s broader hormonal, metabolic and reproductive impact. For years, doctors and researchers argued that the […]

diet coke
15
May

FACT CHECK: Does Diet Coke cause cancer?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 days
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: Aspartame, the artificial sweetener used in Diet Coke, has been declared a ‘possible carcinogen’ by the World Health Organization, raising concerns that consuming Diet Coke may increase cancer risk. FACT: While the WHO’s cancer research agency classified aspartame as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ in 2023, this was based on limited evidence and does not prove that […]

14
May

FACT CHECK: Does McDonald’s use human meat, Domino’s use carcinogens, and KFC add harmful ingredients?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 days
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: A viral reel claims that ethylene oxide, a carcinogen, was found in 19,000 kg of Domino’s pizza sauce, that McDonald’s uses human meat in its burgers, and that KFC adds harmful chemicals to its chicken that can damage the body. It suggests these are part of a larger attempt to normalise toxic food consumption and even cannibalism. FACT: There is […]

ice bath
13
May

Why the viral ice bath challenge can be dangerous during a heatwave

  • Safna Malik / 1 week
  • 0
  • 6 min read

The World Health Organization confirms that heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent as global temperatures continue to soar. In regions surrounding the Indian Ocean, the combination of rising carbon emissions and warmer sea temperatures has pushed humidity levels to sweltering levels of 38°C to 40°C. When the air feels this hot, you will try almost anything to […]

pesticides
13
May

Artificial ripening and pesticides: What’s really on our plates?

  • Riyaz Wani / 1 week
  • 0
  • 4 min read

The recent deaths of four members of a family in Mumbai after consuming watermelon triggered panic far beyond the city. Social media quickly filled with warnings about “poisoned fruits,” chemical injections and unsafe produce. But forensic investigations later revealed that the deaths were linked not to watermelon itself, but to zinc phosphide, a highly toxic […]

12
May

Can inuspheresis aka blood ‘detox’ therapy really remove microplastics, heavy metals, and cholesterol from your body?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 week
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: The viral reel claims that Inuspheresis therapy can ‘filter’ the blood and remove harmful substances like microplastics, heavy metals, oxidised cholesterol, and even spike proteins. It further suggests that this leads to reduced inflammation and noticeable health benefits such as improved mental clarity, reduced pain, and better overall well-being. FACT: Inuspheresis (a form of apheresis) can remove certain substances […]

12
May

Does your favourite celebrity eat what they promote? Rethinking unhealthy food choices

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 week
  • 0
  • 8 min read

There was a time when our choices felt simple – whatever our favourite celebrity endorsed became our favourite too. A packet of chips, a fizzy drink, or a mango juice wasn’t just food; it felt like a connection to someone we admired and believed in. We didn’t question ingredients, labels, or health. If they were […]

norovirus
12
May

What is Norovirus? Caribbean Princess cruise ship outbreak sparks global concern; Is India at risk too?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 week
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Over 100 passengers and crew members reportedly fell ill during a recent norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship | X More than 100 passengers and crew members reportedly fell ill during a recent norovirus outbreak aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship, once again drawing global attention to the highly contagious virus often called the “winter […]

hantavirus
11
May

Hantavirus: Should India be concerned about another potential outbreak?

  • Sharmila Saha Roy  / 1 week
  • 0
  • 4 min read

The memories of the COVID-19 pandemic are still fresh, and amid continuing discussions around emerging infectious diseases, another virus — Hantavirus — has once again drawn global attention. The rodent-borne infection, known to cause respiratory, cardiac, and renal complications in humans, has sparked concern following reports of an outbreak aboard the luxury cruise ship MV […]

11
May

Nearly one in four adults lacks basic health literacy — And it’s costing the world $303 billion a year

  • Umar Aman / 1 week
  • 0
  • 4 min read

The ability to read a prescription label, understand a discharge summary, or know when a symptom warrants a doctor’s visit — these feel like basic life skills. But for nearly one in four adults across 40 countries studied by Economist Impact, they aren’t. And the consequences, a newly published policy brief argues, are devastating: poorer health outcomes, widening […]

mangoes
11
May

Love mangoes but have diabetes? Here’s how to eat them safely this summer

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 week
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Mangoes are an essential part of the Indian summer, often called the “king of fruits” for their rich taste and cultural significance. From fresh slices to shakes and desserts, they are enjoyed across households. However, because of their natural sweetness, many people, especially those living with diabetes, often worry whether eating mangoes can lead to […]

Alzheimer’s
08
May

Can eating eggs regularly lower Alzheimer’s risk? New study reveals surprising link

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 weeks
  • 0
  • 6 min read

A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition has found that regular egg consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease – a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning. The research draws on data from the long-running Adventist Health Study-2, analysing dietary habits and health outcomes among 39,498 […]

fruits
08
May

FACT CHECK: Can eating dry fruits randomly cause kidney stones?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 weeks
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Eating dry fruits ‘randomly’ can increase the risk of kidney stones because they are high in oxalates, which may bind with calcium and form stones. It also claims that compounds like phytates in dry fruits can block mineral absorption, leading to nutrient deficiencies, and therefore, they should be consumed in a specific pattern.  FACT: […]

diabetes
07
May

Why India’s first childhood diabetes guidelines come at a critical time

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 weeks
  • 0
  • 4 min read

In a significant move to strengthen paediatric healthcare, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has, for the first time, introduced a structured and standardised national framework for the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of diabetes in children. The newly released “Guidance Document on Diabetes Mellitus in Children,” unveiled at the National Summit on Best Practices […]

AI
06
May

85% Indians already using AI for health; but are the systems ready?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 weeks
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Over the past few years, AI in healthcare has been a hot topic—no longer just a concept, but something people are actively trying out in their everyday lives. On one side, there are reports highlighting the benefits – the ease of access, faster responses, and the possibility of personalised care at scale. On the other, there are equally […]

foods
06
May

Why fermented foods need extra caution during summer

  • Sharmila Saha Roy  / 2 weeks
  • 0
  • 4 min read

As summer temperatures soar past 40°C in several Indian states, fermented foods such as idli, dosa, kanji and pakhala remain popular for their cooling effect and digestive benefits. But three recent incidents in Ahmedabad, Mayurbhanj and Bengaluru—linked to contaminated fermented dishes—have caused three deaths and sickened more than 250 people, raising fresh concerns over food safety during the […]

walking
05
May

FACT CHECK: Is the viral ‘Japanese interval walking’ technique really that effective?  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 weeks
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Interval walking, which alternates between slow and brisk walking, offers greater health benefits than the traditional 10,000-step approach. It is suggested that doing this regularly can improve cardiovascular health, mood, immunity, and overall fitness.  FACT: Interval walking – alternating between brisk and slow-paced walking, can improve cardiovascular fitness, blood pressure, and metabolism when done consistently, and some […]

sugar
05
May

FACT CHECK: Does sugar intake cause depression?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 weeks
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Higher sugar consumption leads to increased depression, suggesting a direct link between sugar intake and worsening mental health.  FACT: Research shows that high sugar intake is associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms, but it does not prove that sugar directly causes depression. The relationship is influenced by multiple factors such as overall […]

migraine
04
May

FACT CHECK: Does an ice cube between the thumb and index finger cure migraines?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 weeks
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: Placing an ice cube between the thumb and index finger can relieve migraine or severe headache pain by calming pain signals. The method is said to work through nerve pathways connected to the head and may reduce headache intensity without medication. FACT: Placing ice between the thumb and index finger (LI4/Hegu point) may provide […]

electrolyte
01
May

Explained: What is electrolyte imbalance — and why it matters in a harsh summer

  • First Check Team / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 6 min read

As temperatures climb across India, terms like “electrolyte imbalance” and “heat stroke” are increasingly entering everyday conversation. But beyond the buzzwords lies a serious public health risk, one that can escalate quickly if ignored. This explainer breaks down what electrolyte imbalance actually means, how it is linked to extreme heat, and what people can do […]

skin
01
May

FACT CHECK: Are popular face sheet masks unsafe for the skin?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Face masks such as sheet masks and charcoal masks are unsafe for the skin and should not be used. The discussion also suggests that trending skincare masks like “bird poop masks” or “menstrual blood masks” are harmful and should be completely avoided. FACT: Scientific evidence does not support the claim that all face masks […]

AI
01
May

AI, deepfakes and health:: How the world is trying to regulate a growing threat 

  • Pratibha / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 6 min read

“Is it AI?” has become one of the most frequently asked questions across comment sections and Twitter feeds today—a phrase that emerged naturally in the GenAI era of content consumption. But long before this wave of AI-generated material, another term had already entered public discourse: deepfakes. The words “deepfake” and “AI-generated content” are routinely used […]

30
Apr

WHO clears first malaria treatment for newborns, flags new diagnostic tools

  • First Check Team / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 3 min read

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified the first-ever malaria treatment specifically designed for newborns and young infants, marking a major step in addressing a long-standing treatment gap for the most vulnerable patients. Announced ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25, the move clears the use of a tailored formulation of artemether-lumefantrine for babies […]

ice
30
Apr

FACT CHECK: Does ice cream actually keep you cool?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Eating ice cream in summer does not actually cool the body; instead, it may increase internal heat due to its high sugar and fat content. It is suggested that ice cream only provides temporary cooling, after which the body feels hotter and digestion may slow down. FACT: Ice cream may create a brief cooling […]

30
Apr

Mumbai food poisoning tragedy: Can watermelon become poisonous? Experts separate fact from fear

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 6 min read

A late-night meal in Mumbai has turned into a disturbing tragedy, sparking fear and speculation around a common summer fruit – watermelon. Four members of a family died within hours of falling ill, in what police suspect to be a case of food poisoning. The incident, reported from the Pydhonie area, has drawn attention online, particularly over the […]

vaccines
29
Apr

We need to build trust, not demand it: Dr Gagandeep Kang on vaccines, misinformation, and public confidence

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Vaccines have long stood as one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools in public health. Over the past five decades, they have saved an estimated 15 crore lives globally, protecting communities from diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and rotavirus.  Yet, despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness, vaccine hesitancy continues to pose a serious challenge. […]

heatwave
29
Apr

Heatwave alert: What you must do to stay safe from the scorching heat

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Sweltering summers are tightening their grip across the country. On Saturday, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 44.5°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), underscoring the intensity of this year’s heatwave. But beyond the discomfort, the rising mercury is increasingly becoming a serious public health concern – linked to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even life-threatening conditions […]

heart
29
Apr

FACT CHECK: Is heart attack likely to be caused in the bathroom?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Heart attacks are common in bathrooms and can be triggered by improper bathing practices. Pouring water directly on the head is said to increase the risk, while following a specific sequence – starting from the feet, then the body, and finally the head- can help prevent such incidents.  FACT: Scientific evidence shows that while […]

abortion
28
Apr

SC backs minor’s right to abortion beyond 28 weeks, but is the dilemma settled?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 7 min read

The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued a stern warning to the Union government, cautioning that failure to comply with its April 24 order allowing a 15-year-old Delhi girl to terminate her over 28-week pregnancy could invite contempt proceedings. The court made it clear that its directions were binding and must be implemented without […]

asthma
28
Apr

Chronic or seasonal asthma? Here’s how to spot the difference

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Asthma is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 26.2 crore people were living with asthma in 2019, with over 4.5 lakh deaths globally. In India, the burden is even more striking. The Global Asthma Report 2022 estimates that nearly 3.5 crore people in the country are affected, placing India […]

tobacco
28
Apr

Quitting tobacco may boost both health and income for every 1 in 10 Indian families

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Walk into any office complex, a chai stall outside a metro station, or even a small corner shop in a residential lane, and there’s almost always a familiar scene. Someone stepping out for a “quick smoke break,” another buying a pack “just for today,” and a group casually discussing how much of their salary disappears […]

cancer
27
Apr

FACT CHECK: Can cold water, fermented foods and walking prevent cancer after 50?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 14 min read

CLAIM: Set of daily lifestyle habits – including drinking water first thing in the morning, eating fermented foods, engaging in “metabolic walking,” consuming cruciferous vegetables, and maintaining proper sleep- can significantly reduce cancer risk after the age of 50.  FACT: Current research does not support the claim that these daily habits can directly prevent cancer after 50. While […]

27
Apr

FACT CHECK: Do aluminium utensils cause cancer?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: CLAIM: Using aluminium utensils for cooking is dangerous and can cause cancer. The claim suggests that preparing food in aluminium cookware directly exposes people to carcinogenic risks, making it unsafe for everyday use. FACT: Aluminium can leach into food, especially when cooking acidic items or using low-quality utensils, but current scientific evidence does not […]

India
25
Apr

Lifestyle diseases rise sharply in India as infections decline: NSO survey

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 2 min read

Lifestyle-related illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and thyroid disorders have increased significantly in India over the past decade, while infectious diseases have declined, according to the latest nationwide health survey by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The survey found that nearly half of the population now reports cardiovascular and metabolic ailments, compared with […]

vaccine
24
Apr

What are the key myths driving vaccine hesitancy among parents?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Vaccines have long been one of the most powerful tools in public health, “saving more than 15 crore lives over the past 50 years. This success, the WHO notes, has not been accidental but the result of ordinary people choosing “to protect themselves and their communities from diseases such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus.” With […]

WHO
24
Apr

WHO urges renewed vaccine equity push as millions in South-East Asia remain unprotected

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 3 min read

 The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region on Friday called for stronger and sustained efforts to ensure vaccines reach every community, warning that millions of people remain unvaccinated despite decades of progress in immunization. WHO said vaccines have saved more than 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, including an estimated 38 […]

24
Apr

Can malaria harm your baby during pregnancy? Expert debunks key myths

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Malaria during pregnancy can pose serious risks not only to the mother but also to the unborn child, increasing the chances of complications such as anaemia, low birth weight, stillbirth, and in severe cases, maternal and fetal death. Despite being preventable and treatable, experts warn that lack of awareness and persistent myths often delay timely […]

genes
23
Apr

Genes may shape half of human lifespan: New study challenges long-held beliefs 

  • First Check Team / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 3 min read

For decades, scientists believed that how long we live was largely shaped by environment, lifestyle, and sheer chance, with genetics playing only a modest role. But a new study published in Science by researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science overturns that assumption, suggesting that genes may account for around 50 per cent of human lifespan, […]

23
Apr

Deepika Padukone’s second pregnancy at 40: What changes the second time? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Deepika Padukone is all set to embrace motherhood once again at the age of 40, bringing renewed attention to conversations around second pregnancies and maternal age. She and Ranveer Singh recently shared the news on Instagram, posting a heartwarming picture of their daughter, Dua, holding a positive pregnancy test kit. The couple had welcomed their first child on […]

toothpaste
22
Apr

FACT CHECK: Is your toothpaste causing thyroid problems?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Using fluoride toothpaste daily can lead to thyroid problems by interfering with iodine absorption. The reel suggests that excessive fluoride exposure may disrupt thyroid function, particularly in women, and that these issues can be reversed through simple dietary changes without medication. FACT: There is no strong scientific evidence that using fluoride toothpaste causes thyroid […]

HIV
22
Apr

Why a govt hospital in Pakistan is at the centre of an HIV outbreak affecting hundreds of children | Explained

  • Sinchan Saha / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

In an undercover investigation, BBC Eye discovered an extensive trail of medical malpractice, institutional lack of accountability, and regulatory failure at the Tehsil Headquarter (THQ) Hospital  in Taunsa, Punjab, Pakistan, a facility now linked to a major HIV outbreak among children. The probe began after a local doctor raised concerns in 2024. Even though the local authorities […]

mood
21
Apr

FACT CHECK: Is your fabric controlling your mood?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Natural fabrics like cotton and linen can improve mood, focus, and overall mindset, while synthetic fabrics may negatively affect how a person feels. The post suggests that clothing choices can influence productivity, decision-making, and even success in life.    FACT: Scientific studies show that fabric can influence comfort, thermal regulation, and even short-term emotional […]

Liver
21
Apr

World Liver Day | What causes cirrhosis besides alcohol?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 weeks
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Liver disease is emerging as a major public health concern in India, often going unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. Despite being largely preventable and manageable in its early phases, it continues to contribute significantly to mortality and disease burden. According to global estimates, liver diseases account for nearly two million deaths annually, and India alone contributes to […]

vitamin
20
Apr

What is the best time to get sunlight for Vitamin D?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

In India, sunlight is available for most of the year, yet vitamin D deficiency continues to affect a large proportion of the population. As noted in a study, “Vitamin D deficiency prevails in epidemic proportions all over the Indian subcontinent, with a prevalence of 70%–100% in the general population.” Vitamin D is essential for overall health, supporting […]

20
Apr

Are AI chatbots giving you the wrong diagnosis? Study flags 50% error risk

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 7 min read

With every leap in technology, a familiar debate resurfaces – what if it helps us, and what if it harms us? Artificial Intelligence sits right at the centre of this dilemma. Once, a quick Google search was our go-to for health concerns – typing symptoms, scrolling through links, and often self-diagnosing. Today, that behaviour has evolved. […]

17
Apr

Why cancer drug Keytruda costs so much—and who really pays the price?

  • Salam Chingkheingaba / 1 month
  • 0
  • 6 min read

A life-saving cancer drug hailed as a breakthrough in modern medicine has become a symbol of a deeply unequal global health care system. A yearlong investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has revealed how Merck & Co. has maintained sky-high prices for its blockbuster drug Keytruda, effectively locking out patients worldwide while […]

sugar
16
Apr

Can sugar substitutes affect your unborn child?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 8 min read

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition has raised important questions about the long-term safety of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), suggesting that their effects may extend beyond individual consumers to influence the health of future generations. Conducted in mice, the research demonstrates that commonly used sugar substitutes such as sucralose and stevia can alter gut microbiota, […]

cancer
15
Apr

Can fasting kill cancer cells, as BJP leader Annamalai suggested? What you need to know

  • Salam Chingkheingaba / 1 month
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Claim: Miracle cures for cancer, including fasting, chanting mantras and homemade juice, kill cancer cells and cure cancer. Fact: Cancer is not a single disease but a large group of diseases. There are many types of cancer treatment. Some people with cancer have only one treatment. But most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and […]

obesity
15
Apr

FACT CHECK: Does skipping breakfast cause obesity?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Skipping breakfast significantly increases the risk of weight gain and obesity. People who do not eat breakfast are more likely to have belly fat, be overweight, and become obese compared to those who eat breakfast regularly. FACT: There is no strong scientific evidence that skipping breakfast directly causes obesity. While some studies show an […]

14
Apr

No more condoms or vasectomies? THIS new male birth control could change everything

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 8 min read

In a breakthrough that could reshape the future of family planning, scientists at Cornell University have taken a significant step toward developing a safe, reversible, and non-hormonal sa—long considered the ‘holy grail’ in reproductive health research. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the proof-of-principle study demonstrated that temporarily interrupting a key step in sperm production […]

14
Apr

8 in 10 working Indians overweight; Apollo report reveals growing health risks

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Could the biggest threats to your health already be present, without you knowing it? Recent findings from the Health of the Nation 2026 report by Apollo Hospitals underscore why preventive health checks are becoming essential for early detection and better disease outcomes. Notably, among individuals under 30 who underwent screening, more than half were found to […]

13
Apr

FACT CHECK: Do post-meal walks help keep diabetes away?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Post-meal walks can significantly lower blood sugar levels and help prevent diabetes. Regularly walking for 10 minutes after meals improves digestion and may stop a person from developing diabetes altogether. FACT: Post-meal walks can help lower blood sugar spikes and improve glucose control, with studies showing benefits even from short walks of 10–30 minutes. […]

feelings
13
Apr

FACT CHECK: Can feelings like fear and anger physically harm your body?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Emotions are stored permanently in the body and directly affect specific organs, eventually leading to physical illnesses. Suppressed feelings over time can even alter cells and DNA, causing serious diseases like cancer. Simple emotional states like anger, fear, or financial stress are linked to damage in particular body parts.   FACT: Emotions can influence physical health […]

kerala
10
Apr

Kerala assembly polls 2026: What voters should know about the health care record in the state

  • Pratibha / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

How well has the LDF government kept its health promises since the last election? A fact-checked scorecard The newly dubbed state of Keralam has long been celebrated for strong public health care. With Assembly elections just around the corner, we decided to review the state’s health care initiatives over the last five years and see how the claims hold […]

french
10
Apr

FACT CHECK: Is eating French fries worse than smoking a cigarette?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Eating French fries can be more dangerous than smoking cigarettes, particularly because of the repeated use of oil that may generate harmful trans fats.  FACT: There is no scientific evidence that eating French fries is more dangerous than smoking cigarettes. Research and experts highlight that while both can harm health, they do so in […]

liver
09
Apr

‘It’s not just jaundice’, expert highlights early warning signs of liver disease in kids

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Liver diseases in children are often overlooked, largely because their early symptoms can be subtle or easily mistaken for common illnesses. Yet, these conditions can significantly impact a child’s growth, development, and overall health if left undiagnosed. From infections and genetic disorders to metabolic and autoimmune conditions, more than 100 types of liver diseases can affect […]

vaccines
08
Apr

Vaccines Save Lives—Strengthening Access, Equity and Trust

  • Dr Sabba Mehmood / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Vaccination remains one of the most effective scientific tools for preventing disease and saving lives. Since the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1974, and its evolution into India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), we’ve come a long way in safeguarding communities across generations. Today, vaccines prevent an estimated 3.5 to 5 million deaths every year, protecting […]

menopause
08
Apr

Crossed 45? Menopause could be accelerating liver fat: Here’s what to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Menopause brings a significant shift in metabolic health, one that increases the risk of fatty liver disease in women. Research suggests that declining oestrogen levels after menopause contribute to fat redistribution, insulin resistance, and liver fat accumulation. A 2021 study notes that “the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increases significantly in patients experiencing premature ovarian insufficiency, as […]

measles
07
Apr

As measles spreads in Bangladesh, should India also be worried?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 7 min read

A fast-moving measles outbreak in Bangladesh has triggered alarm across the region, with over 100 reported deaths, 98 of them children, marking what could be one of the country’s deadliest waves of the disease in recent years. In response, authorities in Bangladesh launched an emergency vaccination campaign on Sunday, aiming to contain the spread and protect vulnerable populations. […]

health
07
Apr

FACT CHECK: Does eating on banana leaves have real health benefits?  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM:  Eating food on banana leaves provides health benefits because the leaf contains a waxy coating rich in antioxidants (polyphenols). When hot food is served on it, this layer melts and mixes with the food, making it healthier to consume.  FACT:  Banana leaves do contain antioxidants like polyphenols and may have antimicrobial properties, but these benefits are […]

autism
06
Apr

Is autism a disease that can be cured? Experts bust 5 common myths

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 1 month
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Autism, also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world around them. Yet, despite growing awareness, conversations around autism continue to be shaped by stigma, delayed diagnosis, and widespread misconceptions. According to the World Health Organisation, “in 2021 about 1 in […]

covid
03
Apr

New ‘Cicada’ COVID variant spreading: What are the symptoms, is India at risk?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

A new subvariant of COVID-19, BA.3.2, also known as ‘Cicada’, is gaining ground in the United States. Part of the Omicron variant family, it was first identified in South Africa in late 2024 and has since been reported in at least 23 countries. Although infections linked to the variant began rising around September 2025, it […]

men
02
Apr

FACT CHECK: Does soybean cause enlarged breasts in men? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM:  Soy is a safe and healthy source of protein for men and does not cause gynecomastia (man boobs) or increase oestrogen levels. It can be consumed regularly without harming hormonal balance.  FACT:  Current scientific evidence and expert opinion show that soybean does not cause gynecomastia or increase oestrogen levels in men when consumed in […]

typhoid
02
Apr

Drug-resistant typhoid drives 87% of India’s disease costs, children suffer most 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Drug-resistant typhoid infections are emerging as a major public health and economic crisis in India, disproportionately affecting children and placing an overwhelming financial burden on households. At a time when antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a global concern, India’s struggle with typhoid highlights how rising drug resistance is not just a clinical challenge but a […]

urine
01
Apr

Is it harmful to hold your urine? Experts explain the risks

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Regularly holding urine can stretch the bladder, weaken its muscles, and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Over time, this habit may lead to loss of bladder control, causing urine leakage while laughing or coughing. FACT: True. Regularly delaying urination may stretch the bladder and weaken its muscles over time, and it […]

heart
01
Apr

Why are only 1 in 3 heart failure patients insured in India? Study Explained

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Heart failure (HF) is a complex and chronic clinical condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs. It is not a single disease but a syndrome that develops due to underlying cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, or cardiomyopathy. Globally, heart failure affects an estimated 26 […]

pain
31
Mar

FACT CHECK: Does knee pain end with Ayurveda?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: Ayurvedic treatments can completely cure knee pain without the need for surgery or injections. These therapies are presented as scientifically proven and capable of fully restoring joint health. FACT: Scientific evidence suggests that Ayurvedic interventions may help in managing knee osteoarthritis (OA) by reducing symptoms and improving joint function, but they do not support […]

diet
31
Mar

Healthy diet in midlife linked to better brain function later: Study

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A healthy diet during midlife, particularly between the ages of 45 and 54, may significantly improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline later in life, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Neurology. The large cohort study involving 159,347 participants found that people who followed healthy dietary patterns showed […]

mental health
30
Mar

Can changing lighting colour improve mental health? Study tests blue-depleted lights in psychiatric wards

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Ever thought that the colour of the lights around you could influence your mental health? A psychiatric unit in Trondheim, Norway, is currently testing whether changing the lighting environment in hospital wards can help people recovering from severe mental health conditions such as psychosis and depression. The approach is based on a simple but intriguing […]

27
Mar

FACT CHECK: Are dates harmful for liver health?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Dates can carry a fungus called Aspergillus because they grow in hot and humid climates and have high sugar content, which may make them harmful to the liver if consumed in large amounts. The reel also claims that worms or insects may be present inside dates and refers to a past outbreak of Hepatitis […]

medical
27
Mar

Can AI identify you from medical images? Study raises privacy concerns

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

AI foundation models used in medical imaging could pose privacy risks by potentially enabling patient re-identification, even as they promise major advances in disease detection and diagnosis, according to a new study published in the journal npj Digital Medicine. The study warns that while these models offer “transformative healthcare potential”, they may also retain sensitive information that could threaten confidentiality if […]

cancer
27
Mar

FACT CHECK: Do Wi-Fi and microwaves cause cancer?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Non-ionising radiation from everyday devices like Wi-Fi, microwaves, mobile phones, and earphones does not have enough energy to damage DNA and therefore does not cause cancer. Only ionising radiation is capable of penetrating cells and triggering cancerous changes. However, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are an exception within non-ionising radiation and can increase […]

kegel exercises
26
Mar

FACT CHECK: Do Kegel exercises help men achieve better erections and control ejaculation?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Consuming beetroot juice, improving lifestyle, performing Kegel exercises, and following regular weight training with adequate protein intake (around 1.5 g per kg of body weight) can improve sexual stamina, help men achieve stronger erections, and provide better control over ejaculation. FACT: Research suggests that pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises can help improve erectile function and […]

26
Mar

FACT CHECK: Is it necessary to squeeze or milk breast swelling in babies?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Breast swelling in newborn babies is normal and usually happens due to the mother’s hormones present in the baby. Pressing or squeezing the swollen area to remove milk is unnecessary and can lead to infections or other complications. FACT: Breast swelling and milky discharge in newborns, known as neonatal galactorrhea or “witch’s milk,” is […]

tb
25
Mar

World TB Day | How tuberculosis affects women differently

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, continuing to pose a major public health challenge despite decades of global control efforts. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is among the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, claiming over 12 lakh lives and affecting more […]

kissing
25
Mar

FACT CHECK: Can kissing newborns pose health risks, including brain damage?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Kissing a newborn can be life-threatening, as it may transmit infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), especially if the person has an active cold sore. Infections can rapidly affect a baby’s brain, leading to severe damage, long-term health complications, or even death. FACT: True. Newborns have not had time to develop their immune system, […]

semaglutide
24
Mar

Will generic Semaglutide make diabetes and weight loss treatment more accessible in India?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

In a significant development for diabetes and obesity care, the patent for semaglutide – the key molecule behind blockbuster drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, expired on March 20. Originally developed by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, semaglutide has been widely regarded as a breakthrough in managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. With the […]

heart
24
Mar

American Heart Association’s new cholesterol guidelines: What’s in it for your heart health

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

The American Heart Association (AHA), along with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), has released new guidelines on cholesterol management, marking a significant update in how cardiovascular risk is assessed and treated. The 2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia is the first major ‘revision since 2018 and reflects evolving scientific evidence on lipid disorders, including […]

tb
23
Mar

We need to talk more openly about TB:  Dr Soumya Swaminathan on India’s TB fight

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Calling for a more open and stigma-free conversation around Tuberculosis, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Principal Advisor to the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, said on Monday that India’s fight against TB cannot be won through medical interventions alone and requires greater public awareness, early diagnosis and community engagement. […]

health
23
Mar

Conflict-driven outbreaks top six global health threats for 2026: Gavi insight paper

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Conflict-associated disease outbreaks are emerging as the most immediate global health threat in 2026, according to a new insight paper by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which warns that violence, climate change, funding cuts, misinformation, and emerging pathogens are converging to strain fragile health systems worldwide. “These are challenging times for global health,” the paper states. […]

pregnancy
19
Mar

Does what you eat during pregnancy shape your baby’s taste?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: A mother’s eating habits during pregnancy can shape her child’s future food preferences. Foods frequently consumed by the mother while pregnant, such as mangoes or chocolates, may “imprint” on the child in the womb, leading them to like the same foods later in life. FACT: Research shows that flavours from foods eaten during pregnancy can pass into the […]

Screen time
19
Mar

FACT CHECK: Is screen time fuelling attention problems in children?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Rising ADHD cases in children are primarily caused by excessive screen time due to poor parenting choices. Frequent phone use gives children instant dopamine stimulation, disrupts brain development, and leads to long-term attention problems.   FACT: Research shows a consistent association between higher screen time and increased ADHD symptoms or risk in children, with […]

children
18
Mar

FACT CHECK: Are protein shakes used as supplements not good for children?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Children should not be given protein shakes, as their nutritional needs should ideally be met through regular home-cooked food. Relying on supplements to meet a child’s protein requirement reflects poor dietary habits and parenting.   FACT: Protein supplements are generally unnecessary for most healthy children, as their nutritional needs can usually be met through […]

ageing
18
Mar

Do toxic people make you age faster? Study finds ‘hasslers’ may speed up biological ageing by 1.5 per cent

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

There are several moments in life when everything feels overwhelming. Stress piles up from work, responsibilities, and personal challenges, and people often try to reorganise their lives in search of balance. During such phases, individuals commonly focus on changing routines, improving habits, or reducing external pressures. But what if one overlooked factor also plays a […]

thyroid
17
Mar

FACT CHECK: Can spraying perfume on the neck damage the thyroid and metabolism?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Spraying perfume directly on the neck can damage the thyroid gland and negatively affect metabolism because the skin in that area is thin and absorbs chemicals quickly. It also suggests that ingredients in synthetic perfumes, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormones and irritate the skin. FACT: Scientific studies show that some chemicals used in […]

17
Mar

How heat dehydration and pollution are impacting kidney health in India

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is emerging as a major public health concern in India, with research showing a steady rise in its prevalence over the past decade. A review published in the journal Kidney International Reports estimates that nearly 13% of the Indian population may be affected by CKD, placing a significant burden on the country’s healthcare system […]

polio victory to TB fight
16
Mar

From polio victory to TB fight: First Check champions India’s public health mission

  • Dr Sabba Mehmood / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

  The journey of First Check is rooted in a strong belief in the power of credible and timely information. In public health, access to accurate, evidence-based information is essential to protect lives, guide communities, and strengthen health systems. First Check supports this effort by verifying online claims, debunking unscientific narratives, and expanding access to […]

sugar
16
Mar

FACT CHECK: Does sugar affect children’s mood and behaviour?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Children who consume sugar and processed foods such as cakes, bread, ice cream and chocolates become restless, stubborn and prone to anger due to unhealthy gut bacteria. Eliminating sugar, packaged foods, and adopting practices like fasting and early dinners can improve their gut health, mood and overall mental well-being.   FACT: False. Scientific evidence […]

life
13
Mar

India’s top court allows withdrawal of life support for man in decade-long vegetative state

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

In a landmark ruling, India’s Supreme Court has permitted the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for a 31-year-old man who has remained in a vegetative state for more than a decade, marking the first court-approved instance of passive euthanasia in the country. The case relates to Harish Rana, who suffered severe head injuries after falling from […]

hair loss
13
Mar

FACT CHECK: Does creatine cause hair loss?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: Creatine does not cause hair loss. There is no solid scientific evidence proving a direct link between creatine supplementation and baldness. FACT: There is no strong scientific evidence that creatine causes hair loss, and recent clinical research has found no significant impact on DHT levels or hair growth. However, individuals should consult a healthcare […]

cancer
13
Mar

Cancer breakthrough: New immune therapy destroys tumours without wrecking the immune system

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

A new type of immune cell therapy has wiped out cancer in mice without damaging the rest of the immune system, a long-standing problem with today’s CAR-T treatments, and may also open the door to safer therapies for autoimmune diseases such as lupus. The research, published in Science Translational Medicine, describes a next-generation CAR-T therapy that […]

kidney
13
Mar

India has the world’s second-highest CKD burden: Early kidney disease signs you shouldn’t ignore

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Chronic kidney disease is emerging as a major public health concern worldwide, with India carrying a particularly heavy burden. A recent Lancet study estimates that India now has the second-highest number of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) globally. In 2023, around 13.8 crore Indians were affected by the condition, second only to China’s 15.2 crore cases. The global […]

organ
11
Mar

Organ transplants rise fourfold to nearly 20,000 in 2025, but demand–supply gap persists

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Organ transplants in India have risen nearly fourfold over the past decade, climbing from fewer than 5,000 procedures in 2013 to almost 20,000 in 2025, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday. Citing data from the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), the ministry described the surge as a significant milestone […]

10
Mar

Is the doctor on Raj Shamani’s podcast right about plastic bottle and nail polish cancer claims?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Drinking water from plastic bottles is “poison” and can cause cancer. Using nail polish and artificial nails, especially while eating food with them on, can also lead to cancer. FACT: There is no reliable scientific evidence that drinking water from plastic bottles or using nail polish and artificial nails causes cancer under normal, real-world […]

long covid
10
Mar

Long Covid’s long shadow: The infection linked to rising depression and anxiety years later

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

The mental health effects of Long COVID may last far longer than many people realise — in some cases, up to three years after the initial infection, a major new study has found. The research, published in BMC Public Health, followed adults in Michigan who had PCR-confirmed COVID-19 and tracked their mental health over nearly three years. […]

vitamin d
08
Mar

FACT CHECK: Can low Vitamin D and B12 make you depressed?

  • admin / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Low levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 mean a person is “100 per cent depressed,” even if they are unaware of it. Nearly all patients with depression have deficiencies in these vitamins, and correcting them is essential. FACT: Low levels of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 have been associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms in several […]

roti
08
Mar

FACT CHECK: Does burnt roti lead to cancer due to Acrylamide?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Burnt roti, phulka, or any charred food releases acrylamide, a carcinogenic chemical. Regularly eating burnt rotis made on gas or griddles can increase the risk of cancer.   FACT: False. Acrylamide forms naturally when starchy foods like roti or bread are cooked at high temperatures and browned, and it is classified as a probable carcinogen based mainly on animal […]

breast
08
Mar

‘Start by knowing your normal,’ says Dr Haridas P. Mani on breast cancer awareness

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and women bear a significant share of the burden. According to the World Cancer Research Fund (2022), an estimated 96.65 lakh new cancer cases were diagnosed among women worldwide, with 7.22 lakh cases reported in India. According to the India Fact Sheet (GLOBOCAN 2022), breast cancer is the most […]

tea
08
Mar

FACT CHECK: Should babies be given tea? Does feeding only milk after 6 months lead to anaemia?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 2 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Giving tea to babies and continuing to feed only milk after six months can harm their health. Tea may block iron absorption and lead to anaemia, while milk alone is not enough to meet a growing baby’s nutritional needs.   FACT: Research indicates that tea can interfere with iron absorption and may increase the risk of iron […]

08
Mar

How owning a dog could boost your heart and brain health

  • First Check Team / 2 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Muzamil Hilal, 26, from Rawalpora in Srinagar, has had a dog and a cat for several years now. He says they have made a “world of difference” to his family’s life. “It is like raising children at home. They cheer you up all day long,” says Hilal. “My mother used to feel quite depressed earlier, […]

eye
03
Mar

FACT CHECK: Does endless scrolling damage your eyesight?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Watching reels for long hours puts the eye in a constant “near vision” mode, leading to strain and potentially causing or worsening myopia (minus power).   FACT: Current evidence suggests that prolonged screen time may increase the risk of developing and worsening myopia in children, particularly with limited outdoor activity. Experts add that in […]

tea
03
Mar

FACT CHECK: Does drinking tea in paper cups pose health risks?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Drinking hot tea or coffee in disposable paper cups releases thousands of microplastic particles into the body because the inner plastic lining melts on contact with heat. These microplastics can cause cancer and increase the risk of pancreatic disease, making paper cups unsafe for consumption.   FACT: Partially true. Plastic-lined paper cups can release microplastic particles […]

nuclear
03
Mar

Proximity to nuclear plants linked to higher cancer mortality: Harvard study

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

US counties located closer to operational nuclear power plants (NPPs) have recorded higher cancer mortality rates than those farther away, according to a new nationwide study led by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Published on February 23 in Nature Communications, the study is the first in the 21st century to assess […]

stress
03
Mar

The psychology behind ‘Punch’; What science says about abandonment and stress in Japanese Macaques

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

You must have watched heartwarming videos of baby monkey Punch on social media – clips of him clinging tightly to a stuffed orange orangutan, wandering alone, and at times being chased by older monkeys. What began as a few short clips soon became a collective emotional response online, with viewers projecting their own stories of rejection […]

Exam
27
Feb

Board Exams 2026: Experts share smart stress survival tips to boost your performance

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Exam season is here, whether it’s Class 10, Class 12 board exams or any other competitive test, and with revision schedules tightening, stress levels are rising too. In these crucial months, students often find themselves caught in a cycle of anxiety, sleepless nights, and constant pressure to perform. While we often tend to ignore it, […]

fish
26
Feb

FACT CHECK: Does eating fish improve your heart and mental health?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Eating fish regularly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation and depression due to its Omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein content. Consuming fish two to three times a week improves heart, joint, thyroid and overall mental health. FACT: Regular fish consumption is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular mortality, likely due to omega-3 […]

blood
26
Feb

Struggling with blood sugar? Your body may thank you for consuming THIS vegetable

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Peas are extremely nutrient-dense and provide significant amounts of fibre, protein, vitamins, and antioxidants despite their small size. Consuming peas regularly, whether fresh or frozen, can support overall health, including digestion, immunity, and eye health. FACT: Scientific evidence shows that green peas are a nutrient-dense food rich in fibre, plant-based protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, which support […]

vaccination
24
Feb

Govt to roll out free single-dose HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls

  • First Check Team / 3 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

The Union government is set to launch a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive offering a free single dose of Gardasil to 14-year-old girls in a major push to reduce cervical cancer in India. The special campaign, which will not be part of the Universal Immunisation Programme, aims to immunise girls at an age when […]

24
Feb

Pushing the physiological limits: What an 81-year-old ultramarathoner reveals about ageing and endurance

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

For decades, ageing has been widely associated with inevitable physical decline. Muscle strength weakens, endurance drops, and recovery slows. This narrative has shaped not only medical understanding but also societal expectations, that physical performance after 70 or 80 is defined largely by limitation rather than capability. Even among healthy individuals, reduced aerobic capacity and cardiovascular […]

depression
23
Feb

Ever wondered how cutting your TV time could reduce depression risk by up to 43%?

  • First Check Team / 3 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Television has long been part of everyday life, and conversations around excessive TV use have often focused on its effects on eyesight, sleep quality, and brain health. From warnings about eye strain to concerns about sedentary lifestyles, the risks of spending too much time in front of screens are well recognised. However, emerging research now suggests that […]

babies
23
Feb

FACT CHECK: Are lean babies less healthy than chubby babies?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: A baby’s health cannot be judged by whether they are lean or chubby. As long as the child is active, meeting developmental milestones on time, and growing according to the growth chart, body size alone does not determine health. FACT: True. There is no scientific evidence that chubby babies are healthier than lean babies. A baby’s health […]

crocs
18
Feb

FACT CHECK: Are the Crocs you are wearing not that great for you?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Wearing Crocs regularly for long hours can harm your feet because they lack proper arch support and heel stability. Prolonged use may lead to foot strain, heel pain, and tendon-related problems, especially in people who stand or walk a lot.   FACT: True. Crocs (clogs) can be comfortable for short, low-impact use but may […]

child
18
Feb

FACT CHECK: Should you worry if your child snores regularly?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Routine snoring in children is not normal and may indicate an underlying airway obstruction such as enlarged tonsils, adenoids, allergies, or obesity. Persistent snoring can affect sleep quality, behaviour, and overall health, and may require medical evaluation.   FACT: Scientific evidence shows that while occasional snoring in children can be normal, habitual or regular […]

icmr
17
Feb

ICMR launches AI surveillance tool to strengthen pandemic preparedness

  • First Check Team / 3 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has rolled out an artificial intelligence-driven surveillance system under the National One Health Mission, aimed at predicting and detecting potential pandemics before they escalate. The new tool is designed to shift India’s public health approach from reactive outbreak management to predictive surveillance. By analysing genomic data, regional disease […]

babies
17
Feb

FACT CHECK: Is clinginess in babies normal, or a sign of concern?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Clinginess in babies after the first year is a normal developmental phase and reflects secure emotional attachment, not a behavioural problem. It indicates healthy psychological and emotional development rather than dependency or weakness.   FACT: True. Clinginess in babies is a normal part of emotional and psychological development and reflects secure attachment and healthy […]

diabetes
17
Feb

Economic Survey 2025–26 flags rising obesity, diabetes and digital addiction in India

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Rising obesity, diabetes, mental health problems and digital addiction are emerging as major public health challenges in India, the Economic Survey 2025–26 has warned, even as the country records steady gains in maternal and child healthcare outcomes. The Survey flags lifestyle diseases and behavioural health risks as growing threats to long-term wellbeing and workforce productivity. Presented in Parliament on […]

blood pressure
16
Feb

Two injections a year for blood pressure? Lancet review signals major shift in hypertension care

  • First Check Team / 3 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

A new review published in The Lancet has signalled what could become a major shift in the treatment of high blood pressure, including the possibility of long-acting therapies that may require as few as two injections a year. The review underlines a stark reality: “Despite the availability of effective antihypertensive therapies, global blood pressure control […]

bird flu
16
Feb

Can eating chicken spread bird flu? Experts bust 5 common myths

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

The outbreak of bird flu in neighbouring Tamil Nadu has raised concerns in Andhra Pradesh, prompting authorities to step up surveillance to prevent a possible spread of the virus. The alert comes after avian influenza was confirmed in dead crows in Chennai, with health officials issuing advisories and strengthening monitoring measures across bordering regions. While such alerts are precautionary, outbreaks […]

16
Feb

Stop believing these cancer myths before it’s too late

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Cancer remains one of the world’s biggest health challenges. In 2020 alone, nearly 1 crore people died due to cancer, with breast, lung, colorectal, prostate and stomach cancers among the most commonly diagnosed. Every year, around 4 lakh children develop cancer, and in 23 countries, cervical cancer remains the most common cancer among women. Yet, despite rising numbers, misinformation continues to shape […]

brain
14
Feb

A new study suggests that when you train your body, you are also training your brain

  • First Check Team / 3 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Research published in Neuron shows that repeated exercise rewires specific neurons in the brain, and that this rewiring is essential for improving endurance over time. The work helps explain why running or cycling gets easier with practice — not just because muscles adapt, but because the brain changes too. The study, titled “Exercise-induced activation of […]

rashes
13
Feb

FACT CHECK: Are all rashes in babies a sign of chickenpox?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Most rashes in babies and young children are being wrongly labelled as chickenpox (‘mata’), leading to unnecessary panic and the spread of unscientific practices related to bathing, food, and maternal behaviour. Many of these rashes are actually common viral or allergic skin reactions and not chickenpox.  FACT: True. Most baby rashes are caused by viral infections, skin […]

women
12
Feb

FACT CHECK: Are myths causing women to consume less protein than they actually need?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Women need the same amount of protein per kilogram of body weight as men, and may sometimes require even more due to physiological factors like the menstrual cycle and recovery needs. Despite this, many women consume less protein because of myths that it causes bulkiness or harms health. FACT: Protein requirements are not based on gender. […]

12
Feb

Building a Healthier India with AI HOIAI2026

  • Dr. Sabba Mehmood / 3 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

  The journey of First Check has always been rooted in a single, unwavering pursuit: the power of credible information. After a transformative 2025, marked by our content partnership with THE WEEK and an expanding network of verified health resources, we entered 2026 with a vision to move from conversation to high-impact action. On January […]

breastfeeding
12
Feb

Can you feed while sick? Debunking 5 common breastfeeding myths

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Becoming a mother is overwhelming, beautiful, and exhausting – all at once. If you’ve clicked on this article, know this first: you are not alone, and your concerns deserve to be heard. From relatives and neighbours to social media “experts” and viral reels, new mothers are constantly bombarded with advice about what they should or […]

household
12
Feb

FACT CHECK: Think household chores are enough to stay fit? You might be wrong

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Household chores by themselves are not sufficient to meet daily fitness needs. Relying only on kitchen work or routine domestic activity as exercise can be misleading, and dedicated physical activity of at least 30 minutes a day is necessary to maintain health and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases. FACT: Household chores do burn calories and […]

baby
11
Feb

FACT CHECK: Is there a ‘right age’ to pierce a baby’s ears?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Ear piercing is safest for babies between 2 and 6 months of age, preferably after the first vaccination, and doing it earlier or without proper hygiene can increase the risk of infection and complications. FACT: There is no single ‘right age’ to pierce a baby’s ears, but medical experts advise caution. Some medical journals […]

ghee
11
Feb

Aditi Rao Hydari, Sidhu and Archana Puran Singh praise desi ghee for fitness — What does science say? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Celebrities suggest that consuming desi ghee, even in generous amounts, does not lead to weight gain and may help the body burn fat when eaten in the morning. FACT: False. Scientific studies highlight mixed effects of ghee on health, showing both potential benefits and possible cardiovascular risks depending on intake and individual response. While small […]

cancer
10
Feb

Is hyaluronic acid gel the next breakthrough in gynaecological cancer treatment?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

A new study published in the ‘Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences’ has found that stabilised hyaluronic acid (sHA) gel can be safely and effectively used as a rectal spacer during radiation treatment for gynaecological cancers. Conducted by clinician-researchers from Austin Health in Australia, the research is the “first” to test this technique in women undergoing MRI-guided […]

baby
10
Feb

FACT CHECK: Is it necessary to remove baby’s hair with ‘atta loi’ and other methods?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Traditional practices like rubbing ‘atta loi’ or turmeric on a newborn’s skin to remove fine body hair are harmful, unnecessary, and can lead to skin damage and infections, as baby hair naturally sheds on its own. FACT: Lanugo is a normal, temporary type of fine hair in newborns that naturally sheds on its own within weeks or […]

10
Feb

FACT CHECK: Does applying ghee on roti lower the risk of diabetes?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: Eating roti with ghee prevents blood sugar spikes and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, while eating dry roti increases diabetes risk. FACT: There is no scientific evidence that adding ghee to roti prevents diabetes. Experts explain that while fat may slightly slow digestion and reduce the immediate blood sugar spike, the total […]

mental
09
Feb

How is AI addressing gaps in mental healthcare in India?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

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. Approximately 15% of adults experience mental health issues requiring professional intervention, but awareness, access, and […]

india
09
Feb

Care on wheels: How India joined the global frontline of emergency stroke treatment

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in India, placing a massive burden on families and the healthcare system. In a stroke, every minute matters; nearly 1.9 billion brain cells are lost every minute when treatment is delayed. Timely care within the “golden hour” can significantly reduce mortality and prevent lifelong […]

curd
06
Feb

FACT CHECK: Can you fall ill if you have curd during the winter?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM:  Consuming curd in winter does not cause colds or coughs and is safe to eat during colder months.    FACT:  True. Consuming curd in winter is safe for most people and does not cause colds or respiratory infections. Scientific studies show that probiotic fermented dairy products may actually help reduce the duration and risk of upper […]

leprosy
06
Feb

Leprosy in India: How it spreads and why children are still at risk

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease and one of the world’s oldest known illnesses, is now fully curable but continues to affect thousands of people every year, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 188 countries, areas and territories reported leprosy data in 2024, accounting for 1.72 lakh new cases. Of […]

india
06
Feb

Why one in two pregnancies in India is high-risk | Explained

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

An analysis by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, has found a startling reality – nearly half of all pregnancies in India can now be classified as high-risk. The findings, drawn from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), shed light on […]

drinking
05
Feb

FACT CHECK: Can drinking too much water also be harmful? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Forcing excessive water intake is unhealthy and misleading, as hydration needs vary by individual, and drinking too much water at once can increase the risk of water intoxication and electrolyte imbalance. FACT: Drinking excessive amounts of water, especially over a short period, can be harmful and may lead to dilutional hyponatremia (water intoxication). Experts suggest […]

heart
05
Feb

If you have been sleeping with the lights on, your heart could be paying the price

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

By the time you are reading this, you must be aware deep inside how important sleep is for health. Sleep is not just a period of rest; it is a vital biological process that allows the body to repair itself, regulate hormones, and restore energy. For many, sleep is like a see-saw; some struggle to […]

drool
05
Feb

Fact Check: Does excessive drooling mean your baby is sick?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 3 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: Excessive drooling in babies is a normal part of growth and development and should not be mistaken for illness, stomach worms, or problems related to the mother’s diet or pregnancy. FACT: True. Drooling in babies is a normal developmental process that usually begins around 3–4 months and may continue up to two years due […]

diabetes
04
Feb

India bears the world’s second-highest economic burden of diabetes; Why it matters | Explained 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

India faces the second-highest economic burden due to diabetes, estimated at USD 16.5 trillion, a new global study has found, second only to the United States at USD 11.4 trillion, and ahead of China at USD 11 trillion—with informal care costs contributing significantly to the burden. The estimate captures the cumulative economic shock of a chronic […]

inflammation
04
Feb

FACT CHECK: Does ghee help reduce inflammation? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Eating one teaspoon of ghee daily on an empty stomach can reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and support hormone balance. FACT: Ghee contains bioactive components like butyric acid and other fatty acids that may support gut health and have anti-inflammatory effects, but most evidence comes from animal studies and mechanistic research. There is no strong human clinical […]

health
04
Feb

AI in health care needs direction, not just speed 

  • Deepak Kumar Gautam / 4 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Technology has a role in advancing humanity, extending from improving lives, reducing suffering, and the well-being of humans. Each major leap of technology, from antibiotics to medical imaging to telemedicine, has transformed health care. India’s health care system is now navigating such a decisive journey in the context of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 1.4 billion […]

healthcare
03
Feb

From diagnostics to policy: How AI is transforming healthcare in India

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and healthcare in India is no exception. From AI-driven cancer screening solutions to advanced diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, India is increasingly leveraging AI to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and precise. The technology can help health practitioners make better decisions, enabling early detection and supporting timely interventions, especially in resource-constrained and […]

baby
03
Feb

FACT CHECK: Are you hurting your baby by massaging too hard?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM:  Forceful or aggressive baby massages, including hard strokes, nose pressing, and rubbing the chest to “clean” white milk discharge, are harmful and do not make babies stronger.  FACT:  True. Experts suggest that infant massage is safe and beneficial only when done gently with light pressure, safe oils, and proper technique, supporting circulation, digestion, sleep, […]

breast
02
Feb

Can physical activity in adolescence lower breast cancer risk?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

A new study has found that regular physical activity during adolescence may play a protective role in reducing biological indicators linked to breast cancer risk later in life. Researchers suggest that engaging in recreational physical activity during the crucial years of breast development can influence breast tissue composition and lower markers of physiological stress, both of […]

nimhans
02
Feb

Mental health gets focus in Budget 2026 as Sitharaman announces NIMHANS 2.0

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

Mental healthcare received a policy mention in the Union Budget 2026–27, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) campus in North India. Presenting the budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said the move was necessitated by the lack of adequate mental health institutions in the northern region […]

sleeping
30
Jan

FACT CHECK: Can sleeping in cold AC at night affect liver recovery?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Sleeping in a cold AC can slow down the liver’s detox and repair processes at night, affecting recovery and overall health. FACT: False. There is currently no human scientific evidence proving that sleeping in a cold, air-conditioned room disrupts liver detoxification or recovery. Research linking cold exposure to liver stress is largely based on limited animal […]

running
30
Jan

FACT CHECK: Can running without preparation harm your knees? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Random, unstructured running, especially without adequate strength and mobility training, can place excessive stress on the knees and lead to knee pain or injury, rather than improving joint health. FACT: Scientific evidence suggests that running itself does not damage the knees, but inadequate preparation, such as muscle imbalances, poor form, or sudden increases in […]

menopause
29
Jan

Menopause linked to brain changes in memory and emotional regulation regions: Study

  • First Check Team / 4 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

A major UK study analysing data from nearly 125,000 women has found that menopause is associated with measurable changes in brain regions critical for memory, spatial navigation and emotional regulation,  the same areas that are affected early in Alzheimer’s disease. The research, published this week in Psychological Medicine by Cambridge University Press, examined mental health, […]

fatty liver
29
Jan

Why India now ranks among the world’s top 3 for fatty liver disease | Explained

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

India is witnessing a silent but alarming rise in fatty liver disease, now placing the country among the world’s top three most affected nations. A recent global study published in the ‘Journal of the American Medical Association’ reveals that metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, has become the most common chronic liver […]

oil
27
Jan

Can fish oil reduce heart complications in dialysis patients?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

A new study published in ‘The New England Journal of Medicine’ has found that taking a daily fish oil supplement can significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular complications in people undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure. The results are particularly significant given that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among people with kidney failure. Chronic kidney disease affects […]

chocolate
27
Jan

FACT CHECK: Is the viral strawberry–dark chocolate combo good for your periods? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: The strawberry–dark chocolate combination is a healthy period snack that can help reduce inflammation and menstrual cramps, improve mood, curb sugar cravings, support digestion, and ease bloating during menstruation. FACT: Scientific evidence suggests that strawberries and dark chocolate contain nutrients—like antioxidants, vitamin C, and magnesium- that may help reduce inflammation, support mood, and relax muscles during […]

23
Jan

AI key to solving India’s healthcare scale and equity challenge, say experts at SKIMS pre-summit

  • First Check Team / 4 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Artificial intelligence has moved from being a futuristic concept to an indispensable tool for addressing India’s deep-rooted healthcare challenges of scale, access and equity, experts said at the Official Pre-Summit of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted by the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar on Thursday. Setting the tone for the […]

weekend
21
Jan

FACT CHECK: Can sleeping late on weekends do more harm than good?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Sleeping late on weekends can negatively affect your mood, weight, and overall health by disrupting your body’s internal clock.   FACT: While extra sleep may temporarily reduce tiredness, large shifts in sleep timing can disrupt the body’s internal clock, a phenomenon known as social jet lag, which has been linked to mood changes, weight […]

monkey
21
Jan

Explained: Are monkey bites a public health emergency in India?

  • First Check Team / 4 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Monkey attacks are no longer isolated incidents confined to forest fringes or temple towns. Across India’s cities, encounters with the aggressive animals have become a daily public safety concern, causing injuries and even deaths. A couple of months back, in Gujarat’s Gomtipur at least 12 people were bitten by monkeys in five days. Early last […]

child
21
Jan

NIMHANS trains parents to tackle child technology addiction

  • First Check Team / 4 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

As concerns grow over children’s excessive dependence on mobile phones, online games and social media, Bengaluru-based NIMHANS has launched a structured, community-based programme to help parents manage what experts increasingly describe as technology addiction. The initiative is being run through NIMHANS’s SHUT Clinic (Service for Healthy Use of Technology) in collaboration with the NIMHANS Centre […]

india
20
Jan

India doesn’t know the causes of 4 out of every 5 deaths; ICMR study reveals 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research has found that India still lacks reliable information on the medical causes behind most deaths, raising serious concerns about health planning, disease surveillance, and policy priorities. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, show that despite improvements in death registration, only a small proportion of deaths […]

soups
20
Jan

FACT CHECK: Are packaged soups as healthy as you think?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Packaged soup premixes are not truly healthy as they contain very little real vegetables, excessive sodium and unnecessary additives, making them unsuitable for regular consumption compared to homemade soups. FACT: True. While soups made with fresh vegetables, broths, and legumes are highly nutritious, packaged, canned, or cream-based soups often contain high sodium, additives, and sometimes contaminants, making them less healthy for regular consumption compared to homemade […]

pregnancy
19
Jan

How maternal stress during pregnancy alters fetal brain development

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Stress during pregnancy, triggered by immune activation, infections, or changes in gut health, may have lasting effects on a child’s brain development, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders later in life. A new genetic study in mice, published in Nature Neuroscience, sheds light on this process at a molecular level by mapping the neuroimmune environment of […]

sugary
19
Jan

Low tax on sugary drinks and alcohol fuels health risks, WHO warns 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are becoming cheaper across much of the world, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that this trend is already fuelling a surge in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and injury-related deaths, particularly among children and young adults. In two new global reports released this week, the WHO has urged governments to strengthen taxes on […]

16
Jan

A new year, a bigger and better Health of India Summit

  • Mariyam Alavi / 4 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

    Happy New Year to all our First Check readers!!! The last year was all about growth, collaborations, and innovations for First Check. From the continued content sharing partnership with THE WEEK, where one can read First Check’s verified and credible health-related articles on THE WEEK’s website, to becoming a member of the Trusted […]

kajal
16
Jan

FACT CHECK: Is kajal safe for babies’ eyes? Doctors break down the science of lead and infection

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Applying kajal to children’s eyes is dangerous, offers no health benefit, and can harm vision by causing allergies and eye infections. FACT:  Kajal, kohl, or surma can contain high levels of lead and other toxic metals, which may cause eye irritation, infections, and systemic lead poisoning in infants. Scientific studies and health authorities like the FDA […]

WHO
16
Jan

Why WHO is applauding India’s big move to go mercury-free in health care

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Recently, WHO hailed India’s efforts to phase out mercury from medical devices, calling it a critical step toward safer healthcare systems and healthier communities. Mercury, long used in medical devices, is highly toxic and is classified by the World Health Organisation as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern for its harmful effects on the brain, nervous system, […]

colorectal cancer
14
Jan

How intense workouts signal the bloodstream to suppress colorectal cancer genes

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer has found that even brief bouts of intense physical activity can trigger molecular changes in the body that may help suppress the growth of colorectal cancer cells and accelerate DNA repair mechanisms. Researchers from Newcastle University in the UK report that just 10 minutes of high-intensity exercise can alter the […]

gums
14
Jan

FACT CHECK: Are bleeding gums linked to heart disease and diabetes?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Bleeding gums are not just a dental issue but can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes due to long-term inflammation and bacterial spread through the bloodstream.   FACT:  Bleeding gums, a sign of periodontal disease, are linked to poorer blood sugar control in diabetes and a higher risk of heart disease and […]

smoking
14
Jan

Can smoking REALLY cause early cataracts? What experts say after BeerBiceps’ viral reel

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cataracts at an early age. An unhealthy lifestyle, along with factors such as excessive sun exposure, diabetes, and genetic predisposition, can accelerate early-onset cataracts, especially among younger people. FACT: Smoking is a well-established risk factor for cataracts in general, but current scientific evidence does not conclusively prove […]

brain
14
Jan

Is climate change fueling the spread of the ‘brain-eating amoeba’? Study reveals

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

A new perspective study published in the journal ‘Biocontaminant’ has flagged a growing but largely overlooked global health threat, free-living amoebae, a group of microscopic organisms that thrive in soil and water and, in rare cases, can cause fatal infections in humans. Scientists warn that climate change, ageing water infrastructure, and gaps in surveillance systems are creating conditions […]

alcohol
12
Jan

FACT CHECK: Does alcohol really keep you warm during winters?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:  Alcohol does not truly keep the body warm; the warmth felt is temporary, and drinking alcohol can actually lower core body temperature. FACT:  Alcohol does not keep the body warm. Scientific studies and medical experts show that alcohol disrupts normal temperature regulation and increases the risk of hypothermia, especially in cold conditions. In a viral Instagram reel posted by dietician Bhawesh […]

ivf
11
Jan

Human eggs ‘rejuvenated’ in breakthrough that could improve IVF success rates: report

  • First Check Team / 4 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Scientists have claimed to have “rejuvenated” human eggs for the first time, a development that could significantly improve IVF success rates for older women, according to research reported by The Guardian. The study suggests that age-related defects in eggs — a major cause of IVF failure and miscarriage — can be reduced by supplementing eggs […]

typhoid
09
Jan

Typhoid explained: How Salmonella Typhi spreads and why children are most vulnerables

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Typhoid, a life-threatening but preventable infection, remains a serious public health challenge, silently affecting millions every year and disproportionately hospitalising children. In India, nearly 47 lakh typhoid cases were recorded in 2023, with about 7,400 reported deaths. In fact, the current situation in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, has once again drawn attention to this persistent disease. Due to leakage in […]

hair
09
Jan

FACT CHECK: Does hair turn white earlier in vegetarians than in non-vegetarians?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Premature greying of hair is linked to diet, with vegetarians being more prone to early greying due to vitamin B12 deficiency that affects melanin production and hair pigmentation. FACT:  False. While low vitamin B12 levels have been associated with premature greying of hair, there is no conclusive evidence that vegetarians turn grey earlier than […]

device
09
Jan

Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal’s ‘Temple’ device is the talk of the town— but does it work? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Most of us were left wondering about one particular detail while listening to Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal speak about gig workers, entrepreneurship and building scale on Raj Shamani’s YouTube podcast – what was that tiny metallic-looking device stuck to his temple? As the podcast clips spread across social media, the device became a distraction of […]

weight
08
Jan

FACT CHECK: Does green tea really help with weight loss?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: The amount of catechins in a single cup of green tea is too low to cause meaningful weight loss, with studies showing only modest effects at much higher doses. Consuming green tea in excess to achieve such doses may pose health risks rather than benefits. FACT: True. Experts caution that relying on green tea […]

insomnia
08
Jan

Can anxiety and insomnia weaken the immune system?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Remember the times when people taunt you for not sleeping properly or casually label you an “insomniac,” or tell you to “calm down” when you seem anxious? What is often brushed off as a lifestyle issue or mood fluctuation may have deeper health consequences. A new study published in ‘Frontiers in Immunology’ has found that both […]

babies
08
Jan

FACT CHECK: Are bluish-grey spots on babies normal? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM:  Bluish-grey spots seen on a baby’s skin, especially on the back or buttocks, are a normal birthmark known as a Mongolian spot. These marks are harmless, require no treatment, and usually fade on their own as the child grows.   FACT:  True. Bluish-grey or black marks seen on newborns are commonly dermal melanocytosis (also known as […]

healthcare
08
Jan

India bets on AI to expand its public healthcare mission

  • Riyaz Wani / 4 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Artificial intelligence is no longer an abstract promise in India’s healthcare system; it is now a structural tool being built into public health delivery, especially for a country whose size and population demand solutions that can scale quickly, reliably and affordably. What makes India’s approach notable is not technological ambition alone, but the decision to […]

flu vaccines
07
Jan

Flu vaccines don’t work? Experts push back hard on Dr Oz’s viral remarks

  • First Check Team / 4 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Dr Mehmet Oz, administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, questioned the effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccines, calling them “controversial” and suggesting that lifestyle measures such as sunlight, supplements, exercise, and sleep can help the body “overwhelm” influenza instead of relying on vaccination. FACT: Scientific evidence from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention […]

06
Jan

IBD explained: How missing ‘good’ gut bacteria could spark Crohn’s and colitis

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

People often complain of recurring stomach pain, frequent diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss or constant fatigue, brushing these symptoms aside as ‘gas’, food intolerance, or stress. But for many, these early signs mark the onset of a far more serious condition. A new international study has now found that the loss of beneficial gut bacteria may play a […]

colorectal cancer
06
Jan

Why colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50: Scientists find a new clue

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 4 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Centre has found that increased stiffness of the colon, driven largely by chronic inflammation and tissue scarring, may raise the risk of developing early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC).   Colorectal cancers that occur after the age of 50 and are not linked to […]

potatoes
05
Jan

FACT CHECK: Can sweet potatoes help manage cholesterol, diabetes, and constipation? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM:  Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and beta-carotene, which may help support healthy cholesterol, blood sugar, and digestion when eaten with the skin and paired with a source of fat. Boiling and refrigerating them can lower their glycemic index, making them safer for people with diabetes.   FACT:  Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre and resistant […]

05
Jan

Are your ‘sugar-free’ habits secretly harming your liver? New study flags concerns

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

A recent study found that artificial sweeteners, including sugar alcohols like sorbitol, may not be as harmless as previously thought. Published in Science Signaling, the research highlights how these sugar substitutes can affect liver metabolism and contribute to steatotic liver disease, raising concerns about their widespread use. Considering that artificial sweeteners are often perceived as healthier alternatives to sugar, […]

depression
05
Jan

These 6 depression symptoms in midlife could raise dementia risk by nearly 50%

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry identifies six specific depressive symptoms that, when experienced in midlife, are linked to a substantially higher risk of developing dementia later in life, with symptoms associated with nearly a 50 per cent increase in risk. These symptoms range from losing your self-confidence and not feeling warmth or affection for others to feeling stressed all the time […]

eyes
04
Jan

Fact Check: Are puffy eyes an early sign of Nephrotic Syndrome in kids?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:   Puffiness around a child’s eyes, especially when it is more noticeable in the morning, can be an early warning sign of kidney disease, such as nephrotic syndrome. Early recognition of this symptom can help in timely diagnosis and treatment.  FACT:   True. Persistent morning puffiness around a child’s eyes can be an early sign of nephrotic syndrome, […]

vacccine
02
Jan

HPV vaccine cuts precancer risk by over 50 per cent when given early, study finds

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Despite persistent misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, a new study published in JAMA Oncology has revealed that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of precancerous lesions of the vulva and vagina in girls and women. The study showed that women who received at least one dose of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine had a 37 per […]

heart
02
Jan

Uterine fibroids may raise heart disease risk by over 80 per cent: What every woman needs to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that women with uterine fibroids have an over 80 per cent higher risk of developing long-term heart disease compared to those without the condition. Considering that uterine fibroids affect 20–30 per cent of women, with up to 77 per cent developing them at […]

ayurveda
02
Jan

FACT CHECK: Can ayurveda really cure cancer? What science actually says

  • First Check Team / 5 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: A widely viewed YouTube video claims that cancer, including throat cancer, can be cured solely through ayurvedic treatment if “proper procedures” are followed. The video features anecdotal testimonies from individuals who say they recovered from cancer after taking ayurvedic medicines and questions the need for allopathic treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.  FACT: The claim that […]

ozempic
01
Jan

Can ozempic LOWER epilepsy risk? New study finds surprising link in diabetes patients

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

A new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has found a potential link between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs and a lower risk of developing epilepsy among people with type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that people using these glucose-lowering medications, including semaglutide, which is sold under the brand […]

diet
01
Jan

Fact check: Is the one meal a day diet a safe strategy for weight loss?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM:  The one-meal-a-day (OMAD) diet is unsafe, impractical, and not backed by strong scientific evidence for sustainable weight loss. It can lead to nutrient deficiencies, low energy levels, hypoglycaemia, especially in people with diabetes, and may increase long-term cardiovascular and overall mortality risk, while weight change ultimately depends on total calorie intake rather than meal frequency.    FACT:  […]

rabies
29
Dec

FACT CHECK: Can rabies REALLY spread through infected cow’s milk?

  • First Check Team / 5 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Rabies can spread through the milk of an infected, rabid cattle. FACT: There are no evidence-based report of rabies spreading through milk, even if the animal is infected. Medical and veterinary experts say rabies is transmitted almost exclusively through the saliva of an infected animal—typically via bites—and not through milk. Earlier this week, panic gripped the Piprauli village in Uttar […]

vaping
26
Dec

Vaping isn’t safer than smoking: ICMR study links e-cigarettes to higher heart attack risk

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

A new comprehensive review led by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR) raises serious concerns about vaping—a trend that is gripping India. Analysing data from 12 global studies with over 1.2 million participants, researchers found that e-cigarette users face a significantly higher risk of heart attacks, up to 53 per […]

coffee
24
Dec

Does high coffee intake weaken bones in older women? | Explained  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

We all reach for tea or coffee to kickstart the day, push through long work hours, or simply feel more alert. But could this everyday habit be quietly affecting bone health? A new study published in Nutrients suggests it might; at least for older women. Tracking nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and above over a decade, researchers found that while tea […]

health
24
Dec

Switching to jaggery for health? Here’s what science really says

  • First Check Team / 5 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM A viral Instagram reel claims that jaggery (gud) is not a healthier alternative to white sugar, asserting that both have almost the same calorie content, that jaggery’s minerals are present only in trace amounts, and that, despite being less processed, jaggery spikes blood sugar levels in much the same way as refined sugar. FACT […]

vinegar
24
Dec

FACT CHECK: Do apple cider vinegar tablets really help you lose weight?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM:  Apple cider vinegar (ACV) tablets are not scientifically proven to cause significant weight loss and are being misleadingly marketed as effective weight-loss solutions despite lacking strong research evidence.   FACT:  True. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) tablets are widely promoted as effective weight-loss solutions, often endorsed by celebrities. However, there is no strong scientific evidence […]

polyester
24
Dec

FACT CHECK: Are polyester and nylon clothes disrupting your hormones without you knowing?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Polyester and nylon clothing, being plastic-based, shed micro- and nanoplastics that carry hormone-disrupting chemicals, and wearing these synthetic fabrics can interfere with the body’s hormonal system, making them unsafe for regular use. FACT:  Scientific evidence shows that polyester and nylon shed microplastic fibres and contain chemical additives such as dyes and plasticisers, some of which are linked to skin sensitisation and hormone disruption. […]

kerala
23
Dec

Does better screening explain Kerala’s high cancer numbers? Experts weigh in

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

Kerala, often praised for its public health systems and touted for its performance on development indices, has topped another metric— it has emerged as the state with the highest per capita cancer incidence in India, according to recent government data. A reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare […]

23
Dec

Fact check: Are cooked carrots really healthier for you than raw ones?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Cooked carrots are healthier than raw carrots because cooking increases the absorption of vitamin A and makes them easier to digest.  FACT:  Evidence shows that cooking carrots significantly increases the absorption of beta-carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, especially when cooked with a small amount of fat. Experts say that while raw carrots preserve […]

health
22
Dec

Universal health coverage by 2030? Why millions still can’t afford health care

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Every human being has the right to health, which is ‘the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. This fundamental right obliges countries to create and implement legislation and policies that guarantee universal access to quality health services and address the root causes of health disparities, including poverty, stigma, and discrimination. In line with […]

air
19
Dec

Why Delhi’s toxic air can be dangerous for children’s lungs

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

A thick blanket of smog has once again engulfed the national capital, with AQI levels in Delhi and several north Indian cities frequently breaching the hazardous mark. While air pollution is often discussed in broad terms, its impact on children remains deeply concerning, as faster breathing rates and developing lungs make them more vulnerable to […]

wheat
19
Dec

Fact check: Is wheat ‘poisonous’ for your child? What every parent needs to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

CLAIM: Wheat can be harmful for some children, causing poor growth and health issues. Children with celiac disease may react severely to gluten, making wheat effectively ‘poisonous’ for them. FACT:  Wheat can be harmful for some children. In those with celiac disease or certain wheat allergies, gluten triggers immune reactions that damage the small intestine, […]

air
18
Dec

Centre says ‘no conclusive data’ on air pollution casualties, but global studies warn of 15 lakh annual deaths in India

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

In a recent Rajya Sabha reply, the Centre stated that “there is no conclusive data available in the country to establish direct correlation of death/ disease exclusively due to air pollution.” This assertion comes amid widespread public concern over deteriorating air quality in India’s major cities, including Delhi and the National Capital Region, its health impacts […]

mosquitoes
17
Dec

FACT CHECK: Why do mosquitoes bite some people more than others? Science finally explains

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Some people get more mosquito bites because they exhale more carbon dioxide, produce more body heat and sweat (especially lactic acid), and belong to specific blood groups such as O or A. And that sugar intake influences mosquito attraction. FACT:  Mosquitoes are attracted to a combination of cues, including body odour (especially lactic acid), […]

mental health
17
Dec

World leaders adopt first-ever joint UN declaration on NCDs and mental health

  • First Check Team / 5 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

 World leaders meeting at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted a landmark political declaration that, for the first time, addresses noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health together under a single, integrated global framework. Adopted following months of intergovernmental negotiations and endorsed at the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control […]

covid
17
Dec

FACT CHECK: Are COVID-19 vaccines safe? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: COVID-19 vaccines may lead to Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs). FACT: COVID-19 vaccines are generally safe, with most Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) being minor and resolving on their own. Serious AEFIs are very rare and are mostly coincidental or undetermined/unclassifiable.   Ever since the pandemic, people have repeatedly raised questions about the safety of […]

baby
17
Dec

Fact check: Is swaddling your baby safe?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Tightly swaddling a baby to ‘straighten’ their hands and feet is harmful and unnecessary. Swaddling should be done loosely to manage reflexive movements, not to forcefully shape a baby’s limbs. FACT: Swaddling can help newborns sleep better by reducing their startle reflex, but it must be done safely. Studies show that improper swaddling, especially […]

baby
16
Dec

Fact check: Are baby walkers safe? The data on injuries and developmental delays says…

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM:  Baby walkers are unsafe for infants as they increase the risk of injuries and interfere with natural walking development, and therefore should not be used. FACT:  True. Using baby walkers is unsafe for infants and does not help them learn to walk faster. Multiple studies show that walkers increase the risk of serious injuries […]

children
16
Dec

Is plastic poisoning our children? UNICEF’s new report rings global alarm

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 12 min read

A UNICEF report has raised serious concerns about the growing and largely invisible threat that plastic pollution poses to children’s health and development worldwide. Titled ‘Generation Plastic: Unpacking the Impact of Plastic on Children,’ the report warns that children today are surrounded by more plastic than any previous generation, with exposure beginning even before birth and […]

mental health
16
Dec

Why are mental health services still out of reach for millions in India?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Nearly 7.3 per cent of India’s adolescents and 10.6 per cent of adults across twelve states are living with mental health disorders, according to new government data presented in the Lok Sabha, underlining a crisis in which up to 92 per cent of those affected still go without proper treatment due to stigma, low awareness and a severe […]

air
15
Dec

No clear data on pollution deaths? What studies actually say about India’s air crisis

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

In a recent Rajya Sabha reply, the Centre stated that “there is no conclusive data available in the country to establish direct correlation of death/ disease exclusively due to air pollution.” This assertion comes amid widespread public concern over deteriorating air quality in India’s major cities, including Delhi and the National Capital Region, its health impacts and […]

infant
15
Dec

Fact check: Can too many layers of clothing harm your infant?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Excessive layering of clothes can overheat newborns and cause fever, which may subside once the baby is unwrapped.  FACT: Over-layering clothes on infants can cause overheating, dehydration, and increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), especially if caps are tight or the baby sleeps in unsafe positions. Experts recommend dressing babies in […]

malaria
13
Dec

Malaria claimed over 6 lakh lives in 2024, drug resistance threatens progress | WHO report explained  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

A new World Health Organisation (WHO) report shows that malaria infected an estimated 28.2 crore people and claimed 6,10,000 lives worldwide in 2024, underscoring how the disease continues to pose a major public health burden despite decades of global progress. A major outcome of this year’s report is the alarming confirmation that antimalarial drug resistance is […]

WHO
12
Dec

WHO expert panel reaffirms: “Vaccines do not cause autism” 

  • First Check Team / 5 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

The World Health Organization’s top vaccine safety advisory body has issued a categorical reaffirmation that vaccines do not cause autism, a position directly countering recent comments by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a controversial change on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. In a statement released on Thursday, […]

weight
10
Dec

Australia issues mental health alert on weight-loss drugs as WHO sets new guidelines 

  • First Check Team / 5 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued updated safety warnings for GLP-1 receptor agonists, a fast-growing class of diabetes and weight-loss medicines, even as the World Health Organization released its first-ever global guideline on using these drugs to treat obesity. The TGA alert recently issued updates product information for all GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists currently […]

Sports
10
Dec

Fact check: Can high-intensity adventure sports like bungee jumping really trigger a cardiac arrest?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: High-intensity adventure sports can pose health risks like cardiac arrest. FACT:  High-intensity adventure sports like bungee jumping, skydiving, and mountaineering carry health risks, especially for individuals with underlying conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or high myopia. Experts warn that sudden adrenaline surges can trigger cardiovascular problems, and lack of proper preparation […]

milk
09
Dec

FACT CHECK: Should you stop boiling packaged milk?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Packaged milk (pasteurised) does not need to be boiled, and can be safely heated only till lukewarm and used directly for making tea and coffee. FACT:  Packaged milk is already pasteurised, which kills harmful bacteria and makes additional boiling generally unnecessary. Experts explain that overheating or prolonged boiling can reduce its nutritional quality, particularly […]

air purifier
09
Dec

Air purifiers can clean the air—but some may also harm you, studies warn

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

As winter deepens and pollution spikes, many households across cities like Delhi or Mumbai place faith in air purifiers as a shield against dust, smoke, and harmful particles. In bedrooms, living rooms, and even kitchens,  these devices hum away for hours. Some people keep them running almost continuously, assuming the cleaner, the better.  But could […]

antibiotic
09
Dec

India’s silent pandemic: Why antibiotics are failing and what it means for your health

  • Deepak Kumar Gautam / 5 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

Just last week, I had a throat infection, and did what many people in our country do when they have similar issues—bought some antibiotics from the nearest pharmacy, without consulting a doctor first, and chose to self-medicate. However, when I finally went to consult an ENT specialist after I was not getting better, the doctor, […]

measles
08
Dec

India among top countries hit by rising measles cases, WHO report finds

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Devonay Pena comforts her 13-month-old daughter, Jaqi Herrera, after Herrera received her first dose of the MMR vaccine at the City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, US | Reuters A new World Health Organization (WHO) report shows that while measles deaths have dropped dramatically over the past two decades, the number of infections is once […]

climate change
08
Dec

How climate change is silently crippling India’s health goals

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Climate change is increasingly being recognised not just as an environmental threat, but as a significant driver of adverse health outcomes. Studies over the years have linked climate-related events to health challenges such as cancers and maternal complications, and have said it can even fuel anxiety, depression, and stress because of a concept called solastalgia. Against this backdrop of growing evidence […]

acidity
08
Dec

Fact check: Is repeatedly boiling your tea causing acidity?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 5 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Repeatedly boiling tea increases the extraction and concentration of acidic compounds like tannins and polyphenols, thereby lowering its pH and potentially triggering acidity in some people who consume it. FACT:  Repeatedly boiling tea can increase the extraction of tannins and polyphenols, which are acidic compounds. Experts note that while this may slightly raise acidity, […]

coffee
06
Dec

Can coffee REALLY slow ageing? New study says yes — But only if you drink it right

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Coffee has been the morning buddy to kickstart work or late-night deadlines and is often associated with certain health benefits. But have you ever thought that this everyday beverage could also influence how fast your cells age, especially in people with severe mental illness? A new study published in the BMJ Mental Health has found that moderate […]

mother
05
Dec

Do C-sections delay mother–baby bonding? All you need to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: C-section mothers experience intense post-operative pain and do not instantly feel an emotional connection with their newborns after birth. Many also struggle with feeding, holding, and caring for their babies in the first hours or days due to physical limitations and recovery challenges. FACT:  Modern C-sections, performed under spinal anaesthesia, are less painful, and […]

pregnancy
04
Dec

Fact check: Is folic acid important during pregnancy?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Not taking folic acid during pregnancy can lead to severe developmental issues in children, including microcephaly, which may also be linked to TORCH infections, and it should ideally be taken three months before conception or immediately after a positive pregnancy test. FACT:  Folic acid is essential for early foetal development, particularly for preventing neural […]

03
Dec

FACT CHECK: Does Chinese food cause cancer due to MSG?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Many people believe that MSG in Chinese food is harmful and can cause cancer, linking it to Chinese Restaurant Syndrome. However, this is a common misconception, and experts consider MSG safe in normal amounts. FACT: True. MSG is safe for most people when consumed in normal amounts. Scientific evidence shows it does not cause […]

diet
03
Dec

Can your daily diet raise lung cancer risk? New study reveals a SHOCKING link

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Ever wonder that not just air pollution or smoking, but even the food you eat could influence your risk of developing lung cancer? While smoking and exposure to toxic air remain the major causes of lung cancer globally, diet may play a supporting role, affecting who develops the disease and who does not, according to […]

parents
03
Dec

FACT CHECK: Is infantile masturbation normal? What should parents do? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Infantile masturbation, or Infantile Gratification Disorder, is a normal self-soothing behaviour in babies, and parents should manage it through distraction, not by forcibly stopping the child, as it will fade with time. FACT:  True. Infantile masturbation, or Childhood Gratification Disorder, is a common and normal behaviour in young children. It may include rubbing, pelvic […]

diet
02
Dec

Could your diet be increasing your lung cancer risk? A new study says…

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Ever wonder that not just air pollution or smoking, but even the food you eat could influence your risk of developing lung cancer? While smoking and exposure to toxic air remain the major causes of lung cancer globally, diet may play a supporting role, affecting who develops the disease and who does not, according to […]

hiv
02
Dec

India’s HIV fight: Big victories, bigger challenges — What doctors say must change now

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 12 min read

Living with HIV or AIDS can be a difficult scenario for many people—not just for its health tolls and public health costs, but also for the burden of deep-seated prejudices, stigma and discrimination that continues to date. Earlier this year, for instance, the Gujarat High Court highlighted a stark instance of discrimination—a female staffer of […]

heart attack
02
Dec

Fact check: Does your blood thicken in the cold, causing heart attacks?

  • First Check Team / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: An Instagram post by Dr Yokesh Arul claims that winter temperatures sharply raise heart attack risk by causing blood vessels to constrict, blood to “thicken,” and the heart’s workload to increase, especially in people with diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. FACT: Experts agree that cold weather can raise blood pressure and strain the heart […]

water
01
Dec

Fact check: Does the viral rice water remedy actually cure UTIs?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Rice water helps in treating UTI. FACT: There is no scientific evidence that rice water can treat or prevent UTIs. While it may offer mild hydration or a soothing effect, it does not kill bacteria like E. coli or cure infections. Experts suggest proper medical treatment, including antibiotics and adequate fluid intake, remains necessary. […]

heart
01
Dec

Just 2 cigarettes a day skyrockets heart disease risk by 50 pc, study finds

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Smoking is one of the most prominent causes of death across the globe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco kills more than 7 million people every year. Smoking, being the most common form of tobacco used worldwide, significantly contributes to this number. Among the most devastating consequences of smoking are cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which include heart […]

cancer
01
Dec

Fact check: Do naturopathy and autophagy actually help in cancer recovery?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Naturopathy and autophagy can significantly aid cancer recovery. FACT: False. Naturopathy and autophagy do not cure cancer. Experts note that any benefits are limited to supportive care or managing side effects, and there is no evidence that these approaches can increase survival. They should not be considered a substitute for proven medical treatments like […]

pain
01
Dec

Do you have ‘flat feet’? Find out how early care can save you from pain and complications 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Earlier this year,  the Tamil Nadu government made headlines when they said that they would not hire drivers with flat feet for vacancies across its eight state transport corporations. Though surprising to some, this isn’t new in India. The Services Selection Board (SSB), responsible for choosing candidates for the Indian Armed Forces, also disqualifies applicants depending on the […]

insurance
30
Nov

Why 80 per cent of Indians with disabilities still lack health insurance; a new survey reveals

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

For 35 years, Thakurdas Mahoto has lived with the long-term consequences of leprosy. The disease left him 40 per cent disabled, and its impact still shapes every aspect of his daily life. Because leprosy reduces sensation in the affected body parts, small cuts or injuries often go unnoticed. These minor wounds gradually worsen into large […]

pain
30
Nov

Shoulder pain that doesn’t go away? What you need to know about ‘frozen shoulder’

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

  You must have felt it—or at least heard people around you complain about a sudden, persistent stiffness in the shoulder that makes even simple movements painfully difficult. For many, this seemingly innocuous discomfort turns out to be frozen shoulder, clinically known as adhesive capsulitis—a condition characterised by enduring shoulder pain and significantly restricted mobility which affects 3–5 […]

vaccines
28
Nov

Fact check: Do childhood vaccines really cause autism?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Routine childhood vaccination is now the leading cause of autism, and India is seeing a rapid rise in autism because very young children are receiving ‘too many vaccines.’ FACT:  Extensive scientific research, including large global studies and reviews by the WHO and CDC, has found no causal link between childhood vaccines and autism. In […]

stress
28
Nov

The silent struggle: How Gen Z and millennials battle burnout and financial stress

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

For Rajat Kumar (name changed), 28, what began as a promising career with a Delhi-based international wildlife conservation organisation turned into a daily struggle against exhaustion and frustration. He joined the organisation eager to contribute to a cause he deeply cared about, but within months, the reality of the workplace began to take its toll. […]

pain
27
Nov

Got neck pain? You’re among 20.3 crore people worldwide facing the same problem

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Neck pain has increasingly become a common complaint in today’s fast-paced world. Whether in the office, at home, or among older adults and young individuals, almost everyone experiences discomfort in their cervical spine at some point. Long hours of sedentary work, excessive use of smartphones and computers, and growing stress levels have contributed to a […]

water
27
Nov

Fact check: Hot or cold water, what is the right way to wash your face?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Washing your face with lukewarm water is better for cleansing, while cold water feels refreshing and helps reduce puffiness, but isn’t effective at removing oil and dirt from the skin. FACT: Very hot or very cold water can irritate the skin and is not ideal for face washing. Experts recommend using lukewarm water, around […]

hug
26
Nov

The ‘Jaadu Ki Jhappi’ is real: What hugs do to your brain, heart, and immune system

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

In the 2003 Bollywood classic Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., there’s a cure-all silver bullet that the gangster turned aspiring medico, played by Sanjay Dutt, prescribes for any stress or emotional distress—a “Jaadu Ki Jhappi,” or a magical hug. A touching scene that still lingers in the hearts of millions is when Dutt’s character, Munna Bhai, gives […]

betel
26
Nov

FACT CHECK: Is Betel leaf really a hidden health gem for digestion, weight loss, and chest congestion? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Betel leaf can aid digestion, reduce acidity and bloating, improve oral health, and relieve chest congestion when warmed with ghee or mustard oil and placed on the chest. FACT: Experts caution that excessive or frequent use can cause irritation or other long-term issues, and applying it warm on the chest mainly provides relief through […]

water
25
Nov

Fact check: Can hot water baths really treat cancer?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Hot water bath cures cancer. FACT: False. Hot water baths do not cure cancer. Experts note that any benefits are limited to symptomatic relief, and there is no evidence that home hot baths can cure cancer. Hot water therapy should not be considered a substitute for medical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or clinically supervised […]

guava
24
Nov

FACT CHECK: Can a simple guava really lower your cholesterol? Experts reveal the truth

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: Guava can naturally lower cholesterol within three months by reducing LDL, increasing HDL and preventing plaque formation in the arteries. The fruit’s antioxidants, vitamin C and soluble fibre are said to support better cholesterol absorption.  FACT: Daily consumption of guava may help lower LDL (bad cholesterol), modestly increase HDL (good cholesterol), and reduce oxidative […]

health
24
Nov

AI in healthcare: From hospital wards to personal health assistants, a revolution in motion

  • Riyaz Wani / 6 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic promise in healthcare. It’s reshaping everything from bedside monitoring to billion-dollar business strategies. Yet, as the technology races ahead, experts warn that innovation without guardrails could compromise patient safety and trust. A new American Heart Association (AHA) Science Advisory, published in Circulation, calls for “clear and simple rules […]

silicone
24
Nov

FACT CHECK: Are silicone-based lip implants safe?  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Permanent silicone-based lip implants can cause multiple side effects, making hyaluronic acid fillers a safer alternative for lip enhancement. FACT: Silicone-based lip implants can shift, cause swelling, infection, scar tissue, or nerve irritation, and may require corrective surgery. Experts advise the use of dissolvable hyaluronic acid fillers, which are generally safer, reversible, and allow […]

kidney
23
Nov

India ranks second globally in chronic kidney disease: What The Lancet study reveals

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

A new study published in The Lancet has revealed that India now has the second-highest number of people living with chronic kidney disease in the world. According to the report, in 2023, approximately 13.8 crore Indians were affected by the condition, second only to China’s 15.2 crore. The global study, led by researchers from the Institute for Health […]

oil
21
Nov

Fact check: Can rubbing ghee and coconut oil on the navel really improve vision?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Applying a mixture of desi ghee and coconut oil on the navel and under the arms can strengthen eyesight and activate the brain’s medulla oblongata FACT:  False. There is no scientific evidence that applying ghee or coconut oil to the navel improves eyesight or activates the medulla oblongata. Experts suggest that maintaining eye health […]

tb
20
Nov

India tops global TB chart: Why the nation remains at the epicenter of the crisis

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

A new World Health Organization (WHO) report has once again placed India at the top of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden chart, in terms of incidence of all TB cases, drug-resistant types of TB, and even TB-related deaths. The Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 states that India, despite seeing a drastic drop in incidence rates since 2010, still accounted for […]

headache
20
Nov

Why women are twice as vulnerable to headache

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

A new study published in The Lancet Neurology reveals that headache disorders affected almost 3 billion (300 crore) people in 2023, which is nearly one in every three individuals across the world. This makes headache disorders one of the most persistent and disabling global health issues of the last three decades. The study is part of […]

kidney
20
Nov

Is whey protein bad for your kidneys? Experts reveal the TRUTH

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM: Consuming whey protein is safe for healthy individuals and supports muscle building and recovery, while those with kidney issues should monitor intake, as excessive protein can strain the kidneys. FACT: True. For healthy individuals, whey protein is safe and does not harm the kidneys when consumed in moderation. However, experts advise that people with […]

prostate
19
Nov

Fact Check: Does urinating while standing cause prostate cancer in men?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Urinating while standing prevents the bladder from emptying completely, leading to prostate problems, sexual weakness, and even prostate cancer in men.  FACT:  There is no scientific evidence that urinating while standing causes prostate cancer. Studies show that sitting may slightly improve bladder emptying in men with urinary issues, but for healthy men, posture has no significant […]

tickle
19
Nov

Fact check: Next time you tickle a baby, think twice, it’s not always harmless

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Tickling babies may seem fun, but their laughter is often just a reflex, not true enjoyment. It can cause stress, affect their breathing and heart rate, and confuse their brain between fun and panic. FACT: Tickling babies, especially in the first few months, can be stressful rather than enjoyable. Infants are not yet able […]

water
18
Nov

Does drinking cold water REALLY make you gain weight?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Drinking cold water leads to weight gain. FACT: Drinking cold water does not cause weight gain. It may burn a few extra calories as the body works to maintain its core temperature, but the effect is small and not enough to significantly impact weight. Water, regardless of temperature, should be consumed with a focus […]

air pollution
18
Nov

Pregnant? Here’s why air pollution could harm your baby and what you can do 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

As the AQI soars across various parts of India, with cities like Delhi regularly crossing the hazardous 400 mark, conversations around air pollution mostly focus on respiratory issues. But there’s a less visible yet equally serious threat, the impact of toxic air on pregnant women. Pregnancy, a period when every precaution matters for the health of both […]

Diabetes
18
Nov

World Diabetes Day: Why the health crisis is rising among young Indian adults

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

Diabetes continues to be a growing concern for the world, including India, which is often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation, the prevalence of diabetes in the world will grow from about 11 per cent of adults in 2024 to about 13 per cent by 2050. […]

vaccine
17
Nov

Gavi hits HPV vaccine goal, reaching 86 million girls worldwide

  • First Check Team / 6 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has reached its ambitious goal of vaccinating 86 million girls against human papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer. The milestone, announced on the world’s first cervical cancer elimination day, could prevent 1.4 million deaths, according to Gavi. “Every two minutes, a woman dies from cervical cancer – a disease […]

asthma
17
Nov

Air pollution in India is fueling an asthma crisis: Here’s what you need to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

The air pollution crisis in India, particularly in the north of the country, including the national capital, has been dominating the headlines over the past few weeks. While this might seem like a ‘routine’ ‘yearly affair’ for some, experts have long been raising alarm bells about how this toxic air can have severe health consequences—including […]

weight loss
16
Nov

FACT CHECK: Is weight loss the same as fat loss? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Fat loss and weight loss are not the same.  FACT: True. Weight loss and fat loss are not the same. Weight loss refers to a reduction in overall body weight, which can include fat, muscle, water, or glycogen, while fat loss specifically targets excess body fat, improving body composition, metabolic health, and long-term well-being. […]

sanitary pads
16
Nov

Are sanitary pads unsafe? VIRAL video sparks major health debate

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM:  Sanitary pads are unsafe as they contain chemicals like phthalates, VOCs, and PFAS, which may disrupt hormones and reproductive health. They also reduce airflow, keeping the vaginal area damp and increasing the risk of infections and UTIs. FACT:  Using sanitary pads, especially those with fragrances, chemicals, or poor airflow, can increase the risk of […]

UTI
14
Nov

Could your kitchen be the reason behind your UTI? New study reveals the SHOCKING link

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is often associated with personal hygiene habits and bathroom cleanliness, such as frequent handwashing, wiping correctly, and staying hydrated. But have you ever considered that your kitchen could be the culprit as well? A new study presented in Southern California has turned that assumption on its head, revealing that up to 18 per […]

chewing
14
Nov

FACT CHECK: Does chewing gum REALLY improve digestion?  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Chewing gum may actually aid digestion and relieve symptoms like acidity and bloating. However, overuse or certain sugar-free gums can cause gas, loose stools, and other digestive issues. FACT: While chewing gum may stimulate saliva production and support digestion, it does not significantly speed up gastric emptying on its own. Experts recommend using sugar-free […]

eating
13
Nov

Fact check: Is pooping right after eating a sign of poor gut health?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: The reel claims that needing to defecate immediately after eating is a sign of poor gut health and may indicate conditions like IBS, inflammation, indigestion, or nutritional deficiencies. FACT: Needing to use a restroom right after eating is usually a normal bodily response called the gastrocolic reflex, where the colon contracts to make room […]

Pneumonia
13
Nov

Pneumonia kills more children than any other infectious disease, but why does it continue to persist? | Explained  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Pneumonia continues to be one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide. Despite being both preventable and treatable, it kills more children each year than any other infectious disease. According to UNICEF, pneumonia kills more than 7 lakh children under the age of five annually. This translates to nearly 2,000 deaths every day, including around 1.9 lakh […]

antacids
12
Nov

Using antacids regularly for acidity? It could be hurting your gut 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Regularly consuming antacids may seem to provide instant relief from acidity, but it can actually harm digestion, disturb stomach balance, and increase dependency. FACT:  Regular or excessive use of antacids can disrupt digestion, cause nutrient imbalances, and interact with other medications. They provide only short-term relief and may mask underlying conditions, so long-term or […]

juices
12
Nov

Fact check: Are vegetable juices really as healthy as you think?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:  Drinking raw vegetable juice is harmful to health as it contains pathogenic bacteria and anti-nutrients that can cause kidney stones, and it is better to consume cooked vegetables instead. FACT:  True. Raw vegetable juices can carry harmful bacteria and contain anti-nutrients that may affect kidney health, while juicing removes fibre essential for gut and […]

cancer
12
Nov

From diagnosis to defiance: The real stories of cancer survivors who fought back

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 13 min read

For many of us, growing up, the idea of cancer was always portrayed as an almost inevitable ‘end’. Popular culture showed people wasting away, pale faces, dark circles, trembling hands, and a slow, painful decline. Cancer,  which remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming nearly 10 million lives in 2020, was synonymous with hopelessness […]

Alzheimer
12
Nov

Could your 5000 steps slow Alzheimer’s progression? Here’s what new study says

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Walking, it turns out, doesn’t just help burn calories, improve heart health, or clear your mind after a long day—it also plays a crucial role in keeping your memory sharp and your brain young. A new study published in Nature Medicine by researchers at Mass General Brigham, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, has shown that […]

hairstyle
11
Nov

Fact check | Ponytails, braids, buns: Is your favourite hairstyle silently causing hair loss?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Wearing tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or buns can cause hair loss, a condition known as traction alopecia, by putting constant pressure on the hair follicles, especially around the hairline. FACT: True. Tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, and buns can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss from constant tension on the hair […]

gluten
11
Nov

Is gluten really the enemy? Here’s what experts want you to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

CLAIM: Gluten is harmful only for people with celiac disease or NCGS, and for everyone else, avoiding it provides no proven benefits for digestion, energy, or weight management. FACT:  True. Gluten is harmful only for people with celiac disease, wheat allergy or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). For the general population, there is no scientific evidence […]

sleep
11
Nov

Snoring could be a silent killer: Doctors warn of a hidden sleep disorder spreading across the globe

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Snoring, often dismissed as a harmless sign of deep sleep, can sometimes be a warning from the body that something is wrong. Across the world, doctors are increasingly diagnosing people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — a serious sleep-related breathing disorder that interrupts normal breathing patterns and can lead to long-term health complications if left untreated. […]

oranges
10
Nov

Can two oranges a day melt fatty liver away? Here’s what experts think

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM:  Eating two whole oranges a day for four weeks can reduce liver fat by 30 per cent,  without dieting or losing weight, by improving liver function through antioxidants, fibre, and flavonoids that help burn fat and lower liver stress. FACT:  Experts recommend a balanced diet, healthy weight, and consistent physical activity, and caution that […]

pregnancy
10
Nov

Delhi Police constable Sonika Yadav’s 145 kg weightlifting sparks debate: What activities are safe during pregnancy?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

When Delhi Police constable Sonika Yadav, 31, stepped onto the platform at the All India Police Weightlifting Cluster 2025–26 in Andhra Pradesh on October 17, spectators anticipated a routine performance in her usual 65-kg powerlifting category. What no one expected was that she was seven months pregnant. As she gripped the barbell for a 145-kg […]

cancer
09
Nov

Statins may extend life in prostate cancer patients when taken with certain cancer treatments | Explained

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

A recent study suggests that cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as statins, may help men with advanced prostate cancer live longer, offering hope for improved treatment strategies. The study, published in the JAMA Network, analysed 2,187 men from the SPARTAN and TITAN trials— 2 other randomised clinical trials that looked at the effects of apalutamide, a prescription oral […]

health
07
Nov

Fact check: Is eating quickly harming your health?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:  Eating fast is harmful to health and can lead to diabetes, weight gain, mental health issues, nutrient deficiencies, and other related problems. FACT: True. Eating too quickly can lead to overeating, weight gain, and nutrient deficiencies. It can also increase the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Experts suggest eating […]

cancer
07
Nov

Why are more Indian men getting cancer? The real reasons doctors are warning about

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

Cancer is a large group of diseases with one thing in common – they occur when normal cells turn cancerous, multiplying and spreading uncontrollably. Normally, genes send instructions to cells, telling them when to start and stop growing, but cancer cells ignore these signals. This unchecked growth forms tumours and disrupts normal bodily functions. Despite medical […]

cancer
07
Nov

Over 26 pc of Indian women diagnosed with breast cancer. What’s driving the surge? | Explained

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 6 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with women carrying a significant share of the burden. According to the World Cancer Research Fund (2022), over 96.65 lakh cancer cases were diagnosed among women worldwide, out of which 7.22 lakh were reported in India. The India Fact Sheet (Globocan 2022) revealed that among Indian women, […]

cream
06
Nov

Fact check: Are ‘cream’ biscuits different from ‘crème’ biscuits?

  • First Check Team / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Biscuits that are said to be ‘creme’ filled do not contain cream; it’s mostly vegetable oil. FACT:  True. There’s often no dairy in products labelled ‘creme.’ Instead, it’s a mix of sugar, vegetable oil, flavouring agents, and stabilizers that mimic the texture of cream, but without any milk fat. A viral Instagram reel claims […]

digital
04
Nov

Building Health for Billions: India’s Digital Bet on Its People

  • Deepak Kumar Gautam / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach emphasises that real human development depends on expanding people’s freedoms in terms of their ability to live a quality life.. Within this framework, health is the cornerstone which  not only determines one’s capacity to learn, work, but also enables one to participate fully in national development. India is home […]

chatgpt
04
Nov

OpenAI clarifies: ChatGPT explains health and legal topics, not a substitute for experts

  • First Check Team / 7 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

OpenAI has clarified reports that ChatGPT has stopped providing medical, legal, or financial guidance, calling the claims “not true” and insisting that there has been no recent policy change. Responding apparently to a viral post by Eastern Europe’s largest media outlet NEXTA, Karan Singhal, Head of Health AI at OpenAI, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): […]

water
04
Nov

Drink more water to slim down? Science says hydration could be your secret weight-loss ally 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in a tweet on October 24, urged people to drink more water to fight obesity, in view of the growing obesity and overweight crisis in India. “Proper hydration plays an important role in weight management. Pay attention to your daily water intake today – this could be […]

maida
03
Nov

Fact check: Does maida stick to your gut? Experts reveal what happens when you eat refined flour

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM:  Maida does not stick to your gut and is digested like other carbohydrates; however, excessive consumption may pose health risks. FACT:  True. Maida does not stick to the gut and is digested like other carbohydrates. However, being low in fibre, excessive consumption can slow intestinal movement, spike blood sugar, and increase other health risks. […]

health
03
Nov

When Health Information Learns to Travel

  • Syed Nazakat / 7 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

How does cognitive discernment shape the way people navigate information? Can a shift in one information domain—such as public health—spill over into another, like politics?  And if individuals learn to question and examine information more carefully, could that ultimately help rebuild trust in an era overwhelmed by noise and misinformation? A community library experiment in […]

depression
03
Nov

Are women genetically more vulnerable to depression than men? New study reveals this

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave, often leading to emotional and physical problems. People suffering from depression may struggle with daily activities and sometimes feel as if life isn’t worth […]

watermelon
03
Nov

FACT CHECK: Are watermelon seeds really a superfood? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM:   Watermelon seeds are a “superfood” packed with nutrients like magnesium, iron, and zinc, which can boost immunity, aid digestion, improve sleep, and promote clear skin.   FACT:   Watermelon seeds moderately provide nutrients like magnesium, iron, and zinc, along with healthy fats and protein. However, experts caution that consuming them in excessive amounts, especially raw, may […]

02
Nov

Fact Check: Can jackfruit really ‘heal’ diabetes, thyroid, and hormonal issues? Experts weigh in

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:  Jackfruit is a ‘miracle vegetable’ that can heal diabetes, thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances, support heart health, and improve sexual health. FACT:  Jackfruit is rich in fibre and resistant starch, which can aid digestion and support gut health, but it is not a cure for diabetes, thyroid, or hormonal issues. Any blood sugar benefits seen […]

01
Nov

Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi Win 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine for Pioneering Work on Immune Tolerance

  • First Check Team / 7 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

Stockholm: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their discoveries on peripheral immune tolerance — a key mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking the body’s own tissues. “They identified the immune system’s security guards, regulatory T cells, thus laying […]

ORS
31
Oct

ORS controversy: How a doctor’s long battle led to the FSSAI decision

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

In a landmark decision aimed at curbing misleading labelling in India’s food and beverage industry, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited the use of the term “ORS” or “Oral Rehydration Salts” on any food product unless it strictly adheres to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. This regulatory intervention comes after years of persistent […]

menstrual leave
31
Oct

Paid menstrual leave policy: A leap towards equality or a source of new biases?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

When 23-year-old journalist Kulsoom Faiz experiences her menstrual cycle, work becomes a struggle against her own body. “I have endometriosis, and my first couple of days are purely filled with agony. I am paralysed; I can’t move, yet I’m expected to perform at the same level as everyone else,” she says. For Kulsoom, menstruation is […]

chikungunya
31
Oct

Chikungunya outbreaks: Why India is at the epicentre of a global health threat

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

India could experience the biggest long-term impacts of chikungunya, potentially putting over 51 lakh people at risk every year, a global modelling study published in BMJ Global Health. According to the research led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, chronic health impacts will be the biggest concern- with evidence suggesting that nearly 50 per cent […]

Jaggery
30
Oct

FACT CHECK: Is jaggery safe for diabetics and weight loss?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:  Jaggery and sugar are nearly identical in composition, with jaggery containing only trace minerals and a higher glycemic index, causing faster blood sugar spikes. People with diabetes or weight concerns are advised to use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract instead. FACT:  Jaggery, despite being less processed than white sugar, is still […]

sprouts
30
Oct

FACT CHECK: Are sprouts a good source of protein?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM:  Sprouts provide some protein but are not a high-quality or complete protein source and should be complemented with other foods. FACT:  True. Sprouts are a good source of nutrients and fibre, but not a complete protein, and experts suggest combining them with cereals, dairy, nuts, or seeds for a balanced diet. Sprouts, made from […]

tb
30
Oct

WHO calls food assistance key to fighting TB; What the new guidelines mean for India | Explained  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

A recent update from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on tuberculosis (TB) and undernutrition marks a significant shift in global TB policy. For the first time, WHO recommends food assistance for household contacts of people diagnosed with TB in food-insecure settings. This guidance emerges from growing recognition of the strong link between undernutrition and TB activation, a […]

isabgol
30
Oct

FACT CHECK: Is taking Isabgol daily healthy?   

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM:  Isabgol helps with constipation, blood sugar, cholesterol, gut health, and weight loss, and taking 1–2 spoons daily is safe and beneficial for overall health. FACT:  Daily consumption of Isabgol (psyllium husk) is generally safe when taken in the recommended dose of 1–2 teaspoons mixed with water or curd. Experts caution that overconsumption or taking […]

air pollution
30
Oct

Exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution may increase risk for dementia: study

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

Air pollution is increasingly becoming one of the most concerning public health challenges of our time. We are acutely aware of the dangers it poses to our lungs, contributing to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and other physical ailments. However, a new study published in JAMA Neurology has now revealed an alarming new consequence of long-term exposure to fine particulate […]

30
Oct

Explained | Why men’s fertility declines with age and what to do

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

For years now, women have been warned of their ticking biological clock. It has become almost routine to see reels, posts, and articles reminding women that their fertility peaks in their twenties and starts declining sharply after the mid-thirties. By the late thirties and early forties, the so-called “bell” of the female biological clock tolls […]

stroke
29
Oct

World Stroke Day: Your oral health could be WARNING you about a stroke; here’s what science says

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 11 min read

While high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking are well-known risk factors for stroke, scientists are now drawing attention to an often-overlooked contributor—poor oral health. A new study published in the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, Neurology, reveals that people suffering from both gum inflammation and dental cavities face an 86 per cent higher risk of ischaemic […]

Dough
29
Oct

FACT CHECK: Is it safe to use leftover kneaded dough?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM:   Using leftover kneaded flour stored overnight in the refrigerator is safe and nutritionally similar to fresh flour. FACT:   Leftover kneaded dough can pose health risks if stored overnight, as it may promote bacterial and fungal growth. Experts recommend using fresh dough and, if storing briefly, keeping it in an airtight container for no more […]

coffee
29
Oct

FACT CHECK: Is black coffee good for health?  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:   Black coffee, when consumed without sugar and within safe limits, can protect against liver diseases, heart problems, diabetes, and even certain cancers, making it one of the healthiest beverages you can drink.  FACT:   Black coffee can support health when consumed in moderation, with benefits including improved alertness, liver protection, and a reduced risk of […]

dog
29
Oct

From dog bites to deaths: Understanding rabies prevention in India

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Rabies is among the deadliest viral infections known to humans, with an almost 100 per cent fatality rate once symptoms appear. In India, it continues to claim thousands of lives every year despite being entirely preventable.   According to the Lancet study, rabies killed approximately 5,700 people in India in 2022–23. The World Health Organisation estimates […]

gemini
28
Oct

The viral Gemini Trend offering solace in loss, but at what cost?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

For Anandita Jha, who lost her father to a heart attack in October 2020, the Gemini trend, where people generate images of themselves hugging their younger selves, reconnecting with their loved ones who are no longer here, or even living out dream moments with their idols, became more than just another viral experiment—it became a […]

weight loss
28
Oct

Fact check: Does sweating really cause weight loss?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:  Sweating does not cause weight loss. FACT:  Sweating does not cause weight loss; any immediate drop in weight after a workout is due to temporary water loss, which is regained upon rehydration. Experts suggest focusing on a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise to achieve true and sustainable weight loss, rather than trying to sweat […]

i
28
Oct

AI Psychosis: Are we distancing ourselves from reality because of AI? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

In an unusual yet revealing discussion on Reddit, a user named ‘BigBabyBob21’ shared a story that reflects a growing phenomenon in the digital age. Posting on MyBoyfriendIsAI—a community page where people discuss their AI relationships—this user confessed that they no longer feel the need to pursue connections with human partners. “They say I couldn’t connect with […]

angina
28
Oct

Why women’s chest pain is often dismissed: Understanding atypical angina

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

There are several times when women complain of chest pain and often pass it off as stress, fatigue, or simply “indigestion.” These moments, frequently dismissed as minor or transient, can sometimes be warning signs of something far more serious—angina, or chest pain that is often a symptom of underlying cardiovascular disease. Coronary artery disease, a […]

screen time
28
Oct

Are cartoons hurting your child? Find out how excessive screen time impacts children’s brains, behaviour, and long-term health

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 12 min read

For Sarah Raza, a working mother with a two-and-a-half-year-old son, managing he child’s screen time has become a daily negotiation. Her child started watching Cocomelon a year ago. “It’s weird,” Sarah admits, “whenever a new rhyme comes up, even I sit and watch. The storytelling is really good sometimes.” Currently, her son averages about an hour of […]

surrogacy
27
Oct

The complex landscape of surrogacy in India: Law, ethics, and parenthood pathways

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 12 min read

Parenthood is often described as one of life’s greatest joys. Yet, for many couples, this journey is marked by unexpected obstacles—miscarriages, repeated fertility treatments, and the deep emotional and financial toll of infertility. In fact, World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in six people worldwide—around 17.5 per cent of the global adult population—experience infertility at some […]

uterus
27
Oct

Fact check: Does the uterus expand during periods?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM: The uterus quadruples in weight and expands in size and volume by 10–15 per cent during menstruation. FACT:  False. Experts say the uterus does not change size during menstruation. Bloating and heaviness are caused by hormonal fluctuations and water retention. You’ve probably noticed that your body feels heavier and more bloated when your period arrives—even if […]

health
27
Oct

Bayosthiti AI and Narayana Health to build India’s first AI-powered heart disease predictor

  • First Check Team / 7 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Bengaluru: Bayosthiti AI, an innovator in AI-driven healthcare and molecular diagnostics, announced a strategic partnership with Narayana Health, one of the world’s largest cardiac care networks, to develop AI models that predict heart disease in Indian patients.  The collaboration leverages RNA sequencing to read the active molecular instructions in cells, combined with gen AI to […]

blood pressure
27
Oct

American Heart Association revamps blood pressure guidelines for the first time since 2017. Could YOU be at risk?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Hypertension remains one of the world’s most pressing health challenges. Globally, an estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years live with high blood pressure, with two-thirds of them in low- and middle-income countries. Alarmingly, nearly half are unaware of their condition, less than half receive treatment, and only one in five manages to keep it under […]

gig
26
Oct

Dark side of quick commerce: The untold health struggles of India’s gig workers

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

At just 19, Mohammed Ayan balances two worlds—his first year of a BBA course and his part-time job as a rider for a platform that offers 10 minute deliveries. But in only four months on the job, he has already faced experiences that would make most people rethink the risks of gig work. “This summer, […]

food delivery
24
Oct

How online food delivery and quick commerce apps are impacting health in India | Explainer 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

It is often said that every new technology brings both convenience and consequences. In today’s digital economy, with just a tap on a smartphone, one can order restaurant meals, groceries, and even snacks—and some are delivered in under ten minutes. The days of sprinting to the neighbourhood store or planning a weekend meal out have […]

beetroot
23
Oct

FACT CHECK: Should we stop eating beetroot?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:  Eating raw beetroot in the form of salads or juice is harmful to health and should be avoided. FACT:  Beetroot is safe and nutritious, but raw forms may carry microbes, oxalates, or heavy metals if grown in polluted soil. Experts recommend washing, peeling, and boiling/parboiling instead of completely avoiding it. An Instagram reel by […]

oral health
22
Oct

Did you know that oral health is important for women’s overall well-being?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

It is often said that the mouth is the gateway to overall health—and for good reason. Oral health is not just about teeth; it encompasses the condition of the mouth, gums, tongue, and other orofacial structures, enabling essential functions such as eating, speaking, and breathing. Beyond these basic functions, oral health profoundly affects psychosocial well-being, self-confidence, and the […]

postpartum
21
Oct

New global guidelines aim to end preventable deaths from postpartum haemorrhage | Explained  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Every year, nearly 45,000 women die due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH)—a severe form of bleeding after childbirth that can turn fatal within hours if left untreated, and the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. To tackle this persistent threat, the World Health Organization (WHO), International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) […]

Thumb
17
Oct

FACT CHECK: Can your thumb tell you whether you are ‘right or left-brained’?  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM:  The side of your brain that is more active, right or left, determines your personality traits and career path, which can supposedly be identified by a simple thumb test –  if your right thumb is on top when you join hands, you’re left-brained (logical), and if your left thumb is on top, you’re right-brained […]

16
Oct

Fact check: Does a healthy relationship really make you gain weight?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

CLAIM: People gain weight in a healthy relationship. FACT: Research shows that being in a stable, happy relationship can lead to gradual weight gain, especially in women. Experts say shared habits, emotional security, and relaxed routines naturally contribute to this increase. Ever wondered if gaining a little weight after finding love is actually a good […]

omega
16
Oct

Say goodbye to glasses? How omega-3s might be the key to preventing childhood myopia!

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

With increasing digitalisation and changing lifestyle patterns, more children are struggling to see clearly from afar. The prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, is rising at an alarming pace, affecting millions of children globally. However, a new study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has now revealed a surprising trend in children’s eye health: dietary patterns may influence the […]

arthritis
15
Oct

FACT CHECK: Does cracking your knuckles every day cause arthritis? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  Cracking your knuckles every day causes arthritis.  FACT:  Cracking your knuckles every day does not cause arthritis—studies show no link between the habit and the disease. If you’re guilty of cracking your knuckles daily just for that oddly satisfying pop, you’re not alone. For many, the sharp sound brings an instant feeling of relief […]

nail
15
Oct

FACT CHECK: Are gel nail paint manicures harming your fertility?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

With festivals around the corner, many are rushing to nail salons for a glossy set of gel nails. But a viral Instagram reel by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta has sparked fresh concerns.  In the reel, styled as a conversation with a woman, Mehta warns, “Dear girls, if you like applying gel paint, getting […]

pain
14
Oct

Are your daily habits fueling joint pain?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

Close to one in six Indians suffer from musculoskeletal and arthritis-related pains, according to a survey conducted under the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Community-Oriented Programme for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD). The survey stated that arthritis pains are the most common self-reported illness in Indian communities, surpassing diabetes and hypertension. The COPCORD survey, which tracked 56,548 […]

ai
14
Oct

The danger of treating AI as a soul mate

  • Riyaz Wani / 7 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

In April this year, 16-year-old Adam Raine of California took his own life. In the days that followed, his parents Matt and Maria combed through his phone looking for clues. They did not expect to find the answer inside a chatbot. “He would be here but for ChatGPT. I 100% believe that,” Matt said. The […]

13
Oct

FACT CHECK: Do pillows have an expiry date? The HIDDEN health risks of dirty bedding

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

CLAIM:  Pillows have an ‘expiry date,’ and if not replaced or cleaned regularly, they can cause acne, allergies, skin irritation, and even serious lung infections. FACT:  Pillows can accumulate dust, dead skin, oils, fungi, and bacteria over time, potentially aggravating skin conditions and contributing to respiratory issues, especially in individuals with pre-existing lung problems. Regular […]

11
Oct

Two decades of service, yet ASHA workers’ demands remain unheard

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 13 min read

Reeta Bhardwaj walks through the serpentine lanes of Sangam Vihar in New Delhi in her pink coat, a hardback register pressed to her side, pen ready for the day’s tally. She moves ahead—knocking, greeting, teasing a smile from toddlers, and reminding new mothers about vaccinations. Here, in South Delhi’s dense maze, she is more than […]

Mental health surpasses cancer as top global concern, including India
10
Oct

World Mental Health Day: How therapy helps many find answers

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Adila Matra always unconsciously gravitated towards people who, like her, didn’t fully fit into the expected social moulds, which meant that her circle of friends were mostly neurodivergent (or so they seemed to her). “I never realised I was different because this felt normal…  I get anxious in social situations. I was often told I […]

mental health
10
Oct

From ‘OCD’ to ‘Depressed’: How people misuse mental health terms in everyday conversation

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

In the age of Instagram stories, YouTube shorts, and everyday digital chatter, mental health terms have become part of casual conversations. You may have seen posts like, “My ADHD trait won’t let me focus on this guy,” or captions reading, “I’m so depressed with all these college deadlines,” or even jokes like, “You must have […]

water
09
Oct

Dehydration and stress: How not drinking enough water elevates your cortisol levels

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

In today’s fast-paced world, stress seems unavoidable. Deadlines at work, family responsibilities, and financial pressures take a toll on both mind and body. But one surprising factor may silently affect your stress levels—your water intake. A recent study highlights that not drinking enough water daily can make people biologically more stressed, increasing cortisol levels and potentially impacting […]

coconut
08
Oct

FACT CHECK: Is coconut oil silently damaging your scalp?  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  Excess coconut oil damages the scalp.  FACT:  Coconut oil is safe and beneficial as a conditioner when used in moderation, but experts suggest that excessive application can make the scalp sticky, attract dust and pollution, and even trigger irritation or folliculitis.  An Instagram reel by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta has sparked widespread […]

diabetes
08
Oct

What’s on your plate? Study links Indian diet to diabetes and obesity 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

In a comprehensive nationwide study, the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) has unveiled concerning trends in the Indian diet that correlate with escalating rates of diabetes and obesity. The study, encompassing 1,21,077 adults across the country, highlights a significant dietary shift towards high carbohydrate consumption, particularly from low-quality sources, coupled with inadequate protein […]

drink
08
Oct

Is your favourite canned drink a health hazard? What experts say about can contamination

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

You’ve probably cracked open a cold drink straight from a can on a hot day—that satisfying pssst sound, the fizz rushing up, and that first chilled sip hitting just right. It feels harmless, even refreshing. But what if that quick gulp is exposing you to more than just your favourite beverage? Recently, a viral reel by Dr Manan […]

nobel
07
Oct

Will AI win the next Nobel Prize? Scientists say it’s no longer sci-fi

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Artificial intelligence could soon compete with humankind’s brightest minds for science’s highest honour, the Nobel Prize, according to a recent Nature report. The journal says that over the past two years, AI systems have begun demonstrating capabilities once limited to human researchers: analysing complex data, designing experiments, and even generating new hypotheses. This progress has […]

migraine
06
Oct

FACT CHECK: Can soaking your feet in hot water cure migraines? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM:  Soaking your feet in hot water can cure migraines.  FACT:  Soaking your feet in hot water may offer temporary relief for a mild migraine attack, but it does not cure or prevent migraines. Experts suggest using it only as a symptomatic measure alongside proper medical treatment and lifestyle management. If you suffer from migraines […]

Mental health surpasses cancer as top global concern, including India
06
Oct

Let’s talk about mental health!

  • Mariyam Alavi / 8 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

A couple of days back, my mother walked up to me and said she wanted to share something very important, but I was not to repeat it to anyone else. She swore me to secrecy, and even though we were just two people in the room, she dropped her voice to a whisper—almost as if […]

heart
06
Oct

We should not miss a beat to take care of our own heart health, says Dr Tarun Kumar 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become one of India’s biggest health concerns, claiming thousands of lives every year and affecting people at increasingly younger ages. According to the World Health Organisation, CVDs account for nearly 27 per cent of all noncommunicable disease deaths in India and are responsible for 45 per cent of deaths among those […]

katrina kaif
06
Oct

Katrina Kaif pregnant at 42: Doctor explains risks and realities of late-age pregnancies

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal’s pregnancy announcement has taken social media by storm. At 42, Katrina’s news has reignited discussions around later-age motherhood, its risks, and possibilities. The conversation has also highlighted questions many women face today: when is the right age to have a child, what are the biological limitations, and how safe is […]

hiv
05
Oct

Beyond birth control: Why contraception matters for preventing HIV and STIs

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Contraception is widely recognised as a tool to prevent unintended pregnancies, but its role in safeguarding sexual health is equally important. Beyond family planning, contraceptive methods- particularly barrier methods—play a crucial role in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Globally, STIs are a significant public health concern, leading to morbidity, mortality, and social stigma. […]

syrup
03
Oct

Cough syrups under probe after child deaths in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

Authorities in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have launched investigations into select cough syrups after child deaths and illnesses, prompting suspensions of distribution and urgent testing of drug samples. In Rajasthan, the probe was triggered after the death of a five-year-old boy in Sikar and the critical illness of a three-year-old in Bharatpur, both linked to […]

pressure cooker
03
Oct

Is your old pressure cooker silently poisoning your food?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Ever wondered if the old cooker sitting in your kitchen is quietly harming your health? That’s the alarming claim made in a viral reel posted by Dr Manan Vora, an orthopedic surgeon with 556,000 followers on Instagram. The video has already garnered 236,000 views and over 10,000 shares. “Your old pressure cooker could be the […]

phd
30
Sep

PhD life in 2025: Higher satisfaction, lingering inequities, and the AI dilemma

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Money, politics and technology are redefining the PhD experience in 2025, albeit students worldwide are reporting higher levels of satisfaction with their doctoral studies than during the pandemic, according to Nature’s 2025 global PhD survey. The survey, conducted in May and June among 3,785 PhD candidates across the globe, examined supervision practices, workplace cultures, and […]

old
25
Sep

She lived to 117: Scientists unlock clues from the world’s oldest woman

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

The extraordinary lifespan of Maria Branyas Morera, who died last year at the age of 117, was shaped by both genetic resilience and a simple lifestyle that included daily yogurts, a report published in Nature says. The findings are based on a detailed analysis of her genes, metabolism and gut microbiome. Branyas, who died on […]

microplastics
25
Sep

Are your plastic chopping boards leaching toxins and microplastics into your food?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Plastic chopping boards are a common fixture in most kitchens today, valued for their light weight, affordability, and easy availability. But a recent viral Instagram reel by dietician Bhawesh Gupta has warned they leach toxins and microplastics into our food.   Gupta, who has 7.2 lakh followers on Instagram, appears in a reel warning viewers to […]

Alzheimer's
24
Sep

Can tongue scraping really prevent Alzheimer’s and heart disease?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

An Instagram reel by author and speaker Dr Daniel Pompa has sparked widespread discussion online over claims that tongue scraping can prevent heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Pompa, who has 17 lakh followers on Instagram, demonstrates tongue scraping while claiming it boosts nitric oxide, lowers blood pressure, improves brain function, and prevents gum disease—allegedly reducing […]

cotton
23
Sep

Are cotton swabs dangerous for your ear health and eardrum?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM:  Never clean your ears because earwax is essential for ear health, and the ears naturally clean themselves. FACT:  Earwax naturally protects the ear and usually cleans itself. Experts suggest that routine cleaning is unnecessary, and using cotton swabs or other objects can push wax deeper or cause damage. When it comes to hygiene practices, […]

childhood obesity
23
Sep

India’s alarming childhood obesity crisis: A looming global health threat

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Obesity has emerged as one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. While fitness tips, videos, and quick solutions dominate our screens, it is essential to pause and confront the reality of where we truly stand. In India, this reality is particularly concerning: childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate, threatening the […]

23
Sep

Can mindless scrolling shrink your brain?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM:  Mindless scrolling is shrinking your brain.  FACT:  Experts say mindless scrolling can harm focus, memory, and mood, with some early studies suggesting possible thinning of the cerebral cortex and grey matter loss. But evidence is still limited, and more large-scale research is needed before confirming that it shrinks the brain. You’ve probably come across […]

22
Sep

Are your favourite sugary drinks secretly causing hair loss?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

It’s a scorching summer afternoon, and you reach out for that chilled, fizzy, sugar-loaded drink. The can sweats in your hand, the first sip feels like relief, and the sweetness gives you a quick surge of energy. For many, these drinks are more than just beverages; they’re routine companions during long workdays or guilty pleasures […]

gst
22
Sep

GST cut to 0% on health & life insurance: What it means and why coverage matters

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

In a major relief for health insurance policyholders, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Wednesday decided to exempt all individual life and health insurance premiums from tax. The revised rates will take effect from September 22, the first day of Navratri, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced after the 56th Council meeting. Currently, insurance […]

dinner
22
Sep

FACT CHECK: Is going to bed immediately after dinner harmful?  

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Going to bed immediately after dinner is harmful.   FACT:  Going to bed immediately after dinner can trigger indigestion, bloating, acidity, and disturbed sleep. Doctors advise finishing dinner earlier, walking for 10–20 minutes, and maintaining a 2–4 hour gap before bedtime for better digestion and sleep quality. The moment we return home, we’re busy planning […]

protocols
20
Sep

Govt rolls out uniform treatment protocols across 28 specialties

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

In a move aimed at standardizing healthcare across the country, the Union government has introduced 157 Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs) covering 28 specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology and dermatology.  Hospitals and medical colleges have been directed by the National Medical Commission to adopt these evidence-based protocols, developed jointly by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), […]

amoeba
19
Sep

Kerala on alert as ‘Brain-Eating Amoeba’ claims 19 lives

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

Kerala has sounded the alarm after a spike in infections from the rare but deadly “brain-eating amoeba,” with 19 people losing their lives, including nine in September alone. The state has reported 72 cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by Naegleria fowleri, compared to 36 cases last year, of which nine proved fatal. State’s […]

chia seeds
19
Sep

Fact Check: Are chia seeds dangerous if not consumed properly? What you need to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM:  Chia seeds can be dangerous if not consumed properly. FACT:  Chia seeds are nutritious and beneficial, but if consumed dry or in large amounts, they can cause choking, digestive issues, or allergic reactions. Experts suggest soaking them before eating and limiting intake to 10–20 g per day to stay safe. We try to experiment with […]

AI
18
Sep

Which diseases will you face in 20 years? AI tool offers early forecasts

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A new artificial intelligence tool can peer two decades into a person’s medical future, predicting their risk of developing more than 1,000 diseases.  The model, called Delphi-2M, was trained on the health records and lifestyle data of 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank. According to a study published in Nature on Wednesday, it can “forecast […]

who
18
Sep

WHO report: Tobacco use identified as major driver of child stunting globally

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Every parent wants their child to grow healthy. From balanced nutrition to regular health check-ups, families take every step to ensure children reach their full potential. Yet, despite these efforts, a silent threat continues to undermine child growth—tobacco use.  In a recent report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the alarming impact of tobacco […]

women
16
Sep

Do women need more sleep than men? 

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

In a viral Instagram post, Dr Manan Vora, an orthopedic surgeon with 549K followers, claims that women need more rest than men because of hormonal changes that disrupt their sleep cycles.   “Because of hormones. periods, pregnancy and menopause mess with their sleep. It gets harder to fall asleep, and they wake up more often. Even […]

student mental health suicide
15
Sep

Rising student suicides: Are we failing our young?

  • Mariyam Alavi / 8 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

I am sorry papa. Main is saal bhi nahi kar paaya  (I couldn’t do it this time either). A young adult preparing for the Indian national medical entrance exam said this in a note he left behind when he died by suicide last year. Every year more and more young students are dying by suicide in India, […]

exercise
15
Sep

Single exercise session found to slow cancer cell growth, study shows

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Exercising muscles can release substances that help suppress the growth of breast cancer cells, according to a new study published in PubMed. The research, published last month, involved 32 women who had survived breast cancer. After a single session of high-intensity interval training or weightlifting, their blood contained higher levels of certain molecules that slowed […]

white bread
14
Sep

Fact Check: Can consuming white bread and packaged juices cause cancer? 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM:  Eating bread, especially white bread, and packaged juices (which contain adulterated mixtures and chemicals) causes cancer.  FACT:  There is no direct evidence that eating white bread or drinking packaged juices causes cancer. While they are not “poison,” experts suggest that regular consumption may increase the risk of cancer indirectly by contributing to nutritional deficiencies, […]

depression
12
Sep

Bollywood’s silent battles: Actors who spoke about their struggles with depression

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Behind the Bollywodd’s bright lights, several leading actors have been confronting private battles that few could imagine. In recent years, stars like Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Manisha Koirala, Bobby Deol, and Nushrat Bharucha have opened up about their struggles with depression and setbacks, conversations that are slowly reshaping the way mental health is viewed […]

Towel
12
Sep

Why paper towels might be your best bet for hygiene

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Hot-air hand dryers are a staple in most public restrooms in urban India now. Most people reach for these dryers over paper towels to dry their hands for a myriad of reasons— for some, it is the greener option, for others, it might even seem more hygienic.   However, a viral reel on Instagram calls for […]

student mental health suicide
11
Sep

The pressure cooker effect: Student mental health under siege in India’s education system

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

At just 22, Arijit Gupta, a postgraduate student at Jamia Millia Islamia, navigates a world defined by endless assignments and tight deadlines. The constant pressure to excel has left him exhausted and mentally drained. “As a master’s student, work pressure is expected, but sometimes it gets too much and you are so overwhelmed that you lose track […]

AI
10
Sep

From stethoscopes to digital twins, AI Is rewriting medicine

  • Riyaz Wani / 8 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

With every passing day, the role Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is becoming more prominent, advancing from buzzword to real-world impact. A host of innovations, from diagnostics and treatment to drug discovery and wearable tech, is reshaping how we approach patient care. Streamlining Cancer Treatment At Addenbrooke’s Hospital in the UK, Dr. Raj Jena has […]

bmi
09
Sep

Does waist-to-height ratio offer a better measure than outdated BMI?

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

For years, doctors, healthcare practitioners, and researchers have used the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a ratio based on one’s weight and height, to determine whether one is overweight and to look at health outcomes. However, a new study has now found that a waist circumference to height ratio is a better measurement for […]

cancer
09
Sep

Russia’s cancer vaccine ready for use: report

  • First Check Team / 8 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Russia has developed a cancer vaccine that has successfully completed preclinical trials and is now ready for use, Veronika Skvortsova, head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA), announced at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), held in Vladivostok from September 3–6 under the theme “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity,”  TASS […]

heart attack
08
Sep

Is there a specific time of day when heart attacks are most likely to occur?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

India has been witnessing a worrying surge in heart-related cases, with incidents being reported not just among the elderly but also, shockingly among children and young adults. On July 16, 2025, a nine-year-old girl in Rajasthan’s Sikar collapsed at school and later died. Doctors reportedly concluded that she suffered a “heart attack.”  Also, in Karnataka’s […]

piles
08
Sep

Fact Check: Can longer toilet breaks lead to piles and infection risks?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Sitting for extended periods in a toilet can cause piles. FACT:  Prolonged sitting on the toilet does increase pressure on rectal veins and can contribute to piles. Experts advise limiting toilet time to 2–3 minutes, avoiding straining, and skipping phone use to reduce both hemorrhoid and infection risks.   An Instagram reel by fitness […]

intermittent fasting
05
Sep

Intermittent fasting: Is the popular diet trend harming your heart?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

When Britain’s former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak casually revealed that he often begins his week with a 36-hour fast, it caught global attention. He wasn’t alone in promoting the practice. Hollywood celebrities, tech leaders, fitness influencers, and politicians across the world have spoken about how intermittent fasting has transformed their lives, often attributing it to […]

medicine
05
Sep

Fact Check: Is dark chocolate truly a medicine? Here’s what you need to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Dark chocolate is a medicine. It gives us resilience, strength and also improves brain health.   FACT:  Eating dark chocolate (70% cocoa or above) in moderation may support heart, skin, and short-term brain health, but doctors warn it is not a medicine and overconsumption can cause risks due to high sugar, calories, caffeine, fat, and […]

ozempic
04
Sep

Ozempic faces $2 billion lawsuit amid weight-loss craze

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Ozempic, once celebrated as a breakthrough treatment for type 2 diabetes, is now in the dock over its soaring popularity as a weight-loss shortcut. The drug’s Danish manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, faces lawsuits worth more than $2 billion in the United States, with patients alleging severe side effects including stomach paralysis, uncontrollable vomiting and vision loss. […]

silver
04
Sep

Kangana Ranaut’s silver glass claim: Does it truly boost your immunity?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Drinking from silver glass boosts immunity.  FACT:  There is no scientific evidence that drinking water from a silver glass boosts immunity; an expert we spoke to suggests that while silver has some antimicrobial properties, long-term or excessive intake can be harmful. Boosting immunity is one of the most popular promises made by wellness hacks […]

ageing
03
Sep

Scientists find new clues to slowing down ageing

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A study of how ageing reshapes human genes has produced the most comprehensive “epigenetic atlas” ever assembled, and it may point the way to new anti-ageing treatments. An article published in the Nature analyzed more than 15,000 human tissue samples, mapping DNA methylation changes – chemical tags that regulate gene activity – across 17 types […]

temperature
02
Sep

FACT CHECK: Can colder office temperatures significantly reduce women’s productivity?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

CLAIM: Women feel colder in air-conditioned rooms.  FACT:  Women do feel colder than men in air-conditioned rooms, largely due to lower metabolic rates, hormonal factors, and outdated temperature standards designed around men. Ever noticed how women in offices are often wrapped in shawls, sneaking out for a dose of warmth, or requesting colleagues to turn […]

teeth
02
Sep

FACT CHECK: Are viral DIY teeth whitening hacks safe for your smile?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

We are all on the lookout for quick ways to whiten our teeth, scrolling endlessly through the internet for home hacks that promise instant shine. From kitchen ingredients to DIY pastes, these remedies often spark curiosity, and sometimes, controversy.   In a viral post, actress Nia Sharma, who has 8.2 million followers on Instagram, attempted a […]

heart
01
Sep

Is two pegs of alcohol good for your heart? Here’s what experts say

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Alcohol has long carried mixed perceptions — often linked to health risks, yet casually justified in everyday conversations. A recent viral reel has once again put the spotlight on this controversy.   In a viral video, posted by entrepreneur Abhishek Vvyas, who has 1.2 lakh followers on Instagram, Bollywood actor Govinda’s wife, Sunita Ahuja, opens up […]

PCOS
01
Sep

Let’s talk about PCOS!

  • Mariyam Alavi / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Acne. Facial hair. Weight gain. Irregular periods. Infertility. These are the struggles of many women of menstruating age across the world. Many of them have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS; not be confused with PCOD). With the WHO estimating that 6-13% of reproductive-aged women are affected by PCOS globally, many of us would […]

adhd
01
Sep

ADHD drugs may offer broader life benefits: Study 

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may deliver wider benefits beyond symptom control, according to a large study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Researchers found that people newly diagnosed with ADHD who began drug treatment were less likely to engage in harmful behaviour or meet with serious misfortune. Among those starting medication, […]

skin cancer
01
Sep

What is Michael Clarke suffering from? The risks and dangers of skin cancer 

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke, one of the country’s most decorated batters, is once again facing a difficult battle off the cricket field—skin cancer. The 43-year-old recently revealed on Instagram that he had another cancerous growth removed from his nose. Sharing a picture after the surgery, Clarke posted: “Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. […]

PCOS
01
Sep

What is PCOS? The hidden struggle of one in five Indian women | Explainer

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 9 min read

Simran Mudgal was 21 when she first began noticing unsettling changes in her body. Her periods grew irregular and painfully delayed, fatigue made even simple tasks exhausting, and coarse facial hair appeared along her chin and jawline. “I felt like there was a lot of imbalance in my body,” she recalls. In 2023, doctors finally […]

31
Aug

Is dancing during pregnancy safe? Debunking myths and expert guidelines

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, broke the internet when she shared a video of herself and her husband, Prince Harry, dancing while pregnant with their second child. The Duke and Duchess appeared to be recreating a TikTok Challenge in the video that has had over 7 crore views. However, it also […]

attention span
31
Aug

Is your phone destroying your brain? The shocking truth about attention span

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

In a classroom overlooking the valley in Dehradun, Archana S. Chhetri, a PGT-English teacher, has been noticing a worrying trend. Over the past few years, she has observed that the attention span of her students has sharply declined with the rise of social media.   According to her, long hours spent on the internet and gaming […]

surgery
29
Aug

Fact Check: Can kidney stones be removed without surgery?

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

A viral Instagram reel posted by content creator Sanjeev Kumar Sharma has sparked queries online — can kidney stones really be removed without surgery?  In the reel, a person asks him about his claim, to which he confidently responds that even large, 2–3-year-old stones can be removed. What is a kidney stone, its symptoms and […]

heart attack
28
Aug

Can your anger lead to a heart attack?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

An Instagram reel by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta has sparked widespread discussion online over claims that anger significantly raises the risk of a heart attack. Mehta, who has 976,000 followers on Instagram, cites a Harvard study and warns viewers about the dangers of frequent anger.  The post has received over 10,700 likes, more […]

chatgpt
28
Aug

“Still listening. Still your friend”: US family sues OpenAI, says ChatGPT pushed teen toward suicide

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A lawsuit filed in California has accused OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT, of deepening a teenager’s depression and driving him toward suicide, raising urgent questions over the emotional risks of artificial intelligence. Sixteen-year-old Adam Raine began using ChatGPT in late 2024, like many of his classmates, to finish homework. But over time, his chats took a darker […]

rabies
27
Aug

Does relocating vaccinated stray dogs truly worsen rabies outbreaks and public health?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

An Instagram reel by community feeder and animal welfare advocate Jananee (Instagram handle:@the_dog_lady_), who has 2,570 followers, has gone viral amid the growing debate over the Supreme Court’s recent order to relocate stray dogs to shelters. In the video, she argues that removing vaccinated and sterilized street dogs from their territories could dismantle herd immunity, […]

lipstick
27
Aug

Are your lipsticks responsible for delayed periods and messed up hormone levels?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

For many women, this is a familiar scenario—you start your day with freshly applied lipstick, which disappears after a few hours. More often than not, you would have eaten some bits of it. Well, now social media posts claim that this is not just a fashion faux pas; it could also be harming your health.   […]

cockroach in coffee
27
Aug

FACT CHECK: Are cockroaches in coffee harmful to health?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Cockroaches in coffee are harmful to health.     FACT: Experts suggest that small traces of cockroach fragments in coffee are harmless for most people but may trigger reactions in those with cockroach or shellfish allergies.    You must be sipping your daily cup of coffee while reading this. Mornings, evenings, homes, or office corners—coffee […]

eating
26
Aug

Fact Check: Can eating sprouted potatoes be deadly? What you need to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Sprouted potato packed in a tiffin kills children. FACT:  False. Eating one or two sprouted potatoes will not kill children; solanine poisoning is rare and only dangerous when large amounts of heavily sprouted or green potatoes are consumed. Potatoes are among the most commonly used vegetables in Indian households—be it in parathas, curries, or […]

ai
26
Aug

The AI race to automate healthcare: Can we keep the human touch?

  • Riyaz Wani / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Picture this: you walk into a hospital and, instead of spending nights waiting for paperwork, you’re out the same afternoon, because an AI system already drafted your discharge note. Or imagine an AI assistant flagging a dangerous spot on your scan before any human doctor has even looked at it. This isn’t any science fiction […]

25
Aug

92-year-old sprinter’s muscle cells look like those of someone in their 20s, scientists find

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

 The Italian sprinter Emma Maria Mazzenga holds four world records for women over 90, and scientists are now studying her to understand how she keeps moving so fast for so long. “In Italy, it’s just me,” Mazzenga said, as quoted by The Washington Post. “At the world championships, it was me and an American.” Last […]

hair
25
Aug

Fact Check: Can consumption of makhana with milk cure hair loss?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Hair fall is a common woe that many of us face, and we often turn to DIY remedies and home cures for quick fixes. The internet is filled with simple hacks, miracle cures, and kitchen remedies that can give you the tresses of your dreams. Now, an Instagram reel, posted by the handle globallifesaniya, offers […]

cancer
24
Aug

Declare cancer notifiable nationwide, tax tobacco to fund research: Parliament panel

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A parliamentary committee has recommended that cancer be declared a notifiable disease across India, warning that inadequate data is undermining efforts to tackle one of the country’s fastest-growing health crises. In its 163rd report presented to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the Committee on Petitions headed by Narain Dass Gupta said, “Given India’s rising cancer […]

study
22
Aug

Peer reviewers more likely to approve articles that cite their own work, study finds

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Reviewers are more inclined to approve scientific articles that cite their own research, according to a new study of thousands of peer-reviewed manuscripts published in the journal Nature. The study, which examined 18,400 articles from four open-access platforms, found that “reviewers who were cited were more likely to approve the article after the first review […]

diabetes
21
Aug

IIT study reveals collagen’s hidden role in worsening type 2 diabetes; should we be worried?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, may exacerbate type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition affecting over 500 million people globally, a study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has revealed.   Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the research highlights how collagen I, a key structural protein in […]

brain
21
Aug

3 deadly ‘brain-eating amoeba’ cases reported in Kerala, what you need to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Kerala’s health department has sounded an alert in Kozhikode district after three back-to-back cases of the rare but deadly brain infection primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported. One of the victims, a nine-year-old girl, died on August 14, while a three-month-old baby and another patient continue to battle for their lives. The health department is […]

breasts
20
Aug

Fact Check: Are asymmetric breasts a sign of cancer?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Dr Tanaya Narendra, a doctor, sexual health educator, embryologist, and scientist popularly known as Dr Cuterus with 1.8 million followers on Instagram,  in a recent post addressed a common concern: Is one breast being bigger than the other a cause for worry? Her answer—not always. She explained that if asymmetry has always been present, it […]

weight
20
Aug

Want to lose weight? Reducing food cravings and controlled snacking could be the key

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

Getting those pesky kilos off and maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge that is all too familiar to many of us. Every day, there is new advice that streams in about what one needs to do to shed those extra kilograms—from new fad diets to workout regimes. But can controlled snacking on sweets be […]

broiler
20
Aug

Fact Check: Does eating broiler chicken cause early puberty and cancer in girls?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A YouTube video uploaded by the channel “Experiment_bhaiya” claims that consuming broiler chicken can cause early puberty in girls. With over 39 million views and more than a million likes, the video has got people talking about the claims. “So today we have broiler chicken, which is consumed as a non-vegetarian staple food in the […]

noodles
19
Aug

Can adding protein make instant noodles healthy? Experts debunk the viral claim

  • Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A recent YouTube video with over 5 million views was all about how instant noodles can be made into a healthy alternative. “I have the universe’s healthiest food,” the vlogger says, holding a packet of a renowned instant noodle brand.  To counter the issue of high glycemic index (GI), he suggests balancing it by adding […]

cancer
19
Aug

Myths debunked: Does wearing a bra at night cause cancer?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

An Instagram reel by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta has sparked widespread discussion online, with claims that wearing a bra at night can cause breast cancer. In the video, Mehta warns women to “stop wearing bras at night” to avoid potential health risks.  The reel, presented as a dialogue between Mehta and a woman, […]

contact lens
19
Aug

Contact lens complications: What you need to know to protect your vision

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 8 min read

Television actor Jasmine Bhasin’s ordeal last year is a stark reminder that eye health should never be taken lightly. While in Delhi for work, she wore contact lenses despite feeling painful sensations in her eyes. Determined not to delay her commitments, she masked the discomfort with sunglasses. As the day progressed, her vision blurred until she […]

18
Aug

Let’s pledge to save lives, let’s pledge to donate organs!

  • Mariyam Alavi / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Earlier this month, the Union Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, highlighted how India had achieved a milestone that we can all truly be proud of. “Due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. […]

moringa
18
Aug

Fact Check: Is it safe to consume moringa daily?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

CLAIM:  Moringa is safe to consume every day. FACT: Moringa offers multiple health benefits; however, nutritionist advises against its daily consumption without consulting a qualified expert first.  You might have come across various reels, posts, and articles about the benefits of ‘moringa’- the drumstick and its leaves, or supplements or powders. This green leafy vegetable […]

brain
18
Aug

‘Less and less science fiction’: Scientists edge closer to editing the human brain

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

“The data have never looked so good,” says Monica Coenraads, founder and CEO of the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, quoted by the journal Nature. “This is less and less science fiction, and closer to reality.” Scientists are closing in on a formidable new target for genome editing, the human brain, an article published in the […]

headaches
15
Aug

Why are headaches rising among children and teenagers?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Shriya Koul, a media student, was just 10 years old when she first experienced the strange, throbbing pain on one side of her head. Her mother and maternal grandfather had both suffered from migraines – and in 2018, Koul too was diagnosed with the condition. “It wasn’t as acute as theirs, but it was still […]

anxiety
14
Aug

Do magnesium supplements work for sleep, anxiety, and period cramps?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

An Instagram reel by doctor and influencer Yokesh Arul has brought magnesium supplements into the limelight, with claims of transformative health benefits. In the video, Arul—who has over 1 million followers on the platform, shares his personal experience of taking magnesium for 21 days.  “I took magnesium for 21 days and it literally changed my […]

health
14
Aug

They risked not just prison walls, but their own lives and health

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

The towering figures who fought for India’s freedom from the British empire did it against heavy odds. They battled not just British persecution, and jails but also their health issues. But this hardly dampened their spirits and they pressed on in their quest for freedom until they achieved it, some losing their lives in the […]

MSG
14
Aug

Is MSG addictive? What scientific studies really say about monosodium glutamate

  • Sneha Richhariya / 9 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

In October 2023, during a press conference at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Prof Narsingh Verma, head of KGMU’s physiology department, said that Ajinomoto triggers glutamate pathways in the brain and spinal cord, which are interconnected with various other neurotransmitter pathways, leading to addiction.   The idea that monosodium glutamate (MSG), present in […]

Organ Donation
13
Aug

World Organ Donation Day: ‘Don’t take your organs to heaven; heaven knows we need them here,’ says leading liver transplant surgeon Dr Arvinder Singh Soin

  • Mariyam Alavi / 9 months
  • 0
  • 16 min read

According to the Union Health Ministry, India has made unprecedented progress in the field of organ transplantation — performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024 alone, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a sharp rise from fewer than 5,000 such surgeries in 2013, placing India third in the world after the […]

eye
13
Aug

Ditch your glasses? FDA approves  eye drops to fix your near sight 

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved VIZZ™ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution 1.44%), a first-of-its-kind prescription eye drop for adults with presbyopia – the age-related condition that makes it difficult to focus on near objects. According to the newly released prescribing information, “VIZZ is a cholinergic agonist indicated for the treatment of presbyopia in […]

donation
13
Aug

World Organ Donation Day: India’s organ transplants hit a record high, yet thousands are still waiting; here’s why

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

On August 2, Union Health Minister JP Nadda lauded India’s progress in the field of organ transplantation, marking a record-breaking year. “Due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a significant […]

donation
12
Aug

World Organ Donation Day: Here’s what you need to know

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

India’s organ transplantation numbers have reached a record high, yet the need still far outweighs the supply. Speaking at the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day earlier this month, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda announced that the country performed over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024 — the highest ever in a single year, and a […]

donation
12
Aug

World Organ Donation Day: The top 5 myths around organ donation

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Donating an organ is the greatest gift one can give—the gift of life. Yet, India still faces a shortage of donor organs. According to official estimates, 2.5 lakh people need kidneys, 1 lakh need corneas, 80,000 need livers, and 50,000 people need hearts every year in the country. In fact, officials have said that the […]

joy
12
Aug

The joy of small things

  • Riyaz Wani / 9 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Squeezed between deadlines, and phone-scrolling, we are hardly conscious of how time passes us by, and, in turn, how life goes by. Happiness is now a dopamine boost triggered by the relentless buzz of social media and email notifications. But the truth is that this stimulation is fleeting and leaves us empty and anxious. Thankfully […]

garlic
11
Aug

Soha Ali Khan’s latest health trend: Is chewing raw garlic on an empty stomach good for you?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

A viral Instagram video posted by Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan has stirred a fresh health trend online—chewing raw garlic on an empty stomach for a myriad of supposed health benefits that range from boosting immunity and improving gut health to reducing inflammation. The reel, which has close to 70,000 likes and about 1 crore […]

heart
11
Aug

Fact Check: Are heart attacks more common on Mondays and during winter holidays?

  • Pallav Vyas / 9 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

CLAIM: Heart attacks are more likely to occur on a Monday. This phenomenon is known as “blue Monday.” People also die the most from heart attacks in the last week of December. FACT: Indeed! one is most vulnerable to a heart attack on a Monday morning and during cold winters. But more research may be […]

coffee
11
Aug

FACT CHECK: Could drinking coffee regularly protect against thyroid disease, including cancer?

  • First Check Team / 9 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Coffee is the largest traded food and beverage commodity in the world, which makes it a popular drink, worldwide. While many may enjoy the drink for its taste, oblivious to the health benefits associated with their favourite morning cuppa. One such apparent coffee lover has taken to the popular social media platform X, formerly Twitter, […]

Mosquito
08
Aug

FACT CHECK: Mosquito coils can be as harmful as ‘100 cigarettes’

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM: One mosquito coil can be as harmful as 100 cigarettes   FACT: Multiple research studies have shown that mosquito coils emit harmful pollutants, comparable to multiple cigarettes.   Mosquito coils are a staple in many Indian households, with many people burning it through the night to keep those pesky little blood sucking flies away […]

Sleep
08
Aug

Fact Check: Does your body only repair itself during sleep between 11 PM and 4 AM?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Claim: Optimal time for sleep is 11 PM to 4 AM as that is the time for body repair   Fact: False. Every person’s body has its own circadian rhythm and the body repairs itself at all times when a person sleeps, not just during a specified time.   First Check came across a reel […]

alzheimer's
07
Aug

New Alzheimer’s study: Lithium supplement reverses memory loss in mice, raises human hopes

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

A new study published in Nature suggests that replenishing the brain’s natural lithium reserves could not only protect against Alzheimer’s disease but potentially reverse its debilitating effects as was witnessed in mice. The study, led by geneticist Bruce Yankner of Harvard Medical School, found that “when lithium concentrations in the brain decline, memory loss tends […]

breastfeeding
07
Aug

World Breastfeeding Week is here, but have we checked on our mothers and the data?

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 10 months
  • 0
  • 7 min read

Shadia Hassan, a PhD scholar at IIT Delhi, gave birth to her first child, a beautiful, healthy boy, in November 2024. She recalls how the early months of motherhood were a delicate balance of science, emotion, and inherited advice.  “I delivered my baby via C-section at Trident Hospital in Nehru Place, and initially, the doctors […]

ai
06
Aug

Move over Google, AI is the new doctor in town!

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 10 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

Who would have thought that for every minor inconvenience or health concern – be it a skin rash, a persistent cough, or a random ache—we’d be turning to ChatGPT for answers? In an era where artificial intelligence is at our fingertips, AI chatbots are fast becoming the new front line for health queries.   Patients are […]

microgreens
06
Aug

How microgreens have become the new superfood on your plate | Explained

  • Sakshi Srivastava / 10 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

They began as a chef’s secret weapon in the Californian fine-dining scene of the 1980s, prized for their vibrant colour, intense flavour, and delicate texture. However, over the past few decades, microgreens have evolved from garnish to a global phenomenon.  According to a 2024 review published in Current Research in Food Science, the global microgreens […]

04
Aug

World Breastfeeding Week: Ignore the noise, listen to the experts!

  • Mariyam Alavi / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

Hello, When I was pregnant with my first child a couple of years ago, I thought I had done everything I could do to prepare myself for this beautiful journey. I had researched, I had planned, and I was convinced I was able to determine what is best for my child. One of the first […]

aging
04
Aug

Aging not linear: Study finds human body ages faster after 50

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

A major study published last week in Cell has mapped, for the first time that aging accelerates sharply around the age of 50, with some organs, especially blood vessels, growing old much faster than others. “We present a comprehensive proteomic and histological analysis of 516 samples from 13 human tissues spanning five decades,” the researchers […]

lyme disease
01
Aug

Justin Timberlake has Lyme disease: 5 celebs you didn’t know are suffering too

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

Pop superstar Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has been battling Lyme disease, a condition he described as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.” The announcement came just after the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which began in April in Vancouver and wrapped this week in Turkey. The revelation followed a wave of […]

pharma
31
Jul

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

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

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

health
30
Jul

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

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

diabetes
29
Jul

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

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

study
29
Jul

Over 13 million IVF babies born worldwide since 1978: Study

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

flu
27
Jul

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

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

air
25
Jul

Breathing dirty air may raise risk of dementia: Study

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

turmeric
24
Jul

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 10 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

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

Covid
23
Jul

COVID may have aged your brain by 5.5 months

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

sleep
22
Jul

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

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

vaccine
21
Jul

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

vaccine
21
Jul

RSV vaccine in pregnancy cuts baby hospital risk by 72%

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

TRump
18
Jul

Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: What it means

  • Sneha Richhariya / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

ivf
18
Jul

Three-parent IVF brings hope for inherited disorders

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

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

17
Jul

Fact Check: Is incense smoke more harmful than cigarettes?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 10 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

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

HIV
16
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

USAID
16
Jul

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

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

obesity
15
Jul

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

fruit
15
Jul

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

  • First Check Team / 10 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

chemicals
15
Jul

Your stomach bugs may help clean out harmful chemicals: Study

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 10 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

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

Fatty liver
14
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

diabetes
11
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 10 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

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

kashmir
11
Jul

As the world warms, cold regions like Kashmir are the new frontline

  • Riyaz Wani / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

This summer in Kashmir Valley, one of the world’s coldest regions, has been unlike any before. Many days in June and July have surpassed their previous temperature records. And on July 5, Srinagar recorded a sweltering 37.4 degrees Celsius – the highest temperature in the city in 70 years. The people not used to this […]

11
Jul

Rise of telemedicine: Bridging healthcare’s digital divide

  • Insha Mushtaq / 10 months
  • 0
  • 10 min read

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

pcos
10
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

10
Jul

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 10 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

plastics
09
Jul

Can you protect yourself from cancer-causing plastic chemicals?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

09
Jul

FACT-CHECK: Homeopathy, acupuncture or medicine?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

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

Mosquito
08
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

vaccines
07
Jul

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

ADiRA AI
07
Jul

AI is here to stay—might as well learn how to use it responsibly!

  • Mariyam Alavi / 11 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

Hello, Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is now quickly transforming our approach to most industries—from media to communications, and from healthcare to transportation. Words like ChatGPT, prompting, and Generative AI have now become part of everyday lexicon for many. However, where many see opportunities, as a journalist, I am trained to look for the potential pitfalls: […]

pregnant
04
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

04
Jul

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

diabetes
03
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

deaf
02
Jul

New gene therapy helps deaf children hear for the first time

  • First Check Team / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

tumor
02
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

loneliness
01
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

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

tb
01
Jul

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

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

hiv
30
Jun

New HIV gene therapy could end daily pills, say scientists

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

heat
30
Jun

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

  • First Check Team / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

urine
29
Jun

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 11 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

Covid-19
27
Jun

Are periodic COVID-19 spikes the new normal?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 6 min read

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

weight
27
Jun

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

  • First Check Team / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

Bats
26
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

medicine
25
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

Cancer
25
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

salt
24
Jun

Fact Check: Should kids snack on flaky sea salt?

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

fatty liver
24
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 4 min read

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

Khan
23
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

pee
23
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

sickle cell disease
20
Jun

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

chatgpt
20
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

arthritis
19
Jun

FACT CHECK: Can arthritis be diagnosed and treated using knee aspiration?

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

CLAIM: Arthritis can be diagnosed and treated using knee aspiration FACT: The claim is mostly true. Knee aspiration is a recognized procedure for managing arthritis symptoms and aiding diagnosis by analyzing joint fluid. However, it is not a cure, and patients should consult healthcare professionals to understand its role in their treatment plan. An Instagram […]

air conditioner in summer heat
19
Jun

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

cancer
18
Jun

Singapore scientists create cheaper blood test to track cancer

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

autistic
18
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 5 min read

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

birth control
17
Jun

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

  • Sneha Richhariya / 11 months
  • 0
  • 3 min read

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

kidney
16
Jun

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

  • Allen Joe Mathew  / 11 months
  • 0
  • 2 min read

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

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