Health

A renowned American cardiologist argues that society should discard pseudoscience and embrace science-backed strategies to extend both lifespan and healthspan. In his new book, Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity, Dr. Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, condemns bio-hacking, anti-vaccine rhetoric, and unfounded “anti-aging” movements that gained momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic. The takeaway is clear: a rigorous, evidence-driven approach can prevent the three major age-related diseases and improve quality of life.

A sweeping new international study has reinforced the dangers of elevated lipoprotein(a) – called Lp(a) – showing that any detectable increase in this cholesterol-like molecule is linked to greater risk of heart disease and stroke. The findings, widely reported as the largest investigation of its kind to date, signal a major shift in how health professionals may assess and manage cardiovascular risk, especially in populations such as Thailand where heart disease remains the country’s leading cause of death.

A large international study confirms that even small increases in lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), are linked to higher risks of heart disease and stroke. The research, one of the biggest investigations of its kind, suggests clinicians should rethink how cardiovascular risk is assessed, particularly in Thailand where heart disease remains the leading cause of death.

Lp(a) is a blood particle similar to LDL cholesterol but with an extra protein that makes it sticky and more likely to promote clots and plaque. Unlike traditional cholesterol, Lp(a) levels are largely genetic and resistant to lifestyle changes or common cholesterol-lowering medicines. The study’s scale—encompassing hundreds of thousands of participants—highlights that even modest Lp(a) elevations deserve clinical attention. Research from Medical Xpress synthesizes these international findings for a broad audience.

A wave of recent research is challenging long-held beliefs about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), questioning whether the condition is truly a lifelong, biologically fixed disorder and whether the medical model that has dominated diagnosis and treatment actually serves those affected. With global ADHD diagnosis rates soaring and stimulant prescriptions at record levels—mirrored by rising numbers in Thailand—the debate over what ADHD is and how best to help children and adults affected is more urgent than ever. These new perspectives could have a profound impact not only on clinical practice in the West but on the evolving approach to ADHD in Thailand, where both awareness and skepticism about the condition are growing rapidly.

A new study links girls’ dietary quality to the age at which puberty begins, with broad implications for health, education, and families in Thailand and beyond. While genetics and body size have long been considered key predictors of menarche, researchers now emphasize that nutrition quality may play a decisive role, potentially affecting long-term risk for chronic diseases. For Thai communities, this signals the importance of early nutrition not only for immediate well-being but for lifelong health trajectories.

A new study has brought to light a critical link between girls’ dietary habits and the age at which they reach puberty, with profound implications for health, education, and family life in Thailand and worldwide. Traditionally, genetics and body size have been considered the main predictors of when a girl will experience menarche—her first menstrual period. However, this latest research, published in the journal Human Reproduction, suggests that what girls eat may be an even more significant driver, potentially influencing long-term risk for several chronic diseases. The findings underscore the importance of early nutrition, not only for immediate wellbeing but also for shaping health trajectories long into adulthood (Earth.com).

A large international study finds that adults over 50 who receive the shingles vaccine experience up to a 23% reduction in major cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and heart disease, with benefits lasting up to eight years. The match between shingles prevention and cardiovascular protection could reshape how Thailand and other aging populations approach preventive health.

Thailand is aging rapidly, and cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death. Health authorities highlight the potential of a single intervention to address two major health challenges: infectious disease and chronic illness. The World Health Organization notes that stroke and heart disease cause hundreds of thousands of Thai deaths each year, with risk rising after age 50. Traditional prevention focuses on lifestyle and medications, but vaccination is emerging as a powerful, often overlooked tool.

A new international study has found that adults over 50 who receive the shingles vaccine can dramatically reduce their risk of major cardiovascular events—including stroke, heart failure, and heart disease—by as much as 23% for up to eight years following vaccination. The findings, published in the European Heart Journal in early May and quickly covered by global outlets such as the European Society of Cardiology and Science Daily, mark a significant turning point for public health, suggesting that the benefits of the vaccine extend far beyond protection against the painful rash caused by herpes zoster.

As Thailand moves from the rainy season into hotter months, many residents reach for tissues with uncertainty. Are persistent sneezes, sniffs, and scratchy throats signs of a lingering cold or reactions to rising pollen? Global research shows allergy seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer due to climate change, making the distinction more important for urban Thais facing air pollution and dense greenery.

The overlap between cold and allergy symptoms is real. Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and fatigue appear in both conditions, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. A senior physician from a major medical center notes, “People often confuse the two. Nasal stuffiness and sneezing occur in both.” With pollen seasons intensifying, Thai doctors warn that managing this issue now extends well beyond a single season.

A significant breakthrough in chronic pain management has arrived, as new research reveals that learning to control emotions can bring meaningful, sustained relief to those suffering from persistent pain. A recently published clinical trial, led by a team at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and reported by Neuroscience News, found that focusing on emotional regulation—not just physical symptoms—can significantly improve quality of life for chronic pain sufferers. This development is particularly significant for countries like Thailand, where chronic pain is a widespread but often poorly addressed health concern.

A new health assessment approach from the University of Washington promises a more accurate measure of biological age, potentially predicting disability and mortality better than traditional methods. Dubbed the Health Octo Tool, it relies on eight key health metrics drawn from standard exams and routine tests. This innovation could pave the way for more personalized and proactive health interventions in Thailand.

Biological age differs from chronological age by reflecting how fast the body actually ages. Traditional tools focus on single diseases, often missing how multiple conditions interact to shape overall aging. For Thailand, with a growing elderly population and rising chronic disease burden, a comprehensive aging metric could support earlier prevention and better resource planning.

As Thailand’s wet season transitions into the hot months, many residents find themselves reaching for tissues—uncertain whether their persistent sneezes, sniffles, and scratchy throats are signs of a lingering cold or responses to the rising pollen count. With research indicating that allergy seasons globally are starting earlier and lasting longer due to climate change, understanding the difference between allergies and the common cold has never been more important—especially for those living in Bangkok and other urban centres prone to increasingly severe air pollution and dense greenery (theguardian.com).

Processed meats are a common feature in many Thai and international dishes, but new research warns these foods may raise colorectal cancer risk, especially with daily consumption. Recent analyses, including a May 2025 report, indicate that regular intake of bacon, sausages, ham, hot dogs, and preserved meats can increase cancer risk. Alarmingly, doctors are seeing younger patients, some in their teens, diagnosed with colorectal cancer, underscoring a need to reexamine everyday eating habits.

A groundbreaking health assessment tool has emerged from the University of Washington School of Medicine, introducing a more precise method for calculating a person’s biological age—one that could ultimately help predict an individual’s risk of disability and death with greater accuracy than existing techniques. Dubbed the “Health Octo Tool,” this innovative approach utilizes eight key health metrics derived from standard physical exams and routine laboratory tests, offering fresh potential for both personal and public health interventions (MedicalXpress).

A new study suggests that teaching people to regulate their emotions can deliver lasting relief for chronic pain. A clinical trial led by researchers at the University of New South Wales found that focusing on emotional well-being, in addition to traditional medical care, improved quality of life for adults with persistent pain. The findings have clear relevance for Thailand, where chronic pain is common and health systems face access and capacity challenges.

Recent research is shining a new light on the science of happiness, pointing to a surprisingly simple factor: the precise hour you wake up. According to newly reviewed studies in chronobiology, the timing of your morning alarm may play a pivotal role in shaping not only your mood but also your long-term health and well-being. This trend is catching attention not only in academic circles but also among everyday people seeking practical ways to improve their lives—including right here in Thailand.

A growing body of chronobiology research suggests a surprisingly simple boost to well-being: the hour you wake up. New reviews indicate that aligning your morning alarm with natural light can improve sleep quality, mood, and long-term health. This idea resonates in Thailand, where traditional wisdom about early rising meets modern science.

In Thailand, the value of rising early has deep roots. The saying “early to bed and early to rise” has guided generations, and today scientists are validating its benefits. Evidence shows that waking close to sunrise supports hormonal balance, mood stability, and resilience. Cultural practices across the world—such as sunrise-aligned routines in Japan—illustrate how light-responsive wake times can foster calm and purpose during the day.

As increasing numbers of smokers look for ways to finally quit amid a confusing landscape of old habits and new pressures, the latest research and advice suggest that both traditional methods and new perspectives are making a difference—even as Thailand and the world face persistent tobacco use. A recent advice column in Slate by A.J. Daulerio reignited debate over the most effective paths to smoking cessation, especially highlighting the resurgence of Allen Carr’s Easy Way method alongside standard medical and behavioral approaches. The relevance of this discussion is heightened for Thai readers, given Thailand’s long struggle with high smoking rates and ongoing public health campaigns to reduce tobacco use (Slate).

Quitting smoking remains a national health priority in Thailand, where tobacco use persists despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns. New guidance suggests that a blend of proven methods and renewed perspectives can boost success rates. An advisory column recently revisited Allen Carr’s Easy Way alongside medical and behavioral supports, highlighting a broader toolkit for Thai smokers navigating a complex quit journey.

Thailand faces heavy tobacco-related consequences. National statistics show tobacco-related deaths reaching tens of thousands each year, underscoring the urgent need for effective quitting strategies. The World Health Organization reminds us that tobacco can claim half of its users who do not quit, a stark reminder of the stakes involved. In Thai communities, social cues, stress, and cultural norms can complicate cessation efforts, even as awareness of health risks grows. Relapse often occurs during social gatherings or family obligations, making sustained support essential.

A recent warning from health experts has highlighted that a widespread kitchen habit—reusing cooking oil for frying—could unknowingly raise cholesterol levels, putting millions at risk of long-term heart disease. While many Thai families reuse their cooking oil as a way to save money and reduce waste, mounting scientific evidence reveals this common practice could be a silent contributor to elevated cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, making it an urgent public health concern.

A growing health alert highlights a common Thai practice that may quietly raise cholesterol: reusing cooking oil for frying. While saving money and reducing waste, this habit can lead to chemical changes in oil that increase heart disease risk over time.

In Thai households, street food stalls, and community kitchens, families often reuse the same oil for deep-frying popular dishes such as fried chicken, spring rolls, and doughnuts. New research and health reporting point to oil reheating as a trigger for chemical transformations that produce harmful trans fats and oxidized compounds. Data from reputable sources shows these substances can raise LDL “bad” cholesterol and lower HDL “good” cholesterol, heightening cardiovascular risk.

In a sobering assessment this week, a leading US infectious disease expert declared that the world may have moved into a “post-herd immunity” era for measles, as vaccination gaps spark resurgent outbreaks across multiple countries. The statement comes as the United States faces its worst measles outbreak in decades, with more than 930 cases reported this year alone—a harbinger that the protective barrier of community immunity is crumbling (The Guardian, MSN).

A new study suggests that adversity in childhood can cause measurable damage to the brain’s white matter. The finding has important implications for parents, educators, and policy-makers in Thailand, as it highlights how early stress can affect long-term learning and mental health.

In Thailand, the phrase “Land of Smiles” hides underlying challenges. Official data and NGO reports point to significant child adversity at home and in school. In 2023, Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security documented thousands of cases of child abuse and neglect, reflecting broader social and economic pressures, including poverty, migration, family breakdown, and educational inequality.

A groundbreaking new study has found that experiencing adversity during childhood can result in measurable damage to the brain’s white matter, a discovery that could transform how parents, educators, and policy-makers in Thailand approach the challenges facing vulnerable children. The research, highlighted by ScienceAlert, reveals that the effects of hardships such as abuse, neglect, or chronic stress do not just shape a child’s psychological wellbeing—they may also leave lasting marks on the physical structure of the developing brain.