Health

A new study from a leading U.S. medical school introduces Daily Heart Rate Per Step (DHRPS), a simple metric aimed at helping people understand heart health. By dividing average daily heart rate by daily step count, DHRPS reflects cardiovascular efficiency and potential risk for related conditions. The research was published in a major cardiology journal.

As wearables become commonplace, DHRPS offers an intuitive way to combine two familiar metrics. Instead of looking at steps or heart rate alone, this metric highlights how efficiently the heart works at a given activity level. Researchers analyzed data from thousands of smartwatch users and linked it to medical records, finding that higher DHRPS values correlated with increased risk for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart attack.

A new study raises questions about whether paracetamol, the widely used pain reliever acetaminophen, can influence risk perception. In Thailand, where self-medication with over-the-counter drugs is common, understanding any broader effects is especially relevant for daily choices.

Researchers from a leading university conducted a double-blind study to see if acetaminophen affects risk-taking. In a peer-reviewed neuroscience journal, the findings suggest the drug may reduce anxiety about risky decisions. More than 500 university students were randomized to receive either acetaminophen or a placebo and then completed risk-related tasks, including a balloon-inflation game to win imaginary money. Participants who took acetaminophen tended to take more risks than those who received the placebo.

A large international study shows that midlife eating patterns influence health in later years. About 105,000 adults aged 39 to 69 were followed for up to three decades, with contributions from the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Montreal. The findings indicate that a plant-based diet with moderate meat intake can reduce the risk of chronic diseases in old age.

For Thai audiences, the message aligns with traditional eating values: plenty of vegetables, herbs, and balanced portions of animal protein. Thai cuisine already emphasizes fresh produce and robust flavors, offering a practical framework to apply these insights at home. Modern shifts toward highly processed foods threaten these gains, underscoring the need for mindful choices.

A practical approach to health helps busy readers boost well-being without overhauling daily routines. This revised piece reframes wellness ideas for Thai audiences, grounded in trusted health insights and local culture to support a vibrant, balanced week.

With grocery prices rising, home gardening offers an affordable path to fresh, nutrient-rich produce. Growing a few herbs or vegetables at home can cut costs and reduce waste by letting you harvest only what you need. For simplicity, stocking up on bulk staples such as dried beans and lentils provides reliable protein and fiber. These foods pair well with pasta or anchor hearty stews, delivering nutrition without strain on the budget.

Recent research published in the journal Neurology highlights a concerning link between the consumption of processed red meat and a heightened risk of developing dementia. The study tracked more than 133,000 individuals over a span of up to 43 years, uncovering that those who consumed the most processed red meat had a 13% higher chance of being diagnosed with dementia compared to those who ate less. Traditional favorites like hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and salami are implicated in this elevated risk, reminding Thai readers of the importance of diet in maintaining long-term cognitive health.

A recent episode of a popular drama cast lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, into the spotlight to explore stress and coping. The storyline offers a chance to discuss how this medication works, its benefits, and the potential risks—particularly for Thai audiences where conversations about mental health are evolving.

Lorazepam belongs to benzodiazepines, drugs that enhance the brain’s GABA signals to produce a calming effect. They are commonly prescribed for short-term anxiety and panic, but they carry real risks, including dependence and dangerous interactions with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives. In Thailand, where cultural attitudes can influence seeking mental health care, media portrayals can prompt constructive dialogue about safe treatment choices.

Colon cancer is a global concern, and Thailand is increasingly affected. Recent findings from reputable health institutes show a rising trend in younger adults and a persistent burden among older adults, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and early detection across the country. While rates among seniors remain a major focus, health experts warn that a 2.4% yearly increase among people under 55 in recent years calls for proactive community strategies in Thailand.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, has become increasingly significant worldwide and in Thailand, reflecting global trends and attracting healthcare attention. The American Cancer Society’s recent estimates reveal approximately 107,320 new colon cancer cases in the U.S. in 2025, underscoring a growing need for prevention and early detection measures. While overall colon cancer rates in older adults have decreased annually, worrying trends show a 2.4% annual increase among those under 55 from 2012 to 2021, prompting heightened awareness and strategy adaptation in fighting this disease.

A recent study from the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University reveals a simple yet potentially powerful new metric to assess heart health: the Daily Heart Rate Per Step (DHRPS). By dividing an individual’s average daily heart rate by their daily step count, the DHRPS metric provides insight into cardiovascular efficiency and risk of related diseases, as published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

With millions globally relying on smartwatches and fitness devices for health insights, the introduction of DHRPS emerges as a significant advancement. Traditionally, users focused on step counts and average heart rates separately to gauge fitness, but this new approach combines these metrics to best highlight cardiovascular health. Researchers mapped Fitbit data from nearly 7,000 smartwatch users against electronic medical records, confirming that higher DHRPS values correlate strongly with increased risks of conditions such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, stroke, coronary atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction.

In a concerning development from West Texas, Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock has reported treating fewer than 10 pediatric patients for vitamin A toxicity, amidst a misinformation wave regarding vitamin A’s role in treating measles. This surge in cases is attributed to a misunderstanding promoted recently in media, particularly by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggesting that vitamin A can dramatically reduce measles mortality rates.

The children affected, initially hospitalized due to measles complications, now face the added complication of vitamin A toxicity, which can cause abnormal liver function and disrupt overall health, according to the National Institutes of Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized that while vitamin A may be administered as part of supportive care in severe measles cases, it is not a replacement for vaccination. This message, echoed by Dr. Philip Huang of Dallas County Health and Human Services, underlines the critical importance of the measles vaccine as the primary preventive measure.

A concerning healthcare episode in West Texas has led Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock to treat fewer than 10 pediatric patients for vitamin A toxicity. The spike follows misinformation about vitamin A’s role in treating measles, amplified by media attention tied to statements from public figures. Health authorities warn that vitamin A can support severe measles care in some cases, but it is not a substitute for vaccination.

The affected children were hospitalized for measles-related complications and later faced additional health risks from excessive vitamin A intake. The National Institutes of Health highlights that high vitamin A can disrupt liver function and overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reiterates that vaccination remains the cornerstone of measles prevention, with vitamin A used only as part of clinical care in specific, severe cases. Local health officials emphasize sticking to proven preventive measures, especially vaccination.

Recent findings highlight a surprising villain in the rising numbers of oral cancer cases: sugary drinks. A study from the University of Washington reveals that women who consume one or more sugary beverages daily are at a significantly heightened risk—4.87 times more, to be exact—of developing oral cancer compared to those who indulge less than once a month. This data emerges from a robust analysis of dietary records belonging to 162,602 women over thirty years, of which 124 cases of oral cancer were documented. Notably, this risk spike persists even among individuals with minimal traditional risk factors like smoking or alcohol consumption, elevating to 5.46 times for those specific non-smokers or light drinkers who still consume sugary drinks regularly.

A new study reveals unsettling findings about so-called healthy foods potentially carrying microplastics. The research links these tiny plastics to DNA damage and other health concerns, prompting a rethink of dietary choices that many people assume are beneficial. For Thai audiences, the results highlight how pervasive pollution can reach daily meals and how local eating habits may need careful consideration.

Microplastics are small plastic fragments, barely visible to the naked eye. They have infiltrated air, water, soil, and the foods we eat, making complete avoidance nearly impossible. The study points to practical dietary adjustments to reduce exposure. Notably, items like carrots, apples, rice, and honey were identified as common carriers, largely because of environmental contamination and industry processing.

Colon cancer is increasingly becoming a major health concern worldwide, including in Thailand. Recent reports, including findings from Intermountain Health, highlight that colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women under age 50. This is not just an issue for those over 50, as younger populations are seeing rising incidence rates. Alarmingly, in 2020, 11% of all colon cancer and 15% of all rectal cancer diagnoses were recorded in individuals under 50 years old. The situation underscores the necessity for increased awareness and early screening to curb the escalation of this cancer among younger demographics.

A new study points to a surprising contributor to rising oral cancer cases: sugary beverages. Researchers analyzed dietary records from about 162,600 women over three decades and found that those who drink one or more sugary drinks daily had nearly five times the risk of developing oral cancer compared with those who rarely drink them. Among non-smokers or light drinkers, the risk remained elevated at about five-and-a-half times for daily sugary drink consumers.

Recent research has uncovered a surprisingly unsettling reality: many foods traditionally considered healthy might be laden with microplastics, which have been linked to cancer, DNA damage, and other serious health concerns. This revelation underlines the pervasive impact of microplastics on our daily lives, hinting at their infiltration into even the most unsuspecting corners of our diet. With the presence of microplastics in our environment escalating, this study prompts a critical reevaluation of dietary choices commonly perceived as beneficial.

Colon cancer is rising as a global health concern, and Thailand is no exception. Recent data show colorectal cancer ranking as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with younger adults increasingly affected. In 2020, a notable share of diagnoses occurred in people under 50, underscoring the need for early screening and heightened awareness across Thai communities.

In Thailand’s regional context, shifting lifestyles—more sedentary work, faster, less-balanced meals, and growing urbanization—mirror Western trends that may contribute to higher cancer risk. Early detection matters: when colon cancer is found early, survival rates are high. This highlights the life-saving potential of proactive screening and regular health checkups.

In a recent development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sounded the alarm about the rapid spread of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus ^(LA Times). This fungal superbug has increasingly afflicted hospitals and nursing homes across the United States, garnering widespread attention due to its resistance to treatment and its potential to cause severe infections, especially among vulnerable populations ^(Fox News).

Originally identified in 2016, C. auris has surged from 52 cases in its first year to more than 4,500 confirmed infections recorded in 2023 ^(ConsumerAffairs). This dramatic increase is particularly concerning given the fungus’s deadly nature, killing over 1 in 3 infected individuals, according to health experts ^(Global News).

The recent publication in the Star Tribune by Aaron Brown serves as an engaging reminder for elder millennials reaching age 45, as they now find themselves at the threshold of recommended colon cancer screenings. This shift is crucial as recent data indicates a troubling increase in colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, while early screening has decreased incidences among older populations. March, recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, highlights the importance of timely screenings to mitigate risks associated with the second deadliest cancer in the United States.

A growing health advisory now recommends starting colon cancer screening at 45, aligning with rising cases among younger adults. The push comes as major health organizations emphasize earlier detection to improve outcomes, with March designated as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to highlight timely screening.

For Thai audiences, this global trend invites reflection on local guidelines. Data indicate that beginning screening sooner can lower lifetime cancer risk, especially when issues are found early on. A 2022 study in a leading medical journal supports the idea that early, initial screening reduces long-term risk and can spare patients from more invasive interventions later.

A new health alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the rapid spread of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus increasingly found in hospitals and long-term care facilities in the United States. Health officials warn that C. auris is hard to treat and can cause severe infections, particularly among vulnerable patients.

Since its first identification in 2016, C. auris has grown from a handful of cases to thousands in 2023. The fungus is linked with high mortality, underscoring the need for strict infection control in healthcare settings.

The recent measles outbreak affecting West Texas and New Mexico has taken an unexpected turn with several patients suffering from vitamin A toxicity, raising alarm over health misinformation. At Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock—close to the outbreak’s center—some of the unvaccinated children hospitalized for measles exhibited signs of abnormal liver function, a likely indication of excessive vitamin A intake, explained Dr. Lara Johnson, pediatric hospitalist and chief medical officer for Covenant Health-Lubbock Service Area source.

In a surprising and controversial move, the U.S. federal government has appointed David Geier, a well-known vaccine skeptic, to lead a study examining the disproven link between vaccines and autism. This decision, revealed by the Washington Post, has sparked outcry from the scientific community, given Geier’s history of promoting discredited research in this arena.

This development is part of a broader narrative where public health agendas in the U.S. appear to be influenced by prominent anti-vaccine figures. David Geier, in collaboration with his father, Mark Geier, has consistently advocated against vaccinations. Their research, often dismissed by the scientific community for its methodological shortcomings, focuses on purported dangers of vaccines, specifically mercury-based ingredients, which they claim are linked to autism—a claim that has been thoroughly debunked by numerous scientific studies over the years. Despite the widespread scientific consensus, their studies still hold sway among certain anti-vaccine circles, particularly those led by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who now oversees health initiatives.

A high-stakes policy shift in the United States has sparked global scrutiny about scientific integrity and public trust. A new senior data analyst role and a controversial leadership choice for an autism study have drawn sharp questions from researchers about the credibility of the project. The move has stirred concern that leadership decisions may influence the direction and reliability of the research.

Data from reputable institutions indicates growing concern when policymakers elevate voices outside mainstream scientific consensus. The project’s transition between federal agencies highlights a broader debate over how public health agendas are shaped and who guides them. Critics note the appointment comes amid ongoing disputes surrounding researchers who have challenged vaccine safety, using methods that many scientists label flawed. The central claim—that vaccines cause autism—has been extensively studied and not supported by robust evidence. Yet, anti-vaccine networks continue to promote these claims, complicating public understanding.