News

A viral “wellness” trend—drinking raw, unpasteurized milk—has swept through online communities, raising alarm among medical experts and public health officials worldwide. As influencers tout raw milk’s supposed health benefits on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, healthcare professionals urgently warn of serious risks associated with consuming unpasteurized dairy. This surge in interest, driven largely by social media wellness influencers, is confronting long-standing public health wisdom and challenging how consumers in Thailand, and elsewhere, assess food safety.

A fresh wave of research is shaking up the fitness world with an answer to the age-old gym debate: should you do cardio before or after lifting weights? According to a new study reported by The Conversation and published on June 9, 2025, performing strength training before cardiovascular exercise leads to greater fat loss, improved muscle performance, and more daily physical activity than reversing the sequence (theconversation.com).

In Thailand, where urban lifestyles and wellness trends increasingly intertwine, this scientifically-backed advice could reshape routines for everyone from gym-goers to those seeking healthier lifestyles. The study’s findings are especially timely, as obesity and non-communicable diseases remain national challenges despite government campaigns to increase physical activity. For Thai readers—from students in Bangkok’s bustling neighborhoods to retirees prioritizing health in Chiang Mai—the research offers practical insight into maximizing each workout.

New research suggests women can reap significant health gains from exercise in less time than men. The large study analyzed more than 400,000 American adults and found that women experience a greater reduction in premature death—especially from cardiovascular causes—with each minute of moderate to vigorous activity. These findings challenge longstanding beliefs about gender and fitness and carry important implications for Thai readers as lifestyle-related diseases rise in Thailand.

According to data from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey conducted between 1997 and 2017, women benefited more per minute of activity than men. Lead author Dr. Martha Gulati, a preventive cardiology expert at the Smidt Heart Institute, described the result as an “incentivizing notion” that women can gain more health from every minute of exercise. This perspective invites women to incorporate regular activity into daily life with confidence.

New research suggests that women can achieve significant health gains from exercise in less time than men, overturning common assumptions about gender and fitness. The large-scale study, recently published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, analyzed more than 400,000 American adults and found that women experience a greater reduction in premature death—especially from cardiovascular causes—with each minute of moderate to vigorous activity compared to men (livescience.com).

The study holds important implications for Thai readers, many of whom are increasingly aware of the links between lifestyle, chronic diseases, and mortality. With non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke remaining the leading causes of death in Thailand, understanding how to maximize the benefit from physical activity is both timely and vital.

A seasoned traveler’s perspective reveals that across decades of change, three cities—Siem Reap in Cambodia, Ipoh in Malaysia, and Hanoi in Vietnam—have undergone remarkable transformations, evolving into vibrant and welcoming hubs that balance rapid development with cultural preservation. According to a recent feature by a long-time observer of the region, these cities have set themselves apart by improving infrastructure, heritage conservation, and overall visitor experience, distinguishing themselves in the ever-competitive Southeast Asian tourism landscape (Business Insider).

A sharp drop in IDP Education’s shares signals a broader shift in global student mobility. The Australian-headquartered education services giant warned it could see a steep decline in placement volumes as governments tighten visa rules. The market reacted quickly, with shares tumbling by almost half at one point. The ahead-of-year outlook also anticipates a drop in IELTS testing volumes, a key step for visa and admissions processes. For Thai students and families, the news adds fresh uncertainty as outbound study plans rely on stable cross-border pathways.

A new wave of research is upending long-held assumptions about sugar, revealing that consuming sugar in beverages—such as sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks—may pose a significantly higher risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic illness compared to eating the same amount of sugar in solid foods. The findings, drawn from a major meta-analysis and recently published studies, highlight the unique dangers of “liquid sugar” and call for renewed scrutiny of sugary drink consumption, especially in countries like Thailand where sweetened drinks are a staple of daily life.

A pioneering blend of cognitive behavioral therapy and intensive mentorship is showing notable reductions in youth violence and arrests in Chicago. The approach, named Choose to Change, highlights how targeted therapy paired with trusted adult mentors can reach teens who drift away from traditional supports. The model offers practical lessons for Thai educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers facing rising concerns about youth well-being.

In Chicago, many youths face daily risks from overdose, gun violence, and trauma. These experiences can contribute to mental health struggles and cycles of violence. The program combines weekly group CBT with hands-on mentorship, pairing teens with trained advocates who understand local communities. Over 16 weeks, participants engage in therapy aimed at reframing thoughts and improving problem-solving while mentors help them apply these skills beyond the clinic—from meals and sports to job applications and essential life skills. Mentors work as bridges between therapy concepts and daily life, earning trust through culturally informed, consistent support.

Recent global research shows that millions of children experience anxiety, and some everyday parenting habits may unintentionally amplify their worries. For Thai readers, this means reflecting on how cultural expectations, school pressures, and family dynamics shape a child’s emotional well-being. Across Thailand, educators and mental health professionals report similar patterns, particularly in demanding academic environments where resilience is prized but emotional support can be overlooked.

Anxiety in children can appear in many forms, from stomachaches and headaches to withdrawal or clinginess. In Thailand, teachers note that anxiety is often mistaken for shyness or misbehavior, especially when students face intense coursework or social scrutiny. Understanding these signals is crucial for early help and healthier coping strategies.

Millions of children worldwide are grappling with anxiety, yet many parents may be inadvertently worsening the problem through subtle, everyday behaviors, according to the latest research and expert analysis published by HuffPost on June 8, 2025 (HuffPost). Although anxiety is often associated with adults, a recent global analysis suggests that up to 20.5% of youth experience significant anxiety symptoms. This development has profound implications for families across Thailand, where cultural, societal, and familial expectations deeply influence child-rearing.

Shares of IDP Education, the Australian-headquartered international student placement giant, plummeted as much as 48 percent after the company announced it was bracing for a steep decline in student placement volumes, warning investors that tightening government visa rules are upending the market for cross-border education Reuters, Investing.com. The warning, issued on June 3, reverberated not just through financial markets but across the global higher education sector—including Thailand, a country with a fast-growing cohort of outbound students and deepening ties to international universities.

A new study highlights a surprising benefit of intermittent fasting: it can heighten sexual motivation in aging male mice by altering brain chemicals that regulate desire. The research, published in Cell Metabolism, suggests dietary patterns could influence aging and sexual health, a topic of growing interest for Thai communities seeking healthier aging. Data from international researchers is now being considered in Thailand as well.

Many Thai adults, like people worldwide, are experimenting with intermittent fasting (IF) for weight control and metabolic health. This study adds a new dimension by showing a potential link between diet and sexual vitality in the elderly, a concern as Thailand transitions to an aging society. The research team, including scientists from a German institute and a Chinese university, examined not only physical health but also behavior and neurochemistry related to male reproduction.

A recent breakthrough study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, has identified an unexpected benefit of intermittent fasting: it can revitalize sexual behavior in aging male mice by reshaping the very chemicals in their brains that govern libido. With significant implications for how dietary patterns may influence aging and sexual health, the findings have sparked interest among aging populations worldwide, including Thai communities seeking ways to preserve well-being into later life (PsyPost).

A growing body of research shows that short, vigorous bursts of activity—often called “exercise snacks”—throughout the day can meaningfully improve heart health and cut risks for chronic disease. This challenges the belief that only lengthy workouts matter. Health experts, including a leading preventive-medicine director from a prominent cardiovascular clinic in Florida, say these tiny sessions can fit easily into busy schedules. For Thai office workers, students, and seniors, exercise snacks offer a practical path to better health without bulky gym commitments.

A generational shift in attitudes toward parenthood among millennials is attracting global attention, with experts debating whether today’s young adults are “childless” by circumstance or proudly “child free” by choice. A recent series of opinion letters in The New York Times highlights the nuanced perspectives within this ongoing discussion, reflecting broader societal changes and raising important questions about the future of family, well-being, and society both in the United States and around the world, including Thailand. In examining the latest research and public debate, it becomes clear that decision-making on children among millennials is far more complex than previously assumed, as economic concerns, cultural values, and social expectations all play pivotal roles (New York Times).

A groundbreaking blend of cognitive behavioral therapy and intensive mentorship is producing significant reductions in youth violence and arrests in Chicago, suggesting a model with broad potential for communities, including those in Thailand, facing similar challenges. The program, Choose to Change, is making headlines for its nuanced method of reaching at-risk teens—particularly those disengaged from traditional support systems—and its approach could offer essential lessons for Thai educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers grappling with rising concerns about youth well-being (The Marshall Project).

A recent scientific breakthrough has illuminated the vital connection between consistent physical exercise and enhanced brain health, revealing that long-term exercise facilitates key processes for clearing waste from the brain—marking a significant stride for both medical science and public health guidance. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides the first direct human evidence that regular physical activity can improve function in the brain’s glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic vessel systems, which are responsible for removing metabolic waste and maintaining neurological well-being (Nature Communications).

A groundbreaking new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology reveals that only vigorous, not moderate, physical activity effectively reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in young adults—a discovery that could shape public health priorities in Thailand, where heart disease remains the country’s top killer. The findings underscore the need for Thais to do more than simply “move more” and highlight the unique health benefits of higher-intensity exercise for preventing serious heart problems.

A high school counselor’s viral warning about students’ alarming gaps in basic knowledge has sparked renewed debate on learning loss and educational readiness. While the story began in the United States, it resonates strongly for Thai educators and policymakers. The concerns focus on students who struggle with everyday facts—such as their parents’ jobs, their own ZIP codes, or distinguishing area codes from counties—highlighting a wider crisis in foundational skills after the pandemic. Research from international sources indicates that gaps in core knowledge persist across many countries, including Thailand, underscoring the urgency for reform.

A global conversation about millennial attitudes toward parenthood is intensifying. Experts explore whether today’s young adults are lacking children due to circumstance or are choosing a child-free lifestyle by design. Recent opinion letters in The New York Times reveal nuanced viewpoints that echo broader social transformations affecting families, well-being, and society—from the United States to Thailand. The debate shows that millennial decisions about children are shaped by economics, cultural values, and shifting expectations.

A new study provides the first direct evidence in humans that long-term, regular physical activity can improve the brain’s waste-clearing systems. Researchers found that sustained exercise enhances function in the glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic vessels, which remove metabolic byproducts and help protect brain health. The work, published in Nature Communications, signals a meaningful link between daily movement and neurological well-being.

The findings come at a pivotal time for Thailand, where the population is aging rapidly and neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise. While exercise has long been recommended to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, this study helps explain how movement directly supports brain health beyond cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.

A recent BBC report reveals that school-based anxiety has soared to what mental health experts describe as “epidemic” levels in Northern Ireland, with tens of thousands of youths missing significant classroom time due to overwhelming emotional distress, autism, ADHD, and bullying. The scale of the crisis has prompted calls for urgent review of both mental health supports and how schools address students’ individual needs. With Thailand facing rising cases of adolescent mental health problems after the pandemic, these findings carry crucial implications for Thai educators, parents, and policymakers.

An American high school counselor’s viral testimony about students’ “alarming lack of basic knowledge” has sparked renewed global debate about learning loss and declining educational readiness, with direct resonance for Thai educators and policymakers. This counselor shared their experience of students struggling with basic information—such as their parents’ jobs, their own zip code, or differentiating between “area code” and “county”—problems that would once have been unthinkable in high school settings (Buzzfeed). This anecdotal evidence is supported by mounting international research showing that, since the pandemic, gaps in foundational knowledge have reached crisis levels for a generation of students, including those in Thailand.

Recent scientific findings and expert commentary highlight that incorporating short, vigorous bursts of movement—dubbed “exercise snacks”—throughout the day can meaningfully improve heart health and lower risks for chronic disease, challenging the long-held belief that only formal, prolonged workouts offer significant health benefits. This emerging approach has garnered support from leading cardiologists, including the director of preventive medicine at a well-known cardiovascular clinic in Florida, and is drawing increasing attention from global health researchers. For Thai office workers, students, and the elderly alike, the practical and accessible concept of “exercise snacks” promises new ways to protect health amid busy urban lifestyles.