News

Could three straightforward exercises help you live longer and healthier? A prominent trainer argues that “living better for longer” starts in the gym. In a recent interview, the founder of a performance-driven health company champions resistance training as essential for health, longevity, and vitality in later life, noting that healthy muscle often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.

Why it matters for Thailand? Like many middle- and high-income countries, Thailand faces an aging population and rising rates of noncommunicable diseases. Practical aging solutions that preserve independence and mobility are increasingly prioritized. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health shows that one in five people over 60 experience sarcopenia, a decline in muscle mass that threatens daily function and drives healthcare costs.

A recent personal account shared by Jacob Skidmore, an Ohio-based TikTok creator diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), is fueling conversations about stigma, mental health, and living with NPD. The story, picked up by Newsweek and widely circulated online, highlights not only the challenges of the disorder but also the social backlash and misunderstanding that can accompany it. For Thai readers, the viral discussion offers an opportunity to examine how mental health language and stigma operate both globally and in Thai society.

A new European study reshapes how we view anxiety’s effect on bodily awareness, especially among women. The research finds that high anxiety makes it harder for women to accurately interpret subtle bodily signals, such as small changes in breathing. Men did not show the same pattern, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive mental health strategies. In Thailand, these findings offer a scientific explanation for a common feeling many women describe—being “out of tune” with their bodies when stressed—and underscore the importance of inclusive screening and support within Thai health care.

The latest research, highlighted in a recent Guardian feature, tells a surprising story about stress: not only is all stress not equal, but some forms may actually benefit us, while others—especially when misunderstood or managed poorly—can lead to long-term harm. As daily life in Thailand grows ever more complex and fast-paced, understanding this multifaceted force is more important than ever.

In Thailand, the cultural belief of “jai yen yen”—keeping a “cool heart”—is often considered a shield against stressful situations. Yet, as research delves deeper into the biology and psychology of stress, it becomes clear that our reactions are shaped not just by lifestyle or culture, but also by early life experiences, community support, and even our own beliefs about stress itself. This has profound implications for Thai families, workers, and students feeling the mounting pressures of modern life.

As Easter season draws crowds to chocolate aisles and Thai shoppers reach for imported indulgences, many wonder: is dark chocolate truly a healthier choice, or another sweet myth? The answer paints a nuanced portrait of Thailand’s growing appetite for cocoa—balancing pleasure, health, and tradition in a global context.

With the British Retail Consortium reporting some 80 million Easter eggs sold annually in the UK alone, questions about chocolate’s health effects surge each April. But the issue isn’t just seasonal—it’s increasingly relevant in Thailand, where chocolate consumption is rising and premium dark chocolate is taking center stage. According to Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a UK-based dietitian interviewed in The Times’ recent analysis, “Dark chocolate can be a nutritious addition to the diet in moderation. It contains polyphenols, especially flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have been linked to benefits such as improved blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and potentially improved heart heath” (original article, The Times, 2025-04-19).

A large international study offers hopeful news for busy Thai adults who struggle to fit daily exercise. When weekly activity reaches 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous movement, concentrating it into one or two days—the “weekend warrior” approach—may deliver similar longevity benefits as spreading workouts across the week. The findings, published by a leading heart health organization, suggest total weekly volume matters more than frequency.

Researchers analyzed data from over 93,000 participants using wrist devices to measure movement accurately. Participants were grouped into three categories: weekend warriors (150 minutes or more on one or two days), active regulars (activity spread through the week), and inactive individuals. Over eight years, both active groups experienced lower risks of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer compared with the inactive group. Weekend warriors saw a 32% reduction in all-cause mortality, a 31% reduction for cardiovascular deaths, and a 21% reduction for cancer. Active regulars achieved similar gains, though slightly smaller in some categories. The study underscores that the total amount of activity matters more than how often it is performed.

The past five years have seen an alarming surge in anxiety among children and young adults, with mental health referrals for anxiety in youth in the UK more than doubling since 2019—from about 99,000 to over 204,000 cases annually (The Times). Yet as society scrambles to address this crisis in children, a critical—and less visible—public health problem is emerging right alongside it: children’s anxiety often triggers or worsens anxiety and distress in their parents, creating a ripple effect through families. Recent studies suggest it may be impossible to fully address childhood anxiety unless parents’ mental well-being is considered too.

Bradley Rhoton’s ordeal began with something most of us would ignore—a whistling sound in his nose while carving pumpkins for Halloween. But what started as harmless soon spiraled into a debilitating mystery. As The Washington Post recently reported, Rhoton, a Boston-based software marketer, underwent standard nasal surgery to correct a deviated septum and reduce the size of his nasal turbinates. Instead of breathing easy, he was left with crushing fatigue, constant congestion, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and a haze of brain fog that persisted for years. His frustrating journey through the healthcare system, marked by dismissals from multiple specialists, ultimately led to the little-known diagnosis of “empty nose syndrome” (ENS)—a rare but potentially devastating condition that paradoxically leaves patients feeling suffocated despite wide-open nasal passages (Washington Post; MSN News).

A whistling sound in the nose during Halloween carving sparked a medical mystery for a Boston software marketer. What began as a minor nuisance evolved into years of fatigue, congestion, sleep problems, anxiety, and brain fog. After seeking multiple opinions, he received a rarely discussed diagnosis: empty nose syndrome (ENS). This condition can leave patients feeling suffocated even when the nasal passages appear open.

For Thai readers, the case underscores a critical lesson: even routine procedures carry risks, and rare complications can have profound physical and psychological effects. In Thailand—where nasal and sinus issues are common due to allergies and urban pollution—turbinate reduction is frequently offered to relieve chronic congestion. International evidence suggests more patient education is needed to recognize and manage rare post-surgical syndromes like ENS.

A groundbreaking new study using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has revealed the most crucial factors that keep people committed to their exercise routines: how much time they spend sitting, their gender, and their education level. Published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports, this research analyzed health data from nearly 12,000 individuals, offering fresh insights into what helps people meet physical activity guidelines—a finding with important implications for Thailand, where sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common.

A new study using artificial intelligence and machine learning identifies the three strongest predictors of sticking with an exercise routine: sedentary time, gender, and education level. Published in Scientific Reports, the research analyzed health data from nearly 12,000 individuals to understand who meets physical activity guidelines. The findings carry meaningful implications for Thailand, where sedentary lifestyles are rising amid urban life.

Regular exercise is essential for preventing chronic diseases. In Thailand, long hours at desks and routine traffic congestion increase the risk of inactivity-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Thai health authorities recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Yet many Thai people struggle to reach these targets, underscoring the need for effective, culturally informed strategies.

A new randomized controlled trial suggests that self-paced, low-to-moderate aquatic exercise can meaningfully improve physical function and mental well-being for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The six-month study, led by a senior researcher from a regional university in Australia, enrolled 32 adults around age 55 and compared a water-based program to usual activities. The findings offer a cautious path forward for exercise recommendations in ME/CFS, a condition long approached with rest due to concerns about post-exertional malaise (PEM).

A new report highlights a concerning truth for millions who reach for over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers: you’re probably using them incorrectly, putting your health at risk. Recent findings and expert advice, published by NPR on April 18, 2025, urge users of medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), to rethink their habits to avoid accidental overdose and dangerous side effects [NPR].

Lowering high blood pressure, or hypertension, has long been a health priority in Thailand and around the world. Now, new research suggests that you may not need access to a gym or expensive equipment—just a few weeks and five easy movements done at home could make a measurable difference. A recent study, widely covered by reputable health news platforms such as Get Surrey and the British Journal of Sports Medicine, illustrates that certain isometric exercises—static muscle contractions such as wall sits and planks—can effectively and significantly lower blood pressure when practiced regularly over as little as four to five weeks (Get Surrey).

A new health buzz surrounds a so-called “wonder supplement” that tabloids claim could prevent cancer, improve heart health, and slow skin aging. While international outlets spark curiosity, Thai readers deserve a careful, evidence-based view on whether this hype translates to real-world benefits.

Media caution is warranted. A recent headline from a prominent U.S. outlet highlights a dietary compound supposedly delivering triple benefits, but experts stress that such bold claims require long-term human trials to confirm real-world effectiveness. The World Health Organization also emphasizes diet and lifestyle as the foundation of disease prevention, rather than relying on a single supplement.

A new wave of global research points to a simple, powerful idea: the foods you choose every day can shape how long you live and how well you age. For Thai readers navigating fast food and sugary drinks, this guidance offers practical, culturally familiar steps toward healthier aging.

Interest in health span — the years lived in good health — is rising worldwide, including in Thailand with its aging population and increasing chronic diseases. Studies highlight that plant-rich, minimally processed diets support longer, healthier lives. Research looking at regions famous for longevity, sometimes called Blue Zones, emphasizes how everyday foods help people thrive into old age.

If you dream of blowing out 100 candles on your birthday cake, you may want to take a closer look at what’s on your plate. New research and expert consensus are converging on a remarkably simple yet powerful message: the foods you choose each day can have a profound impact on not just how long you live, but how well you age. For Thai readers navigating the abundance of modern (and often unhealthy) food choices, these findings offer both a wake-up call and practical guidance.

A growing body of research is challenging the idea that any time is good for a workout. In particular, late-evening and nighttime exercise—especially when vigorous—may affect how well you sleep and influence markers of heart health. As urban Thais increasingly flock to parks and 24-hour gyms in Bangkok and other cities, understanding exercise timing has practical implications for daily well-being.

Many people in Thai cities juggle work, traffic, and social life, often fitting workouts after office hours. Evening strolls near Chiang Mai’s moat and HIIT sessions after work are common sights. A comprehensive 2025 study examined biometric data from more than 14,000 physically active individuals, compiling over four million nights of sleep. It found a clear dose-response: later and more intense evening workouts tended to delay sleep onset, shorten total sleep time, reduce sleep quality, raise nighttime resting heart rate, and lower heart rate variability. The effect persisted even among those who were physically fit, particularly when exercise ended within four hours of bedtime, according to research summarized by major outlets and peer-reviewed studies.

A new wave of scientific studies is challenging the popular belief that exercise at any time can boost well-being, highlighting a crucial factor for night-owl fitness enthusiasts: the clock. Recent research reported by Fortune see the article and corroborated by peer-reviewed studies has found that evening and nighttime workouts—especially when intense—may not only disrupt your sleep quality but also influence key markers of cardiovascular health. As health-conscious Thais flock to recreational parks and 24-hour fitness centers across Bangkok and major cities, the emerging science on exercise timing carries practical significance for millions striving for both physical and mental well-being.

In a bold and refreshingly candid critique of conventional gym wisdom, exercise scientist Dr Mike Israetel has shared his thoughts on common workout moves many Thais might be relying on, warning that five popular exercises simply don’t deliver the results people expect. Speaking to Men’s Health UK, Dr Israetel emphasises that while no exercise is inherently “stupid,” some are much less effective than others—an important revelation for Thai fitness enthusiasts eager to maximise their time at the gym or during home workouts (source).

Striving for a longer, healthier life may be as simple as adding just three key exercises to your weekly routine, according to leading fitness experts and new research trends. Ollie Thompson, a renowned personal trainer and founder of Welltolead, has sparked discussion across the health community with his claim that growing stronger through resistance training isn’t just about muscle—it’s central to extending your “healthspan,” allowing you to “live better for longer” and remain physically independent into old age. This message, detailed in a recent feature in The Independent, highlights a trio of exercises that deliver outsized benefits for joint health, balance, posture, and overall vitality, in line with mounting scientific evidence from around the globe (The Independent).

Thai lifestyles are busier than ever, from long work hours to family duties and daily commutes in Bangkok. A new analysis by exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel suggests you don’t need hours in the gym to gain real strength and muscle. The key is smart exercise selection—choosing movements that deliver the most results in less time. This has clear relevance for Thais seeking effective ways to stay fit amid packed days. Data from mainstream coverage of Israetel’s findings highlights the growing demand for efficient workouts in Thai communities.

With the modern Thai lifestyle busier than ever—balancing work, family, and travel through the endless Bangkok traffic—finding time to exercise can feel impossible. However, a recent analysis by exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel, shared widely via social media and news outlets, offers hope: you don’t need hours in the gym to see dramatic gains in strength and muscle size. According to Dr. Israetel, the secret lies not in gym duration but in “smart exercise selection”—specifically, choosing movements that provide maximum effect in minimum time. This development is especially relevant to Thais seeking efficient and effective paths toward better health amidst packed daily schedules (Yahoo Lifestyle, 2025).

Hypertension is a growing concern in Thailand, rising with aging, urban lifestyles, and diet. New research suggests you can lower blood pressure at home with just four to five weeks of five easy movements, without gym equipment. Studies in reputable outlets and journals show that isometric exercises—static muscle contractions like wall sits and planks—can meaningfully reduce blood pressure when done regularly.

This finding resonates in Thailand where high blood pressure often shows no early symptoms but leads to strokes, heart disease, and kidney problems. Thailand’s health authorities have long promoted activity, but busy work life and limited access to facilities challenge daily exercise. The approach below offers a safe, inexpensive option that fits urban offices and rural homes alike.