#Awareness

A new study reveals that nearly every major cardiovascular event—heart attack or stroke—is preceded by identifiable warning signs and risk factors. The research, which analyzed thousands of cases from South Korea and the United States, shows that more than 99% of heart disease incidents involved at least one measurable risk factor such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, or smoking. What makes the study notable is that it looked at patients’ medical data across a broad population, not just individuals already flagged as at risk, suggesting there may be fertile ground for earlier intervention and prevention. The implications are profound for health systems in Thailand, where cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death and disability, and where prevention and early detection have long been central policy goals.

A Wilton man has turned a passion for climbing into a mission to raise awareness about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), hoping that a global seven-summit expedition will illuminate what researchers are learning about the condition today. Vincent Sablich has named the project Of Mountains and Minds, with the aim of drawing attention to OCD’s impact and the ways people seek help. The first leg targets South America’s highest peak, Aconcagua, at 22,800 feet, with fundraising efforts underway to cover about eight thousand four hundred fifty dollars for expedition costs before a January ascent. Sablich’s campaign emphasizes that every dollar goes toward making the climb possible while amplifying a message often buried beneath stigma: OCD is treatable, and people can recover with the right support.

A wave of new research is spotlighting a quiet reality: millions of adults around the world may live with autism without ever receiving a formal diagnosis. The emerging picture centers on “camouflaging” or masking autistic traits—strategies used to hide social differences in daily life. While the conversation has often focused on children, these findings have immediate implications for adults, families, workplaces, and health systems in Thailand, where awareness and diagnostic pathways are still evolving.

Childhood obesity is rising, and Thai families are rethinking how sugar fits into everyday meals. New research from 2024 links excess sugar in early life to higher risks of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and fatty liver. The findings resonate with global concerns and have clear implications for Thai parenting, culture, and public health policy.

Sugar is deeply woven into Thai life. Giving sweets as rewards for good grades and celebrating with desserts such as kanom chun, foi thong, and tong yip are cherished traditions. Health experts caution that these practices can quietly contribute to long‑term health challenges if not balanced with mindful choices.

Recent headlines and casual conversations have echoed a remarkable observation: “Everyone seems to have autism these days.” At first glance, the increasing numbers of autism diagnoses — with one study reporting a 787% rise between 1998 and 2018 — might suggest a sudden surge in neurodivergence among both children and adults. However, new research and expert commentary reveal a far more nuanced story, one that is reshaping both medical practice and public perceptions in Thailand and beyond.

Autism awareness is growing, but the numbers are not a sudden epidemic. A widely cited figure from the past suggests a 787% rise in autism diagnoses between 1998 and 2018. Experts say this reflects improved recognition and broader understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rather than a sharp increase in new cases. The implication is clear for Thai readers: better screening and support, not fear.

Improved screening and broader diagnostic criteria explain much of the visibility. Traditional definitions often captured only the most obvious cases, missing those with subtler or atypical presentations. As awareness expands, more women, adults, and individuals with non-traditional symptoms are diagnosed and connected with services. In Thailand, stories of adults seeking assessments after years of masking mirror global shifts toward understanding diverse autistic experiences.

A new report highlights the under-recognized symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, a common but often neglected health concern that affects millions worldwide, including a growing number of Thais. With many people staying indoors, relying on processed foods, and living busy urban lifestyles, the classic “sunshine vitamin” is in short supply for large segments of the population—sometimes with serious health consequences (Times of India).

Vitamin D is essential not only for bone health but also for crucial roles in immunity, muscle strength, mood regulation, and even skin and dental repair. Yet, according to the latest research and clinical practice, most people fail to connect vague daily symptoms to an underlying deficiency—potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. As lifestyles in Thai cities become more sedentary and sun exposure limited, public health experts warn that vitamin D deficiency may become a growing silent epidemic, especially among office workers, the elderly, and those with limited access to outdoor spaces.

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern that now touches many Thai households. With more urban living, indoor work, and busy schedules, the so-called sunshine vitamin is often in short supply. Public health experts warn that this silent trend could grow if awareness and screening do not keep pace with changing lifestyles. Data from Thailand’s public health system shows urban residents, older adults, and those with limited outdoor access are at higher risk.

A UK-based psychotherapist has captured over 2.7 million viewers on TikTok by distilling the subtle and often confusing signs that may indicate someone in your life is a narcissist—a topic increasingly resonant in an era of social media-fueled misunderstanding about mental health. The therapist, who runs a therapy service and leverages digital platforms for mental health education, lists 10 critical signals that point to narcissism beyond everyday selfishness, sparking both public interest and debate about the actual meaning of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its real-world impact.

A UK-based psychotherapist has garnered millions of views on TikTok by breaking down the subtle signs of narcissism in everyday life. The goal is to help viewers distinguish between ordinary selfishness and a deeper pattern that may affect relationships. The video’s insights are now discussed in Thai contexts where social media habits shape how people understand mental health, personality disorders, and their real-world impact.

In Thailand, conversations about mental health are increasingly shape-shifting from clinical texts to popular hashtags. Terms like narcissism, gaslighting, and ghosting circulate online, sometimes losing accuracy. The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 defines narcissistic personality disorder as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Yet in daily life, signs can be nuanced and overlap with other behaviors. Research highlights the danger of oversimplified labels and the importance of professional evaluation.

A recent study from the United States has sent shockwaves through the public health community, revealing that alcohol-related cancer deaths have doubled over the past 30 years—a trend with significant lessons for Thailand, where drinking patterns are changing rapidly. The new data, released by the Moffitt Cancer Center and highlighted in the Hudson Valley Post, underscore the role of alcohol as a major carcinogen, fueling thousands of preventable cancer deaths each year not just in New York but worldwide. The findings reinforce warnings from global health authorities, and Thai experts are increasingly concerned about similar risks at home, particularly as alcohol consumption trends upwards in both urban and rural settings.

A major U.S. study shows alcohol-related cancer deaths have nearly doubled over the last three decades. The findings come as Thailand’s drinking patterns shift, prompting public health officials to consider stronger prevention measures. Research from a leading cancer center highlights alcohol as a significant carcinogen responsible for thousands of deaths each year worldwide, reinforcing guidance from global health authorities.

Alcohol increases cancer risk even at moderate levels. The International Agency for Research on Cancer first classified alcoholic beverages as a Group 1 carcinogen in 1988, and the World Health Organization has long maintained that there is no completely safe amount of alcohol. In the United States, researchers estimate that alcohol contributes to tens of thousands of cancer cases and related deaths annually, making it a major preventable cause of cancer after tobacco and obesity.

A landmark study published in Psychological Medicine has revealed that individuals suffering from major depressive disorder show signs of accelerated brain aging, offering new insights into the profound physical toll depression takes on the body. The research, which focused on a Japanese cohort, is one of the first to confirm that depression’s impact on brain structure extends beyond Western populations, emphasizing the global relevance of the findings and their implications for countries like Thailand.

A mild cramp or slight fatigue can feel trivial, but emerging research shows these subtle signs should not be ignored. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a preventable condition that silently damages the female reproductive system and remains a leading cause of infertility worldwide. Awareness remains low in Thailand and beyond, raising concerns for families and the nation’s demographic future.

Reproductive health matters deeply to Thai communities. While Thailand has expanded access to care, PID often goes underdiagnosed due to subtle symptoms and lingering stigma around sexual health conversations. In Thailand, data from the obstetrics and gynecology department at a major university hospital indicates PID is frequently missed, complicating treatment and outcomes for women.

A mild cramp or a touch of fatigue might seem like an everyday nuisance, but new research highlights that dismissing these subtle signs could have serious long-term effects on women’s fertility. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)—an often silent and preventable disorder affecting the female reproductive system—remains one of the leading causes of infertility, yet public awareness in Thailand and around the globe is worryingly low (Rolling Out).

This news has wide significance for Thai readers, as reproductive health is intrinsically bound not only to personal wellbeing but also broader demographic trends and social stability. While Thailand has made progress in expanding access to reproductive healthcare, conditions like PID—often overshadowed by more high-profile women’s health issues—have a hidden toll, affecting families, livelihoods, and the nation’s future. According to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Chiang Mai University, PID is frequently underdiagnosed in Thailand because of its subtle presentation and the stigma around sexual health conversations (med.cmu.ac.th).

A new wave of mental health awareness is spotlighting a phenomenon some describe as “depression attacks” — sudden surges of despair and emotional paralysis. While anxiety often dominates headlines, experts say these episodes are a distinct and impactful experience. A clinical psychologist notes that depression attacks require immediate awareness and support, even though they are not a formal diagnosis like major depressive disorder.

In Thailand, conversations about mental health are shaped by cultural norms and socioeconomic realities. Recognizing depression attacks can empower individuals to seek help and discuss wellbeing openly. While not clinically diagnosed, these episodes typically present as sharp bursts of intense sadness and helplessness, according to mental health professionals. A licensed counselor adds that the onset can be abrupt, yet underlying symptoms are often amplified by stress.

With the spotlight often focused on anxiety attacks, many might overlook the equally impactful but lesser-known “depression attack.” Highlighted recently by HuffPost’s report, this continues to be a growing concern in mental health discussions. Unlike the clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), depression attacks describe a sudden, intense wave of despair and emotional paralysis, as explained by clinical psychologist Comfort Shields, indicating an immediate need for awareness and understanding.

In Thailand, where mental health often intertwines deeply with cultural taboos and socioeconomic challenges, understanding this phenomenon can empower individuals to seek support and acknowledge their mental wellbeing. While depression attacks aren’t clinically diagnosed, they manifest through sharp “attacks” of severe sadness and feelings of helplessness, unlike the prolonged nature of MDD. Monica Amorosi, a licensed mental health counselor, suggests these attacks may seem sudden but are often the result of intensified symptoms due to various triggers.

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.

A new neuroscience study suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve can reduce the rubber hand illusion, a phenomenon where a fake hand is mistaken for part of the body. The findings, published in a leading psychology journal, point to potential treatments for conditions tied to bodily self-awareness and mental health.

The vagus nerve is a key communication link between brain and body, influencing emotion, attention, and self-perception. The research focuses on a non-invasive method called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, or taVNS. By sending gentle electrical pulses to the ear area connected to the vagus nerve, taVNS may enhance the brain’s ability to read internal signals, such as heartbeat.

A new wave of research shows meat allergy linked to tick bites may involve more tick species than previously thought. In the United States, health officials indicate that not only the lone star tick but also other widespread species could trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a delayed allergic reaction to red meat.

Alpha-gal syndrome occurs after certain ticks transmit a carbohydrate called alpha-gal into the skin. Reactions typically appear hours after eating meat, which can delay diagnosis and complicate treatment. While it has been most associated with the lone star tick, recent findings suggest western black-legged ticks and deer ticks may also play a role. This broader risk could affect more people and influence dietary choices in areas once deemed safe.

New studies highlight a troubling risk not previously fully understood—a meat allergy derived from tick bites, now found to be associated with a broader range of tick species than previously recognized. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alongside local health officials, points to more than just the lone star tick as a culprit behind alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S. source.

Alpha-gal syndrome, a rare allergic reaction to the alpha-gal sugar found in red meat, occurs following certain tick bites. Traditionally linked to the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), new reports suggest that the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)—both more broadly distributed—may also spur this condition. This revelation possibly expands the risk zone and the number of people vulnerable to this allergy, unexpectedly affecting their dietary choices and lifestyle in regions previously thought safe.