#HealthEducation

Recent headlines touting that “exercise is better than drugs” for cancer remission have captured the public’s imagination, sparking debate between proponents of “natural” interventions and advocates of traditional medicine. However, analysis of the latest landmark research reveals the reality is more nuanced than the catchy titles suggest – and the implications for cancer patients, including those in Thailand, could be profound if correctly understood and applied.

At the source of the recent media buzz is a major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, focusing on patients recovering from colon cancer, the world’s third-most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death. Conducted between 2009 and 2024 across six countries, including Australia and Canada, the clinical trial followed 889 patients who had undergone colon cancer surgery and completed chemotherapy. Participants were randomized into two groups: one received a rigorously structured, professionally supervised exercise programme tailored to cancer survivors; the other group received health education materials on the benefits of physical activity and healthy eating, but without extra support or monitoring (The Guardian, Oncology Central).

A wave of recent research and critical commentary is throwing a spotlight on how TV dramas across South Asia, including in Pakistan and by extension those consumed in Thailand, continue to spread harmful myths about mental illness. Instead of fostering understanding and compassion, many popular shows still portray psychological disorders as punishment for bad behaviour—a damaging misconception that deepens stigma, discourages treatment, and reinforces outdated social hierarchies.

The significance of this discussion stretches far beyond the world of entertainment. For millions of Thai and Southeast Asian viewers who consume South Asian dramas through streaming platforms and satellite TV, these narratives not only provide entertainment but also help shape cultural attitudes toward mental health—often in ways that can be detrimental for individuals and families confronting mental health challenges in real life.

Recent research is reshaping long-held beliefs about trauma, revealing that the true determinant of whether an experience becomes traumatizing is not the event itself, but rather the individual’s subjective perception and ability to process what happened. This insight comes at a critical time, as mental health awareness grows in Thailand and globally, highlighting the importance of individualized support for those affected by trauma.

Traditionally, trauma has been linked directly to objectively severe events—violent assaults, natural disasters, serious accidents, or frontline combat. The prevailing assumption was that those who endured these “major” traumas were destined to suffer lasting psychological wounds like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, compelling new findings, as discussed in the latest analysis in Psychology Today, suggest a more nuanced reality: what makes an experience truly traumatizing is rooted in the brain’s ability—or inability—to process and adapt to the emotional impact of the event, regardless of its objective severity (Psychology Today).

A new study has revealed that your regular bathroom habits might offer important clues to your overall health, demonstrating a surprising link between how often you have a bowel movement and risk factors for chronic diseases. The research, published in July 2024 and led by a team at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), investigated stool frequency among over 1,400 generally healthy individuals, drawing connections between these routines and various biological markers including gut microbiome composition, metabolic signatures, and even genetics (ScienceAlert).

A surge in health-conscious supplement use has brought a renewed warning about vitamin B6 toxicity, as fresh research and regulatory concern reveal that excessive intake may be harming more people than previously recognized. Australia’s medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), recently admitted it may have underestimated the scope of vitamin B6 side effects—especially nerve damage linked to prolonged high-dose use—prompting the body to reconsider how this over-the-counter supplement is sold (The Conversation).

A groundbreaking study from Sweden has provided compelling evidence that the adult human brain continues to generate new neurons well into old age, debunking the long-standing belief that brain cell growth halts after childhood. This discovery, published in the journal Science and highlighted in a recent Gizmodo report, offers new hope for future treatments of neurological and psychological disorders, and reshapes our understanding of the brain’s lifelong potential.

For decades, it was widely believed—taught both in schools and medical textbooks—that the human brain reached its full complement of neurons in early life, and that no new neurons were formed past childhood. While previous studies hinted at ongoing brain cell growth, scientific opinion remained split, with some researchers finding scant evidence for adult neurogenesis and others reporting clear signs. The confusion was particularly acute when it came to humans, since much of the existing evidence came from studies in animals such as mice or pigs.

At age 80, legendary singer Rod Stewart is not only performing at iconic events like Glastonbury but setting an inspiring standard for fitness in older adults, thanks to a demanding training regimen developed with his longtime personal trainer. The latest feature in The Times details Stewart’s multi-faceted approach to staying “Glasto-fit”, which blends elements of strength, mobility, and aquatic training—an approach capturing attention among health experts and senior wellness advocates worldwide (thetimes.com).

The latest recommendations from leading pelvic floor therapists emphasize a surprising set of tips for women’s health, such as “Say no to power peeing”—advice that challenges some common restroom habits and highlights new approaches to managing pelvic floor disorders. Drawing on recent research and expert interviews, the movement for improved pelvic floor care is rapidly gaining traction globally and is increasingly relevant for Thai women, given the high prevalence of related disorders here and the emerging options for therapy in Thailand.

Approach anxiety, the fear and discomfort associated with initiating conversations or interactions, especially in social, romantic, or unfamiliar contexts, remains a persistent challenge for many. According to the recent analysis by Dr. Nerdlove, featured in a widely circulated advice column, this anxiety can manifest acutely at large gatherings, such as conventions or meet-ups, where social barriers often feel insurmountable for those seeking connection. New research and psychological perspectives shed light on why this phenomenon is intensifying and how individuals, including Thai readers navigating changing social landscapes, can overcome it to foster better relationships, career growth, and mental well-being.

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.

Groundbreaking neuroscience research published in the journal Psychopharmacology has revealed that individuals living with major depressive disorder show significantly lower levels of the antioxidant glutathione in the occipital cortex of the brain. This finding adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that oxidative stress—including the subtle imbalance between damaging free radicals and the brain’s protective antioxidants—may be at the heart of depression’s complex biology (PsyPost).

This discovery is particularly meaningful in Thailand, where depression is becoming more widely recognized and discussed, yet biological risk factors remain less understood among the public. Mental health issues, including depression, are prevalent in the country, affecting individuals across various backgrounds, and contribute to personal suffering, economic loss, and significant stigma. Understanding the underlying biology of depression is thus not just academically interesting, but also a potential key to more effective prevention and treatment in Thai society.

“Feel the burn” and “no pain, no gain” are common mantras in fitness circles, but new research is challenging the idea that muscle pain is a necessary marker of exercise progress. According to a recent feature published by The Guardian (theguardian.com), experts argue that while muscle discomfort—especially the delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS—often follows exercise, it is neither a prerequisite for gains nor always a sign of positive adaptation. This timely revelation aligns with growing global awareness around safe exercise practices and has direct implications for Thai fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone embarking on a healthier lifestyle.

For many Thai runners and fitness enthusiasts, the thrill of crossing a finish line can be dampened by an awkward, often embarrassing problem: urine leakage during strenuous activity. Recent international research and expert commentary reveal that “peeing your pants” while running is not only common, it’s a growing topic of open discussion and scientific scrutiny—which matters deeply in Thailand’s increasingly active, health-conscious society.

Urinary leakage during running, officially termed stress urinary incontinence (SUI), occurs when physical activity or exertion—like running or even a forceful cough—puts extra pressure on the bladder, leading to involuntary urine loss. This condition affects runners of all ages and backgrounds, but is reported most frequently among women, particularly those participating in high-impact sports. As the Thai running scene continues to boom, from Bangkok’s major marathons to local park joggers, understanding this phenomenon has fresh and profound relevance (Deseret News, MSN Health, RUN | Powered by Outside).

Many Thais worry about spending too much time glued to their smartphones, but a new perspective is gaining ground: perhaps constant phone use isn’t really about addiction, but a signal of deeper unmet emotional needs. Recent analysis and expert commentary, featured in VegOut Magazine on June 20, 2025, argue that it’s time to reframe our view of digital compulsion—not as a moral failing or clinical addiction, but as a reflection of seven core human needs going unfulfilled in daily life (VegOutMag.com).

A wave of recent psychology research is challenging traditional ideas about mental toughness, revealing that some of the world’s most mentally resilient individuals aren’t necessarily those with the hardest exteriors, but those who have mastered a unique set of skills. Compiled from years of scientific insight and Buddhist practice, a new article published by VegOut Magazine has laid out eight powerful signs that you may be mentally stronger than 95% of people—a message that holds special resonance in the high-pressure, rapidly evolving landscape of Thai society today (vegoutmag.com).

Few plants straddle the divide between folklore and pharmacy as gracefully as valerian, known botanically as Valeriana officinalis. This humble flowering herb, whose pungent roots have been prized for centuries, continues to find its way into modern medicine cabinets around the world, particularly as a remedy for insomnia and nervous tension. But does the ancient reputation of valerian stand up to modern scientific scrutiny? As Thais look increasingly to natural options for wellness and restful sleep, understanding the rich story—and the real evidence—behind valerian is more important than ever.

For many Thais, the sun is a constant and often welcome companion, yet concerns about vitamin D deficiency and skin health have made sun exposure a topic of growing debate. According to the latest research featured in an in-depth article by Verywell Health, experts now confirm that just a few minutes in the midday sun can be enough to produce sufficient vitamin D—while reminding the public that sun safety must take priority to reduce the ever-present risk of skin cancer (Verywell Health).

A new wave of expert-backed recommendations is challenging the traditional set of core workouts, urging women to look beyond the classic crunches and planks. According to leading fitness and physiotherapy professionals, a diverse approach to core training—spanning from breathwork to resistance-loaded movements—offers the most significant health benefits and functionality for women across all life stages. This latest guidance is especially relevant for Thai women seeking effective, safe ways to build core strength tailored to their unique health needs and cultural routines (Well+Good).

In a pioneering new study, neuroscientists have traced the precise brain mechanisms that empower us to tell the difference between what we imagine and what we actually see—an ability fundamental to understanding our own experience and, when disrupted, central to psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia. The research, published this month in Neuron by a team at University College London (UCL), pinpoints the fusiform gyrus—a visual processing region of the brain—as a critical player in this reality-imagination divide, offering profound implications for mental health, technology, and our understanding of human perception (Neuroscience News).

Exercise enthusiasts in Thailand seeking easier ways to optimize their calorie burn may have encountered the term EPOC — Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption — often referred to as the “afterburn effect”. Recent research provides new clarity on how this physiological phenomenon can help you continue burning calories even after you’ve left the gym, igniting fresh interest in high-intensity workouts and smarter exercise strategies nationwide.

EPOC describes how your body, during recovery from strenuous activity, consumes elevated levels of oxygen and burns more calories while returning to its resting state. In simple terms, it is the extra energy your body expends to reset itself after exercise, and the latest studies are sharpening our understanding of how individuals can harness this effect for better fitness outcomes and potential weight loss. The science behind EPOC has broad significance for Thai fitness enthusiasts, trainers, and health professionals, particularly as more of the population adopts rigorous exercise regimens, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), to counter rising rates of obesity and metabolic disease (Cleveland Clinic, U.S. News & World Report, Wikipedia).

A new wave of research is bringing renewed attention to the physical, mental, and sexual health of women navigating midlife, with experts highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to menopause and wellness. Recent findings shared by Mayo Clinic underscore that as women reach their 40s and 50s, comprehensive healthcare and informed lifestyle choices can make menopause a transformative, thriving stage rather than a period marked by decline or discomfort (Mayo Clinic Healthy Aging).

A sweeping analysis of TikTok’s most popular mental health advice videos has found that more than half contain misleading or incorrect information, raising alarms among healthcare professionals and policymakers about the social media giant’s growing influence on health behaviors worldwide. The investigation, which assessed 100 top-trending mental health advice clips on TikTok, concluded that 52 of these videos included some form of misinformation, often offering dubious quick fixes, misused psychological terminology, and claims devoid of scientific backing. As TikTok becomes a key source of health information for millions—especially the young—these findings highlight urgent global and Thai concerns about digital literacy, the risks of self-diagnosis, and the need for effective regulatory and educational responses.

A growing wave of scientific research is sounding the alarm on the increasing health risks linked to cannabis use among older adults, as usage climbs to record levels amidst expanded legalization and shifting social attitudes. The latest analysis, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), reveals a sharp uptick in cannabis consumption by individuals aged 65 and older, igniting urgent debate among health experts about the safety, efficacy, and regulation of cannabis use in Thailand’s rapidly aging society.

The viral popularity of mental health content on TikTok has led to a surge in misleading advice and misconceptions, with new research highlighted by The Guardian revealing that misinformation ranges from trivializing serious conditions to promoting unproven treatments. Experts warn that this trend not only stokes confusion but also risks worsening stigma and driving unsafe self-diagnosis—an especially troubling development for young Thais heavily active on the platform.

Mental health issues have become a frontline concern in Thai society, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic intensified stress and isolation among youth and working adults. With TikTok ranking among the most downloaded apps in Thailand and millions of Thai users turning to the platform for support and information, the spread of health misinformation is a pressing national challenge. According to Mental Health Department statistics, Thailand saw significant increases in reported cases of depression and anxiety since 2020, and digital platforms are now a primary health resource for many young adults (Bangkok Post).