#MedicalResearch

A 17-year international study shows that a personalized, structured exercise program for people recovering from colorectal cancer can reduce the risk of death by 37% and lower cancer recurrence by 28%. Published in a leading medical journal, the findings signal a major shift in post-surgery care with direct relevance for Thai patients and clinicians facing rising colorectal cancer rates.

Researchers tracked 889 patients across six countries who had completed surgery and chemotherapy for colon or bowel cancer. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either standard post-cancer lifestyle advice or a tailored, exercise-focused plan. Over three years, the exercise group completed about 250 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, with sessions such as brisk walking guided like a medical prescription.

A major new study has found that engaging in tailored exercise programs before surgery can reduce the risk of complications by up to 50%, offering hope for improved recovery and shorter hospital stays for patients in Thailand and around the world. This promising discovery—supported by several recent international studies—suggests that pre-surgery preparation through fitness routines and dietary improvements, known as “prehabilitation,” could become a standard part of surgical care.

The findings, reported across global outlets such as MSN, NPR, and the academic journal The BMJ, come at a crucial time. Surgery remains a leading cause of hospitalization in Thailand, with recovery often complicated by infections, slow wound healing, or organ dysfunction, especially among elderly or chronically ill patients. These new studies shine a light on how taking proactive steps before an operation may significantly lower these risks, marking a shift in both patient and clinical expectations.

A major international study finds that tailored pre-surgery exercise programs can reduce postoperative complications by as much as 50%. For Thai patients and others worldwide, this points to a practical path to safer surgeries, quicker recoveries, and shorter hospital stays. The trend, known as prehabilitation, is gaining momentum as a standard part of surgical preparation.

The research, highlighted across global outlets and in a leading medical journal, arrives at a timely moment. In Thailand, surgery remains a common hospital pathway, with recovery risks including infections, slow wound healing, and organ stress—especially among older adults and people with chronic illnesses. The new evidence suggests that preparing the body before an operation can significantly lessen these risks, shifting expectations for patients and clinicians alike.

A growing body of research is overturning the idea that transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are harmless. New findings indicate that the effects of a mini-stroke can linger for months or even years, including persistent fatigue, cognitive changes, and an elevated risk of future strokes and heart problems. For Thai patients and the healthcare system, these insights call for faster action, ongoing support, and stronger follow-up care.

For decades, TIAs were described as brief disruptions of blood flow to the brain that serve as warning signs for a stronger stroke. Once symptoms like slurred speech, weakness, or vision loss resolved, people could resume daily life. But recent studies from 2024 and 2025 challenge this comforting narrative. They show that the aftermath of a TIA may undermine quality of life long after symptoms vanish.

A groundbreaking new study has found that taking vitamin D supplements can slow the biological aging process by up to three years, raising fresh hopes for simple strategies to extend healthy lifespan. The research, led by a team from institutions affiliated with Harvard University and the Medical College of Georgia, is the first large-scale, long-term clinical trial to confirm that vitamin D supplementation helps preserve telomere length—tiny protective caps on our chromosomes that naturally erode over time and are considered a key marker of aging risk (Harvard Gazette).

A growing body of new research is turning long-held assumptions about “mini-strokes” upside down, revealing that the effects of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) may linger far longer than previously thought. Once regarded as brief episodes with symptoms that disappear within a day, these transient strokes are now understood to pose significant long-term health risks—including persistent fatigue, cognitive decline, and an elevated risk of subsequent strokes and cardiovascular events. As experts warn against taking a TIA lightly, the implications for Thai patients and the healthcare system are profound, demanding heightened awareness, rapid intervention, and ongoing support.

A newly released study by University of California San Francisco has uncovered compelling evidence that regular cannabis use, whether smoked or eaten as edibles, poses significant risks to cardiovascular health—on par with those seen in tobacco smokers. The findings, published in JAMA Cardiology on May 28, hold broad implications for communities worldwide, including Thailand, where cannabis reform remains a subject of careful debate and rapid market growth.

The research is particularly significant given that Thailand became the first Asian nation to decriminalise cannabis in 2022, sparking a “green rush” of dispensaries, edible products, and wellness treatments across the country. However, as debates over the benefits and drawbacks of cannabis legalization intensify, the new UCSF data brings overdue scientific scrutiny to the long-term health implications for the Thai public.

A large, long-term trial suggests that daily vitamin D3 supplementation could slow biological aging by up to three years. The study tracked more than 1,000 adults for up to five years, comparing 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily with a placebo. A subset also received omega-3s. Researchers found less telomere shortening—the “caps” on chromosomes that indicate aging risk—among those taking vitamin D, implying a slower aging process. Omega-3s did not show a significant effect on telomere length in this trial.

A recent landmark study suggests that taking a daily vitamin D supplement could slow down biological aging, potentially adding healthy years to life. The findings, emerging from a major randomized controlled clinical trial led by prominent medical institutions in the United States, reveal vitamin D’s significant role in preserving telomere length—a crucial marker of biological age and an indicator connected with the development of chronic age-related diseases. As the aging population continues to surge globally and especially in Thailand, this breakthrough carries enormous implications for public health and personal wellness in the Kingdom.

Frequent heartburn, long dismissed as a simple annoyance, is now drawing new attention from medical researchers and Thai health professionals alike following a comprehensive review published by the Washington Post on May 26, 2025. Highlighting both the growing prevalence of acid reflux as the population ages and advances in clinical understanding, the article distills critical findings for anyone in Thailand who struggles with heartburn, occasional or chronic, and delineates which remedies are most effective and when to seek medical help.

Heartburn is no longer just a nuisance. A comprehensive review and recent clinical insights highlight how acid reflux is rising with aging populations and evolving medical understanding. For Thai readers, these findings clarify when home measures help, when to seek care, and which treatments are most effective.

Most adults experience occasional heartburn after spicy meals or heavy feasts. As people age, the risk grows because the lower esophageal sphincter can lose tone, allowing stomach acid to reflux more easily. Overweight individuals and older adults are also more prone to hiatal hernia, a condition where part of the stomach moves into the chest, worsening reflux. These factors matter for Thailand, where spicy, acidic dishes are common and the population is aging, according to national health data.

A recent headline in international media warns that a common over-the-counter (OTC) medication, widely used for allergies, may increase the risk of dementia, prompting concern among health professionals and the public in Thailand and globally. Leading doctors cited in a recent report from Women’s Health Magazine are drawing attention to mounting research that connects the use of certain antihistamines—medicines typically purchased without a prescription—to a greater likelihood of future cognitive decline.

Recent international coverage highlights a potential link between certain over-the-counter antihistamines and an increased risk of cognitive decline. Leading physicians note that long-term or heavy use of first-generation antihistamines—commonly found in allergy and cold remedies—may contribute to future dementia, especially among older adults. This aligns with a growing body of evidence suggesting anticholinergic medications can affect memory and learning.

Antihistamines are a staple in Thai households, particularly as urban pollution and allergy rates rise in Bangkok and other cities. The caution matters for millions who self-medicate with OTC drugs, often without professional guidance. Thai readers should understand which medicines carry higher cognitive risks and how to choose safer options.

Thailand is confronting a growing public health challenge as outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika affect communities and the nation’s thriving tourism sector. New research shows these viruses, common in tropical climates, are becoming more entrenched, stressing healthcare systems and prompting urgent discussions on protecting residents and visitors during peak travel season. These findings from reputable infectious disease journals fuel the debate on how Thailand can safeguard people and sustain tourism.

A newly published study by University College London (UCL) researchers reveals that individuals who have taken antidepressants for more than two years are vastly more likely to suffer severe and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication, compared to those prescribed antidepressants for less than six months. The findings, which come at a critical time as antidepressant prescriptions have soared worldwide, suggest that the duration of use is a key driver for withdrawal difficulty, potentially prompting a significant shift in how these medications are prescribed and managed both globally and in Thailand.

Recent findings from University College London show that people on antidepressants for more than two years are far more likely to experience severe and lasting withdrawal when stopping the medication than those who used them for under six months. With antidepressant prescriptions rising worldwide, the study suggests the duration of use strongly drives withdrawal difficulty and could influence prescribing and tapering practices in Thailand.

In Thailand, antidepressants such as SSRIs are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, reflecting international trends. Data from the UCL study indicate that long-term users have a tenfold higher risk of withdrawal compared with short-term users, and about one in four people who have taken antidepressants for more than two years report severe withdrawal symptoms. The growing acceptance of mental health treatment in Thai communities after the pandemic makes these findings highly relevant for patients and clinicians.

A groundbreaking new clinical trial has found that vitamin D supplementation may slow a key cellular process associated with aging, providing intriguing evidence that this everyday nutrient could help preserve the building blocks of our health. However, medical experts urge the public not to rush to buy supplements based on these results alone, warning that more research is needed to confirm the findings and guide public health recommendations (Washington Post).

A recent clinical trial suggests that vitamin D supplementation may slow a cellular aging process, presenting intriguing potential for healthier aging. Yet experts warn that this evidence is not yet strong enough to justify widespread supplementation, and more research is needed to guide public health advice for Thailand.

The discovery centers on telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age. If vitamin D helps preserve telomeres, it could become part of broader strategies to combat aging-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Researchers emphasize that the findings are preliminary and require replication before any changes to guidelines on vitamin D intake.

A new comprehensive review published by the American Heart Association highlights the often-overlooked issue of sexual health following a stroke, calling for increased awareness and tailored support from healthcare professionals worldwide, including Thailand. As stroke survivors face numerous physical and psychological challenges, the report underscores that the impact on sexual function and intimacy is significant, yet remains rarely addressed in standard care.

Sexual health plays a crucial role in overall quality of life, particularly for stroke survivors, whose relationships and sense of self can be deeply affected. In Thailand, where over 250,000 people experience a stroke each year and the number of survivors continues to rise due to advances in acute care, the topic frequently falls outside the scope of post-stroke rehabilitation programs. According to the American Heart Association review, addressing the sexual wellbeing of stroke survivors should be an integral part of recovery—not only for physical rehabilitation but also for emotional and social reintegration (ahajournals.org).

For many, the phrase “obsessive-compulsive disorder” (OCD) conjures up images of endless hand-washing, relentless checking of locked doors, or carefully lining up items in perfect order. But fresh research and expert voices now highlight unexpected symptoms often overlooked—not just by the public, but even by those who struggle with the disorder themselves. As understanding of OCD advances, mental health professionals urge a shift away from stereotypes, offering new hope for more accurate diagnosis and effective support, especially for Thai people whose experiences may take unique cultural forms (NYT).

A comprehensive review from the American Heart Association highlights a frequently overlooked aspect of stroke care: sexual health. The report calls for greater awareness and tailored support from healthcare professionals worldwide, including in Thailand, noting that sexual wellbeing significantly affects quality of life but is often not addressed in standard rehabilitation.

Sexual health matters deeply for stroke survivors, influencing relationships, self-esteem, and overall recovery. In Thailand, where more than 250,000 people experience a stroke annually and surviving patients rise with advances in acute care, post-stroke programs often exclude intimate health. The review emphasizes that sexual wellbeing should be an integral part of recovery—encompassing physical rehabilitation, emotional healing, and social reintegration.

A fresh wave of research and expert voices is reshaping how Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is understood in Thailand. Beyond the familiar image of endless cleaning and door-checking, clinicians highlight diverse, often invisible symptoms that affect daily life. Thai mental health professionals urge moving past stereotypes to improve diagnosis and support for sufferers, with attention to how culture shapes experiences.

Historically, OCD has been portrayed through visible rituals focused on cleanliness and order. New clinical insights show a broader spectrum: persistent thoughts about harming loved ones, doubts about relationships, acute fear of mistakes, and worries about taboo subjects. Leading OCD specialists note many patients conceal their struggles, fearing their thoughts reveal something dangerous. Yet these themes are recognized as classic, though misunderstood, manifestations of the disorder.

A recent topical review published in the journal Stroke has put the spotlight on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of post-stroke recovery: sexual health. The research emphasizes that sexual dysfunction and intimacy issues are prevalent among stroke survivors but remain under-discussed, urging healthcare professionals—including those in Thailand—to take a more proactive and compassionate role in addressing these concerns (ahajournals.org).

For many Thai stroke survivors and their families, the journey to recovery is long and challenging. While physical rehabilitation and prevention of further strokes are primary concerns, sexual health is rarely brought up in clinical discussions, often brushed aside due to social stigma, embarrassment, or cultural reservations. Yet, the ability to maintain intimacy and a fulfilling sexual relationship has a substantial impact on overall quality of life, psychological well-being, and marital stability.

A recent review published in Stroke highlights an often-overlooked aspect of post-stroke recovery: sexual health. The study shows that sexual dysfunction and intimacy challenges are common among survivors and calls for a more proactive, empathetic approach from healthcare professionals, including in Thailand.

For many Thai patients and families, recovery is a long journey. Physical rehabilitation and prevention of another stroke are priorities, but sexual health is rarely discussed in clinical visits. Social stigma, embarrassment, and cultural reservations contribute to silence. Yet maintaining intimacy can significantly impact quality of life, mental well-being, and marital stability.