#PreventiveHealthcare

A recent study in a leading medical journal highlights a surge in invasive Group A Streptococcus infections in ten U.S. states. The report covers about 35 million people over ten years and shows cases doubling since 2022. For Thai audiences, this underscores the importance of understanding alert signs and preventive care in a globally connected world.

The condition is linked to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious infection that destroys soft tissue, and sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Although the rise is outside Thailand, the findings emphasize vigilance at home, especially as international travel and trade rise. Public health experts stress the need for timely medical attention when symptoms appear.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has raised alarms over the increasing prevalence of invasive Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, more infamously known as the flesh-eating disease, across ten states in the United States. This extensive research, covering around 35 million people over a decade, reports a worrying trend with cases doubling since 2022. For Thai readers, understanding the nature of this disease and its potential implications is crucial in a globally connected world where diseases can swiftly cross borders.

Colon cancer is rising as a global health concern, and Thailand is no exception. Recent data show colorectal cancer ranking as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with younger adults increasingly affected. In 2020, a notable share of diagnoses occurred in people under 50, underscoring the need for early screening and heightened awareness across Thai communities.

In Thailand’s regional context, shifting lifestyles—more sedentary work, faster, less-balanced meals, and growing urbanization—mirror Western trends that may contribute to higher cancer risk. Early detection matters: when colon cancer is found early, survival rates are high. This highlights the life-saving potential of proactive screening and regular health checkups.

Prediabetes signals blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetes. On Diabetes Alert Day, Thai health experts emphasize awareness and early screening to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. The condition affects a large portion of adults globally, yet many people remain unaware, delaying preventive action.

Prediabetes often has no symptoms, so routine screening is crucial. An aging population and rising obesity rates heighten risk, especially for adults aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese. The Hemoglobin A1c test provides a reliable snapshot of average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Early screening enables timely lifestyle changes that can dramatically reduce diabetes risk. Research shows that losing just 5% to 7% of body weight halves the likelihood of developing diabetes. Regular physical activity and a high-fiber, nutrient-rich diet with lean proteins support sustained risk reduction.