#Publichealth

New research is challenging the idea that all stress is harmful. For Thais juggling work, family, and digital demands, these insights offer both clarity and practical strategies to navigate daily life.

Across workplaces and homes, stress has long been blamed for health problems and burnout. Fresh findings reveal a more nuanced picture: some stress can actually support growth and resilience. This shifts public conversations in Thailand toward balanced approaches to stress management.

A new survey reported by The Japan Times shows a worrying drop in regular physical activity among Japanese adults. The trend has health experts and policymakers considering the potential long-term consequences for public well-being. While the study focuses on Japan, it resonates with evolving lifestyles across Thailand, where sedentary behavior and noncommunicable diseases are also on the rise.

The early-2025 survey points to fewer households maintaining daily exercise routines. Contributing factors include demanding work schedules, lingering effects of the COVID-19 era, crowded cities, and greater engagement with digital devices. Thailand faces similar patterns, with rising obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular risks prompting renewed attention from health authorities. Data from a leading national newspaper highlights these parallels.

A recent survey published by The Japan Times has revealed a concerning trend: Japanese people are exercising less than before, sparking discussions amongst health experts and policymakers about the potential long-term impacts on public health. This news puts the spotlight not only on Japan’s changing lifestyle patterns but also raises relevant questions for Thai society, where sedentary habits and non-communicable diseases are likewise on the rise.

According to the report, the survey—conducted in early 2025—highlights a decline in regular physical activity among the Japanese population, with a significant proportion indicating a reduction in daily exercise routines compared to previous years. The data suggests that busy work schedules, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban living constraints, and increased engagement with digital media contribute to this drop in physical activity. These findings are particularly significant for Thailand, where similar lifestyle shifts are being observed, and where the burden of lifestyle-related health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease continues to grow (Japan Times).

A nutrition trend fever has gripped the United States in 2025, with retailers touting protein-heavy foods from candy and ice cream to sodas promising muscle gains. The shift, amplified by fitness influencers and the growing conversation around weight-loss drugs, raises important questions about healthy eating for readers in Thailand as the country faces its own dietary crossroads.

A decade ago, protein was a quiet macronutrient in global meals. Today, marketing, low-carb regimens, and rapid social media reach have vaulted protein into the mainstream. Protein powders, bars, shakes, and even high-protein snacks are now common pantry items, driven by a belief that more protein means better health and faster weight management. Experts say this “protein arms race” reflects a broader cultural moment, not just a nutrition trend, with wide implications for dietary choices worldwide, including Thailand.

A simple test may reveal how old our bodies actually feel. Standing on one leg for at least 10 seconds is increasingly seen as a clear predictor of health and longevity, especially for people over 50. Research from renowned medical centers and journals points to balance performance as a stronger signal of neuromuscular ageing than traditional measures like grip strength. For Thailand, where the population is ageing rapidly, this insight could inform personal health choices and national prevention strategies.

A trio of movements could help you live longer and stronger, according to fitness experts and recent trends in health research. A prominent trainer argues that resistance work does more than build muscle; it supports independence and vitality well into older age. The piece highlights three exercises that benefit joints, balance, posture, and overall energy, aligning with growing scientific evidence from around the world. Research from leading institutions shows resistance training complements aerobic exercise for longevity.

A new study in Brain and Behaviour reveals a neural and experiential reason why intense workouts can drag on. Researchers found that during demanding exercise, people tend to overestimate elapsed time by about 10 percent. The effect, described as a “time warp,” is linked to the heightened focus on bodily signals like pain and fatigue. This insight has implications for both personal training and how fitness programs are designed to keep people engaged.

A growing body of international research suggests that weight training, or resistance training, can meaningfully slow cognitive decline in older adults and may even help reverse some effects. This finding shines a light for Thailand’s aging population, where the number of seniors is projected to rise sharply in coming decades. By offering practical, drug-free strategies to protect brain health, the approach aligns with Thai values of family care and active aging.

A new wave of international research is offering hope for Thailand’s rapidly aging population—weight training, commonly known as resistance or strength training, may meaningfully slow and even help reverse cognitive decline in older adults, according to a study highlighted by Medical News Today in April 2025 source. In a country where the number of elderly is projected to surpass 20 million by 2050, these findings shine a light on accessible, drug-free strategies to protect brain health and independence across Thai society.

A small everyday addition could sharpen the mind from morning light to evening fatigue. New research from the University of Reading suggests that including a handful of walnuts in a breakfast can measurably enhance mental performance across the day. The study, published in Food & Function, followed 32 healthy adults aged 18 to 30 who ate a walnut-rich breakfast on some days and a calorie-matched, nut-free breakfast on others. Over six hours, participants underwent cognitive testing and brain activity measurements, revealing meaningful differences in performance.

Could the humble walnut hold the secret to keeping your mind sharp from breakfast until dusk? Recent findings by researchers at the University of Reading strongly suggest so, with evidence now showing that simply adding a handful of walnuts to your morning meal can measurably improve mental performance throughout the day. The study, published in the scientific journal Food & Function and widely reported by reputable news outlets including The Independent (source: The Independent), tracked 32 healthy young adults, aged 18 to 30, who consumed either a walnut-rich breakfast or a calorie-matched breakfast without nuts on different occasions. Their subsequent six hours were filled with cognitive testing and brain activity measurements—yielding results with significant implications for anyone seeking a mental edge in daily life.

A recent US-based investigation has rocked the dental care industry, with new research revealing that the majority of toothpaste brands—some specifically marketed for children or as “green” alternatives—are contaminated with toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The findings, released in April 2025, have raised serious public health concerns for families worldwide, including in Thailand, where toothpaste is a staple in daily hygiene routines and global brands are widely used.

A new US study has sparked concern across the global dental and consumer safety communities. Researchers tested 51 toothpaste brands and found that a large majority contained toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. The report, published in April 2025, highlights potential risks for families who rely on toothpaste daily, including children, and underscores the need for stricter oversight in Thailand and beyond.

According to investigative researchers led by a patient-safety group, about 90% of the tested brands contained detectable lead, with two-thirds showing arsenic and nearly half containing mercury. About one in three brands carried cadmium. All of these metals are classified as harmful to health, and exposure is associated with cognitive, kidney, and cardiovascular issues, with children being especially vulnerable. Public health experts emphasize that no safe level of lead exposure exists, particularly for young children.

A wave of online discussion and emerging expert commentary has thrown the spotlight on a little-known but deeply felt emotional response that many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are now recognizing as a shared experience: rejection sensitive dysphoria (R.S.D.). Although not officially classified in psychiatric manuals, R.S.D. is described as an intense or overwhelming reaction to actual or perceived criticism, rejection, or failure—a feeling likened to a “balloon popping” by TikTok creators and capturing the imagination of millions on social media platforms source.

A sweeping new review of scientific studies suggests a strong connection between vitamin D and reduced risk of colorectal cancer, with some findings indicating up to a 58% lower risk among those with the highest vitamin D intake. This revelation, published in April 2025 in the journal Nutrients, could have far-reaching implications for cancer prevention strategies in Thailand and across the globe, offering a natural, affordable, and accessible way to combat one of the world’s most common and deadly cancers (EatingWell).

A recently spotlighted dietary supplement is drawing attention in health circles, with US media touting its potential to prevent cancer, support heart health, and slow skin aging. While headlines label it a “wonder supplement,” Thai readers deserve a careful, evidence-based look at what science actually supports and what remains uncertain. As more Thais seek natural ways to protect long-term health, understanding the real science behind such claims is essential.

The discussion around this supplement mirrors a global fascination with nutraceuticals that promise wide-ranging benefits. In Thailand, rising life expectancy and increasing chronic disease rates have boosted supplement use. The country now hosts a multibillion-baht wellness market, reflecting a strong desire to prevent non-communicable diseases and maintain vitality through natural products.

A major international study warns that rising temperatures and higher atmospheric carbon dioxide are increasing arsenic concentrations in rice, Thailand’s everyday staple. The findings, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, suggest that climate change could turn rice into a greater health risk for populations that rely on it for most of their daily calories. This issue resonates across rice-dependent societies, including Thailand, where consumption is deeply tied to culture and livelihood.

Colombia has declared a nationwide health emergency after a sudden yellow fever outbreak. Officials report at least 34 deaths and 74 confirmed cases in 2025, signaling a sharp resurgence of a mosquito-borne illness in a region that had seen few cases in recent years. The response from the Colombian government underscores growing alarm and offers a cautionary lesson for Thailand, where Aedes-borne diseases are a constant concern.

Yellow fever is caused by a virus transmitted mainly by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes. Early symptoms often resemble those of dengue or Zika, including fever, muscle pain, and headaches. In severe cases, the disease can cause jaundice, bleeding, and organ failure. Mortality can be high in the most serious phase, a reminder of why vaccination and vector control are critical. Health authorities have noted that vaccination is required for travelers to high-risk areas during Easter, as uptake becomes a focal point of the national campaign.

Colombia has declared a nationwide health emergency following a sudden and deadly outbreak of yellow fever, with at least 34 deaths and 74 confirmed cases reported so far in 2025, according to official Colombian health authorities (BBC; Reuters). The government’s urgent response underscores growing alarm about the re-emergence of this mosquito-borne virus in a region that had seen virtually no cases in recent years—a trend that should serve as a wake-up call for countries like Thailand, also home to mosquito-borne diseases.

A new CDC briefing shows depression is more common now than at any time in recent history, yet treatment remains insufficient. The findings, drawn from 2021–2023 data, indicate that more than one in eight Americans aged 12 and older experienced depression, nearly double the rate from a decade earlier. Only about 40% of those affected sought counseling or therapy, underscoring a persistent gap between need and access to care.

The implications extend to Thailand, where mental health challenges surged after the Covid-19 era. While the United States reports rising prevalence, Thai policymakers and families can learn how social trends, public health strategies, and individual experiences shape outcomes. Data from the CDC show depression among Americans climbed from 7.3% in 2015–2016 to over 13% in 2021–2023. Researchers note that this increase reflects both real growth in cases and greater willingness to report symptoms as stigma declines.

A newly highlighted dietary supplement is making waves in the health community after US media reports touted its potential to prevent cancer, improve heart health, and slow skin aging. Reported by the New York Post as the “wonder supplement you’ve never heard of,” this compound is rapidly gaining traction, raising questions around its scientific basis, practical benefits, and implications for a health-conscious Thai public. As more consumers seek accessible, natural ways to bolster long-term health, understanding the actual science behind such claims is essential.

France’s top food safety agency, ANSES (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail), has sent shockwaves through the international nutrition community with its latest recommendation: soy-based foods should be banned from all public mass catering, including schools, hospitals, and care homes. This call, issued in March 2025, has ignited global debate over the safety of soy products—a topic relevant to Thailand as plant-based menus become increasingly popular in schools and health-conscious households.

A French health agency has sparked a global conversation about soy in public catering, including schools, hospitals, and care homes. In March 2025, ANSES emphasized caution around high-intensity soy consumption, focusing on isoflavones, the plant compounds that can act like estrogen in the body. The agency warned that excessive intake could influence hormone balance and potentially affect children’s development if exposure is prolonged. Thai readers should note the emphasis on balanced nutrition and moderation as schools increasingly explore plant-based proteins.

A new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that depression is now more common among Americans than ever before, with treatment rates falling short despite growing awareness—a development that brings important lessons for health policymakers and families across Thailand. The report, based on data from 2021 to 2023, found that over one in eight Americans aged 12 and older have experienced depression recently, almost double the rate reported just a decade ago. Yet, only about 40% of those affected pursued counseling or therapy for their symptoms, highlighting a persistent gap between need and access to care (CNN).