#Publichealth

A new NIH-backed study reveals a 27% rise in maternal mortality in the United States over the past five years, increasing from 25.3 to 32.6 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2018 and 2022. The finding highlights urgent priorities for public health, even as funding for maternal and child health research faces cuts. Thailand can translate these lessons into stronger safeguards for mothers at home.

Maternal mortality, defined as deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth, serves as a barometer for a health system’s access and quality. The U.S. trend—driven in part by cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental health disorders—was detected through expanded postpartum monitoring that tracks outcomes up to a year after birth. The results prompt policymakers worldwide to reassess public health infrastructure and clinical care for mothers.

In an era where medical advancements constantly vie for public attention, Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old physician and adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, offers simple yet timeless health advice: live longer through lifestyle changes. Known for driving his red Toyota Prius and sharing wisdom on YouTube, Dr. Scharffenberg’s practical guidance is influencing a global audience, including recent lectures in Madagascar and across Europe.

Despite lacking a genetic predisposition for longevity—his mother succumbed to Alzheimer’s in her 60s, and his father died of a heart attack at 76—Dr. Scharffenberg attributes his century-plus life to his active lifestyle and unique dietary choices.

New research shows childhood experiences can reshape the brain’s wiring, not just influence what children can do today. A study from Mass General Brigham highlights how early environments leave lasting marks on white matter, the brain’s communication network, with implications for lifelong learning and development. For Thai readers, the findings reinforce the value of supportive families and communities in buffering adversity.

White matter connects different brain regions, enabling language, problem solving, and emotion regulation. It differs from gray matter, which handles local processing. Strong white-matter development supports important skills that schools in Thailand often emphasize—reading, math, and social coordination—especially in communities that prize social harmony and collective well-being.

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 101-year-old physician and professor offers practical, timeless guidance for longer, healthier living. Dr. John Scharffenberg, an adjunct professor at a prominent public health school, is known for his active lifestyle, candid tips, and a YouTube presence that reaches millions. His recent talks in Madagascar and Europe underscore a universal message: longevity can be pursued through everyday choices.

Despite a family history with heartbreaks—his mother developed Alzheimer’s in her 60s and his father died of a heart attack in his 70s—Dr. Scharffenberg credits his century-spanning vitality to constant movement and mindful living. He often shares stories about hard work on a rugged property, tending thousands of plants, which kept him physically engaged well into later life.

The recent focus on the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) could redefine dietary habits around the globe, promising not just longevity but also ecological well-being. Developed by the EAT-Lancet Commission, this diet highlights the need for a shift towards plant-based foods, simultaneously promoting human health and environmental sustainability. With its roots in the 2019 report “Food in the Anthropocene,” the PHD encourages a diet abundant in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and plant proteins, while advising reduced consumption of meat and dairy. This development is especially pertinent for Thailand as it aligns with the nation’s increasing interest in sustainable and healthy living.

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.

The U.S. has witnessed a dramatic 27% rise in maternal mortality over the past five years, a development described as “an urgent public health priority” in a recent study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This troubling statistic emerges even as funding for maternal and child health research has faced severe cuts. The implications of these findings extend beyond the U.S., serving as a critical warning for countries like Thailand, where maternal health remains a top priority as part of national and global health initiatives.

The burgeoning $6.3 trillion wellness industry, often celebrated for promoting natural remedies and health innovations, is now under scrutiny for potentially facilitating viral outbreaks that threaten both animal and human populations. Central to this concern is the raw pet food market, which significantly overlaps with anti-science sentiment, and the misinformation that is causing harm beyond consumer health. With the recent spread of the H5N1 bird flu, there are increasing fears that this could be the seed of the next global pandemic.

In an intriguing revelation, scientists have now established that childhood experiences have the capacity to reshape the brain’s architecture, not just influence cognitive abilities. This latest research from Mass General Brigham elucidates how the formative years leave indelible imprints on the brain’s communication wiring, or white matter, underscoring the profound impact of early environments on lifelong cognitive development. For Thai readers, with the emphasis on family and communal ties, these findings shed light on the critical balance between adversity and support within our societal structures.

The global wellness market, valued at about $6.3 trillion, is under growing scrutiny for risks to both people and animals. A key concern is the raw pet food sector, which often intersects with misinformation and anti-science sentiment. With the spread of the H5N1 bird flu, experts warn this could seed the next global pandemic if unchecked.

Holistic pet-care trends have popularized raw diets as “ancestral” and supposedly closer to animal biology. However, veterinary and epidemiological research consistently challenges these claims. Raw pet foods can carry bacteria and viruses, including H5N1, posing real threats to pets and their households. Infected cats, seals, foxes, and other species have been documented, with feline mortality reaching significant levels in some outbreaks.

Recent commentary from the Financial Times editorial board has highlighted an alarming trend in American public health initiatives that could offer significant learning opportunities for nations like Thailand. The article, titled “America’s astonishing act of self-harm,” delves into how specific policies and societal choices have led to unexpected negative health outcomes, despite the country’s vast resources and technological advancements. Although the specifics of the article aren’t accessible, this theme resonates globally, inviting a broader analysis of the implications for Thailand and Southeast Asia.

A rising tide of diabetes in Thailand highlights the importance of recognizing early kidney disease signals. Health experts point to swollen feet and persistent nausea as potential warning signs that warrant prompt medical evaluation. Early detection can avert serious outcomes, including the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation, especially for people living with diabetes.

For Thai readers, the connection between diabetes and kidney health is particularly relevant. Thailand’s growing diabetic population faces increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), underscoring the need for proactive screening and management. Local healthcare providers emphasize that timely awareness—paired with regular check-ups—can slow CKD progression and improve quality of life.

New research suggests that the types of fats we eat could influence how we age, not just how much we eat. The message is shifting from fat quantity to fat quality. Specific fatty acids may affect aging processes at the cellular level, offering potential benefits beyond heart and metabolic health. This evolving evidence is particularly relevant to Thai diets, which feature rich culinary traditions.

Essential fats are gaining attention for their possible anti-aging properties. While they are known for supporting cardiovascular health, scientists are now exploring how certain fats could modulate aging itself. This has important implications for populations like Thailand, where dietary patterns blend traditional foods with modern nutritional insights.

A recent surge in research suggests that certain essential fats might be pivotal in delaying biological aging, a topic garnering attention from both scientists and the general public. Reports indicate that the types of fats consumed, rather than merely the quantity, could influence how gracefully we age. While the discourse has predominantly focused on the impacts of saturated and unsaturated fats, emerging evidence points towards more nuanced roles played by specific fatty acids in modulating age-related processes.

In a surprising turn that challenges long-standing public health directives, a study by the Cleveland Clinic has revealed that the influenza vaccine meant to combat the 2024-2025 flu season may have inadvertently increased the risk of infection among recipients. Conducted under the leadership of Dr. Nabin Shrestha, the research analyzed the health records of over 53,000 employees from the clinic’s Ohio locations, finding a 27% higher infection risk for those vaccinated compared to their unvaccinated counterparts source.

A new analysis from the Cleveland Clinic has sparked debate about influenza vaccines for the 2024-2025 season. Led by a senior researcher, the study examined health records of more than 53,000 employees in Ohio and found that those who received the flu shot had a higher observed rate of infection than those who were not vaccinated. The researchers report a 27% increased risk of flu among vaccinated individuals in this cohort, with the vaccine effectiveness estimated at negative 26.9%.

A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, published in PLOS Global Public Health, highlights how heavy screen use can disrupt sleep and elevate depression risk among teenagers. The findings call for urgent action from parents, teachers, and policymakers in Thailand to protect youth well-being in a tech-centric world.

The research followed more than 4,800 adolescents aged 12 to 16 for a year, examining screen time, sleep patterns, and mental health symptoms. It found that excessive screen exposure worsens both sleep quality and duration, which in turn increases depression risk. The effect was particularly pronounced among girls, with sleep disruption acting as a key mediator between screen use and mood issues. For boys, the link between screen time and depression appeared more direct.

A recent Financial Times editorial raises important questions about how nations shape public health, offering learning for Thailand as it strengthens its own system. The piece, titled America’s astonishing act of self-harm, examines how policy choices and societal trends can influence health outcomes even in resource-rich countries. While the full article isn’t accessible here, its themes echo worldwide, inviting a careful look at implications for Thailand and Southeast Asia.

The COVID-19 era reshaped health policy across the globe, drawing attention to prevention, chronic disease management, and health education. For Thailand, these discussions come at a moment when the nation seeks to balance traditional practices with modern, evidence-based medicine. Public health strategies are under renewed scrutiny as Thai officials aim to protect communities while preserving cultural values.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens, new research from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden sheds light on the concerning interplay between screen time, sleep disruption, and rising depression rates among teenagers. Published recently in PLOS Global Public Health, the study underscores the critical need for stakeholders, including parents and educators, to tackle this growing issue with urgency.

The study analyzed data from over 4,800 adolescents, aged 12 to 16, tracking their screen use, sleep habits, and mental health symptoms over one year. It discovered that excessive screen time significantly compromises both the quality and duration of sleep, which in turn elevates depression risk, notably among young girls. For boys, the link between screen use and depression was more straightforward, while for girls, disrupted sleep was the pivotal factor connecting screen exposure to mood disorders.

As Thailand grapples with the increasing incidence of chronic kidney disease, a new wave of information brings attention to the early symptoms that diabetics cannot afford to overlook. According to a recent article originally published by the Hindustan Times source, symptoms such as swollen feet and persistent nausea are being highlighted as potential warning signs of kidney failure, especially in individuals managing diabetes. Recognizing these symptoms early could be pivotal in averting dire health outcomes like dialysis or kidney transplants.

Betel nut, known locally as หมาก, remains a vivid thread in Thai markets, temple courtyards, and social rituals. The areca nut from the Areca catechu palm is both a symbol of hospitality and a traditional remedy, even as new research questions its safety. This piece revisits the cultural significance while presenting current health perspectives for Thai readers.

Across the region, betel chewing involves the nut, slaked lime, and betel leaf. In Thailand, the practice is woven into weddings, offerings, and daily interactions. The bright red stain on lips and teeth has long marked social status and community belonging, underscoring how deeply the habit is embedded in life’s ceremonies and everyday moments.

In an age where the pursuit of longevity is often weighed down by the complexities of modern life, a centenarian nutrition professor offers a refreshingly straightforward formula: simplicity. Dr. John Scharffenberg, a 101-year-old adjunct professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health, champions a lifestyle rooted in basic yet profound principles of health. Despite a family history devoid of remarkable longevity—his parents succumbed to cardiovascular and neurological diseases in their later years—Scharffenberg attributes his extended life to actionable lifestyle choices rather than genetics.

Regular physical activity benefits health for everyone, regardless of body weight. Health experts emphasize that exercise is essential for cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and sustained vitality. In Thailand, where lifestyle changes have led to more sedentary routines, making movement a daily habit could significantly improve public health outcomes.

Even with weight-loss medications gaining attention, upholding a balanced diet and consistent exercise remains crucial. Research from trusted health institutions shows that activity needs are universal, and benefits accrue across ages and fitness levels. This challenges the notion that fitness must reach a certain level before taking part in activity, a message that resonates with families and communities in Bangkok and beyond.