#Publichealth

A new global study indicates that aiming for 7,000 steps a day, not 10,000, can meaningfully lower the risk of several major diseases. Published in The Lancet Public Health, the findings offer practical guidance for health messaging in Thailand and beyond, challenging the popular 10,000-step benchmark and proposing a realistic target for everyday life.

In Thailand, rising noncommunicable diseases place a heavy burden on families and the healthcare system. Thai culture has long valued daily movement — from temple visits to markets and parks — but urban work and sedentary routines have reduced overall activity. The study shows that modest increases in daily steps deliver substantial health benefits, aligning with traditional notions of an active lifestyle in a modern setting.

A decade-long study on faith and physical health offers fresh insights for individuals and faith communities in Thailand. A Desiring God summary, “A Christian Vision for Exercise: Ten Lessons from a Ten-Year Project,” argues that fitness aligned with spiritual values can boost personal health and strengthen communities. The message resonates as urban Thais pursue holistic wellbeing amid rising lifestyle diseases.

In Thailand, beliefs already blend mind, body, and spirit through Buddhist, animist, and local practices. The Christian model described treats physical health as stewardship, discipline, and gratitude. The core idea is that regular movement can be an act of worship and a visible expression of thanks for life and health. This contrasts with trends that tie exercise to appearance or status, often amplified by social media.

The importance of protein in maintaining good health is once again in the spotlight, following new reporting and expert advice highlighted in a recent article on AOL. The article collates top insights from nutritionists and medical experts, identifying clear physical and mental warning signs when the body does not receive enough protein—an issue that can have wide-ranging effects on fitness, mood, skin, and even the immune system. This topic is especially relevant for Thai readers, as modern dietary changes and shifting lifestyles can subtly lead to protein imbalances, even for those consuming what appear to be “normal” meals.

A good night’s sleep could play a bigger role in heart health than most Thais realize. As hypertension rates continue to rise across Thailand and the world, recent research highlighted by a leading American cardiologist demonstrates that simple changes before bedtime can be surprisingly effective in managing blood pressure — potentially reducing risk for heart disease and stroke, which remain leading causes of death in the Kingdom.

Blood pressure management has often centered on daytime choices, such as diet and exercise. Yet according to a March 2025 report shared by a US cardiologist and featured in EatingWell, small shifts in evening routines can deliver outsized benefits (EatingWell). This advice, based in recent medical studies and endorsed by cardiovascular experts, translates well for Thai readers keen to care for their health with practical, low-cost strategies at home.

An emerging consensus among therapists highlights four cognitive patterns that trap people in anxiety and offers practical steps to regain control. Drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy, schema therapy, and attachment theory, experts describe how these patterns unfold and how to move forward. Anxiety disorders affect many people globally, and Thai conversations about mental health have grown stronger in the wake of the pandemic.

In Thailand, discussions on emotional resilience, family responsibility, and social harmony have intensified. Understanding anxiety helps validate personal experiences and strengthens public dialogue on self-care and community support, a focus championed by Thailand’s health authorities and local NGOs. Key patterns involve feeling unsafe, losing control, self-blame, and distrust of others. A senior psychiatrist notes that generalized anxiety often features repetitive worries about safety and control, while social anxiety centers on self-worth and judgment. These ideas align with CBT’s view that thoughts, feelings, and actions form a cycle in which thinking traps feed anxiety.

Dietitians are uniting behind a simple yet potent recommendation for those battling high cholesterol: add more chia seeds to your daily diet. Backed by recent research and expert consensus, the humble chia seed has emerged as the “#1 food” individuals should be eating to lower cholesterol and support heart health, according to a detailed review published by reputable nutritionists (EatingWell).

High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a condition affecting millions globally, including an increasing segment of Thailand’s aging and urbanizing population. It is a major risk factor for heart disease—the leading cause of death both worldwide and in Thailand. While genetics play a role, diet and lifestyle choices remain the areas where individuals can make the biggest impact.

Cholesterol remains a major heart-health challenge for many Thai families. A simple daily habit shows promise: add chia seeds to meals. While science continues to evolve, a recent review by nutrition experts strengthens the case for chia as a heart-friendly food, aligning with Thai wellness conversations.

High cholesterol affects millions worldwide and is a leading risk factor for heart disease. In Thailand, heart disease is a top health concern. Genetics play a role, but diet and lifestyle offer the most accessible improvements.

A prominent American fitness influencer has called for sweeping reforms in the regulation of food and pharmaceutical products, urging policymakers to broaden their focus beyond artificial food dyes. At a recent summit, this celebrity trainer and media personality expressed her support for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, advocating not only for bans on synthetic additives like Red 40 but for a far wider overhaul of what is allowed in the nation’s food supply. Her remarks have renewed debate about the safety of food ingredients, the influence of powerful industry lobbies, and the steps individuals and governments can take to protect public health.

A good night’s sleep could be a powerful ally for heart health in Thailand. With hypertension on the rise, recent insights from a leading cardiologist show that small evening changes can meaningfully manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Traditionally, guidance focuses on daytime choices like diet and exercise. Yet new work summarized by a senior cardiologist highlights simple nightly routines that benefit both Western and Thai populations. The guidance translates into practical, affordable steps that people can adopt at home.

New medical research suggests that taking just 7,000 steps a day—rather than the oft-cited 10,000—can provide crucial protection against a host of serious diseases, including cancer, dementia, heart disease, and depression. Published in The Lancet Public Health, the large-scale study has broad implications for public health messaging in Thailand and beyond, challenging longstanding assumptions about the 10,000-step standard and offering more accessible targets for Thais seeking practical ways to boost their long-term wellbeing (BBC News).

Thai readers concerned about memory lapses or the prospect of cognitive decline have good news: maintaining a healthy brain may be simpler — and more accessible — than ever. New research confirms that staying physically active, nurturing social relationships, and deeply pursuing personal interests can significantly boost brain health at any age, making these strategies both practical and effective for people across the Kingdom.

As Thailand’s population grays and concerns about dementia and cognitive impairment rise, the findings, published in the reputable journal Brain Sciences and recently highlighted by major international media (Times of India), provide hope — and specific guidelines — for safeguarding the mind. The research, conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, focuses on how everyday habits can nurture the precious “grey and white matter” of the brain, and offers Thai citizens actionable tips backed by robust scientific evidence.

A growing body of psychological research and therapist insights is bringing new clarity to how anxiety takes hold and, crucially, how people can break free. A recent report on HuffPost summarizes expert commentary from professionals drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), schema therapy, and attachment theory to identify recurring patterns in the anxious mind. With nearly one in five Americans experiencing anxiety disorders—a statistic mirrored globally and relevant to Thailand’s rising mental health awareness—researchers and clinicians are now describing four primary ways people become “stuck” in anxiety, and practical strategies to regain a sense of control and well-being.

A rising fitness craze fueled by social media is pushing many men in their 20s and 30s to try testosterone boosters. While the goal of stronger bodies and more energy is appealing, medical experts warn of real risks, including potential damage to fertility.

In gyms and online shops across Thailand, testosterone boosters range from herbal blends to injectable hormones. Aggressive marketing and influencer endorsements often promise quick gains, but doctors caution that the benefits may come at a steep personal cost. Self-prescribing and unsupervised use raise serious health concerns.

A fresh wave of health insight underscores protein’s key role in overall well-being. Nutrition experts warn that not meeting daily protein needs can quietly affect fitness, mood, skin, and immunity—an issue particularly relevant for Thais juggling busy lifestyles and evolving diets.

Protein is a core macronutrient. It builds muscle, supports organs, and repairs tissues. For adults, especially those over 40 or physically active, adequate protein intake helps prevent muscle loss, fatigue, and related health risks. Understanding modern dietary challenges is crucial for Thailand’s diverse population, including urban families and rural communities.

Protein plays a vital role in muscle health and overall wellbeing, but more isn’t always better. In Thailand, a surge of protein supplements and “fit foods” has many adults questioning how much protein is truly needed. New reviews show many people already meet or exceed daily recommendations, prompting a closer look at safe limits and practical choices.

Thai urban communities are embracing protein-rich snacks and supplements as part of broader wellness trends. Nutrition experts agree that for most healthy adults, current intake aligns with, or exceeds, the standard daily allowance of about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For an 85-kilogram person, that equates to roughly 68 grams per day. Thai dietary guidelines reflect this target, while a rising market for higher-protein options invites closer scrutiny of long-term effects.

A sharp rise in alcohol consumption among women over the past two decades is fueling a worrying increase in liver disease and related health consequences, according to new research published in the medical journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Experts warn that this trend — once largely associated with men — is swiftly closing the gender gap in alcohol-related illness, marking a quiet but significant shift in women’s health worldwide.

For Thai readers, where social drinking culture is deeply entwined with festivals, business, and daily life, this mirrors broader global changes in women’s roles and health behaviors. The new study finds that alcohol-related deaths among women in the United States have more than doubled between 1999 and 2020, while deaths from alcohol-related hepatitis nearly tripled over the same period (NBC News).

A new study highlights a global shift: women’s alcohol consumption has risen over the past two decades, coinciding with a sharp increase in liver disease and related health risks. Research cited by Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology shows alcohol-related deaths among women in the United States more than doubled from 1999 to 2020, while deaths from alcohol‑related hepatitis nearly tripled. Heavier drinking women now face more than twice the risk of liver damage than two decades ago.

A wave of new research reveals that the key to experiencing a longer, more fulfilling life may lie not so much in medical breakthroughs or exercise regimens, but in how we psychologically perceive and savor time itself. Studies highlighted by The Atlantic in its recent piece, “The Psychological Secret to Longevity,” reveal that the way we experience time accelerates as we age—a phenomenon influenced not just by our biological clock, but by our daily routines, emotional engagement, and openness to novelty (The Atlantic).

A new review published this week in Women’s Health UK has captured global interest by ranking the nine best probiotics for gut health, using in-depth testing and expert input from gastroenterologists and dietitians. The report, led by a registered dietitian, offers practical guidance to consumers on choosing the right probiotic for specific digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, or immune support. With digestive health a growing concern among Thais—stomach discomfort, bloating, and “ภูมิต้านทาน” (immune health) are common topics in local communities—the findings are particularly relevant for those considering dietary supplements to support overall wellness.

New research underscores three practical habits that support brain health at any age: staying physically active, strengthening social connections, and pursuing personal interests. These habits protect both grey matter, which processes information, and white matter, which transmits signals, offering a clear path for readers nationwide.

The study, published in Brain Sciences, was conducted by researchers at a leading Norwegian university. It shows that regular movement, social engagement, and curiosity uplift neural health. Thai experts say the findings resonate with local values around community, activity, and lifelong learning.

A prominent American fitness influencer has urged policymakers to widen regulation beyond artificial food dyes. Speaking at a recent summit, the trainer aligned with a health-focused movement advocating broad changes to what is permitted in the U.S. food supply. Her remarks rekindle debates over ingredient safety, industry influence, and how governments and individuals can safeguard public health.

The topic resonates in Thailand, where processed foods, snacks, and beverages often rely on artificial colorings. As Thailand’s food sector follows Western trends, questions arise about whether the country should reassess its approach to additives, especially as health awareness rises and diet-related diseases become more common. International research indicates that attention to food ingredient safety is a shared concern across borders, including Southeast Asia.

A new wave of high-protein food products has taken the global and Thai markets by storm, but medical experts are now urging caution: while a protein-rich diet is important for health and muscle building, overindulging—especially with certain sources—could do more harm than good. According to recent research summarized in GQ’s article “How Much Protein Is Too Much Protein?” (GQ.com), the current craze for protein-packed everything has outpaced what most people actually require, shining a spotlight on the true risks and limits.

New findings suggest living longer may depend more on how we experience time than on medical breakthroughs. The Atlantic notes that time often seems to pass faster as people age, influenced by daily routines, emotional engagement, and openness to new experiences. In essence, our relationship with time shapes how long we feel we have.

Time is measured by clocks but felt subjectively. Both philosophers and scientists agree that perception shifts with experience; each passing year can feel shorter. Research cited by The Atlantic links this to science, including a 2017 psychology study where older adults report time passing more quickly than younger people. Related insights from neuroscience and psychology reinforce this view.

A new study explores why Thais and people worldwide reach for high-calorie snacks during uncertain times. The research suggests an ancient survival instinct for potential food shortages still guides visual attention and cravings for junk food. Experts say this pattern is shaped by long-term pressures, not just today’s stress. Data from the study are discussed in health and psychology outlets, reflecting global concerns about economy, disasters, and post-pandemic recovery.

Lead investigators from a psychology program and the Evolutionary Visual Lab conducted eye-tracking experiments to observe automatic food interest under different imagined scenarios. Unlike early surveys, this study measures real-time visual responses to food images, offering a direct look at attention and desirability in various contexts.