#Publichealth

Concerns about men’s reproductive health are spurring a wave of recent research, with studies confirming that male fertility has become a significant public health issue worldwide, including in Thailand. New findings reveal that sperm health is highly sensitive to lifestyle, metabolic health, and even infectious diseases like COVID-19, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive measures among Thai men and their families.

For decades, discussion around infertility has focused disproportionately on women. Yet, male factors are implicated in nearly half of all infertility cases, according to global health experts and major clinics such as Banner Health in the United States. New research reviewed by leading Australian reproductive health experts has revealed that male sperm counts worldwide have halved since the 1980s—a phenomenon attributed to complex, multifactorial causes that are only now being unraveled (Banner Health).

A new wave of research is shining a spotlight on the power of rhythm and music to help older adults kickstart lasting fitness habits—just when the benefits of exercise become more crucial than ever. With Thailand’s rapidly aging society and persistent challenges in promoting healthy lifestyles for its seniors, findings from a US research team may offer practical cues for local interventions to support independent, active living in later life.

A long-standing debate among health-conscious Thais may finally have an answer: coffee does count toward your daily water intake, according to a new synthesis of research and leading expert opinions. As millions start their day with a hot cup of coffee in Bangkok or iced café yen in Chiang Mai, questions about whether those popular caffeinated beverages actually help hydrate—or dehydrate—continue to linger. Recent analysis clarifies that, for most people, drinking coffee can be part of staying well-hydrated, though moderation and individual sensitivity must be considered.

A new study by researchers at the University of Bath has found that two surprisingly simple—and, crucially, cost-free—habits can substantially increase exercise motivation and activity levels: step-monitoring and mindfulness practice. The findings, published and reported by Woman & Home, offer valuable, evidence-based tips for anyone in Thailand struggling to maintain regular physical activity, especially as health authorities continue to stress the importance of exercise in fending off diseases and supporting mental wellbeing.

A recent study has revealed that engaging in brisk walking or cycling three times per week can reduce the “brain age” of older adults by as much as ten years within just six months, offering renewed hope for those concerned about cognitive decline as they get older. The study, led by US-based researchers and published in the journal Neurology, found that regular, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise not only brings physical benefits but also has a remarkable effect on mental fitness—particularly for people already showing symptoms of cognitive impairment without dementia. This revelation is poised to resonate strongly in Thailand, where an ageing population and rising rates of chronic disease are focusing national attention on strategies to maintain quality of life in later years.

A recent study is making international headlines by finding a significant association between hormonal contraceptive use and a heightened risk of developing depression, raising important questions for millions of Thai women who rely on these family planning methods. The research, covered by reputable sources such as Drug Topics, suggests that women using hormonal contraceptives—such as birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants—may be more likely to experience depression, especially soon after starting these medications.

Social media’s obsession with “cortisol belly” and “cortisol face” has racked up millions of views among Thai users, amplifying fears that the stress hormone cortisol is sabotaging health and appearance. However, scientists and medical experts are pushing back, clarifying that everyday cortisol fluctuations from modern stressors are far from the catastrophic threat depicted in TikTok and Instagram trends—findings that come as a relief for many in Thailand and across the globe. This latest conversation is rooted in a detailed analysis published by a medical researcher through The Conversation, and corroborated by endocrinologists and global health organizations, signaling an urgent need for critical media literacy around health information online.

A recent viral personal account has reignited the debate over vaccine hesitancy, shining a spotlight on the real-life consequences faced by those raised in anti-vaccination households. The article, published by BuzzFeed and titled “17 Brutally Honest Confessions From A Woman Who Was Raised By Anti-Vax Parents,” offers a candid look at how parental skepticism toward vaccines can shape every facet of a child’s development—physically, emotionally, and socially. Its frank revelations underscore issues of public health and personal risk that resonate worldwide, including in Thailand, where anti-vaccine sentiment has gained traction in some circles.

Some common medicines and dietary supplements could reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, putting Thai women at unseen risk of unintended pregnancies, according to updated research and expert guidance from global health agencies. The expanding use of both pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter supplements in Thailand means understanding these interactions is more important than ever.

Hormonal contraceptives—whether pills, patches, injections, or implants—remain among the most popular choices for family planning in Thailand, recommended by healthcare providers for their convenience and high success rate. However, new evidence and official health warnings reveal that a handful of widely-used substances can lower the reliability of these contraceptives, sometimes drastically. For Thai readers, recognizing how everyday medicines or herbal remedies—often purchased at pharmacies, traditional medicine vendors, or online—can compromise birth control is crucial for informed, safe reproductive health choices.

For many Thais hitting the gym, jogging at Lumphini Park, or playing football after work, a curious urge might follow an intense bout of exercise: the near-uncontrollable need to keep moving, even when exhaustion beckons. Instead of collapsing on a bench or mat, you might find yourself pacing back and forth, performing squats and stretches, or simply unable to sit still. Recent research, highlighted in an accessible review published by an exercise physiology professor, explains this phenomenon while revealing why active movement after strenuous activity is not just instinctive, but vital for optimal recovery (The Conversation).

In a startling development that has rung alarm bells across the global public health community, scientists have confirmed for the first time that the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, better known as bird flu, has not only crossed into U.S. dairy cattle, but is now capable of cow-to-cow transmission. This unprecedented leap, tracked to a single wildlife spillover event in Texas in 2023, has rapidly escalated into a multi-state outbreak, deepening fears over the virus’s pandemic potential. The implications of this discovery stretch far beyond the borders of the United States, raising difficult questions for countries like Thailand, where livestock and poultry farming are vital to the economy and public health infrastructure is acutely attuned to zoonotic threats.

As global efforts intensify to destigmatize men’s sexual health, the latest research and advocacy underscore the urgent need for open dialogue—challenging outdated expectations and transforming silent suffering into collective well-being. This movement toward normalization is rapidly gaining ground, with far-reaching implications for Thai society where traditional views on masculinity persist.

Men’s health has long encompassed more than just the physical; mental and emotional well-being are increasingly recognized as critical. Yet, across the world, men statistically have a shorter life expectancy than women due in large part to heart disease, diabetes, mental health disorders, and cancer, with underlying causes being intertwined lifestyle choices and social barriers. Reluctance among men to seek preventative care or address issues early is often tied not only to the stigma of vulnerability, but also misinformation and societal attitudes that equate open discussion with weakness (Life & Style, 2025).

In a significant breakthrough that could transform the lives of millions of people with dangerous peanut allergies, new research from the UK has found that adults can become desensitised to peanuts through carefully supervised daily exposure. The study, published in the journal Allergy, is the first of its kind to demonstrate that the window for effective allergy treatment may not be limited to childhood, providing a new pathway for severely allergic adults who, until now, have had few options besides lifelong avoidance (The Guardian, King’s College London news release).

A groundbreaking new study from University of Missouri-Columbia reveals that exercise can safeguard memory and cognitive performance—even when the brain is deprived of one of its essential fuel sources, ketones. This insight not only reinforces the crucial role of physical activity in brain health, especially amid rising rates of Alzheimer’s and dementia, but also provides hope for individuals with liver conditions that compromise energy production for cognitive functions. As Thailand faces its own growing elderly population and associated dementia risks, these findings are especially timely and relevant.

As hypertension, or high blood pressure, remains a major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks, and other life-altering conditions, medical experts are urging those living with hypertension to pay closer attention not just to diet and lifestyle, but also to the supplements they might be taking. A new analysis published by nutrition and cardiology professionals highlights five common supplements—bitter orange, licorice root, caffeine-containing products, yohimbine, and ephedra—that could spell danger for individuals struggling to keep their blood pressure under control, a finding especially important to Thailand where herbal remedies are deeply ingrained in the culture (EatingWell).

For decades, the nutrition spotlight has shone on protein—essential for muscle building and widely marketed as the hero of health. But a wave of new research and expert commentary is propelling dietary fiber into the foreground, suggesting that many people should prioritize fiber as much—or even more—than protein for overall well-being. This shift carries crucial lessons for Thai diets dominated by white rice, noodles, and increasingly processed foods, underscoring a potential public health opportunity with national significance.

Thai adults may experience the negative consequences of smoking, alcohol use, and physical inactivity much earlier than previously believed, according to newly released research. A recent study, highlighted by MedicalXpress, reveals that the adverse effects of these common risk behaviors can be detected by the age of 36, prompting renewed concern among health experts and policymakers in Thailand who are battling rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Traditionally, the health dangers of smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise have been associated with older age groups, often becoming the focus of public campaigns targeting those in midlife or later. However, the study, based on long-term health tracking, challenges this view by showing that detectable harm to health and fitness from these behaviors often manifests well before reaching 40. The research adds urgency to efforts encouraging young Thai adults to make healthier choices early in life for both immediate and long-term benefits.

A pioneering new study has identified “immune resilience”—the ability of the immune system to bounce back following stress or infection—as a critical component for healthy aging and potentially a longer life. The findings, which are already generating significant attention among global health experts, provide promising new directions for both personal wellness and future medical interventions designed to promote longevity. This emerging concept is highly relevant for Thailand’s rapidly aging population, raising hope for breakthroughs that could help older Thais maintain better health in their golden years.

The latest in-depth investigations by international psychiatrists and psychologists are prompting a global rethink over the widespread use and perceived efficacy of antidepressants, especially in the United States, where such medications have become almost ubiquitous for treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia. New findings sharply question the central assumptions about how these drugs work, their long-term benefits, and the risks they carry—a discussion that resonates far beyond America’s borders, including in Thailand, as local mental health practices continue to evolve.

A groundbreaking international study has identified the optimal number of daily steps needed to offset the health hazards of long periods spent sitting—a finding with particular resonance for Thailand’s increasingly urbanized and sedentary society. According to researchers, taking between 9,000 and 10,000 steps each day significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and early death, even among individuals with highly sedentary lifestyles. This new evidence challenges the traditional “10,000 steps per day” recommendation by directly linking step count to the dangers of prolonged sitting, and delivers crucial guidance for desk-bound Thais and anyone concerned with modern sedentary habits (ScienceAlert).

A new investigation into the factors driving a troubling worldwide increase in colon cancer among young adults points to damage caused by certain gut bacteria as a potential culprit, according to recently reported research. The findings, which come amid mounting concern about the sharp rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses in people under 50, highlight the possible role of the gut microbiome—a bustling ecosystem of trillions of organisms living in the digestive tract—in influencing cancer risk well before middle age. The research underscores an urgent need for both the medical community and the wider public in Thailand to consider how diet, antibiotics, and lifestyle choices may impact long-term gut health and, consequently, cancer prevention.

A groundbreaking international study has pinpointed 17 modifiable lifestyle and health factors that can help protect the brain against aging, dementia, stroke, and late-life depression—offering hope to millions of Thais as the country faces a rapidly aging population and an expected surge in dementia cases. This new research, led by the Mass General Brigham healthcare system in the United States and recently published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, draws on large-scale analysis to clarify which habits and medical conditions pose the greatest threats—or offer the strongest shields—for brain health as people grow older (source: Mass General Brigham).

A recent study has caused a stir among health-conscious individuals in Thailand and beyond, finding that eating chicken and other types of white meat may be associated with a shorter lifespan. Published in a leading peer-reviewed journal and widely covered in media outlets such as Real Simple, the research challenges long-held assumptions that white meat is a healthier alternative to red meat. This revelation is especially significant for Thai readers, given the central role that chicken and other white meats play in local cuisine, daily meals, and street food culture Source: Real Simple.

A recent wave of research and firsthand testimonies is shining a light on pornography addiction as an escalating public health challenge, with mental and social repercussions that mirror those of more widely recognized behavioral addictions. The ongoing debate among scientists and clinicians intensifies as group counseling therapists, addiction specialists, and affected individuals reveal a chilling picture: the digital age has shifted pornography from taboo to omnipresent, with significant risks for mental health, relationships, and social well-being across America—and raising serious questions for Thai society as well.