#Publichealth

A wave of evidence-based advice is emerging for those keen to avoid Vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly as plant-based diets become mainstream globally and in Thailand. According to nutrition experts cited in a new article by The Times, the best preventive strategies focus on supplementation, mindful dietary planning, and vigilance for symptoms—key advice echoed by international research and local trends. With B12 deficiency carrying significant health consequences, especially among older adults and those on vegan or vegetarian diets, understanding new prevention tactics is vital for Thai readers navigating a changing food landscape.

Recent coverage in Vogue and the latest dermatological studies suggest that vitamin A might be the missing piece for those struggling with dry, brittle strands, itchy scalp, or unexpected hair loss. With experts increasingly linking micronutrient intake to hair health, emerging evidence reveals that vitamin A’s impact on the scalp and follicles could explain everyday hair complaints—an issue with both global and Thai resonance due to shifting nutritional patterns and high humidity levels in the kingdom.

For many Thais struggling to stick with regular exercise, the solution may not be about finding more time or better equipment, but rather choosing physical activities that suit their personality. According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology and highlighted by CNN, matching workouts to personality traits can not only make exercise more enjoyable but may also lead to better long-term results.

Historically, the quest for sustaining an active lifestyle has often been met with frustration, as standard health advice tends to promote one-size-fits-all solutions like running, high-intensity workouts, or group fitness classes. But as recent research indicates, these approaches could be counterproductive—especially for people whose natural preferences make such routines actually demotivating. In a society like Thailand, where the fast-paced Bangkok work life and rural traditions collide, this insight sheds new light on the barriers keeping many from regular exercise.

The impact of relentless, negative news cycles on mental health has come under fresh scrutiny following new research and expert commentary, highlighting a growing need for healthier ways to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. Recent analysis published by researchers from Monash University and Flinders University, as reported in ScienceAlert, suggests that while exposure to distressing news is almost unavoidable in contemporary society, engaging with news mindfully may help protect mental health and resilience for individuals in Thailand and worldwide (sciencealert.com).

A growing body of international research suggests that planned C-section births may be linked to a small increase in the risk of some childhood cancers, notably acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). While the absolute risk remains low, experts urge caution about non-medically indicated surgical births. The topic comes as elective C-sections rise in Thailand, prompting a closer look at medical necessity and long-term child health.

In Thailand, caesarean deliveries account for a notable portion of births, especially in cities. Health authorities continue to emphasize that C-sections should be reserved for medically necessary cases. Vaginal birth remains the safer, preferred option for most low-risk pregnancies, with elective surgeries minimized when no clear medical indication exists.

A new study shows that choosing activities that fit a person’s personality can make exercise more enjoyable and help people stick with it longer. Researchers tracked how individual traits influence responses to different workouts and highlighted implications for health in Thailand’s busy cities and close-knit communities.

The study, conducted at University College London, followed 132 adults aged 25 to 51. Participants completed personality assessments based on the Big Five model—extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness. After eight weeks, one group did structured cycling and strength training while a control group did light stretching. Results indicated higher enjoyment and greater benefits when activities aligned with personality.

A surge of recent research has raised global health alarms by linking planned caesarean section (C-section) births—a procedure now more common than ever—to an increased risk of certain childhood cancers, most notably acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common cancer among children. These findings, which have garnered substantial attention in international medical circles, could have profound implications for maternal and child health decisions in Thailand, where rates of elective C-sections are steadily rising (MSN HealthDay, International Journal of Cancer).

A recently published study has issued a global warning that a widespread gut bacterium, often carried without evident symptoms, could be responsible for millions of cases of stomach cancer in the coming decades. The research highlights the bacterium’s stealthy infection pattern, raising concern for public health officials and medical communities worldwide—including in Thailand, where prevalence rates and awareness levels remain comparatively low.

The study, which has been widely covered in international media such as the Times of India, identifies Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as the culprit. This bacterium is known to inhabit the stomach lining of more than half the world’s population, typically without causing obvious symptoms. However, over time, persistent infection can trigger chronic inflammation, ulcers, and, for some, facilitate the development of gastric cancer—the world’s fifth most common malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

A new health feature highlights five practical moves for anyone over 50. Medical professionals say these routines boost strength, balance, and independence, aligning with Thailand’s aging population and community health goals.

As life expectancy grows, Thailand faces rising demand to keep older adults healthy and autonomous. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, can affect mobility and daily tasks. Safe strength training helps counter these changes. The exercises reflect a global consensus on foundational moves that build major muscle groups and support everyday function, adapted for Thai homes, clinics, and community centers.

A global study warns that the common gut bacterium Helicobacter pylori, often symptom-free, could drive millions of stomach cancer cases in coming decades. The findings underscore how quietly this infection spreads and the urgent need for targeted public health actions worldwide, including in Thailand where awareness and screening remain limited.

H. pylori inhabits the stomach lining of more than half the world’s population. While many experience no symptoms, persistent infection can lead to chronic inflammation and ulcers, and in some cases contribute to gastric cancer. As the world’s fifth most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths, stomach cancer warrants proactive prevention and early detection.

Hair health is linked to nutrition, and new findings on vitamin A shed light on scalp health and growth. For Thai readers facing humid weather and evolving dietary habits, understanding vitamin A helps people make informed choices without overdoing supplements.

In Thai culture, healthy hair symbolizes wellness and beauty, from weddings to daily grooming. The growing interest in vitamin A comes as many Thais seek nutrition-based solutions amid social media influence and a rising market for supplements. Clinicians emphasize balance, noting vitamins interact with the body’s hair biology.

Counterfeit goods remain a persistent hurdle across Southeast Asia, from bustling markets to fast-growing online platforms. In Thailand, policymakers and business leaders are racing to balance enforcement with protecting livelihoods and keeping trade flowing. New pressures from global partners and potential tariffs add urgency to reform efforts that touch health, prices, and Thailand’s standing in international commerce.

Research from regional outlets shows counterfeit networks thrive on familiarity and price sensitivity. Open-air markets and e-commerce alike lure buyers with variety and value, despite the risks. The World Health Organization and other authorities warn that fake products can threaten health and safety, underscoring the need for stronger IP protections and tighter border controls. In Thailand, authorities have stepped up enforcement while pursuing policy reforms to safeguard exports and encourage legitimate industry.

Breathing may seem automatic during a workout, but new research is revealing just how much the way you breathe can impact your exercise performance, especially for those striving to make the most of time spent in the gym, on the track, or in an aerobics class. A recent article in The New York Times explores emerging evidence and expert tips on optimal breathing for fitness, dispelling common myths and offering practical techniques that can benefit everyone from casual gym-goers to serious athletes (nytimes.com).

Breathing during exercise often feels automatic, yet science shows it can affect performance. This piece translates global findings into practical guidance for Thai readers who run in parks, train in gyms, or practice Muay Thai. Traditional Thai wellness practices—yoga, meditation, and breath work—mirror modern research that mindful breathing can support both performance and recovery.

In everyday workouts, breathing should feel natural and unforced. Experts explain that breath rises and falls with effort. As effort increases, higher carbon dioxide production prompts faster breathing to meet the body’s oxygen needs. Data from leading sports researchers confirms this adaptive pattern rather than forcing unusual breath rhythms.

A recent review of scientific studies has spotlighted curcumin—the active compound in turmeric—as a promising tool for reducing muscle soreness and inflammation after exercise, offering a potentially natural solution for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking faster recovery. Compiling data from 11 research studies, this review highlights the effectiveness of both pre- and post-exercise curcumin supplementation in minimizing muscle pain, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and facilitating quicker muscle repair, raising significant interest within the Thai health and wellness community.

Sleep and exercise are twin pillars of a healthy lifestyle, but new research and expert advice reveal that pushing your workout routine too close to bedtime could seriously disrupt your ability to get a good night’s rest. With the busy, always-connected lifestyle familiar to many in Thailand’s urban centers, it’s not uncommon for people to squeeze in evening exercise after a long day at work or school. However, leading sleep experts now warn that those intense nighttime workouts may come at the cost of quality sleep—a message with significant implications for the health and wellbeing of Thai society.

In the crowded alleyways of Southeast Asia’s cities, the trade in counterfeit goods—designer handbags, watches, electronics, and even medicines—continues to thrive despite mounting international pressure and legal crackdowns. The latest developments have put the region squarely in the sights of the United States, which is threatening punishing tariffs on countries it believes are complicit in the flow of illicit goods. These moves, while targeted at protecting intellectual property and domestic industries, risk triggering broad economic and social consequences across Thailand and its neighbors.

For decades, 10,000 steps per day has been immortalized as the gold standard of physical activity, flashed on smartphone apps, wearables, and health campaigns across the globe. But new research, bolstered by the insights of walking and movement specialists, is challenging this long-standing myth—suggesting the bar for meaningful health benefits is surprisingly lower, and more achievable for busy Thais of all ages.

Recent findings consolidate a growing body of international evidence that while movement is essential, the rigid 10,000-step target is not a magic number. According to a 2023 meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, people can reduce their risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by consistently taking between 2,500 and 4,000 steps daily—drastically lower than the benchmark many have struggled to hit. The study pooled data from more than 250,000 participants tracked over several years, lending fresh authority to the guidance of walking experts like the Vice President of Operations at Gait Happens, a doctor of physical therapy and exercise physiologist. Her advice: if you walk fewer than 2,500 steps a day, your risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events rises substantially, while walking above this minimum threshold appears to lower risk markedly (Fit & Well).

A global surge in layoffs during 2025 has heightened job insecurity and driven many workers to overwork to remain employed. A CNBC analysis cites an unprecedented level of disruption, with nearly 700,000 layoffs in the first five months of the year, marking an 80% rise from the same period in 2024. About 46% of workers report worry about their future, underscoring a broader mental health challenge alongside economic strain.

Thai readers can relate to these dynamics as economic shifts ripple through the local workforce. Slower demand for key exports and rapid technological change fuel fears of job loss and longer hours as workers try to cope. In both public and private sectors, staff feel pressure to perform while navigating uncertainty.

Amid an alarming surge in job cuts across the United States in 2025, a new wave of layoff anxiety is sweeping through the workforce, driving Americans to work harder but ultimately burning out faster, experts warn. A recent CNBC report highlights the unprecedented level of job insecurity: nearly 700,000 layoffs were reported in the first five months of the year—an 80% spike compared to the same period in 2024—leaving 46% of workers worried about their future employment and exposing stark psychological tolls (CNBC).

A growing number of women report a surprising menopause-related change: a sharpened sense of smell that can feel overwhelming. This evolving issue adds a new layer to the menopause experience, influencing daily routines, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Medical professionals note that research is still limited and women often lack clear guidance or support.

Menopause, the decline of reproductive hormones typically between ages 45 and 55, brings hot flashes, mood shifts, and sleep disruption. Thai women, like women worldwide, have long understood these symptoms as part of aging. Now, heightened olfactory sensitivity is emerging as a real concern for some, prompting doctors to seek better understandings and practical guidance.

A recently reported side effect of menopause—an acute and sometimes unbearable heightening of the sense of smell—has cast light on an under-recognised health issue affecting women globally, including in Thailand. While hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep problems are well-documented hallmarks of menopause, women are coming forward with distressing accounts of ordinary smells becoming intolerable, wreaking havoc on daily life and relationships. Medical professionals admit that the problem is little understood, and concrete solutions remain elusive, leaving many women without adequate support.

A robust routine of sleep and exercise is essential for well-being, but recent findings suggest late-night workouts can undermine restorative sleep. In Thailand, where fast-paced urban life blends work, study, and family duties, many prefer evening sessions at the gym, on a bike, or at home. Experts warn that intense nighttime activity can degrade sleep quality, with broad health consequences.

Public health guidance continues to recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly to prevent disease and boost energy. For many Thais, daytime workouts are difficult due to long commutes and busy schedules. The lure of a late gym session or a jog after work remains strong, but does it come at the cost of sleep?

Recent evidence shows the iconic 10,000-step goal is not a universal magic number. For busy Thai lifestyles—from Bangkok’s crowded streets to rural routines—meaningful health benefits come with far fewer daily steps.

Across large datasets, researchers find that consistent movement matters more than a fixed milestone. Health risk reductions begin well below 10,000 steps, with notable benefits seen at roughly 2,500 to 4,000 steps per day. Movement experts emphasize regular activity and consistency over chasing an arbitrary target.