#Publichealth

Recent research and a new analysis highlighted by The Wall Street Journal have brought fresh attention to a simple yet powerful method for deepening parent-teen relationships: exercising together. With Thai families navigating modern challenges—including digital distractions, increasingly busy schedules, and generational divides—this growing body of evidence signals that a family jog, bike ride, or trip to the gym may be as essential for emotional closeness as for physical health (WSJ, MSN).

A landmark study published in The Lancet warns that after five decades of steady gains, childhood vaccination coverage is stalling or declining worldwide. The analysis draws on 50 years of country-level data and highlights a troubling rise in “zero-dose” children—those missing even the most basic vaccines. Inequalities, lingering COVID-19 disruptions, and increasing vaccine misinformation are contributing to uneven progress, according to the study led by researchers at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and supported by the Gates Foundation and Gavi.

As Thailand endures another scorching season, a common question arises: should we drink ice-cold water or stick to room temperature? New research summarized by health experts suggests that hydration largely depends on personal comfort, with a few exceptions worth noting.

Hydration is essential in Thailand’s tropical climate, where high temperatures and humidity accelerate fluid loss and raise the risk of heat-related illnesses. Water supports body temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and waste elimination. Thai health authorities align with global guidelines, indicating that men should target about 13 cups of fluids daily and women about 9 cups, with higher needs during outdoor work or extreme heat. The big question remains: does water temperature matter?

A new comprehensive study published in The Lancet has sounded a worldwide alarm: after five decades of progress, childhood vaccination coverage is stagnating or even retreating, leaving millions of children increasingly vulnerable to deadly yet preventable diseases. The analysis, released this week and drawing on 50 years of country-level data, warns that the number of “zero-dose” children—those missing even the most basic vaccines—remains distressingly high, with global immunisation efforts hampered by growing inequalities, the lasting shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an upsurge in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation (Washington Post; The Lancet).

Recent research shines a light on misokinesia, a visceral aversion to watching others perform small, repetitive movements. Studies suggest up to one in three people may experience noticeable discomfort, with implications for social life, work, and education—issues that resonate in Thai communities as well.

Misokinesia is defined as a strongly negative emotional reaction to seeing minor repetitive movements such as finger tapping, foot bounce, pen clicking, fidgeting, chewing, or nervous tics. While the term may be new to many, researchers at the University of British Columbia and colleagues reported in reputable journals that a significant portion of the population experiences this visual sensitivity. The findings come from a survey of more than 4,000 people, revealing that roughly one-third reported meaningful distress triggered by such movements. For some, the impact is minor; for others, it can shape where they feel comfortable, how they work, and how they socialize. In Thai workspaces and classrooms characterized by close collaboration, these effects can be especially pronounced.

A recent wave of scientific research has brought attention to a previously little-known condition called misokinesia—an aversion to the sight of others’ repetitive movements—which is now estimated to affect nearly one in three people worldwide. Emerging evidence indicates that this visual sensitivity is as pervasive as it is misunderstood, profoundly influencing social interactions and mental well-being, including within Thai society.

Misokinesia, a term translating literally as “hatred of movement,” refers to the strong negative emotional responses—ranging from mild annoyance to intense psychological distress—that some individuals experience when witnessing small, repetitive movements performed by others. Examples include finger tapping, leg bouncing, pen clicking, fidgeting with objects, chewing motions, or nervous tics (Futura Sciences). While the concept may be unfamiliar to the general public, new research led by psychologists at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and published in Nature/Scientific Reports in 2021 has shown it is far from rare.

A new wave of scientific research suggests that short bursts of resistance exercise—dubbed “hypertrophy snacks”—can effectively increase muscle strength and size, offering a time-efficient solution for Thais facing busy lifestyles and long hours of sitting. Published recently in Sports Medicine and Health Research, the latest review finds that these conveniently short sessions could help counteract the health risks associated with sedentary behaviour, a growing concern in both Thailand and worldwide (Men’s Health UK).

A new wave of psychological research is questioning a long-held belief about anxiety: that anxious people are wired to fixate on danger. According to a recent study published in Cognition & Emotion and summarized by PsyPost, people with high anxiety can, in fact, disengage from threatening stimuli just as effectively as those with low anxiety, provided they are sufficiently motivated to do so. This fresh insight could have profound implications for how health professionals in Thailand and beyond understand, diagnose, and treat anxiety-related conditions (PsyPost).

New research suggests that tiny, near-immediate bursts of resistance exercise—so-called hypertrophy snacks—can boost muscle strength and size. For busy Thai adults who spend long hours seated, these brief sessions offer a feasible path to counteract sedentary risks. The findings, highlighted in recent reviews of sports medicine and health science, indicate that regular, short workouts can improve muscle mass, metabolic health, and cardiovascular fitness without requiring long gym sessions. Data from Health authorities in Thailand underscore the urgency of addressing rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, and sarcopenia in the region.

A fresh wave of psychological research questions a long-held belief about anxiety: that anxious individuals are doomed to fixate on danger. A study featured in Cognition & Emotion and summarized by PsyPost shows that people with high anxiety can disengage from threatening stimuli just as effectively as those with low anxiety when motivation is strong. This insight could influence how health professionals in Thailand and beyond diagnose and treat anxiety-related conditions.

A growing array of foods now carries “high-protein” labels—milkshakes, pancakes, even popcorn—sparking fear that Thais must seek extra protein to stay healthy. But leading nutritionists warn that for most people in Thailand, these fortified products are unnecessary and often a marketing tactic.

Food producers increasingly use concerns about muscle loss, fitness, and wellbeing to push protein-enriched snacks and drinks. A prominent nutritionist from a major health science group notes that adding protein to foods often benefits the product’s profits more than consumer health. This perspective aligns with cautious reporting on the matter by global outlets.

Thailand is experiencing record heat and high humidity, raising the risk of dangerous heat illness for anyone outdoors. Health professionals warn that exercising, sports, and outdoor work during extreme heat can overwhelm the body’s cooling system, especially in sticky humidity. Local officials stress heightened precautions as heatwaves persist across many regions.

The issue hits Thai communities hard. In April, temperatures in parts of the country climbed into the mid-40s Celsius, one of the region’s hottest episodes in years. Public health advisories from the Thai Meteorological Department urge residents to limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat and to seek shade and hydration. These warnings align with broader patterns of rising heat in Southeast Asia, shaping everyday life in Bangkok, the North, and the Northeast.

A global review of nearly 100 clinical trials suggests alternate-day fasting could offer slightly better improvements in weight and cholesterol than intermittent fasting. The findings come as Thailand faces rising rates of metabolic syndrome and obesity, highlighting new options—and important caveats—for Thai readers exploring dietary strategies.

Globally, 2.5 billion adults are overweight and more than 890 million live with obesity, according to the World Health Organization. Thailand mirrors this trend, with national health data showing a steady rise in overweight and obesity in recent years. These patterns are closely linked to higher rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, affecting families and the health system alike.

A new global analysis suggests alternate-day fasting may offer slightly greater benefits for weight and cholesterol management than intermittent fasting, according to evidence from nearly 100 clinical trials. As interest in dietary strategies grows in Thailand, especially amidst rising rates of metabolic syndrome and obesity, this research highlights fresh possibilities—and caveats—for Thai readers considering alternative nutritional approaches.

With 2.5 billion adults worldwide classed as overweight and more than 890 million living with obesity according to the World Health Organization (who.int), weight management is an increasingly urgent public health issue. Thailand is not exempt, with national surveys showing the prevalence of overweight and obesity rising steadily in recent years (healthdata.org). These trends are tightly linked to escalating rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, deeply affecting Thai families and healthcare systems alike.

Recent research highlighted by Psychology Today suggests that true self-care goes far beyond popular notions of pampering or taking breaks when overwhelmed. The article argues that authentic self-care demands a profound change in mindset and the way individuals relate to themselves, especially as many people still approach self-care reactively, only turning to rest and restoration after crisis and exhaustion have set in (Psychology Today).

This new wave of psychological research is particularly significant for Thai readers, as the stresses of modern living in Thailand—whether in bustling Bangkok or throughout the countryside—mirror global trends: rapid urbanisation, rising work demands, and recently, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Many Thais turn to rest practices only when they reach the point of exhaustion, reinforcing cycles of burnout. The research calls into question the sustainability of this “crisis-driven” approach to self-care, urging a more proactive and sustained relationship with one’s own well-being.

A new wave of scientific research challenges some of the most common beliefs about using cannabis to treat health problems such as pain, insomnia, and mental health symptoms like paranoia, highlighting important lessons for Thai readers at a time when medical marijuana access is rapidly expanding in Thailand and across Asia.

The use of cannabis as medicine has surged since Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to decriminalize cannabis plants in 2022—a move initially aimed to stimulate medical innovation and boost the economy through wellness tourism. But as ever more Thais purchase cannabis products online and at street dispensaries, fresh global research underscores that the effectiveness—and risks—of cannabis for many health problems are far from settled, with strong implications for the Thai public, patients, and caregivers (Washington Post, Medical News Today).

A study from St. Andrews University in Scotland challenges the idea that water is always the best hydrator. It suggests that drinks with nutrients—like milk, which contains sugar, fat, and protein—can help retain hydration longer. For Thai readers facing high temperatures and a wide range of drinks—from iced coffee to herbal brews—this finding offers practical insight: milk may support longer-lasting hydration, but the full story is more complex.

Data from this research shows water is absorbed quickly, but beverages with small amounts of sugar, fat, or protein slow stomach emptying and help water stay in the body longer. Milk stood out because its combination of lactose, fat, protein, and sodium helps conserve fluids. Sodium helps the kidneys retain water, reducing urine output and aiding steadier hydration. This aligns with why oral rehydration solutions, which balance sugar and salts, are recommended for dehydration from illness, a concern for Thai communities during hot seasons.

A global analysis suggests that 30–40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each day can offset much of the health risk from sitting for hours. The finding comes from large-scale studies using fitness trackers and aligns with recent WHO guidelines. For workers, students, and families across Thailand, this provides a practical target to curb the health impact of desk-bound routines.

In Thailand, rising urban living and office work have driven sedentary behavior higher. A national pattern shows many adults spend seven or more hours seated daily, and by 2023 Thais averaged over 14 hours of sitting per day. The COVID-19 era, with remote work and lockdowns, further reduced daily movement. These trends elevate risks for non-communicable diseases, diabetes, and early mortality.

A surge of recent research questions common beliefs about cannabis as a medicine for pain, insomnia, and mental health symptoms such as paranoia. The findings matter for Thai readers as medical cannabis access expands in Thailand and across Asia.

Cannabis has entered mainstream health discussions since Thailand decriminalized cannabis plants in 2022. The move aimed to spur medical innovation and wellness tourism. Yet as more Thais buy cannabis products online and at street dispensaries, new global research shows that evidence on effectiveness and risks is far from settled. This has clear implications for patients, caregivers, and clinicians in Thailand.

New research highlighted by Psychology Today argues that authentic self-care requires a fundamental shift in mindset and how people relate to themselves. Many individuals still wait for crisis and exhaustion before seeking rest, a reactive pattern that undermines long-term well-being. In short, true self-care is proactive, not a last-minute rescue.

For Thai readers, this discussion resonates with pressures faced in Bangkok and across the countryside. Rapid urbanisation, rising work demands, and the lingering mental health effects of the COVID-19 era mirror global trends. Data from studies in Thailand shows a growing prevalence of stress-related symptoms and fatigue among workers, underscoring the relevance of moving away from crisis-driven rest toward ongoing well-being practices.

A groundbreaking meta-analysis has pinpointed just how much daily exercise is required to offset the health risks associated with prolonged sitting—a question highly relevant in an age of office jobs and digital lifestyles. According to recent research explained in ScienceAlert and supported by the latest World Health Organization (WHO) global guidelines, dedicating 30 to 40 minutes a day to moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity can effectively counterbalance up to 10 hours of sitting—a common scenario for many Thais. This revelation, built from extensive global studies using objective trackers rather than subjective self-reports, gives clear, actionable insight for workers, students, and families across Thailand who increasingly find themselves tethered to desks and screens.

A landmark study from Scotland’s St. Andrews University has shaken up conventional wisdom on hydration, revealing that water—while efficient—is not the most effective drink to keep our bodies hydrated over time. The findings, which have quickly made headlines across global media, underscore the subtle but important role that drink composition plays in fluid balance. For Thais who routinely endure the country’s sweltering heat and grapple with hydration choices ranging from iced coffees to herbal teas, the takeaway is both intriguing and practical: milk may outperform water when it comes to long-lasting hydration, though the story is more nuanced than it first appears (CNN via 10News).

Can a single tweak in your daily routine turn a bad habit into a good one? Recent neuroscience research says yes, revealing that rewriting the routines governing our behavior is both more attainable and more scientific than many believe. As Thais increasingly wrestle with everyday challenges—whether it’s adopting healthier lifestyles or striving for better mental wellbeing—these insights offer new hope for sustainable change.

The significance of habit change lies at the heart of modern life in Thailand, where non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension are on the rise, often driven by persistent unhealthy behaviors. For students, office workers, and retirees alike, daily routines, from diet and exercise to smartphone use, have become an invisible force shaping health, happiness, and productivity. Understanding how to effectively break unwanted habits and encode new, desirable ones is both a personal and national priority.

A faster daily pace may significantly slow the aging of our cells, according to a new UK study highlighted by international media. The research suggests that simply increasing walking speed could reduce biological age by as much as 16 years, a finding with meaningful implications for Thailand’s aging society and rising chronic disease rates.

Biological age reflects how old the body truly is, measured by cellular markers such as telomere length. Telomeres protect chromosome ends and shorten with age. While genetics matter, lifestyle factors like exercise, stress, and nutrition also shape telomere length and cellular aging.