#Publichealth

Growing interest in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or “tapping,” blends acupressure with mindful affirmation. It has gained traction on social media, in wellness podcasts, and in book sales, with many users sharing relief from anxiety and stress. Yet a rising number of mental health experts warn that scientific support is limited, urging Thai readers to approach hype with caution.

Tapping appears simple: practitioners tap a sequence of points on the body while focusing on distress and repeating calming phrases. Proponents claim that tapping can aid depression, PTSD, chronic pain, addiction, and day-to-day stress far beyond basic relaxation. Data from research groups in the United States shows the technique has attracted hundreds of practitioners, including in Southeast Asia, who offer specialized certification.

A major new study from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital warns that certain common patterns of daytime napping—especially long, irregular, or midday-heavy naps—may signal a higher risk of premature death. This research, considered among the most robust to date on napping and mortality, has sparked fresh debate on whether taking a nap is always the healthy break many believe it to be, raising important questions for millions in Thailand and around the world who routinely indulge in afternoon siestas.

Millions of Thais may be unaware they are living with what experts call a “silent disease,” as fragile bones and osteoporosis continue to threaten global health—including here in Thailand. The latest research and expert consensus, highlighted in a recent ABC News report, underscores the urgent need for both preventive and proactive measures to maintain bone health and decrease the risk of osteoporotic fractures across all age groups.

Osteoporosis, often only recognized after a fracture occurs, is particularly insidious because it can progress without symptoms for years. Traditionally, it has been associated with elderly women, but new evidence shows that men and younger people are also at considerable risk. According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), one in two women and one in three men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture over their lifetimes, a trend mirrored in many Asian populations, including Thailand’s rapidly aging society.

A single tweak to daily routines can transform a bad habit into a healthier one, new neuroscience findings suggest. For Thais juggling healthier living and mental wellbeing, this research offers practical, doable steps to lasting change.

Habit change matters in Thailand as non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension rise. For students, workers, and retirees, daily routines—from diet and exercise to screen time—shape health, happiness, and productivity. Understanding how to replace unwanted habits with constructive ones becomes both personal and national priorities.

A large study from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital links certain daytime napping patterns to higher mortality risk. Long naps, irregular schedules, and naps clustered between 11am and 3pm were associated with greater chances of death from any cause, even after adjusting for age, weight, smoking, alcohol use, and nighttime sleep quality. The findings come from tracking over 86,000 adults for eleven years with wearable devices, offering a clearer picture than self-reported sleep data.

A wave of new research underscores walking as a powerful, accessible tool for both physical and mental health. For Thailand, the message is clear: lace up and let walking become a routine that fits every day, every budget, and every city block.

Experts agree that just 30 minutes of walking most days can lower heart disease risk, help manage weight, stabilize blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, boost energy, and enhance mood. A recent synthesis of studies, including findings highlighted by the American Heart Association, ties regular walking to stronger bones, better metabolism, and stronger immunity. For Thailand, where diabetes, hypertension, and depression are rising, the mental health and sleep benefits are particularly timely.

A centuries-old healing concept, reborn in modern times as “tapping” or Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), is stirring both popular appeal and scientific debate. This practice, a blend of acupressure and mindful affirmation, has surged on social media, wellness podcasts, and even book charts, with many users claiming it brings relief from anxiety and other psychological burdens. Yet, while some advocates promise tapping could revolutionize mental well-being, a growing contingent of mental health experts cautions: the scientific evidence remains shaky at best, with many researchers warning Thai readers not to take the hype at face value (nytimes.com).

Millions of Thais may be unaware they have a hidden threat to mobility and independence: osteoporosis and fragile bones. New research and expert consensus emphasize proactive measures to protect bone health across all ages, with clear steps that fit Thai lifestyles and communities.

Osteoporosis often progresses without symptoms until a fracture occurs. While it is commonly linked to older women, recent evidence shows men and younger people are also at risk. Data from leading Australian health bodies indicate that about half of women and a third of men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetimes. The pattern mirrors trends seen in many Asian populations, including aging societies like Thailand.

With new research spotlighting the remarkable power of walking for physical and mental health, experts are urging Thais to lace up and rediscover the country’s most accessible exercise. As urban lifestyles become increasingly sedentary, incorporating walking into daily routines is emerging as a potent, no-cost strategy to reduce disease risk, lift mood, and build healthier communities in Thailand.

Medical experts and public health authorities worldwide now agree: walking for just 30 minutes a day can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, manage body weight, lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, increase energy, and even enhance mental wellbeing. An article published in the Muncie Journal underscores findings from the American Heart Association, listing benefits that range from improved cardiovascular health to stronger bones, increased metabolism, and boosted immunity. Most striking for Thai readers may be the links between regular walking, stress reduction, better sleep, and lowered risk of common chronic illnesses—a pressing issue given Thailand’s climbing rates of diabetes, hypertension, and depression (Muncie Journal).

A new wave of neuroscience research is overturning long-held notions about the amount of physical activity needed for meaningful brain benefits. According to renowned neuroscientist and expert in brain plasticity, even just ten minutes of walking can prompt remarkable improvements in mood and cognition, effectively giving the brain a neurochemical “bubble bath” that rejuvenates mental health and function. This discovery is especially significant for busy Thais who struggle to dedicate time for lengthy exercise routines, suggesting that modest, regular physical movement could have a disproportionately positive impact on mental well-being.

A new study from Norway’s NTNU challenges the common view that burnout stems mainly from work. Researchers found that most people with burnout attribute their exhaustion to everyday life stressors, not just job-related demands. The findings prompt both employers and individuals to rethink how burnout is addressed in Thailand and beyond.

The study, which followed 813 Norwegian workers, revealed that only 27.7 percent identified their job as the primary cause of burnout. Instead, many participants cited pressures from family, finances, health, and personal worries. This broader perspective aligns with growing international evidence that burnout is a multifaceted condition, not solely a workplace issue. According to researchers, burnout can be described as depressive stress in life rather than purely a job problem.

Social feeds overflow with tips to “lower cortisol now,” but new research and expert guidance urge Thai readers to view these trends with caution. Promoting coconut water blends, unusual supplements, or essential oils as magic stress cures often lacks credible evidence and can distract from real, sustainable stress management.

In Thailand’s fast-paced urban life, high cortisol is a familiar concern. Modern stressors such as pervasive smartphone use, constant connectivity, and work-life pressures can influence stress responses. Yet medical experts warn against tying everyday changes in appearance or energy directly to cortisol levels. They emphasize that many factors—lifestyle, health status, and mental well-being—shape how we respond to stress, not hormones alone.

A growing body of research argues that pain after exercise is not a necessary sign of progress. While delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) often follows workouts, experts say it does not indicate better gains or optimal adaptation. This shift in thinking aligns with safer training practices and has clear implications for Thai athletes, students, and anyone pursuing healthier habits.

While gym culture has long linked effort with pain, researchers explain that discomfort can signal effort but is not a reliable measure of improvement. A leading voice from the University of Bath emphasizes that you may gain more with a touch of soreness, yet pain alone does not drive growth or health benefits. This nuanced view helps to separate effort from injury and to promote sustainable training patterns.

A new study in Scientific Reports suggests that regular exercise combined with omega-3 supplementation can reduce the severity of chronic tooth root infections. Conducted by researchers from São Paulo State University in Brazil, the work points to non-invasive ways to protect oral health and prevent tooth loss. The findings resonate with Thai communities seeking accessible preventive care and lifestyle approaches to dental well-being.

Chronic apical periodontitis (AP) is a hidden inflammation around the tip of a tooth’s root. Often undetected because symptoms are subtle, AP can result from tooth decay, injury, or previous dental treatment. If left unchecked, it can cause jawbone deterioration and eventual tooth loss. In Thailand, disparities in access to dental care and prevention awareness persist in both urban and rural areas, contributing to untreated dental infections.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports offers new hope for those suffering from chronic tooth root infections, revealing that a combination of regular physical exercise and omega-3 supplementation can significantly lessen the severity of this often hidden dental condition. The research, conducted by a team from São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil, may pave the way for non-invasive strategies to help protect oral health and prevent tooth loss—a message of particular relevance to Thai readers navigating high rates of dental problems and seeking accessible preventive care solutions (New Atlas).

A steady walk, not a marathon, may be all you need to unlock significant health and fitness benefits, according to new research and expert consensus. For years, 10,000 daily steps have been touted as the gold standard for walking, but recent studies and insights from health authorities are reframing the numbers—and the thinking—behind how much you really need to walk for measurable fitness gains.

Walking, the simplest form of exercise, is cherished across Thai society—from morning strolls in Lumpini Park to brisk ambles through bustling markets. For Thai readers keen to improve health, lose weight, and boost longevity, understanding the real science behind step counts is more relevant than ever. Fortune’s recent analysis pulls together the latest research and expert advice, establishing clear—and more achievable—targets for daily movement.

A recent story has captivated fitness enthusiasts and health professionals alike: a 51-year-old woman, after years of struggling with hormonal changes and chronic health issues, has reached her peak physical condition through a dramatic shift in her exercise routine. By replacing exhausting cardio with focused strength training, she not only managed her perimenopause symptoms but also achieved new levels of strength and wellness—challenging outdated ideas about aging and female fitness. Her journey, covered by Business Insider in June 2025, is now echoed by a surge of medical research supporting the benefits of weightlifting and muscle-building workouts for women in their 40s and 50s worldwide—including Thailand.

A groundbreaking new study has upended conventional wisdom about burnout, finding that the overwhelming fatigue and emotional exhaustion many people experience are often rooted in broader life pressures—not just the demands of their jobs. The research, led by a team from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), could reshape how both employers and individuals approach the problem of burnout, which is historically framed as a workplace issue (ScienceAlert).

“Feel the burn” and “no pain, no gain” are common mantras in fitness circles, but new research is challenging the idea that muscle pain is a necessary marker of exercise progress. According to a recent feature published by The Guardian (theguardian.com), experts argue that while muscle discomfort—especially the delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS—often follows exercise, it is neither a prerequisite for gains nor always a sign of positive adaptation. This timely revelation aligns with growing global awareness around safe exercise practices and has direct implications for Thai fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone embarking on a healthier lifestyle.

Social media platforms are overflowing with hacks and quick-fix promises to “lower cortisol,” but new research and leading experts warn Thai readers that these trending “cortisol cocktails” and other instant suggestions are unlikely to provide the promised relief—or protect us from the real consequences of chronic stress. As digital wellness advice explodes in popularity, claims about the power of coconut water, special supplements, and essential oils to rebalance the body’s stress hormone have become common. Yet, according to the latest investigations, the science tells a more complex, and at times, cautionary story.

A simple daily walk can deliver meaningful health gains without requiring marathon-level effort. New research and expert guidance are reframing how many steps are truly necessary for fitness, offering clearer, more attainable targets for daily movement.

Walking is deeply rooted in Thai life—from park strolls in Lumpini to bustling market ambles. For readers aiming to improve health, lose weight, or extend longevity, understanding the latest science behind step counts matters. A recent Fortune analysis synthesizes current studies and expert opinions to set practical movement targets that suit modern lifestyles.

A recent news story highlighting a British grandfather’s journey in reversing his pre-diabetes diagnosis through modest lifestyle changes is sparking renewed interest in the global fight against diabetes—a disease affecting millions in Thailand and putting a strain on local health resources. The compelling account, originally reported by Yahoo News, not only offers hope for those in the early stages of diabetes but also reflects emerging scientific consensus that simple, sustainable adjustments can lead to dramatic health improvements.

A recent story about a British grandfather reversing his pre-diabetes through modest lifestyle changes has renewed global and Thai focus on diabetes prevention. This narrative—originating from a widely circulated report—highlights evidence that sustainable, small steps can yield meaningful health gains.

Pre-diabetes means blood sugar is elevated but not yet at diabetes levels. In Thailand and around the world, it affects millions and often goes undetected. Data from Thailand’s public health sources and global estimates show a large population sits on the edge of type 2 diabetes, with serious risks if not addressed. Untreated pre-diabetes increases the likelihood of heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, and vision loss.

A compelling case has sparked renewed interest in midlife fitness. A 51-year-old woman shifted from heavy cardio to targeted strength training, and within months she reported better energy, improved symptoms of perimenopause, and greater overall strength. Reported by a business publication in mid-2025, her experience mirrors an emerging body of research that finds weightlifting and muscle-building workouts beneficial for women in their 40s and 50s around the world, including Thailand.