Page 2 - Barkha Mathur

Are you the eldest child? Here's what it does to your mental health

Why do so many first-borns feel both pride and pressure? Psychologists explain how family dynamics, gender expectations and cultural norms shape what people now call the "eldest child syndrome"

How starting exercise in your 40s can reduce dementia risk by nearly half

A major long-term study tracking adults for 37 yrs finds that regular physical activity in your 40s, 50s and beyond can cut dementia risk by up to 45 per cent, even in those with genetic vulnerability

Watching a lot of reels, short videos? It hurts your brain, says study

Heavy use of Reels, Shorts and TikTok may impair attention, increase stress and anxiety, and disrupt sleep, according to a new review of 98,299 people examining the cognitive toll of short-form videos

Five skincare red flags dermatologists say shoppers routinely overlook

From viral hype to '100% results' claims, dermatologists outline five subtle yet crucial red flags that often mislead shoppers into buying products that overpromise and underdeliver

Even two cigarettes a day raise heart failure risk by 50%, study finds

Even smoking two cigarettes a day can stiffen blood vessels, raise clotting, sharply increase the risk of heart failure and early death, new global research warns about the dangers of 'light' smoking

Why your itch gets worse when you scratch it, and what actually helps

Dermatologists explain why scratching offers instant relief but triggers a deeper itch-scratch cycle that damages your skin, and the safer science-backed ways to calm an itch without making it worse

Infertility is not just her problem: Experts bust common myths for couples

From sperm count and irregular periods to IVF and birth control pills, fertility doctors explain the misconceptions that add stigma, delay treatment, and fuel anxiety for couples trying to conceive

Why so many men avoid therapy even when struggling, according to doctors

Across age groups, men continue to avoid mental health support even when they are struggling. Experts explain why this happens and what needs to change to make help accessible

The early prostate symptoms men ignore, and why they matter for health

Doctors say subtle shifts in bladder habits and pelvic comfort can reveal early prostate issues long before complications arise, making awareness crucial for men of all ages

Can weight-loss drugs like Ozempic help reduce alcohol and drug cravings?

Research suggests GLP-1 injections like Ozempic and Zepbound may dampen alcohol and drug cravings by lowering dopamine reward responses, but larger human trials are still underway

Brain-eating amoeba: Why Karnataka has warned pilgrims visiting Sabarimala

Kerala's sharp rise in Naegleria fowleri infections has led Karnataka to caution Sabarimala pilgrims, urging awareness of symptoms, risks, water-safety measures to prevent the highly fatal infection

Why alcohol may hit harder for people on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy

A Yale study suggests GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide slow alcohol breakdown in the liver, raising blood alcohol levels even as they reduce toxic byproducts linked to inflammation and liver damage

International Men's Day: Can men have hormonal issues too? Doctors explain

Men face hormonal shifts that influence mood, libido, fertility, metabolism and energy, yet these imbalances often go unnoticed. Doctors explain the signs, risks, and why awareness matters

Can drinking more water really protect your kidneys or is it a health myth?

From kidney stones to chronic kidney disease, hydration helps-but only to a point. Doctors explain when water protects kidney health, when it doesn't, and why 'more' isn't always better

Why Nayanthara trusts seasonal South Indian food for glowing skin at 41

As Nayanthara turns 41, she reminds fans that her glow comes not from beauty trends but from a simple rule rooted in South Indian tradition: eating local, seasonal foods for skin and hair health

Can low vitamin D increase depression risk? Global evidence says yes

A global review of 66 studies across 31 countries finds adults with very low vitamin D levels face a higher risk of depression, especially when levels drop below 30 nmol/L

Can jaggery really protect the lungs from pollution, or is it just a myth?

As air quality dips and jaggery resurfaces as a "lung cleanser", experts say the belief rests on nostalgia and old animal studies, not human science, and explain what actually helps

30,000 brain scans show junk foods alter brain regions that regulate eating

Using data from 30,000 adults, researchers say ultra-processed foods may alter key brain regions linked to hunger, reward and overeating, raising new questions about long-term health risks

How long sitting spikes your blood sugar, even if you work out daily

Doctors warn that long, uninterrupted sitting may worsen blood sugar, raise inflammation and weaken diabetes management, particularly among desk-based professionals

One in six Indians now has diabetes, shows new ICICI Lombard wellness study

As diabetes rises to one in six Indians and Gen Z struggles across all wellness pillars, a new study highlights how stress, inactivity and sugar-heavy diets are reshaping the nation's health