tobacco use

Children in Indian homes are silently exposed to harmful tobacco toxins through passive and third-hand smoke, impacting their developing lungs. Doctors warn this hidden danger leads to severe respiratory issues like asthma and infections. Creating smoke-free environments at home and in vehicles is crucial for their health, as partial measures offer no real protection.

Fear of exams, poverty, bullying and family conflict pushing many adolescents into depression and hopelessness

Every week, TOI+ subscribers ask questions about their health and India’s top doctors reply with clear, evidence-based guidance. From heart disease to diabetes, cancer to mental health, Hello, Doctor connects you directly with experts you can trust

Every week, TOI+ subscribers ask questions about their health and India’s top doctors reply with clear, evidence-based guidance. From heart disease to diabetes, cancer to mental health, Hello, Doctor connects you directly with experts you can trust

Builders are now integrating pest control into construction, even before foundations are laid, to protect against termites and rodents. For apartment dwellers, natural remedies like garlic, pepper spray, and keeping spaces dry are effective against lizards and insects, especially during summer. Sealing entry points and using naphthalene balls in limited areas also deter pests.

Sixty-six body bags, representing daily Australian tobacco deaths, were displayed at Parliament House. Health advocates staged the protest ahead of a Senate inquiry into illegal tobacco. The proposal to lower cigarette excise, aimed at combating illicit trade, was slammed as a dangerous public health gamble that would increase smoking and deaths.

Telangana's first Cancer Atlas reveals women comprise nearly 60% of nearly one lakh cancer patients treated over five years. Breast and cervical cancers are major contributors. Experts cite screening deficits leading to late diagnoses, urging more local screening centres and mobile services for early detection and better treatment outcomes.

It changed how it taxes alcohol, which made the 'premium' stuff cheaper — and it's supposed to be good for everyone. Is it?

Smoking is now linked to rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease causing joint pain and damage. Chemicals in cigarettes trigger inflammation and weaken the immune system, potentially initiating RA years before symptoms appear. Even childhood exposure to secondhand smoke increases later risk. Quitting smoking is crucial for protecting joint health and improving treatment outcomes.

Persistent mouth ulcers that lasts over two to three weeks or unexplained voice changes can signal serious underlying health issues, including head and neck cancers. While often dismissed as minor ailments, these lingering symptoms warrant medical attention. Early diagnosis is very crucial for the effective treatment and improved survival rates.

India recorded a 16.4% decline in environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, with 57,670 cases reported. The majority of these offenses, over 80%, were violations of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Noise pollution and forest-related acts followed as the next most reported offenses.

Allegations of Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag vaping in a dressing room highlight the growing, illegal use of e-cigarettes and hookah in Odisha. Despite a 2019 ban, easy availability through informal channels, poor enforcement, and low awareness, especially among youth, persist. Experts warn of serious health risks, urging stronger messaging and stricter inspections.

New Mexico is suing Meta, seeking $3.7 billion and platform changes, arguing its social media fuels a youth mental health crisis. The state accuses Meta of designing addictive platforms and failing to protect minors from exploitation. A judge is considering if Meta's platforms constitute a public nuisance, a designation that could force significant reforms.