docTLDR

A major US study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that just 15 minutes of brisk walking daily reduced all-cause mortality by 20% in predominantly low-income and Black adults. Benefits were strongest for those with chronic conditions, and the effect was independent of other physical activity. Slow walking for hours offered minimal benefit, highlighting brisk walking as a low-cost, accessible intervention to reduce health disparities.

The Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) has issued a strong warning to all registered medical practitioners, across all streams, against pursuing or displaying unrecognised medical qualifications. TGMC emphasized that such courses—including diplomas and fellowships not recognized by the National Medical Commission—are a 'colossal waste' and may result in strict legal action, including disciplinary and penal measures, under relevant state and national regulations.

The rapid adoption of smartwatches and wearables in healthcare is creating new legal and ethical challenges for doctors. Patient-generated health data from these devices often falls outside traditional privacy laws like HIPAA, leaving both patients and clinicians vulnerable to data misuse, unclear data ownership, and potential legal liability. Physicians must be aware of these risks, educate patients about data privacy, and review device terms to avoid legal pitfalls.

Many women miss subtle diabetes symptoms like frequent yeast or urinary tract infections, unexplained fatigue, mood swings, skin changes (such as dark patches), and changes in menstrual cycles. Overlooking these signs delays diagnosis, increasing the risk of serious complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. Early recognition and testing are vital for timely intervention and improved outcomes.

Maharashtra has reversed its decision to reserve 10% of seats for economically weaker sections (EWS) in private medical colleges, following concerns about reduced general category seats. The quota will now only apply if seat capacity is increased, aligning with central policy. This move preserves merit-based admissions and clarifies the admissions process for clinicians and educators.

Around 650 private hospitals in Haryana will halt Ayushman Bharat services from August 7 unless ₹500 crore in pending reimbursements are cleared. The Indian Medical Association warns that delayed payments have left hospitals cash-strapped, with some already refusing new admissions. This could severely restrict access to critical care for low-income patients.

A large longitudinal study tracking nearly 43,000 US health professionals found that those consuming 11 or more servings of ultra-processed foods daily had a 2.5-fold higher risk of developing three or more early non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, compared to those with the lowest intake. These findings highlight a significant association between high ultra-processed food consumption and prodromal features of Parkinson’s, though causality is not established.

W Health Ventures has launched a $70 million fund targeting AI-enabled B2B healthcare services and single-specialty care platforms in India. The fund aims to address critical clinical gaps and accelerate the adoption of advanced digital health solutions, potentially transforming care delivery models for Indian practitioners.

A Helsinki-based study found that stand-up electric scooter riders are over three times more likely than cyclists to sustain injuries requiring emergency hospital care. The research highlights the growing public health concern as e-scooter use rises, emphasizing the need for targeted safety interventions and regulatory measures to reduce injury risk among riders.

The Central Sector Scheme now mandates upgradation of Ayush pharmacies and drug testing labs, with a new CDSCO vertical for Ayush device regulation. Enhanced quality certifications and research initiatives aim to ensure safety, efficacy, and global compliance for Ayush medical devices and consumables in India.

Haleon and the Indian Dental Association have inaugurated the D20 International Symposium, aiming to foster innovation, research, and best practices in oral health. The initiative brings global expertise to Indian dental professionals, supporting evidence-based care and new product adoption in clinical practice.

Emerging research highlights that consuming eggs at least twice a week is linked to improved brain health and a significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Eggs are rich in choline and omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients shown to support cognitive function and reduce the buildup of Alzheimer’s-associated proteins in the brain. These findings suggest a simple dietary habit could have meaningful public health implications for dementia prevention.

Vijaya Diagnostic Centre reported a 20.4% YoY growth in Q1 FY26, with new hubs in Pune, Bengaluru, and West Bengal now operational. The expansion aims to improve diagnostic access and turnaround times, directly benefiting clinicians seeking timely, reliable lab results for patient management.

Merck announced a $3 billion global cost-cutting initiative, with savings reinvested into new product launches and R&D. While some roles will be eliminated, the company will continue hiring in growth areas. Indian clinicians should watch for potential impacts on drug launches and supply chains.

A new systematic review finds that co-supplementing creatine and β-alanine enhances high-intensity, repeated-bout exercise performance, but offers no additional benefit over creatine alone for maximal strength, body composition, or aerobic capacity. The review synthesizes seven RCTs and highlights that genetics, muscle fiber type, and baseline diet may influence individual response, underscoring the need for personalized supplementation strategies.