Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Heavy Resistance Training: A Key to Long-Term Muscle Health, According To Study

Heavy resistance exercise (Credit-Freepik)

Exercising is one of the most important parts of self-care when it comes to health. Many <span>healthcare professionals</span> urge people to exercise even if it is 10 minutes a day. You do not always need to spend hours in the gym for perfect health. It has to be a balance of healthy food and light exercise and you will see great results! This might be especially important to elders as that’s when our bodily functions start deteriorating. A study done by BMJ Open Sport &amp; Exercise Medicine suggested great long-term benefits of <span>heavy resistance training</span> for older adults. Here are the findings of the study. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Exercise is essential</span> at every age</h2>

Regular physical activity is crucial for overall health and well-being, but its importance becomes even more pronounced as we age. Muscle function naturally declines with age, increasing the risk of falls, reduced mobility, and decreased independence. 

<h2>The benefits of heavy resistance training</h2>

A growing body of evidence suggests that resistance training, particularly heavy resistance training, can be a powerful tool for preserving muscle function in older adults. The study found that individuals who engaged in a year of heavy resistance training maintained better isometric leg strength for up to four years compared to those who underwent moderate-intensity exercise or no exercise at all.

These findings underscore the potential long-term benefits of this type of training. However, experts emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from professionals to safely progress to higher resistance levels. 

<h2>How heavy resistance training works</h2>

To understand the impact of heavy resistance training, researchers compared three groups of older adults: one group performed heavy resistance exercises, another engaged in moderate-intensity training, and the third served as a control group.

The heavy resistance training group focused on exercises like leg presses, chest presses, and low rowing using weight machines. In contrast, the moderate-intensity group primarily relied on bodyweight exercises and resistance bands. Over a four-year follow-up period, the heavy resistance training group demonstrated superior results in maintaining isometric leg strength. While both training groups experienced similar declines in handgrip strength, lean leg mass, and leg extensor power, the heavy resistance group successfully preserved muscle function. 

<h2>The importance of expert guidance</h2>

While the study highlights the effectiveness of heavy resistance training, it's crucial to approach it with caution. Experts recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or qualified trainer before starting any new exercise regimen, especially for older adults.

Gradually increasing resistance levels and proper form are essential to prevent injuries. Additionally, individual fitness levels and health conditions should be considered when designing a training plan.

<h2>Beyond heavy resistance training</h2>

While heavy resistance training shows promise, it's essential to remember that other forms of strength training can also benefit older adults. The key is to find an exercise routine that is enjoyable, safe, and sustainable. Ultimately, the goal is to build and maintain muscle strength, which contributes to overall function, independence, and quality of life. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

ageregular

Heavy Resistance Training

Long-Term Muscle Health

Exercise is essential

healthcare professionals

Intensity training

Working For More Than 52 Hours Could Alter Your Brain Structure

CDC Notes A Remarkable Drop In Drug Overdose Deaths

Life At Any Cost: Why We Fight To Prolong Life But Question The Idea To Ease Death?

Health News

Physical Signs Of High Cortisol

9 Healthy Plant-Based Protein Rich Dishes To Try

What Happens When You Have Low Blood Pressure?

Throw These Toxic Bathroom Items Away To Protect Your Health

This Is What Cricket Superstar Virat Kohli Eats In A Day

Signs You Are Experiencing Sensory Overload

Shoulder Exercises You Should Do For Defined Shoulders

Best Foods To Eat When You Are Fasting

​Ghee For Ayurveda: Why It Should Be A Part Of Your Diet​

Symptoms Of Ovarian Cancer You Should Know

Yoga Poses That Can Build Core Strength

Biotin-Rich Foods You Should Add To Your Diet

Unexpected Physical Signs Of Stress

Simple And Affective Guide To Stop A Panic Attack

Signs Of Heat Exhaustion In Children

10 Heart Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Lower Your Cholesterol With These Foods

Food Myths You Should Stop Believing

Work Stressing You Out? Tips To Handle Toxic Workspaces

Looking To Gain Weight? High-Calorie Healthy Foods To Try

​Pomegranates Are A Must For Summer, Here’s Why​

​How Does Being A Night Owl Change Your Brain​

​Can Nightlights Affect Your Child’s Sleep​

How To Decide Whether You Should Do Cardio Or Strength Training?

Enjoying Hobbies As An Adult Is More Important Than You Realize

Screentime Matters For Parents Too, Here's How It Causes Issues

Why Should We Discard Expired Prescription Drugs?

Perks Of Having Home Plants For Your Health

Signs You Are Dealing With Depleted Mother Syndrome

Protein-Rich Fruit Smoothies You Must Try

Ways You Can Reach Out To Someone In A Mental Health Crisis

These Things Are Causing You To Lose Sleep

10 Healthy Soups That Support Weight Loss

Easy Lunch Ideas For People With Type 2 Diabetes

9 Bodyweight Exercises To Boost Strength Anytime, Anywhere

Iron-Rich Foods Every Woman Should Include in Her Diet

Ayurvedic Foods To Cool Your Body Naturally

10 Ways Fluctuating Cortisol Levels Can Affect You Physically

Unexpected Factors That Affect Your Blood Sugar

Foods People With PCOS Should Avoid

Exercising is one of the most important parts of self-care when it comes to health. Many healthcare professionals urge people to exercise even if it is 10 minutes a day. You do not always need to spend hours in the gym for perfect health. It has to be a balance of healthy food and light exercise and you will see great results! This might be especially important to elders as that’s when our bodily functions start deteriorating. A study done by BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggested great long-term benefits of heavy resistance training for older adults. Here are the findings of the study. Exercise is essential at every ageRegular physical activity is crucial for overall health and well-being, but its importance becomes even more pronounced as we age. Muscle function naturally declines with age, increasing the risk of falls, reduced mobility, and decreased independence. The benefits of heavy resistance trainingA growing body of evidence suggests that resistance training, particularly heavy resistance training, can be a powerful tool for preserving muscle function in older adults. The study found that individuals who engaged in a year of heavy resistance training maintained better isometric leg strength for up to four years compared to those who underwent moderate-intensity exercise or no exercise at all.These findings underscore the potential long-term benefits of this type of training. However, experts emphasize the importance of seeking guidance from professionals to safely progress to higher resistance levels. How heavy resistance training worksTo understand the impact of heavy resistance training, researchers compared three groups of older adults: one group performed heavy resistance exercises, another engaged in moderate-intensity training, and the third served as a control group.The heavy resistance training group focused on exercises like leg presses, chest presses, and low rowing using weight machines. In contrast, the moderate-intensity group primarily relied on bodyweight exercises and resistance bands. Over a four-year follow-up period, the heavy resistance training group demonstrated superior results in maintaining isometric leg strength. While both training groups experienced similar declines in handgrip strength, lean leg mass, and leg extensor power, the heavy resistance group successfully preserved muscle function. The importance of expert guidanceWhile the study highlights the effectiveness of heavy resistance training, it's crucial to approach it with caution. Experts recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or qualified trainer before starting any new exercise regimen, especially for older adults.Gradually increasing resistance levels and proper form are essential to prevent injuries. Additionally, individual fitness levels and health conditions should be considered when designing a training plan.Beyond heavy resistance trainingWhile heavy resistance training shows promise, it's essential to remember that other forms of strength training can also benefit older adults. The key is to find an exercise routine that is enjoyable, safe, and sustainable. Ultimately, the goal is to build and maintain muscle strength, which contributes to overall function, independence, and quality of life. 

heavy resistance training: a key to long-term muscle health, according to study

Ishita Roy

CDC Notes a Remarkable Drop in Drug Overdose Deaths

No Chikungunya Vaccine For US Adults 60 And Above, Declares CDC

no chikungunya vaccine for us adults 60 and above, declares cdc

Health & Wellness

New Study Reveals Strong Link Between ADHD And Nicotine Use In Youth

new study reveals strong link between adhd and nicotine use in youth

life at any cost: why we fight to prolong life but question the idea to ease death?

Can Vaccines Cause Chikungunya? CDC New Advisory For Travellers Says Yes

us cdc advises elderly to avoid chikungunya vaccines following deaths

A surprising, but encouraging turn takes place in the United States as <span>drug overdose deaths</span> show a dramatic decline. This is based on the new provisional data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<span>CDC</span>), that showed that these cases have plummeted by nearly 30% in 2024 as compared to in 2023. 

The National Center for Health Statistics also estimated a 27% drop from 110,037 deaths in 2023 to 80,391 in 2024. This has marked the lowest total since 2019. 

This significant drop, while still based on the provisional data that could differ from the final count does offer a hopeful sign in the long battle against an epidemic that has claimed as many as more than 1 million lives since 1999. This also remains to be the leading cause of deaths for Americans aged 18 to 44. 

Health experts and CDC officials have attributed this decline to years of targeted federal investment and enhanced data systems. In fact, President Donald Trump also declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2017. Furthermore, the Congress also funded expanded CDC programs that now help states to collect real-time overdose data. 

In fact, recently, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also opened up about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. 

“These investments have empowered us to rapidly collect, analyze, and share actionable data,” the CDC said in a statement. “Since late 2023, overdose deaths have steadily declined each month — a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference.”

<h4>Where Does The Most Decline Account For?</h4>

Much of the overall decrease is driven by fewer deaths from fentanyl and other opioids. 

As per the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic, based on prescription. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. It is also known as China Girl, China Town, Murder 8, Poison and Tango &amp; Cash as its street name. 

It is consumed by snorting, sniffing, smoking, orally by a pill or tablet, or spiked onto blotter paper and patches. 

The DEA notes that overdose can cause stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death. 

 Fentanyl-related deaths fell by nearly 37%, from 76,282 in 2023 to 48,422 in 2024. Deaths involving any type of opioid also dropped significantly — down from 83,140 to 54,743.

Other drugs showed similar trends. Cocaine overdose deaths decreased from an estimated 30,833 to 22,174. Psychostimulant-related deaths, including those from methamphetamine, declined by 20%, from 37,096 to 29,456.

Nearly all states showed progress. States such as Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia posted the most dramatic single-year declines each over 35%. 

Only two states bucked the trend. Nevada saw a 3.5% rise in overdose deaths, while South Dakota reported a 2.3% increase.

Experts point to a variety of factors. Dr. Stephen Taylor, president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, credits greater access to addiction treatment services and wider availability of naloxone, a drug that reverses overdoses.

“I think the most important issue has been the expanded access to care,” Taylor said. However, he warns that proposed cuts — such as Trump’s suggested $1 billion reduction in funding to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — could threaten the progress made.

Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, believes fewer new people becoming addicted may also play a key role. “Epidemics come to an end because the number of new people entering the drug scene drops below the number exiting — whether through recovery, treatment, or sadly, death,” he said to US News.

health news

us health news

drug overdose deaths

decline in drug overdose

us drug overdose

A surprising, but encouraging turn takes place in the United States as drug overdose deaths show a dramatic decline. This is based on the new provisional data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that showed that these cases have plummeted by nearly 30% in 2024 as compared to in 2023. The National Center for Health Statistics also estimated a 27% drop from 110,037 deaths in 2023 to 80,391 in 2024. This has marked the lowest total since 2019. This significant drop, while still based on the provisional data that could differ from the final count does offer a hopeful sign in the long battle against an epidemic that has claimed as many as more than 1 million lives since 1999. This also remains to be the leading cause of deaths for Americans aged 18 to 44. Efforts And StrategiesHealth experts and CDC officials have attributed this decline to years of targeted federal investment and enhanced data systems. In fact, President Donald Trump also declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2017. Furthermore, the Congress also funded expanded CDC programs that now help states to collect real-time overdose data. In fact, recently, the US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr also opened up about his own battle with drug addiction and his journey to recovery. “These investments have empowered us to rapidly collect, analyze, and share actionable data,” the CDC said in a statement. “Since late 2023, overdose deaths have steadily declined each month — a strong sign that public health interventions are making a difference.”Where Does The Most Decline Account For?Much of the overall decrease is driven by fewer deaths from fentanyl and other opioids. As per the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic, based on prescription. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. It is also known as China Girl, China Town, Murder 8, Poison and Tango & Cash as its street name. It is consumed by snorting, sniffing, smoking, orally by a pill or tablet, or spiked onto blotter paper and patches. The DEA notes that overdose can cause stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis, coma, and respiratory failure leading to death.  Fentanyl-related deaths fell by nearly 37%, from 76,282 in 2023 to 48,422 in 2024. Deaths involving any type of opioid also dropped significantly — down from 83,140 to 54,743.Other drugs showed similar trends. Cocaine overdose deaths decreased from an estimated 30,833 to 22,174. Psychostimulant-related deaths, including those from methamphetamine, declined by 20%, from 37,096 to 29,456.Data From StatesNearly all states showed progress. States such as Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia posted the most dramatic single-year declines each over 35%. Only two states bucked the trend. Nevada saw a 3.5% rise in overdose deaths, while South Dakota reported a 2.3% increase.Experts point to a variety of factors. Dr. Stephen Taylor, president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, credits greater access to addiction treatment services and wider availability of naloxone, a drug that reverses overdoses.“I think the most important issue has been the expanded access to care,” Taylor said. However, he warns that proposed cuts — such as Trump’s suggested $1 billion reduction in funding to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — could threaten the progress made.Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, believes fewer new people becoming addicted may also play a key role. “Epidemics come to an end because the number of new people entering the drug scene drops below the number exiting — whether through recovery, treatment, or sadly, death,” he said to US News.

cdc notes a remarkable drop in drug overdose deaths

Tanya Dutt

India Underreported Nearly 20 Lakh Excess Covid Deaths In 2021- Was Death Toll Really 6X Higher?

Unique Symptoms Of Covid In 2025 And How Long Infection Now Last

covid 2025: unique symptoms of new variant and how long infection now last

What Is The Hottest Temperature A Human Body Can Handle?

what is the hottest temperature a human body can handle?

The second wave of <span>Covid</span>-19 in India was not just a crisis, it was a tragedy experienced in all corners of India. When oxygen supplies in hospitals ran out and funeral pyres were lit throughout the day and night, it was clear for everyone to see and feel how vast the devastation was. Family members lost dear ones within days, even hours. Yet, as dire as the situation appeared, recently published government statistics from India verify what many suspected- the actual death count was much worse. The official count of Covid deaths in 2021 was 3.3 lakh but the true excess deaths that year exceeded 20 lakh. That's almost six times greater than reported. The shocking gap indicates a trend of underreporting, bureaucratic obscurity, and political evasion, evoking international concern regarding transparency and accountability in pandemic governance.

India reported more than 1.02 crore deaths in 2021 — a whopping rise of almost 21 lakh from the last year — as per latest figures made public by India's Office of the Registrar General. In 2020, 81.2 lakh deaths were registered, and in 2019, the figure was 76.4 lakh. The surge in death, at the height of the second wave of the pandemic, sends red lights flashing immediately. Though not every one of these deaths can be attributed to Covid-19, the timing and the circumstances imply the virus contributed heavily, underreported.

Three official data sets — Sample Registration System (SRS), Civil Registration System (CRS), and Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) — were employed to assess trends in mortality. Of the three, CRS continues to be the most complete source, and it irrefutably indicates a record spike in deaths in 2021. All this is not only crucial for the realization of the pandemic's actual burden but also provides a prism into India's death registration and certification system failures.

<h2>Why the Official Covid Death Figures Don’t Add Up</h2>

The Union Ministry of Health had pegged the total number of Covid-19 deaths in 2021 at 3.3 lakh. However, the MCCD report, based on medically certified deaths, listed 4.13 lakh Covid-related fatalities. That alone suggests a significant gap. But here’s the critical twist: the MCCD data only covers 24 lakh deaths — just 23% of all deaths registered that year.

This difference suggests that there may not have been medical certification of numerous Covid-19 deaths, either because the healthcare infrastructure was burdened or because of systemic failure in certifying causes of death. Even among that smaller dataset, Covid-19 deaths exceeded the Health Ministry's figure, directly indicating official undercounting.

Maybe the most stark evidence of underreporting is from Gujarat. The BJP-ruled state had reported just 5,812 Covid deaths in 2021. But the actual number of deaths registered through CRS was 1.95 lakh — more than 33 times greater. Independent calculations by Kerala-based volunteer Krishna Prasad's dashboard reported that Gujarat had more than 2 lakh excess deaths that year.

Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal also had the same trends, with huge discrepancies between Covid-19 death claims and the actual amount of excess mortality. Madhya Pradesh had reported 6,927 official Covid deaths but had an excess of almost 2 lakh deaths over 2020. Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India, had an excess of 4.78 lakh deaths in 2021 when just 22,918 were officially claimed due to Covid-19. Kerala was an exception to the trend, having relatively more accurate death statistics.

<h2>What's Behind India's Spike in Crude Death Rate</h2>

Statisticians also reference the crude death rate, deaths per 1,000, as another insightful metric. From a consistent rate of 6 in both 2019 and 2020, it surged to 7.5 in 2021. This increase is not random; it reflects an abnormal spike in mortality concurrent with the pandemic peak.

If India's crude death rate of 6 in the historical years continued to 2021, the estimated deaths would have been approximately 82 lakh, consistent with previous years. The increased crude death rate in 2021 aligns with the 1.02 crore reported deaths very closely, implying over 20 lakh excess deaths, which cannot be accounted for by better registration.

In April 2022, the World Health Organization put India's estimated Covid-19 toll in 2020 and 2021 at 47 lakh deaths, either directly or indirectly due to the pandemic — eight-and-a-half times the number reported officially. India's government had dismissed the WHO report for being inappropriate in methodology for a country of the size of India. But interestingly enough, the very Registrar General of India whose figures have been quoted by the government is now lending strength to the suspicion of large-scale undercounting.

The contrast is stark: India dismissed international models as speculative, but its own official statistics now confirm excess deaths in line with WHO estimates. This is a matter of profound concern regarding data suppression, political motive, and the right of citizens and the international health community to the truth.

Mortality data accurately gathered matters more than numbers. It affects how nations prepare for pandemics, how resources are allocated to healthcare, and how people have faith in public institutions. For India, the world health leader and manufacturer of vaccines, poor data transparency erodes credibility and undermines global cooperation in public health.

Additionally, for the uncounted families many of whom were denied medical care, social acceptance, and economic ruin, the government silence is another injustice. Without official acknowledgment, they're typically not given government compensation, aid, or even recognition.

The information is now out presenting how India saw a mortality spike in 2021 that is more than six times bigger than its official Covid-19 death toll. It matters little whether the cause is deliberate cover-up or systemic failure- the result is the same- the lives lost in secrecy amount to millions.

Going forward, India has to build stronger health data infrastructure, conduct independent audits, and uphold transparency. The world witnessed the funeral pyres burn and now, the figures finally tell us the unthinkable truth many had suspected all along.

covid

india covid-19 deaths 2021

excess deaths india

underreported covid deaths

crs report india

mccd data 2021

covid death toll india

who excess death estimate india

The second wave of Covid-19 in India was not just a crisis, it was a tragedy experienced in all corners of India. When oxygen supplies in hospitals ran out and funeral pyres were lit throughout the day and night, it was clear for everyone to see and feel how vast the devastation was. Family members lost dear ones within days, even hours. Yet, as dire as the situation appeared, recently published government statistics from India verify what many suspected- the actual death count was much worse. The official count of Covid deaths in 2021 was 3.3 lakh but the true excess deaths that year exceeded 20 lakh. That's almost six times greater than reported. The shocking gap indicates a trend of underreporting, bureaucratic obscurity, and political evasion, evoking international concern regarding transparency and accountability in pandemic governance.India reported more than 1.02 crore deaths in 2021 — a whopping rise of almost 21 lakh from the last year — as per latest figures made public by India's Office of the Registrar General. In 2020, 81.2 lakh deaths were registered, and in 2019, the figure was 76.4 lakh. The surge in death, at the height of the second wave of the pandemic, sends red lights flashing immediately. Though not every one of these deaths can be attributed to Covid-19, the timing and the circumstances imply the virus contributed heavily, underreported.Three official data sets — Sample Registration System (SRS), Civil Registration System (CRS), and Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) — were employed to assess trends in mortality. Of the three, CRS continues to be the most complete source, and it irrefutably indicates a record spike in deaths in 2021. All this is not only crucial for the realization of the pandemic's actual burden but also provides a prism into India's death registration and certification system failures.Why the Official Covid Death Figures Don’t Add UpThe Union Ministry of Health had pegged the total number of Covid-19 deaths in 2021 at 3.3 lakh. However, the MCCD report, based on medically certified deaths, listed 4.13 lakh Covid-related fatalities. That alone suggests a significant gap. But here’s the critical twist: the MCCD data only covers 24 lakh deaths — just 23% of all deaths registered that year.This difference suggests that there may not have been medical certification of numerous Covid-19 deaths, either because the healthcare infrastructure was burdened or because of systemic failure in certifying causes of death. Even among that smaller dataset, Covid-19 deaths exceeded the Health Ministry's figure, directly indicating official undercounting.Maybe the most stark evidence of underreporting is from Gujarat. The BJP-ruled state had reported just 5,812 Covid deaths in 2021. But the actual number of deaths registered through CRS was 1.95 lakh — more than 33 times greater. Independent calculations by Kerala-based volunteer Krishna Prasad's dashboard reported that Gujarat had more than 2 lakh excess deaths that year.Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal also had the same trends, with huge discrepancies between Covid-19 death claims and the actual amount of excess mortality. Madhya Pradesh had reported 6,927 official Covid deaths but had an excess of almost 2 lakh deaths over 2020. Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India, had an excess of 4.78 lakh deaths in 2021 when just 22,918 were officially claimed due to Covid-19. Kerala was an exception to the trend, having relatively more accurate death statistics.What's Behind India's Spike in Crude Death RateStatisticians also reference the crude death rate, deaths per 1,000, as another insightful metric. From a consistent rate of 6 in both 2019 and 2020, it surged to 7.5 in 2021. This increase is not random; it reflects an abnormal spike in mortality concurrent with the pandemic peak.If India's crude death rate of 6 in the historical years continued to 2021, the estimated deaths would have been approximately 82 lakh, consistent with previous years. The increased crude death rate in 2021 aligns with the 1.02 crore reported deaths very closely, implying over 20 lakh excess deaths, which cannot be accounted for by better registration.In April 2022, the World Health Organization put India's estimated Covid-19 toll in 2020 and 2021 at 47 lakh deaths, either directly or indirectly due to the pandemic — eight-and-a-half times the number reported officially. India's government had dismissed the WHO report for being inappropriate in methodology for a country of the size of India. But interestingly enough, the very Registrar General of India whose figures have been quoted by the government is now lending strength to the suspicion of large-scale undercounting.The contrast is stark: India dismissed international models as speculative, but its own official statistics now confirm excess deaths in line with WHO estimates. This is a matter of profound concern regarding data suppression, political motive, and the right of citizens and the international health community to the truth.Why Accurate Data Matters?Mortality data accurately gathered matters more than numbers. It affects how nations prepare for pandemics, how resources are allocated to healthcare, and how people have faith in public institutions. For India, the world health leader and manufacturer of vaccines, poor data transparency erodes credibility and undermines global cooperation in public health.Additionally, for the uncounted families many of whom were denied medical care, social acceptance, and economic ruin, the government silence is another injustice. Without official acknowledgment, they're typically not given government compensation, aid, or even recognition.The information is now out presenting how India saw a mortality spike in 2021 that is more than six times bigger than its official Covid-19 death toll. It matters little whether the cause is deliberate cover-up or systemic failure- the result is the same- the lives lost in secrecy amount to millions.Going forward, India has to build stronger health data infrastructure, conduct independent audits, and uphold transparency. The world witnessed the funeral pyres burn and now, the figures finally tell us the unthinkable truth many had suspected all along.

india underreported nearly 20 lakh excess covid deaths in 2021- was death toll really 6x higher?

Parkinson’s Disease May Have A New Environmental Trigger- Can It Be Avoided?

Gardening Helps Slow Down Cognitive Decline

gardening helps slow down cognitive decline

Does Sun Make You Age Faster?

does sun make you age faster?

When we consider health risks, we tend to look inward—diet, lifestyle, genetics but what if the biggest threats come from what’s around us? Environmental causes have increasingly been in the primary concern of health studies, with connections being found between pollution in the air and respiratory disease, industrial toxins and cancer, and now perhaps even our most idyllic, verdant neighborhoods. According to a new research, just being close to a golf course may be linked with a much greater risk of acquiring <span>Parkinson's disease</span>.

Yes, golf courses—those enormous, manicured landscapes we commonly think of as tranquility and recreational—might be more poisonous than they seem. The report, which appeared online in JAMA Network Open, sends significant concern about the long-term effects of environmental pesticide exposure on these greens, particularly for those who live nearby. Although far from definitive, the results add fuel to a growing controversy: Might our seemingly picture-perfect environments be quietly undermining brain function?

A research team headed by Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute investigated whether proximity to golf courses in one's neighborhood could potentially be associated with Parkinson's disease—a chronic neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. Based on a population-based case-control study comprising 419 patients with diagnosed Parkinson's and 5,113 healthy controls across different regions in the US, the researchers found something disturbing- Living in one mile of a golf course was linked with a 126% higher risk of Parkinson's disease compared to those residing more than six miles away.

Additionally, residents of areas where water services encompassed golf course areas had almost double the risk of Parkinson's versus those residing in golf-free areas. These correlations persisted even after controlling for neighborhood and demographic variables.

<h2>What Is It About Living Close to Golf Course That's a Red Flag for Your Health?</h2>

The research doesn't say golf courses cause Parkinson's directly—but it does propose a compelling hypothesis. The suspected perpetrators are pesticides, which are applied freely to keep golf courses looking nice. The chemicals, frequently airborne or leached into water, might end up being inhaled or ingested by nearby residents.

This hypothesis is not new. Past research has indicated a greater prevalence of Parkinson's in farmers, field workers, and residents of industrial areas. Some lab research has demonstrated that some pesticides and air pollutants are harmful to dopaminergic neurons, the very same cells that in Parkinson's disease.

The new evidence supports the hypothesis that long-term, low-dose exposure to neurotoxic chemicals—particularly by air and water—may play a causative role in causing the illness. But experts caution against overinterpretation.

Not everyone in the scientific community is convinced. Parkinson’s UK, a leading non-profit that supports neurological research, has expressed skepticism about the study's conclusions. Katherine Fletcher, a lead researcher with the organization, notes that while many studies have examined links between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s, the evidence remains inconclusive.

"Effects have been inconsistent, but in general point toward pesticide exposure possibly elevating risk," Fletcher replies. "The evidence, though, is not as strong to conclude that exposure to pesticides is directly causing Parkinson's."

David Dexter, another Parkinson's UK expert, questions methodology. The study didn't check for true contamination of air or water around the golf courses. Nor did it take into account other possible sources of pollution, such as traffic emissions, that might have an effect on neurological health.

<h2>Why it is Important to Rethink Where We Live?</h2>

What's most unnerving is the way seemingly wholesome, affluent neighborhoods might harbor hidden health threats. Environmental exposure and disease clusters aren't new. But in contrast to industrial complexes, golf courses are frequently situated in upscale areas, promoted as serene and picturesque.

This paradox makes the new study more intriguing—and more contentious. Although it doesn't have answers, it raises an immediate question: Are we reconsidering the safety of our environment?

<h2>Can This Risk of Parkinson's Be Avoided?</h2>

For now, there’s no need to panic or sell your home next to the 18th hole. The findings call for further investigation, not alarm. Krzyzanowski and her team argue that public health policies aimed at reducing pesticide use on golf courses could be a step in the right direction. This could include:

<ul><li>Switching to eco-friendly turf management practices</li><li>Enforcing stricter groundwater monitoring regulations</li><li>Increasing transparency around chemical use in residential areas</li></ul>

Finally, until more conclusive studies, prevention is paramount. If you're near a golf course—or anywhere with intensive pesticide application—it may be a good idea to take note of local water quality summaries and air quality indices.

This research is not the last word on Parkinson's and golf courses—but it begins an essential dialogue. As we swim through the rising tide of diseases caused by the environment, it's more and more apparent that health is not solely the result of genes and behaviors. It's also strongly connected to place.

parkinson's disease

golf courses pesticide risk

environmental triggers parkinson's

pesticide exposure brain health

neurological disorders causes

parkinson’s research 2025

living near golf courses health risk

When we consider health risks, we tend to look inward—diet, lifestyle, genetics but what if the biggest threats come from what’s around us? Environmental causes have increasingly been in the primary concern of health studies, with connections being found between pollution in the air and respiratory disease, industrial toxins and cancer, and now perhaps even our most idyllic, verdant neighborhoods. According to a new research, just being close to a golf course may be linked with a much greater risk of acquiring Parkinson's disease.Yes, golf courses—those enormous, manicured landscapes we commonly think of as tranquility and recreational—might be more poisonous than they seem. The report, which appeared online in JAMA Network Open, sends significant concern about the long-term effects of environmental pesticide exposure on these greens, particularly for those who live nearby. Although far from definitive, the results add fuel to a growing controversy: Might our seemingly picture-perfect environments be quietly undermining brain function?A research team headed by Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute investigated whether proximity to golf courses in one's neighborhood could potentially be associated with Parkinson's disease—a chronic neurological condition for which there is currently no cure. Based on a population-based case-control study comprising 419 patients with diagnosed Parkinson's and 5,113 healthy controls across different regions in the US, the researchers found something disturbing- Living in one mile of a golf course was linked with a 126% higher risk of Parkinson's disease compared to those residing more than six miles away.Additionally, residents of areas where water services encompassed golf course areas had almost double the risk of Parkinson's versus those residing in golf-free areas. These correlations persisted even after controlling for neighborhood and demographic variables.What Is It About Living Close to Golf Course That's a Red Flag for Your Health?The research doesn't say golf courses cause Parkinson's directly—but it does propose a compelling hypothesis. The suspected perpetrators are pesticides, which are applied freely to keep golf courses looking nice. The chemicals, frequently airborne or leached into water, might end up being inhaled or ingested by nearby residents.This hypothesis is not new. Past research has indicated a greater prevalence of Parkinson's in farmers, field workers, and residents of industrial areas. Some lab research has demonstrated that some pesticides and air pollutants are harmful to dopaminergic neurons, the very same cells that in Parkinson's disease.The new evidence supports the hypothesis that long-term, low-dose exposure to neurotoxic chemicals—particularly by air and water—may play a causative role in causing the illness. But experts caution against overinterpretation.Not everyone in the scientific community is convinced. Parkinson’s UK, a leading non-profit that supports neurological research, has expressed skepticism about the study's conclusions. Katherine Fletcher, a lead researcher with the organization, notes that while many studies have examined links between pesticide exposure and Parkinson’s, the evidence remains inconclusive."Effects have been inconsistent, but in general point toward pesticide exposure possibly elevating risk," Fletcher replies. "The evidence, though, is not as strong to conclude that exposure to pesticides is directly causing Parkinson's."David Dexter, another Parkinson's UK expert, questions methodology. The study didn't check for true contamination of air or water around the golf courses. Nor did it take into account other possible sources of pollution, such as traffic emissions, that might have an effect on neurological health.Why it is Important to Rethink Where We Live?What's most unnerving is the way seemingly wholesome, affluent neighborhoods might harbor hidden health threats. Environmental exposure and disease clusters aren't new. But in contrast to industrial complexes, golf courses are frequently situated in upscale areas, promoted as serene and picturesque.This paradox makes the new study more intriguing—and more contentious. Although it doesn't have answers, it raises an immediate question: Are we reconsidering the safety of our environment?Can This Risk of Parkinson's Be Avoided?For now, there’s no need to panic or sell your home next to the 18th hole. The findings call for further investigation, not alarm. Krzyzanowski and her team argue that public health policies aimed at reducing pesticide use on golf courses could be a step in the right direction. This could include:Switching to eco-friendly turf management practicesEnforcing stricter groundwater monitoring regulationsIncreasing transparency around chemical use in residential areasFinally, until more conclusive studies, prevention is paramount. If you're near a golf course—or anywhere with intensive pesticide application—it may be a good idea to take note of local water quality summaries and air quality indices.This research is not the last word on Parkinson's and golf courses—but it begins an essential dialogue. As we swim through the rising tide of diseases caused by the environment, it's more and more apparent that health is not solely the result of genes and behaviors. It's also strongly connected to place.

parkinson’s disease may have a new environmental trigger- can it be avoided?

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Heavy Resistance Training: A Key to Long-Term Muscle Health, According To Study

Quick Stories

CDC Notes A Remarkable Drop In Drug Overdose Deaths

India Underreported Nearly 20 Lakh Excess Covid Deaths In 2021- Was Death Toll Really 6X Higher?

Parkinson’s Disease May Have A New Environmental Trigger- Can It Be Avoided?

Health Conditions A-Z

Working For More Than 52 Hours Could Alter Your Brain Structure

CDC Notes A Remarkable Drop In Drug Overdose Deaths

Life At Any Cost: Why We Fight To Prolong Life But Question The Idea To Ease Death?