Urban planning experts and public health officials are increasingly prioritizing the development of walkable cities as a primary strategy to improve long-term population health outcomes. A walkable city—defined by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) as an environment where essential services, transit, and amenities are accessible within a short walk—is linked to reduced … Read more
Current nutritional science indicates that cheese consumption does not necessarily lead to an increase in harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, challenging long-standing dietary assumptions. While cheese is high in saturated fat, recent clinical research suggests that the “food matrix”—the complex physical and chemical structure of a food—may mitigate its traditional cardiovascular risks compared to … Read more
Indonesia’s national health insurance provider, BPJS Kesehatan, is currently facing a significant financial shortfall, with reports indicating a deficit of approximately Rp 2 trillion per month. Government officials and agency leadership have warned that without systemic intervention, the sustainability of the universal healthcare program could be compromised, with potential payment failures projected as early as … Read more
In the evolving landscape of reproductive health, terminology often shifts to better reflect the clinical reality of patient experiences. Recently, discussions regarding the nomenclature of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)—frequently referred to by its acronym—have sparked a global conversation about precision in medical diagnostics. As we navigate these updates, it is essential for patients and clinicians … Read more
In the realm of nutritional science and oncology, few topics have sparked as much persistent debate as the relationship between traditional preserved foods and cancer risk. Specifically, questions regarding whether salty fish and salted eggs trigger nasopharyngeal cancer have circulated in public health discussions for years. As we navigate the complex landscape of dietary habits … Read more
Indonesia’s North Sumatra province has surged into the national top five for HIV/AIDS cases, a public health crisis fueled by drug use, stigma, and systemic gaps in prevention. With over 564,000 people living with HIV nationwide—and rising—local officials and activists are sounding alarms over a “silent epidemic” that risks worsening without urgent action. Dr. Sofyan … Read more
Indonesian television personality Ferry Maryadi has recently opened up about a challenging health episode that led to an emergency room visit. Known for his long-standing career in the entertainment industry, the presenter shared that he experienced a severe bout of vertigo, which prompted medical intervention and a stern warning regarding his lifestyle habits, particularly concerning … Read more
In the evolving landscape of contemporary cinema, the intersection of entertainment and social advocacy has become an increasingly vital platform for addressing complex human issues. Recent cinematic projects are moving beyond traditional storytelling, utilizing the reach of the film industry to spark essential conversations regarding domestic abuse and emotional health. Among these initiatives, the film … Read more
As the international community continues to monitor the health of high-profile figures within the Thai monarchy, questions regarding the condition of Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol remain a subject of significant public interest. Since her hospitalization in December 2022, the Royal Household Bureau has provided limited, formal updates on her status, maintaining a stance that reflects the … Read more
For decades, the medical community viewed the heart attack as a condition of the twilight years—a consequence of a lifetime of wear and tear, aging arteries, and long-term chronic illness. However, in my years practicing internal medicine and reporting on global health, I have witnessed a disturbing shift in the clinical landscape. The “old person’s … Read more