North Korean leader ‘extremely obese’: Seoul spy agency

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is understood to be “extremely obese”, Seoul’s spy agency said Wednesday, citing its latest assessment of the reclusive leader’s health. A heavy smoker who has long been obese, Kim’s health is closely watched internationally as his sudden death could raise questions over succession and stability in the nuclear-armed state. Kim’s “health condition is classified as extremely…

One third of world population exposed to harmful air pollution: monitor

PARIS, France — Heatwaves and wildfires combined with human-caused emissions this year combined to expose one third of the world’s population to extremely high levels of ozone pollution, a European Union report said on Wednesday. In a new analysis covering the first eight months of 2026, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) highlighted the close relationship between climate change…

Is intermittent fasting actually effective for weight loss?

Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that focuses on when you eat rather than what or how much you eat, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, which unites physicians and scientists from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System. Johns Hopkins Medicine neuroscientist Mark Mattson, who has studied intermittent fasting for 25 years, said the…

Is intermittent fasting actually effective for weight loss?

Intermittent fasting is an eating plan that focuses on when you eat rather than what or how much you eat, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, which unites physicians and scientists from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System. Johns Hopkins Medicine neuroscientist Mark Mattson, who has studied intermittent fasting for 25 years, said the…

The Iran war is showing why the Philippines can’t afford to neglect its farmers

A war thousands of kilometers away is beginning to ripple through something as basic as the Filipino dining table. The conflict involving Iran has pushed oil prices higher, disrupted key shipping routes, and strained global supply chains—especially for fertilizer, a critical input for food production. Farmers are already feeling the pressure. Fertilizer prices have surged by as much as 30% to 40%,…

Malacañang under fire as fallout grows over removal of career DOH officials

With the perceived ouster of career health officials, Malacañang now stands accused of putting institutional stability and expert leadership at risk for political convenience. The uproar follows the exit of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and other veteran DOH officials in what appears to be a politically motivated shake-up. About 55 professional medical groups signed a joint statement expressing concerns of what…

SPECIAL REPORT: Laguna Lake on the verge of becoming the Philippines’ largest septic tank

The Laguna Lake is fast deteriorating into the country’s “biggest septic tank,” Biñan City Rep. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr. warned on Saturday, August 2. In an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday, Rep. Dimaguila urged the Marcos Jr. administration to take urgent and science-based action to rehabilitate the vital water body affecting millions across Southern Luzon and Metro Manila. “Magkakaroon na…

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