A US anti-aging medicine specialist has warned that beyond food choices, "beverages" consumed daily can significantly impact heart health, particularly drinks high in sugar, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners. Regular consumption of such drinks may increase the long-term risk of heart and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos, an anti-aging medicine expert from Cornell University and co-founder and chief medical officer of Longevity Health, disclosed on March 24 that many people prioritize food selection but overlook the impact of beverages on cardiovascular health.

Five Beverages to Limit:

1. Coffee with High Sugar and Artificial Cream: While black coffee has research supporting health benefits, adding sugar, flavored syrups, or large amounts of cream significantly reduces nutritional value. A large latte with flavored syrup may contain up to 50 grams of sugar—more like dessert than a health drink.

2. Sports Electrolyte Drinks: These typically contain high levels of carbohydrates and calories, with some containing food coloring. Unless engaging in intense exercise or continuous athletic competition, most people have little need for carbohydrates from such drinks, as plain water combined with proper electrolyte intake suffices.

3. Alcoholic Beverages: Regular alcohol consumption may elevate blood pressure, affect sleep quality, and trigger inflammation—all factors increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

4. Sugar-Free Soft Drinks: While many choose diet sodas hoping to reduce health impact, synthetic sweeteners may stimulate insulin release and affect gut microbiota balance. Some large studies have found correlations between consuming such drinks and cardiovascular disease risk, though causation remains unclear.

5. High-Sugar Fruit Juice: While fresh fruit is beneficial, fruit juice differs. It contains natural sugars in high amounts but minimal fiber, allowing rapid absorption and quick blood sugar spikes. This may elevate triglyceride levels and trigger increased pancreatic insulin production.

Three Long-Term Heart Health Behaviors:

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a US cardiologist, notes that normal health check results don't guarantee complete heart strength. Heart health requires continuous behavioral adjustments, including:

1. Sleep at least seven hours nightly, as prolonged sleep deprivation may increase blood pressure, trigger inflammation, and elevate stress hormones like cortisol.

2. Exercise regularly to strengthen heart muscle and enable efficient blood circulation.

The death toll from the Ladprao beer bar fire has climbed to 37 after another victim, a 25-year-old female customer, died at Ratchavithi Hospital on July 29, 2025. The fire occurred in the early morning hours of July 12–13, initially killing 36 people and injuring 79 others. Investigators have been gathering evidence and have already interviewed more than 150 witnesses as they build their case. The deceased's remains will be transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police Hospital before being returned to family for funeral arrangements according to their faith.

Deputy Transport Minister Sarrapeetch Bunyamani is spearheading a new dual-track railway project from Chumphon to Ranong to complete a critical missing link in Thailand's rail network. Thailand is entering a crucial phase of infrastructure development, moving from individual project investment to integrated transportation networks where roads, railways, ports, airports, and border crossings work together to enhance the nation's long-term competitiveness. The minister emphasized that modern infrastructure development means connecting existing investments to operate efficiently and maximize economic value for transportation and goods movement.

The Chumphon-Ranong railway project is vital for Thailand's transport network, filling a gap that will allow the main rail network to connect to Andaman deep-sea ports for the first time. Spanning approximately 110 kilometers with investment exceeding 27 billion baht, this strategic link completes the country's rail system like the final puzzle piece. When completed, goods from the north, northeast, central, and southern regions can be transported directly to Ranong port by rail without shifting to truck transport in the final stage, reducing logistics costs, shipping time, and strengthening Thai goods' competitiveness globally.

The project also gives Thailand flexibility in connecting trade across both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman coast. The main rail network will continue connecting to major Gulf ports like Laem Chabang, Bangkok, and Map Ta Phut, while also linking to Ranong as the gateway to the Indian Ocean, connecting with BIMSTEC member countries and Middle Eastern and African markets. When roads, railways, ports, airports, and border stations work efficiently together, Thailand can become a regional logistics hub, reduce supply chain risks, and ensure long-term economic security. The project will boost the economies of Chumphon and Ranong provinces, attracting warehousing, distribution centers, logistics businesses, and related industries, creating employment and income while opening markets for southern agricultural products, seafood, and processed goods.

Many people may not realize that spending prolonged periods on the toilet while using their phones or reading can unknowingly cause hemorrhoids, doctors warn. Gastroenterologists explain that when sitting on the toilet for extended periods, gravity causes blood to accumulate in the rectal area, increasing pressure on blood vessels and potentially leading to hemorrhoid development. Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the anal and lower rectum areas become swollen, causing pain, itching, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding.

Medical experts recommend not sitting for defecation longer than 10-15 minutes and avoiding phone use or reading in the bathroom. If straining without results, patients should stand up and return when the urge returns, rather than straining forcefully, as strong straining also increases pressure on rectal blood vessels. Beyond toilet habits, constipation is a major contributing factor that can be prevented through adequate water intake, consuming at least 25-30 grams of fiber daily, regular exercise, and avoiding holding back bowel movements. If behavioral changes don't help, doctors may recommend laxatives or stool softeners.

For pregnant women, hemorrhoids are common and harder to prevent. Doctors suggest using a footstool to elevate the feet slightly while on the toilet to make defecation easier without straining, and cleaning the anal area with water or wet tissue instead of dry toilet paper to reduce irritation. Doctors emphasize that anyone experiencing persistent symptoms or frequent bleeding should consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

On July 29, 2569, Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, director of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, revealed that a tragic incident occurred in the Khao Sam Roi Yot World Heritage area after officials discovered a male wild bull, approximately 5–7 years old and weighing 800–900 kilograms, with severe injuries to its right front ankle, where its leg had been severed by a tightened animal trap or snare before it collapsed and died.

The incident occurred on July 28 at approximately 09:00 AM, when park rangers at checkpoint 1 (Khao Hin Lad) were informed by a local landowner operating under Section 64 of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562 near Baan Huai Sai, Village 6, Tambon Huai Mae Pring, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province, that an injured bull had entered the area. The park director ordered rescue personnel, special task force rangers from the central patrol division 2, park rangers, and border patrol officers from Unit 144 to investigate and closely monitor the situation.

At approximately 11:30 AM, the bull collapsed in a water channel within the farming plot, and died peacefully at approximately 16:00 PM. Officials then relocated the carcass to the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park headquarters.

On July 29 at 09:00 AM, a veterinary team from the Wildlife Conservation Division, accompanied by the provincial administration led by Kanin Thongkom and Suriya Klom Piemsakul, Deputy District Officer of Kaeng Krachan, along with Major Sanchai Othaworwong, Public Relations Development Officer from Region 1, jointly conducted an autopsy of the bull carcass.

Initial autopsy results found no internal bleeding and no bullet wounds. The veterinarian concluded that death was likely caused by blood infection due to the large open wound on the right ankle from the spring trap, which became severely infected through prolonged contact with soil. Tissue samples were collected for laboratory examination to confirm the findings officially.

Authorities have compiled evidence, prepared investigation reports, and filed charges with Kaeng Krachan Police Station to pursue the perpetrator and conduct legal proceedings. To prevent threats to rare wildlife, the investigating team is preparing to submit a proposal to ban the possession and sale of ready-made spring traps in Phetchaburi Province.