Series

How global warming makes spring allergies worse, and last longer

As spring brings sunlight and warmth to South Korea, more people can be spotted around the city, taking walks, going on runs or enjoying a picnic by the Han River. But for some, the season's arrival brings less joy than usual. Among them is 26-year-old Jeong Seo-yoon, who often struggles with spring allergies that trigger symptoms such as "constant sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and the occasional sore throat," she says. “For me, spring and allergies are like a package deal. You can’t have one

Is napping in your 40s beneficial?

While a full night’s rest remains essential for everyone, the amount of sleep needed varies significantly across age groups. What about naps? It is not unusual for some adults aged over 40 taking naps during the day, whether out of habit, fatigue or necessity. But is this midday rest for older adults a healthy habit, or something that signals underlying health issues? Experts say the answer lies in how long you take a nap and why you do it. Napping is a common practice across cultures and age gr

Are you really 'ugly' before your period?

Social media is flooded with wellness trends, and when it comes to content pushed on the feeds of women, menstruation is one of the largest topics. Lately, one idea has been gaining traction online, the notion that the luteal phase — the part of the menstrual cycle just before one's period — makes you look and feel "ugly." On TikTok and X, users describe this phase as turning them into "the ugliest person alive," pointing to bloating, breakouts, mood swings and cravings. While recognizing the pa

How much are our genes to blame for our allergies?

As spring arrives with blooming flowers and warmer weather, so too come the sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses that plague millions of people each year. Spring allergies, often triggered by pollen from trees, grasses and other plants, are one of the most common seasonal health concerns. But where do allergies come from, and why do some people suffer more than others? Allergies are hypersensitive immune responses to substances that are generally harmless to most people. These substances, known

Hoarding disorder may have bigger implications

A series of tragic fire incidents in South Korea have been linked to individuals with hoarding disorders, raising interest and awareness of the condition characterized by persistent difficulty in discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value. The excessive accumulation of items creates hazardous living conditions, leading to increased fire risks. On Feb. 26, a fire broke out in a single-room apartment in Buk-gu, Busan. Noticing the smell of burning, the landlord entered the unit and f

Influenza and pneumonia, a dangerous combination

Vaccination, hygiene, early detection remain key to defense This winter has brought one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory, significantly increasing the risk of pneumonia as a secondary infection. Health experts warn that influenza weakens the immune system, making it easier for bacterial infections like pneumococcal pneumonia to take hold. Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, the wife of South Korean singer Koo Jun-yup, died from pneumonia after contracting influenza while on a vacation in Japa

Does thinking about sex make your hair grow faster?

In South Korea, it's a popular belief that one way to get one's hair and nails to grow faster is to think naughty thoughts. But is that really the case? Actually, the answer is no. There is no scientific evidence that having erotic thoughts directly makes hair grow faster. Hair growth is primarily regulated by genetics, hormones, blood circulation and overall health, not by thoughts or emotions alone. What exactly is critical for their growth? Since hair and nails constantly regenerate, they req

Has flu become stronger? Truth about influenza

With the South Korean health authorities continuing to emphasize the importance of vaccination, especially with a higher risk of infection during the Lunar New Year holiday which begins on Jan. 25, concerns are growing over handling the flu epidemic that just reached its peak. According to Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency data, the recent flu outbreak saw the highest level of infected patients since 2016. The agency’s hospitalization surveillance data from 220 sample hospitals showed