The incidence of chickenpox is rising in Latvia; the SPKC urges to avoid contact with items potentially contaminated by water, soil, and rats, as well as skin lesions; it is important to treat injuries in a timely manner, protect them with a bandage, and wash hands after contact with nature, gardening, or animals. (translated)
Elina Pyakhklimyagi emphasizes that parents need a clear and accessible explanation of HPV vaccination so they can make informed decisions about their children's health, avoiding pressure and fear. (translated)
The use of xylitol, previously considered a safe sweetener, is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, raising doubts about its long-term use. (translated)
The pharmacist warns that unconscious intake of vitamins in autumn can be dangerous for health, as even natural supplements can lead to side effects, and it is recommended to take vitamin D only from the end of September to March-April. (translated)
Doctors warn about vaccination problems among schoolchildren, as in 2025, about 30% of seven-year-old children did not undergo scheduled revaccination, and a significant number of adolescents are finishing school without the necessary protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, highlighting the need to ensure high vaccination coverage levels to prevent the spread of infections. (translated)
In the Postimees study, cardiologists discuss alarming statistics regarding high cholesterol and the risk of heart disease in Estonia, focusing on factors such as diet, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle, in the context of a possible deterioration in diagnosis and access to medical care from 2027. (translated)
Research published in the journal Nature Medicine shows that environmental and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and physical activity, have a much greater impact on the rate of aging and the risk of premature death than genetic predisposition. (translated)
The article states that while the popular goal of 10,000 steps a day is not necessarily essential for ensuring health, as few as 3,967 steps can reduce the risk of death, with a higher number of steps being associated with an even lower risk, suggesting that any physical activity is beneficial compared to a sedentary lifestyle. (translated)
By following simple habits such as regular physical exercise, healthy eating, communication, solving crosswords, and taking care of hearing, one can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, which affects memory and cognitive abilities. (translated)
Scientists have developed a new online tool MEDWACS that estimates the risk of prediabetes without the need for blood tests using seven simple measurements, including waist circumference and thigh length, and its effectiveness has been shown to be comparable to traditional methods. (translated)
Often, cute dog breeds like pugs and French bulldogs have serious health problems, prompting Estonia to introduce mandatory tests and studies, and it is important for future owners to familiarize themselves with the specific risks before making the decision to adopt an animal from a shelter. (translated)
New research on mice has shown that polyethylene, a common type of plastic, may disrupt liver function and worsen health problems such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, suggesting that microplastics may be more health-threatening than previously thought. (translated)
The police are investigating the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who actively shared her mental health struggles and became known for her roles in popular series, as well as her relationship with Vladimir Klitschko. (translated)
The Minister of Social Affairs, Karme Joller, hinted that some ambulance services could be charged in the future, but healthcare experts are concerned about the unclear criteria for assessing what constitutes an unjustified call-out. (translated)
According to new extensive research in the USA, regular consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with up to a 30% increased risk of prostate cancer in men, with this relationship remaining relevant even when taking into account age, smoking, nationality, and socioeconomic status. (translated)
Research conducted in Finland revealed that regular coffee consumers have a lower proportion of body fat and a higher proportion of muscle mass even with the same BMI, suggesting that coffee may positively affect body composition and metabolism. (translated)
A new study has shown that time-restricted eating can significantly improve cognitive abilities; however, larger studies are needed to confirm the results, as nearly half of dementia cases can be prevented by changing dietary habits and lifestyle. (translated)
In Estonia, thanks to the conscious consumption of folic acid, the number of newborns with serious congenital defects of the brain and spinal cord has been reduced to nearly zero, which has led to the prediction that by 2026, not a single case will be recorded. (translated)
Regular measurement of blood pressure is necessary, as hypertension often occurs without symptoms and can lead to serious health consequences, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, dementia, and organ damage. (translated)
An 18-year-old Norwegian who received incorrect treatment for thyroid cancer won a court case and received a record compensation due to irreversible brain damage caused by an overdose of a hormonal drug that was mistakenly considered a mental disorder. (translated)
