The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) recommends avoiding the term Mexican flu because it implies a severe public health threat. In fact, the virus is similar to a typical seasonal flu. With the flu epidemic underway in the Netherlands, media reports frequently mention

The Netherlands ranks 12th worldwide for cancer incidence, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. Here, 286.8 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed annually. Denmark tops the list at 326.1 cases per 100,000. Overweight, Alcohol, and Smoking Key FactorsThis high ranking stems from our robus

According to World Health Organization (WHO) experts, as detailed in The Lancet, secondhand smoke claims the lives of 1 in 100 people worldwide. Every year, around 600,000 people die globally from secondhand smoke exposure, including 165,000 children. These findings come from a comprehensive study a

Building a strong immune system is the most effective defense against colds and flu. When immunity weakens, infections take hold more easily. Heres how to empower your body to fight off germs: ExerciseRegular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle. It bolsters your metabolism and immune funct

Research from VU University Medical Center (VUmc) reveals that about 40% of adult patients undergoing surgery have two or more lifestyle risk factors, including overweight, smoking, or excessive alcohol use. These factors increase the risk of complications during surgery and slow recovery. VUmc rese

Breast cancer care has advanced notably in recent years. Research by the Health Care Inspectorate shows that by 2009, consultations between doctors and treatment teams had increased, enabling more accurate diagnoses before surgery.These changes have also enhanced outcomes for breast-conserving opera

Research from the University of Chicagos General Clinical Research Center shows that insufficient sleep cuts fat loss by half. This seems counterintuitive: less sleep could mean more activity and calorie burn. Yet it proves untrue. Sleep deprivation heightens muscle mass loss, undermining body compo

Research led by Professor Carrie Ruxton and colleagues reveals that drinking tea can help prevent weight gain triggered by high-fat diets, based on a controlled study with mice. The investigation uncovered multiple health benefits of drinking tea, especially in mitigating poor dietary impacts. Mice

The Australian Q-VAX vaccine against Q fever is now accessible in the Netherlands.Individuals with specific cardiovascular conditions face a higher risk of severe, prolonged illness from Q fever. Following advice from the Health Council, the government has made the vaccine available to this risk gro

Research by the Consumers Association, published in Gezondgids, shows brown bread rolls often contain the least fiber among tested options. Many assume dark bread is healthiest with more fiber than lighter bread. Think again—appearances deceive! The two darkest bake-off rolls had the least fiber ove

Stay vigilant: The Netherlands could soon face a flu epidemic now that schools have reopened. Children are likely to spread it rapidly among themselves, based on data from Grotegriepmeter.nl, a trusted flu monitoring site.This online flu tracker, launched in 2003, now engages 17,000 Dutch participan

Researchers at the French institute ETAP have found that probiotics not only promote balanced gut flora but also help treat psychological disorders.In their study, probiotics significantly reduced feelings of anxiety in rats. The research extended to human participants, who were psychologically eval

Research from the University of Medicine and Dentistry, led by Dr. Michelle Wien, shows that almonds can significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The study, involving adults over 65 with prediabetes, demonstrated that a diet rich in almonds improves insulin sensitivity and

The Netherlands healthcare system faces growing pressures on quality, accessibility, and affordability. To address this, medical specialists at Bronovo Hospital in The Hague created the Health Risk Test—because prevention is better than cure. Rising demand for careHealthcare needs are surging annual

Nearly half of Dutch adults experience morning grumpiness, according to a Synovate study commissioned by Hero FruitOntbijt among over 1,000 respondents. Of those surveyed, 48% admitted to sometimes getting out of bed on the wrong foot. Interestingly, their partners reported this figure rising to 54%

Navigating gluten-free options can be challenging for those with allergies. Santé offers practical tips to simplify your shopping. The Gardens drugstore has expanded its gluten-free range to over 150 products. Shoppers with gluten allergies can find sandwiches, pasta, speculaas dolls, soup, and panc

Individuals seeking support for psychological, social, and societal challenges are increasingly turning to online platforms. This trend is backed by data from the Online Help Network, a collaborative of mental health institutions, youth care services, social work agencies, and volunteer organization

Lighter Life is the title of the new perpetual calendar crafted by Nannet van der Ham, a certified weight, exercise, and life coach with years of experience helping clients achieve balance. Nannet explains that a heavier body often stems from a burdened mind. Shedding physical weight frees up ener

Starting today, more than 1,400 pharmacies across the Netherlands are welcoming visitors during Diabetes Week to assess their risk of diabetes. Expert pharmacists are raising awareness about critical health risks through informative consultations. During Diabetes Week, anyone interested can have the

Half of Dutch adults want to eat healthier and more sustainably. This comes from the Nutrition Centers online survey Nutrition in 2020: Healthy and Sustainable Food, conducted by research agency GfK. The October 2010 survey polled 1,538 Dutch people aged 18 and older. A third of respondents said the