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Viruses in winter - Features and disease prevention
During the winter, the human body faces increased risks of viral infections due to low temperatures and seasonal factors that contribute to the spread of illnesses. Among the most common viral diseases in the cold season are influenza, ARVI, the common cold, and various respiratory infections. These conditions can severely disrupt daily life, especially for children and the elderly.One of the primary reasons why viruses become more active in winter is the weakening of the immune system. Cold air, dry indoor environments, vitamin deficiencies, lack of sunlight, and limited outdoor activities significantly reduce the body's resistance. In such conditions, viruses can more easily enter the respiratory system, triggering inflammatory processes.Influenza and ARVI. Influenza, one of the most well-known viral diseases, reaches its peak activity during the colder months. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of influenza rises by 20-30% during winter. Key ..
Alzheimer’s disease and eggs – an unexpected research finding
Studies have confirmed that aging and cognitive decline are major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. However, what many people may not realize is that high cholesterol levels in the blood are also an important factor. This issue continues to spark debates among experts. Elevated cholesterol levels can significantly increase the risk of developing mild cognitive impairments and even Alzheimer's disease as one ages.Recently, a meta-analysis was conducted, combining data from seventeen different studies, and was published in the journal Nutrients. The findings revealed that high cholesterol levels in middle age could nearly triple the likelihood of developing cognitive disorders and dementia later in life. This is concerning, as aging naturally leads to a decline in mental functions, and the addition of high cholesterol to the mix may accelerate memory loss and other cognitive issues. However, there is good news, which comes from an unexpected source: eggs.Recent studies ha..
Digital Autism
Uncontrolled smartphone use among children can lead to serious consequences, one of which is the phenomenon known as "digital autism." While this term has not yet been officially recognized in the medical field, it is already widely known among specialists and is actively discussed in the medical community.Early signs of digital autism can manifest as early as infancy. A child who, by the age of five months, is already holding a smartphone not only fails to develop communication skills but also begins to experience developmental delays. This occurs because the child no longer seeks contact with others, as the virtual world provides everything: bright images, cartoons, and games. This reduces the need for real conversations, leading the child to fall behind in speech and social development.The problems worsen as children begin using smartphones at older ages. In school, they may encounter significant difficulties in communication, including increased anxiety. In adolescence,..
Antibiotic Resistance as a Global Health Threat
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most serious threats to global public health. According to statistics, around 35,000 people in the European Union die annually from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. By 2050, this number could exceed 39 million worldwide. This issue requires urgent action at an international level.The main causes of antibiotic resistance are excessive use of these medications and globalization. Studies show that antibiotics are often prescribed without proper justification, leading to the development of resistant strains of bacteria. This is particularly common in outpatient settings, where patients, lacking a clear diagnosis, may be given antibiotics "just in case." This leads to bacteria becoming more resistant to medications, making infections increasingly difficult to treat.One of the factors contributing to the spread of resistant pathogens is international mobility. Patients traveling to countries with high levels of r..
Rise in diabetes cases. Adoption of a diabetes prevention program could change the situation
Seven years ago, endocrinologists in Kazakhstan warned that without a national diabetes prevention program, the country could have a million diabetes patients by 2030. At that time, the number of cases was about 300,000. Unfortunately, the program was never developed, and now, by the end of 2024, over 500,000 people are officially registered as diabetes patients. The actual number is closer to 800,000. This means that every day, about 100 Kazakhstanis are diagnosed with diabetes, and five people lose limbs daily—one of the most dangerous consequences of the disease.Diabetes is not only a significant health threat but also a heavy burden on the national budget. According to the research conducted by the Kazakhstan Diabetes Society, the costs of treating diabetes have been rising each year. The state spends 45 billion tenge (approximately $90 million) annually on diabetes medications. This accounts for 27% of the total budget allocated for medicine, surpassing even the funds ..
A specialized center for treating intestinal diseases has opened in Almaty.
The first of its kind in Kazakhstan, this center focuses on the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), short bowel syndrome (SBS), and nutritional correction. Established at the National Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, it marks a significant step forward in the development of medical care in the country. The center’s uniqueness lies in its combination of advanced diagnostic technologies, comprehensive therapy options, and a multidisciplinary team of highly qualified specialists, allowing patients to receive holistic care and rehabilitation in one place.In recent years, inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have become increasingly relevant both globally and in Kazakhstan. IBD is affecting an ever-growing number of people. According to statistics, approximately 5-10 cases of IBD are reported for every 100,000 people in Kazakhstan, and this number is likely to rise in the coming years due to improved diag..
Healthy vegetables and fruits for improving health in autumn
Autumn is the time when nature pleases us with generous gifts. Vitamins contained in seasonal vegetables and fruits can be a real salvation for the body during the transitional period, when the immune system needs support. So let's figure out which foods should be added to your diet this autumn to replenish the reserves of nutrients.First, it is worth paying attention to pumpkin. This orange vegetable is not only great in soups and casseroles, but also rich in beta-carotene - a precursor of vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy skin and vision. In addition, pumpkin contains a lot of fiber, which helps normalize digestion.Don't forget about beets, which are famous for their rich color and unique properties. They contain not only vitamin C, but also iron, which makes them especially useful for maintaining hemoglobin levels. Beets also help improve blood circulation, which is important in the cold season. Broccoli and cauliflower are other fall heroes. These vegetables are rich in vit..
Your hearing and headphones
In the modern world, headphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. They accompany us on trips, during workouts, on the road, and even at work. However, not everyone realizes that the constant use of these devices can have serious consequences for the health of the ears. Let's figure out whether headphones are really harmful to hearing and how to minimize possible risks.The main problem associated with the use of headphones is their impact on the volume level. When listening to music or audiobooks at high sound levels, especially through in-ear headphones, the risk of hearing damage increases many times over. Doctors warn that sound above 85 dB can cause irreversible changes in the auditory cells, which will eventually lead to hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to control the volume and give your ears a rest.There are several types of headphones: on-ear, in-ear, and wireless. Each model has its own characteristics and potential risks. In-ear headphones, for example, ..
Standards and interpretation of a complete blood count
A complete blood count (CBC) is an indispensable tool in medical diagnostics, allowing for an assessment of a person’s health and the detection of possible issues. This test includes the analysis of various parameters, each of which provides valuable insights into the patient's health. Let’s look at the main components of a CBC, their interpretation, and acceptable norms.The first element is red blood cells, or erythrocytes, which play a key role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Normal values for men range from 4.0 to 5.5 million cells per microliter, while for women, it’s 3.5–5.0 million cells.The next important component is hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen and helps deliver it to cells. Normal levels for men are between 130–170 g/L, and for women, they range from 120 to 150 g/L.Hematocrit shows the proportion of red blood cells in the total blood volume. For men, this level is between 40–50%, and for women, it’s 36–44%.Leukocytes, or white blood cel..
How Fall Affects Blood Sugar
With the arrival of fall, many of us experience changes in our well-being, and our blood sugar levels are no exception. This time of year not only sees changes in the weather, but also changes in our bodies that can affect glucose levels. Many factors, from diet to physical activity, can have a significant impact on this indicator.In the fall, the days become shorter and the temperature drops, which often leads to a decrease in physical activity. With less time outdoors and an increased desire to stay indoors, many people forget about regular exercise. This can affect metabolism and lead to increased blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to remember to include at least a little physical activity in your daily routine - walking, stretching, or home workouts.Don't forget about nutrition, too. With the arrival of fall, we tend to dive into cozy dishes, often rich in carbohydrates. Sweet pumpkin pies, hot drinks with sugar, and a variety of pastries can significantly affect sugar ..
Changes in the health insurance system of Kazakhstan
The Minister of Health of Kazakhstan commented on the changes in the health insurance system, specifying which diseases can be transferred from the state compulsory medical care (SCMC) to the compulsory social health insurance (CSHI). On the sidelines of the Majilis, the head of the department noted that the list of diseases is still being discussed and requires amendments to the legislation. She promised to provide additional information as soon as the list is finally approved.The main objective of the new approach is to ensure that all citizens have access to medical care. The second important aspect is to involve the population in the health insurance system so that each person has certain obligations towards their health. During the analysis by age groups, it was found that some diseases also affect children under 18, who, as is known, are fully insured by the state. These categories of citizens will be gradually transferred to the CSHI package. At the same time, all socially signi..
Changes in the rules for calling an ambulance in Kazakhstan
The country's Minister of Health, Akmaral Alnazarova, commented on the new rules for calling an ambulance in Kazakhstan.According to her, the discussion of the proposed changes was completed recently, and the document has not yet received official approval. However, according to the planned innovations, patients belonging to the 4th category of urgency will be able to call an ambulance only on weekdays from 08:00 to 20:00, and on Saturday. At other times, they will have to independently contact the emergency departments located in medical institutions."Initially, the draft order stated that the ambulance service would operate around the clock for patients of categories 1, 2 and 3. For the 4th category, primary health care will be provided. In order to improve the availability and speed of medical care, it is proposed to transfer responsibility for the 4th category at night to emergency medical care stations, and to leave the working hours of the clinics from 08:00 to 20:00, including S..
Burnout at work
Burnout at work is not just a temporary state of stress that many people experience, but a serious problem that affects their performance and overall well-being. It all starts with debilitating fatigue, which develops into emotional detachment and ends with a feeling of uselessness. People feel that they are losing control over their work and become cynical, which affects both their productivity and their personal lives.Research shows that burnout affects a significant proportion of professionals, especially in areas where high workload and pressure are constant, such as in medicine or finance. It can manifest itself due to overload, conflicts in the team, or lack of support from colleagues and management. The main symptom is complete exhaustion, both physical and emotional. When work stops bringing pleasure, everything seems hard, and each task turns into an insurmountable task.What can you do to cope with this condition? First, it is important to take care of yourself. Without adequa..
Medical products
Medical products are an integral part of health care, both at home and in medical institutions. The variety of products helps not only to maintain physical condition at the proper level, but also to cope with chronic diseases, injuries and other problems. However, the correct choice and use of such products is the key to their effectiveness.One of the main segments of medical products is consumables. These are, for example, bandages, gauze dressings, plasters and syringes. They are needed to provide first aid, treat wounds and infections. Every home, especially if there are small children or elderly people in the family, should be equipped with a minimum set of tools for treating injuries. Having a first aid kit is the basis of safety.No less important are products such as tonometers and glucometers. If a person has problems with blood pressure or diabetes, these devices allow you to monitor your health without regular visits to the doctor. Constant monitoring of blood pressure or suga..
Choosing a frame for glasses
When choosing glasses, it is important to consider not only their functionality, but also how they will look on your face. Frames play a key role in how glasses match your appearance and style. The variety of models and materials allows you to find an option for every taste and for any needs. Let's look at the main types of frames that can suit different requirements.The first type that catches the eye is a full frame. This is a classic option when the lenses are completely surrounded by a frame. Such frames are quite universal, as they suit people with different types of faces and allow you to experiment with design. Full frames are often chosen by those who want to emphasize facial features or emphasize glasses as a fashion accessory. With the help of such a frame, you can easily express your individuality, since the choice of materials and colors is huge: from plastic models in bright shades to metallic in calm tones.If you want something less noticeable, pay attention to semi-rimle..
What to take with you to the maternity hospital
As the time of the baby's birth approaches, many expectant mothers begin to think about what to take with them to the maternity hospital. This is an important stage of preparation, because your comfort at such an important moment will depend on how well you pack in advance. Let's figure out what you should provide for so as not to forget anything.The first thing you should have on hand is your documents. Without them, you will not be able to get into the maternity hospital. Be sure to take your passport, medical insurance policy, exchange card and birth certificate with you. It is better to put all this in a separate folder so that at the last moment you do not run around the apartment looking for the necessary paper.An equally important item is things for the mother. You will need a robe, a nightgown, comfortable slippers, several pairs of socks, and underwear for feeding. Do not forget about postpartum pads - they will definitely come in handy. In addition, take with you everything f..
SHIF explained the reason for delays in payment for medical services
The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) explained the reason for delays in payment for medical services, which caused concern among the population and rumors about a possible reduction in funding. According to the head of the Almaty branch of the SHIF, Ilyas Mukhamedzhan, the delays are due to technical difficulties that arose at the beginning of the year, when it was not possible to launch the Unified System of Compulsory Medical Insurance (ESOMI) based on the E-Densaulyq platform in a timely manner.The Fund had to implement its own system called Saqtandyru, which caused temporary delays in payments for medical services rendered. To minimize the consequences, an advance payment system was introduced, allowing medical service providers to receive up to 70% of the annual budget, which helps ensure the smooth operation of clinics.Mukhamedzhan emphasized that despite the difficulties, patients continue to receive medical care in full. In the event of an overload of medical institutions, i..
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine
American scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ravkan have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Their outstanding discovery is microRNA molecules, which play an important role in regulating gene activity. This study helped us understand how the same genetic kit can work differently in cells, allowing them to specialize in different functions. This discovery has changed our understanding of processes in multicellular organisms, including humans.MicroRNAs help maintain balance in cells, and their importance has proven to be especially important for the development and normal functioning of the body. The discovery of these molecules explains why disruptions in their work can lead to serious diseases such as cancer or diabetes. Scientists have essentially opened a new chapter in the study of gene regulation, which may influence the development of new treatments in the future.This achievement has become a real breakthrough in genetics and molecular biology. It is noteworthy that the N..
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