Health

Migraine is Not “Just a Headache”

Health

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders, disproportionately affecting women in the most productive years of their lives, preventing them from living a quality and productive life. Despite its prevalence, migraine remains underrecognized and inadequately treated, which often leads to the development of chronic forms with complications that could be prevented.

In Migraine Awareness Month, pharmaceutical company Teva, which has been developing therapies for neurological disorders for more than 30 years, aims to draw public attention to the seriousness of this disease – reports Sombor.info.

According to data analyzed by Teva, migraine is the leading cause of disability among young people and women. More than 90 percent of patients say this disease negatively affects their quality of life. As many as 86 percent believe that society still does not understand the seriousness of migraine.

Data show that every seventh employee in Serbia suffers from migraine – almost 17 percent of the working population. Often, it takes years to reach the right diagnosis: for almost half of patients, that process lasts more than three years. All this happens at a time when medicine already has modern preventive therapies that significantly alleviate symptoms.

“September is the month dedicated to migraine, and as a neurologist who listens daily to the invisible burden of migraine, I must emphasize the fact – migraine is not just pain,” says Dr. Aleksandar Pantović of the Migraine Association of Serbia, adding that it is a complex disorder of neurological functions that disrupts careers, disturbs family life, and quietly erodes the quality of everyday life.

Experts warn that migraine is often diagnosed with great delay or not diagnosed at all, leaving patients to resort to self-medication.

“People with migraine struggle without clear direction, while over time occasional pain grows into a daily one,” stresses Dr. Pantović.

This situation creates a vicious circle in which patients, mostly women of working age, become incapacitated for normal functioning, which has significant consequences not only for their personal lives but also for overall social productivity.

The encouraging news is that in Serbia there are new, modern migraine therapies specifically designed to treat this neurological disorder and that bring positive outcomes for many patients.

“These are not usual painkillers, but evidence-based medicines that act in a targeted and precise way on the molecules that transmit pain,” emphasizes Dr. Pantović.

“Patients who once lived in constant fear of attacks are today regaining control, productivity, and dignity,” he states.

Neurological experts call on the public to recognize migraine as a serious neurological disease that deserves understanding, respect, and adequate treatment. At the same time, they encourage patients to seek professional help instead of resorting to self-medication.

“If you live with migraine, seek professional help. The path of self-treatment is difficult and unnecessary, because effective medical solutions exist,” says Dr. Pantović.

As an important step in raising awareness and knowledge about headaches, on October 24, 2025, the National Symposium “Headaches through Science and Practice” will be held in Belgrade.

The symposium is organized by the Neurology Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Serbia, the National Headache Association of Serbia (NUGS), and the Migraine Association of Serbia.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend lectures by domestic and prominent international experts in the field of headaches.

This professional gathering represents a significant contribution to educating both medical professionals and the wider public about the importance of recognizing, diagnosing, and adequately treating migraine as a serious neurological disorder.

Forget 10,000 steps: New study shows how much you need to walk to be healthier

Health

Walking 7,000 steps a day may be enough to improve brain function and help protect against various diseases, according to a large study.

That might be a more realistic goal than 10,000 steps, which is often considered the standard to aim for.

The research, published in the journal Lancet Public Health, showed that this number is associated with a reduced risk of serious health problems, including cancer, dementia, and heart disease, reports the BBC.

The findings could encourage more people to track their steps as a practical way to improve health, researchers say.

“We have the perception that we need to reach 10,000 steps a day,” says lead author Dr. Melody Ding, “but that’s not evidence-based.”

Ten thousand steps equal about five miles or eight kilometers. The exact distance varies from person to person, depending on stride length, which in turn depends on height, gender, and walking speed – faster walkers take longer strides.

The 10,000-step figure originated from a marketing campaign in Japan in the 1960s. Ahead of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, a pedometer called manpo-kei was launched, which translates as “10,000-step counter.”

Dr. Ding says the figure was “taken out of context” and became an informal guideline that many fitness devices and apps still recommend.

The study published in The Lancet analyzed previous research and health and activity data from more than 160,000 adults worldwide.

Compared to those who walked 2,000 steps a day, walking 7,000 steps a day was found to reduce the risk of:

cardiovascular disease – by 25%
cancer – by 6%
dementia – by 38%
depression – by 22%

However, the researchers note that some figures may not be entirely precise as they come from a limited number of studies.

Overall, the review suggests that even modest amounts of walking – about 4,000 steps a day – lead to better health compared with very low activity levels of just 2,000 steps.

For most health conditions, the benefits stabilize after 7,000 steps, although additional benefits for heart health exist at higher step counts.

“It’s about getting out and moving”

Jon Stride, who often walks as many as 16,000 steps a day, told the BBC that we shouldn’t just focus on numbers.

“It’s about getting out and moving, and the mental health benefits that are tangible, even if they’re not as easy to quantify as step counts.”

Stride, 64, began walking daily after suffering a heart attack in 2022 – inspired by his father-in-law who had one at the same age.

“I live in a rural part of Dorset, and I usually walk for an hour in the morning. I’m the only one walking without a dog.”

Jon says step-counting on his phone gives him both a challenge and health benefits: “When you hit a certain number, you think – I can walk a bit more.”

Most physical activity guidelines focus on time spent exercising rather than on step counts.

For example, the World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.

Dr. Ding says such recommendations can sometimes be hard for people to understand, but they remain important.

“There are people who swim, cycle, or have physical disabilities that prevent them from taking steps,” she explains.

But she adds that a step-based recommendation could be included as a “supplement.”

Dr. Daniel Bailey, a sedentary behavior and health expert at Brunel University London, says this study challenges the “myth” that 10,000 steps a day are necessary.

While 10,000 is a good target for those who are more active, he says a goal of 5,000 to 7,000 may be “more realistic and achievable” for others.

Dr. Andrew Scott, senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology at the University of Portsmouth, agrees that the exact number is not crucial.

He says “more is always better” and people shouldn’t worry if they don’t reach a certain target, especially on less active days.

Azeem Majeed, a general practitioner and professor at Imperial College London, says that even fewer steps can benefit older people or those with chronic illnesses.

Although he says “walking is generally a physically easy activity,” people with heart disease, arthritis, or chronic lung conditions may find it difficult.

But he adds that household chores “such as vacuuming or gardening” can also contribute to daily physical activity.

Childhood Loneliness Linked to Dementia Risk

Health

Parents who worry because their child struggles to make friends, has difficulties with communication, or seems overly inclined to solitude have reason for concern—not only because of early-life isolation.

A group of doctors based in Australia, China, and the United States found evidence that the consequences of loneliness in early childhood are not limited to that period but may show their most severe effects long after the parents have passed away.

“Childhood loneliness was associated with faster cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia in midlife and later adulthood,” the researchers stated in a study published by the American Medical Association.

Even if a lonely child grows up to become a social and outgoing adult, they are still more likely to face cognitive problems later in life compared to those who did not experience loneliness in childhood, the study authors added—reports N1.

The findings are based on a “cohort study” conducted using data from about 13,500 participants collected between 2011 and 2018 from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

“Given the current lack of effective treatments to slow the progression of dementia, identifying early, modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia is crucial for developing preventive strategies to mitigate this growing disease burden,” the team noted, calling for interventions early in life to reduce risks decades later.

“These findings suggest that childhood loneliness may serve as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in later adulthood,” the researchers from Capital Medical University in Beijing, La Trobe University in Melbourne, Boston University School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, Edith Cowan University, and Zhejiang University concluded.

New Study Reveals Why Healthy Women Experience Heart Attacks and Strokes

Health

Previous research has shown that women have a higher risk of dying from heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke, than men.

Cardiovascular diseases know no age: today, according to the Cardiometabolic Institute, one in five patients with a heart attack is younger than 40 years. The statistics are even more alarming for women.

Previous research has shown that women have a higher risk of dying from heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke, than men.

The risk of cardiovascular diseases also “dramatically increases” after menopause. However, despite this information, researchers claim that women with heart problems are often not diagnosed or treated.

This is a common situation for women who do not have the standard modifiable risk factors for heart disease — medically called “SMuRF” — and who are ultimately considered “healthy” by their doctors.

The four main SMuRF factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. However, statistics are clear: you can be “SMuRF-less” and still suffer a heart attack or stroke, writes Best Life.

According to a new study in Preventive Cardiology, published in the European Heart Journal, a blood test called hsCRP could help identify women who are at risk but are not detected through traditional screening methods.

The research was conducted by doctors at Mass General Brigham Hospital and was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025.

“Women who have a heart attack or stroke without standard modifiable risk factors are not identified by the risk equations doctors use in daily practice,” said Dr. Paul Ridker, a preventive cardiologist at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Mass General Brigham, in a statement.

He adds that their data clearly show that seemingly healthy women who have inflammation carry significant risk throughout their lives.

“We should be identifying these women in their 40s, when they can begin preventive care, rather than waiting until the disease develops in their 70s, when it is often too late to make any real difference,” he said.

The abbreviation for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein is hsCRP. This protein is produced by the liver, and elevated levels of CRP indicate inflammation in the body, explains the Mayo Clinic.

“High levels of hsCRP in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart attack. Also, people who have already had a heart attack are at greater risk of another one if their hsCRP is elevated. However, their risk decreases when hsCRP is in the normal range,” the clinic says.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking are the four main risk factors for heart disease, but obesity, age, family history, poor diet, lack of exercise, and alcohol consumption also increase the risk.

It is important to note that the symptoms of a heart attack often manifest differently in women than in men.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, common heart attack symptoms in women include pain or discomfort in the upper body, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold sweat, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Dizziness When Standing Up: Harmless Occurrence or Sign of a Serious Illness?

Health

Although often just a temporary discomfort, recurring dizziness may indicate more serious health problems that should not be ignored.

The feeling of dizziness or brief lightheadedness after standing up from a sitting or lying position is extremely common. Many simply attribute it to moving too quickly and continue with their day without thinking much about the cause. This phenomenon is actually a form of low blood pressure that occurs only when the body changes position, and medically it is called orthostatic or postural hypotension.

Although episodes are usually mild and last only a few seconds, prolonged and frequent dizziness can be a signal of more serious health problems. It is important to understand why this happens and to recognize the moment when medical advice is needed, because ignoring the symptoms may lead to dangerous falls and injuries, especially in older people.

While occasional episodes are usually harmless, chronic and recurrent orthostatic hypotension is often a sign of another underlying health issue.

Various conditions can interfere with the body’s ability to properly regulate blood pressure. Heart problems such as extremely slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart valve disease, previous heart attack, or heart failure prevent the body from pumping enough blood at the necessary speed.

Endocrine disorders, including thyroid diseases, adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), and low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), can also trigger orthostatic hypotension.

Diabetes is especially important to mention, as over time it can damage the nerves responsible for sending signals that control blood pressure.

There are also neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia, which can directly damage the autonomic nervous system that controls this vital function.

Dizziness Is Not a Disease but a Symptom – When Should We Worry?

Don’t ignore the symptoms: There are multiple causes of dizziness, and one of them can be quite serious
In many cases, occasional dizziness upon standing is caused by something obvious and can be easily corrected. Dehydration is one of the most common culprits; when the body lacks fluids, blood volume decreases, leading to a drop in blood pressure and making symptoms more likely, especially in the morning after a night without drinking. Conditions such as fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, or intense exercise followed by heavy sweating have a similar effect.

Prolonged bed rest due to illness or injury can also weaken the body’s mechanisms for regulating blood pressure.

Additionally, exposure to high temperatures, which causes blood vessels to dilate and sweating, as well as alcohol consumption, which also dilates blood vessels and can lead to dehydration, are frequent triggers for orthostatic hypotension.

The reason for this phenomenon is simple – gravity. When you stand up suddenly, gravity pulls blood into the lower part of the body, especially the legs. As a result, less blood is temporarily delivered to the heart and therefore to the brain, causing a drop in blood pressure. A healthy body reacts immediately: the heart begins to beat faster to compensate, and blood vessels constrict to raise blood pressure. This quick response ensures that the brain receives enough oxygen. However, if this mechanism is slowed or insufficient, dizziness occurs.

The most common and obvious symptom is dizziness or lightheadedness immediately after standing up, but the range of possible manifestations is wider. People may experience blurred vision, general weakness, confusion, nausea, and in more severe cases, fainting, known as syncope.

Symptoms usually last less than a few minutes and disappear as soon as the person sits or lies down again, allowing blood to return more easily to the heart and brain.

Sometimes there may also be chest, neck, or shoulder pain, as well as shortness of breath, which can be additionally distressing for the person experiencing them.

It is important to monitor the frequency and intensity of these symptoms so you can provide accurate information to your doctor – writes B92.

Liver damage can easily be overlooked: Never ignore these unusual signs

Health

The liver is one of the most important organs in the body, but problems with its function often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed.

This is exactly why it is important to pay attention to the subtle signs our body sends us, even if we might easily think that something is harmless.

Liver damage can progress for years without any visible symptoms. In some cases, the liver loses up to 90 percent of its function before clear signs appear that something is wrong. That is why it is crucial to recognize small but significant changes that indicate the liver is overloaded or damaged.

Signs to watch out for

1. Feeling of fullness on the right side of the abdomen

A feeling of heaviness or pressure under the right rib may be the result of an enlarged or inflamed liver. Many mistake this feeling for digestive issues or muscle pain, but if it recurs, it should be taken seriously. The pain sometimes spreads toward the right shoulder.

2. Fatigue and reduced endurance

If you feel constantly exhausted, even though you sleep enough and eat regularly, the reason may lie in the liver. When the liver is not functioning properly, the body's ability to produce energy is reduced.

3. Itchy skin, especially on the feet

Chronic itching, especially on the soles, may be a sign that the liver is failing to properly filter bile salts, which then end up in the bloodstream. This itching does not go away with creams or antihistamines and often worsens at night.

4. Red spots and spider veins on the skin

When liver function is weakened, hormonal imbalance occurs, particularly an increase in estrogen levels. As a result, small red spots or dilated capillaries may appear on the upper body, most often on the chest and arms. In men, breast tissue enlargement may also occur.

5. Low vitamin D levels

The liver activates vitamin D in the body. If it is not functioning properly, a deficiency of this essential vitamin develops, which can weaken the immune system, cause muscle pain, and increase the risk of inflammation. This is often not immediately associated with the liver, although the link is direct.

Why you should not ignore these symptoms

Each of the above symptoms alone may not seem alarming. However, when they appear together – abdominal pressure, chronic fatigue, skin problems, and vitamin D deficiency – this can be a serious sign that the liver is suffering.

Since the liver does not send "loud" signals like some other organs, we must carefully listen to the quiet ones. Early response, through dietary changes, more physical activity, quitting alcohol, and medical check-ups, can help prevent permanent damage – reports B92.

Magnesium Mistakes – Which Form is Best for the Heart, and Which for the Brain, Muscles, and Digestion

Health

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for the human body – it participates in over 300 enzymatic reactions.

Magnesium helps in energy production, muscle function, stabilization of the nervous system, heart health, strengthening bones and teeth, while also supporting immunity.

It is also crucial for protein and nucleic acid synthesis, carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, as well as for balancing minerals like calcium, zinc, and vitamin D – reports Sombor.info.

How much magnesium do we need?

The recommended daily dose is about 320 mg for women and 420 mg for men, while needs increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stress, obesity, chronic diseases (diabetes, intestinal diseases), and the use of certain medications (diuretics, antacids) also increase magnesium requirements.

Although magnesium can be obtained from food – nuts, seeds, leafy vegetables, legumes, and whole grains – many people turn to supplements. The problem is that most people choose the wrong form, writes Živim.hr.

Which forms of magnesium exist?

Magnesium in supplements can be bound to inorganic compounds (oxide, sulfate, chloride) or organic acids and amino acids (glycinate, citrate, malate, threonate, taurate, orotate).

Organic forms are better absorbed and gentler on digestion.

Inorganic forms often act mainly as laxatives and contribute less to actual magnesium needs.

Most common forms and their uses:
Magnesium oxide – low absorption (about 4%), mainly used as a laxative or for heartburn.
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) – poor oral absorption, used in baths for muscle relaxation or as a laxative.
Magnesium chloride – better absorption (20–30%), often in sprays, oils, or baths.
Magnesium citrate – medium absorption (25–30%), useful for fatigue, cramps, and occasional constipation.
Magnesium lactate and gluconate – mild forms, suitable for children, the elderly, and those with sensitive stomachs.
Magnesium aspartate and malate – high absorption (50–60%), excellent for athletes and people with chronic fatigue.
Magnesium taurate and orotate – support heart health and endurance.
Magnesium glycinate (bisglycinate) – “gold standard,” absorption up to 80%, gentle on digestion, ideal for stress, insomnia, and muscle tension.
Magnesium threonate – crosses the blood-brain barrier, improves memory, concentration, and mental sharpness.

Which one to choose?

For best absorption and tolerance – glycinate.

For energy and chronic fatigue – malate.

For heart health – taurate or orotate.

For brain function and concentration – threonate.

Oxide and sulfate mainly serve as laxatives or in baths.

Magnesium-rich foods

Best natural sources are:

Plant sources: wheat bran, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, wheat germ, cashews, whole grains (bulgur, brown rice, barley), legumes (beans, lentils, peas), green leafy vegetables (spinach, chard).

Fruits: avocado, banana, dates, raisins.

Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more).

Animal sources: fish (salmon, mackerel), chicken, beef, pork.

Magnesium absorption is hindered by phytates, oxalates, excessive calcium and saturated fat intake, while it is improved by vitamin D, vitamin B6, and lactose.

How to recognize magnesium deficiency?

Mild deficiency often occurs due to unbalanced diet, stress, diarrhea, diabetes, intense physical activity, kidney disease, or use of diuretics.

Most common symptoms:

Muscles: cramps (especially at night), tremors, weakness, tingling.

Nervous system: insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, depression, concentration problems.

Heart and blood pressure: arrhythmias, palpitations, high blood pressure.

Digestive system: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation.

Other: fatigue, irritability, increased sensitivity to stress.

Normal magnesium blood concentration is 0.75–0.95 mmol/L. Deficiency can be mild (with minimal symptoms) or severe, with pronounced muscle and heart problems.

If you suspect magnesium deficiency, it is best to do laboratory tests and consult a doctor before taking supplements.

Every Mole Can Be Dangerous – Here’s How to Recognize Melanoma

Health

Dr. Tamara Jelikić, dermatologist, explains where melanoma can appear besides the skin, and how to recognize and treat this condition

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes – the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin. It can appear on an existing mole or previously unchanged skin. Apart from the skin, it can also occur in the eye, mucous membranes, or under the nails.

In its early stages, melanoma may look like an ordinary mole, but it differs by irregular edges, changes in color, and rapid growth.

The diagnosis is made through a dermatological examination, often with the help of dermoscopy, and confirmed by a histopathological report after the suspicious lesion has been removed, reports Sombor.info.

How dangerous is melanoma and why is it called the deadliest skin tumor?

“Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer because it spreads quickly to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and internal organs. If not treated on time, it can be fatal. Its significance is also shown by the fact that it is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide in both sexes,” explains Dr. Jelikić.

How common is melanoma in our country and which groups are most at risk?

According to data, about 700 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed annually in Serbia.

The most at-risk are people who:

have fair skin,
light eyes,
a large number of moles,
or are often exposed to the sun without protection.

Also, people who have already had melanoma or have family members with the disease are at increased risk. Distribution by sex varies with age – in the population aged 30 to 35, it occurs more often in women, due to greater sun exposure and the use of tanning beds. This is why prevention and regular dermatological check-ups are extremely important.

“Around 200 patients die from melanoma every year,” says Dr. Jelikić.

How can we protect ourselves from melanoma?

Protection from UV radiation is key in melanoma prevention. It is recommended to:

wear protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts,
use sunscreens with a high SPF,
avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 5 pm,
not use tanning beds and UV lamps during cosmetic treatments,
do regular self-checks of the skin and dermatological examinations.

Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2–3 hours.

Babies under six months should not be exposed to the sun at all, while older infants should wear clothing with UV filters. These measures significantly reduce the risk of developing melanoma.

Does tanning really increase the risk of melanoma?

“Yes! Using tanning beds increases the risk of developing melanoma. Just one session in a tanning bed raises the risk of melanoma by 20%. UV radiation from tanning beds can cause DNA damage in the skin, leading to malignant changes. That’s why avoiding tanning beds and other sources of UV radiation is strongly advised,” stresses Dr. Jelikić.

Since 2019, the use of tanning beds has been banned in Serbia for people under 18, while others require written consent with a warning about the risks they carry.

Do all melanomas look like a strange mole?

“No, melanomas do not always manifest as unusual moles. However, changes in color, shape, or size of a mole can be a warning sign. That’s why regular dermoscopic skin examinations are important, as they allow a more detailed analysis of changes not visible to the naked eye,” says Dr. Jelikić.

Is it true that only moles that bleed and hurt should worry us?

“No. Bleeding and pain are often signs of mole injury. That’s why a dermoscopic examination by a dermatologist is always necessary to determine whether further diagnostics or mole removal is needed,” says Dr. Jelikić.

When should I see a dermatologist? How often should I have check-ups?

“See a dermatologist if you notice a new skin change, or if an existing one grows, changes color, has unclear edges, or simply looks different compared to before or to other spots on your skin,” explains Dr. Jelikić.

If you don’t notice such changes, one dermoscopic skin check-up per year is enough. If you have previously had melanoma or another skin tumor, regular monitoring as advised by your dermatologist is required.

If melanoma is detected early, what are the chances of recovery?

If melanoma is detected in its earliest stages, known as in situ, surgical removal is considered curative, since in these stages the tumor is limited only to the surface layers of the skin and has not spread deeper or to distant organs.

Also, diagnosing melanoma early reduces the risk of distant metastases and has a better prognosis.

Can mole removal cause melanoma to spread?

“No, proper mole removal does not cause melanoma to spread. On the contrary, if melanoma is suspected, its surgical removal is key to early diagnosis and subsequent proper treatment and monitoring,” says Dr. Jelikić.

Melanoma is a serious but largely preventable disease. Regular dermatological check-ups, responsible sun behavior, and avoiding tanning beds significantly reduce the risk of developing it.

“The key is early detection – skin changes should not be ignored but checked on time. Taking care of your skin’s health is not just an aesthetic issue but a matter of life,” concludes Dr. Jelikić.