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WHO Warns: Numerous Diseases Arise as a Consequence of Loneliness

WHO Warns: Numerous Diseases Arise as a Consequence of Loneliness

One in six people in the world suffers from loneliness, which – along with social isolation – can lead to the development of numerous physical illnesses, ultimately resulting in 871,000 deaths annually worldwide, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) commission.

Loneliness increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, the development of diabetes, depression, anxiety, and, ultimately, suicide, the WHO reported.

It has been recorded that lonely teenagers are 22 percent more likely to achieve lower grades in school compared to their peers who are not lonely. At the same time, lonely adults find it more difficult to get and keep a job – reports N1.

The impact of loneliness is not only individual but also social – reflected in billions of costs for the functioning of healthcare systems and job losses.

The co-chair of the WHO commission, Vivek Murthy, defines loneliness as “a painful, subjective feeling that many of us experience when the relationships we need do not match the ones we have.” In contrast, social isolation represents an objective state of having fewer contacts, relationships, or interactions.

According to the report, in today’s world, one in three elderly people and one in four adolescents live in social isolation.

The causes of this include numerous illnesses, poor education, low income, lack of opportunities for social interaction, living alone, and excessive reliance on digital technologies.

Murthy emphasizes that for thousands of years, people have been accustomed to communicating not only with words, but also with facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, or even silence – forms of communication that are lost when people rely solely on mobile phones and social media.

Chili Peppers Significantly Increase the Risk of Dementia

Chili Peppers Significantly Increase the Risk of Dementia

Dementia is one of the most challenging diseases of modern times, and the number of people affected is constantly rising worldwide.

Experts warn that, along with proper brain care—which includes mental exercises, physical activity, and a healthy diet—it is also very important to know which foods should be avoided.

Scientific research shows that certain types of food can increase the risk of developing dementia and accelerate cognitive decline – reports klix.ba.

Foods That Can Increase the Risk of Dementia:

Processed Meat

Processed meats, such as salami, sausages, and others, contain high levels of sodium and trans fats, which are harmful to the cardiovascular system. A study published in the journal *Neurology* showed that people who consume more than a quarter portion of red meat daily have a 13% higher risk of developing dementia.

Ultra-Processed Foods

Foods rich in added sugars, preservatives, artificial colors, and other chemical additives are classified as ultra-processed. A 2022 study published in *JAMA Neurology* indicates that individuals whose daily caloric intake consists of more than 20% of such foods experience a 25% faster cognitive decline.

Spicy Food

People who consume more than 50 grams of chili peppers daily are nearly twice as likely to experience a decline in cognitive abilities.

Alcohol

A study published in 2023 in *JAMA Network Open* found that moderate alcohol consumption—one drink per day—can reduce the risk of dementia by 21%. However, those who drink three or more drinks per day have an 8% increased risk.

Artificially Sweetened Drinks

Additionally, individuals who consume at least one artificially sweetened drink daily have a three times higher risk of developing dementia.

Added Sugars

Excessive sugar intake is linked to insulin resistance, which can negatively affect brain function. People who drink between one and seven sweetened beverages weekly have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia.

Recommended Diet for Preserving Cognitive Health

To reduce the risk of dementia, experts recommend a diet rich in:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Legumes
Nuts and seeds
Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel

Nutritionist Erin Palinski-Wade emphasizes that food rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants can protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in the development of dementia.

Bacterial vs. Viral Infection – Blood Test Results

Bacterial vs. Viral Infection – Blood Test Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common and well-known blood test that doctors use to assess general health and detect various disorders, including infections.

When it comes to distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections, certain CBC parameters provide key insights – reports Sombor.info.

Key CBC Components Related to Infection

Leukocytes – These cells help our body fight infections. The total white blood cell count shows whether there is an infection present in the body.

Neutrophils – A type of white blood cell that is most commonly elevated in bacterial infections.

Lymphocytes – Another type of white blood cell, typically elevated in viral infections.

Monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils – Other types of leukocytes that provide additional insight into our immune response.

Differences in CBC Results for Bacterial and Viral Infections

Total White Blood Cell Count:

Bacterial Infections – Often cause an increase in the total number of white blood cells. This is known as leukocytosis.

Viral Infections – May not significantly increase the total white blood cell count and can sometimes lead to a decrease (leukopenia).

Neutrophils:

Bacterial Infections – Usually cause an increase in neutrophils, especially immature ones (known as band neutrophils). This phenomenon is called a "left shift."

Viral Infections – Typically do not cause an increase in neutrophils and may even decrease their absolute number.

Lymphocytes:

Bacterial Infections – Typically do not cause an increase in lymphocytes.

Viral Infections – Usually lead to an increase in lymphocytes. This is known as lymphocytosis.

Example of a Bacterial Infection:

A patient with a bacterial infection may have a high white blood cell count, a large number of neutrophils, and possibly an increased number of immature neutrophils (bands).

Example of a Viral Infection:

A patient with a viral infection may have a normal or slightly reduced white blood cell count, with a higher proportion of lymphocytes.

Why Is This Important?

“Understanding these differences helps doctors decide on treatment and therapy plans. Bacterial infections are often treated with antibiotics, while viral infections are not,” explains biochemist Mr. Sonja Šuput for Stetoskop.

The misuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance, which is why properly identifying the type of infection is crucial.

“Although CBC results can provide important clues for treatment, they are just one part of the diagnostic puzzle. Clinicians consider these results along with symptoms, physical examination findings, and other test results to make a comprehensive diagnosis,” she adds.

How to Protect Your Skin from Drying Out After Swimming in the Sea - Dermatologists’ Tips

How to Protect Your Skin from Drying Out After Swimming in the Sea - Dermatologists’ Tips

Summer without the sea isn't real summer for many, but if you've ever spent a day at the beach, gone swimming, and felt your skin tight and dry afterwards, you're not alone.

While most of us accept this as “normal after the sea,” science has now explained exactly why this happens and what you can do to save your skin that same evening.

Salt Equals Skin Dehydration

New research published in the journal "Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials" reveals what actually happens when we bathe in saltwater.

Scientists analyzed how freshwater and seawater affect the skin, and the results are clear: seawater significantly increases skin stiffness and creates what they call “drying stress.” In short, that’s why our skin feels tight, dry, and sometimes peels after swimming in the sea, reports Index.hr.

“Salt draws moisture from the upper layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, causing it to feel dry and tight,” explains study author Dr. Guy K. German, professor of biomedical engineering at Binghamton University in New York.

Salt Damages the Skin’s Natural Barrier

But it's not just dehydration. Dermatologists point out that salt disrupts proteins on the skin's surface, making it rough, sensitive, and prone to peeling.

“Microscopic salt crystals remain on the skin and continue to draw moisture even after you've dried off,” says Dr. Gary Goldenberg of Mount Sinai Hospital. He adds that frequent exposure to saltwater can cause irritation, inflammation, and severe dryness.

Dermatologist Dr. Ife J. Rodney notes that this further damages the skin's protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to UV rays, allergens, and bacteria.

What to Do Right After Swimming in the Sea?

If you thought beach showers were just for rinsing off sand, think again. Rinsing with fresh water right after swimming in the sea helps your skin recover.

“That’s why many beaches have showers—use them immediately after swimming in the sea,” says Dr. German.

When you get home, shower with a gentle soap. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.

Choose lotions with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. These help retain moisture and restore your skin’s barrier function.

You can also protect yourself before heading to the beach.

“Before applying sunscreen, first use a rich moisturizer,” advises Dr. Rodney.

The goal is to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier, so the salt will have a harder time drying it out.

How to Recognize Signs of Autism in a Child

How to Recognize Signs of Autism in a Child

Autism is a mysterious disorder that begins in early childhood and disrupts many aspects of development, making it difficult for the child to establish social relationships and communicate in a typical way.

What Causes Autism?

About fifty years ago, it was believed that autism was caused by inadequate parenting. It turned out that this belief was incorrect – writes the portal Biti roditelj.

Modern medical research points to clear biological causes of autism, which means that parents should no longer blame themselves. Biological factors include genetic influences, viral infections, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth that can cause subtle brain damage. It is often associated with signs of neurological impairment, intellectual disability, and certain pathological conditions (e.g., epilepsy). The fact that autism is diagnosed equally often across different cultures suggests that social factors are unlikely to be the cause.

Do Children with Autism Come from Certain Social Strata?

Research has shown that this disorder occurs equally across all social classes. Likewise, it appears in all cultures. Data on the prevalence of autism from different countries indicate that 2–4 children out of every 10,000 develop autism, with 3–4 boys for every girl affected.

Do Children with Autism Have Normal Intelligence?

There is a widespread belief that children with autism have normal intelligence. However, the fact is that when intelligence tests are administered, about two-thirds score below the average level.

How Is the Diagnosis Made?

Autism is a behavioral syndrome, which means that it involves a group of abnormal behavioral patterns. A diagnosis of autism is made only when there is a combination of three key types of behaviors:

Abnormal social relationships and development
Inability to develop normal communication
Restricted and repetitive interests and activities

To make a diagnosis, all three symptoms must be present together, and they must appear by the age of 36 months.

How to Recognize the Signs of Autism?

The most important warning sign in identifying autism is the inability to establish social relationships with other people. Such behavior is often described with phrases like, “It seemed like he was retreating into his shell and living inside himself,” or “When he entered the room, he didn't notice people at all and immediately went to the objects…” A lack of eye contact, treating people as objects, absence of culturally appropriate behavior, lack of empathy, and resistance to changes in routine are characteristic signs of autism spectrum disorder.

In addition to social difficulties, language problems represent another major group of issues. These include abnormalities in speech such as echolalia (repeating words or phrases immediately after hearing them), metaphorical language, and blending words into new words.

The third area that helps in early identification of autism is a lack of imagination, often linked to obsessive behavior. These repetitive behaviors are noticeable, rigid, and persevering.

Problems with social development, communication, and flexible thinking are recognizable signs that should alert parents. A team assessment of the child is conducted in specialized institutions by a group of experts – a child psychiatrist, neurologist, speech therapist, psychologist, and ENT specialist – after which treatment guidelines are determined.

Marijana Petrović, specialist in medical psychology

How Much Walking Is Needed to Lose One Kilogram of Fat?

How Much Walking Is Needed to Lose One Kilogram of Fat?

Losing one kilogram of fat might sound like a simple goal, but behind that number lies serious effort and a significant calorie deficit.

To shed one kilogram of fat, you need to burn between 7,000 and 7,700 calories – depending on the composition and water content of your fat tissue, according to Slobodna Dalmacija.

How Many Calories Do Different Activities Burn?

It’s not easy to lose a kilogram of fat.

Of course, calorie burn depends on gender, age, body weight, and exercise intensity.

For a person weighing 70 kilograms, the approximate calories burned per hour are:

Walking (5 km/h) – 330 to 370 kcal

Fast walking (6–8 km/h) – about 500 kcal

Walking uphill – 400 to 700 kcal

Running (10 km/h) – 700 to 800 kcal

Running up stairs – up to 819 kcal

Cycling (15–20 km/h) – about 500 kcal

Faster cycling (22–25 km/h) – up to 735 kcal

Swimming (at a fast pace) – about 590 kcal

Hiking – about 438 kcal

Jump rope – up to 861 kcal

How Much Exercise Is Needed to Lose One Kilogram?

If we consider an average of 7,000 calories, that would mean you need to:

  • walk for 20 hours at a moderate pace
  • run for 9 to 10 hours
  • cycle for around 14 hours
  • swim for 12 hours

Of course, it’s not advisable to do all of that at once – neither physically nor mentally.

Exercise should last up to two hours per day, and beginners should start with 30 minutes and gradually increase the duration.

The Best Approach: A Combination of Diet and Movement

Experts recommend combining reduced calorie intake with increased physical activity. For example, if you eat 500 fewer calories per day and burn an additional 500 through movement, you could lose about one kilogram of fat in a week.

The key is consistency, smart planning, and small daily steps. Instead of chasing miracles in three days, focus on a sustainable rhythm – and results will follow.

How Much Exercise Per Week Is Needed to Keep Blood Pressure Under Control?

How Much Exercise Per Week Is Needed to Keep Blood Pressure Under Control?

If you want to protect your heart health and prevent high blood pressure in older age, it's crucial to stay physically active – not only in youth but also during middle age.

According to a comprehensive study involving more than 5,000 people across four U.S. cities, social factors can significantly affect one’s ability to exercise regularly, especially as they age.

"Teenagers and people in their early twenties are often physically active, but those habits change over time," said epidemiologist Kirsten Bibins-Domingo of the University of California, San Francisco, author of the study published in 2021 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, as reported by Science Alert.

While it is known that physical activity lowers blood pressure, the results of this study show that maintaining higher levels of activity during youth – higher than currently recommended – plays a key role in preventing hypertension.

Blood Pressure – The Silent Killer

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious health condition that affects billions of people worldwide and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and even dementia in later years.

According to the World Health Organization, more than a quarter of men and about a fifth of women have high blood pressure – and most are unaware of it. That’s why hypertension is often called the “silent killer.”

The good news, however, is that the situation can be reversed – and physical activity is the main focus of this research.

What Did the Study Show?

More than 5,100 adults participated in the study, which tracked their health over three decades through physical exams and questionnaires about habits – from exercise to smoking and alcohol consumption.

For all participants, physical activity began to decline between the ages of 18 and 40, while hypertension rates gradually increased.

The authors emphasize that youth is a critical period for intervention and prevention – with health promotion programs that encourage physical activity.

"Almost half of the young adults in our study did not reach the recommended levels of activity, and this was associated with the later development of hypertension. This indicates we need to raise the minimum physical activity standards," said lead author Dr. Jason Nagata.

Researchers specifically analyzed a group that exercised at least five hours per week in youth – twice the current recommendation – and found that this level of activity significantly reduced the risk of high blood pressure, especially if those habits were maintained into the 60s.

"Achieving at least double the physical activity recommended by current guidelines may have a greater effect on preventing hypertension than merely meeting the minimum," the study states.

Not Easy to Stay on Track

However, the authors acknowledge that it's not easy to maintain regular physical activity throughout all life stages – especially after high school, when college, employment, or parenting begins, and free time becomes limited.

Another important observation relates to racial group differences. By age 40, physical activity levels among white individuals stabilized, while they continued to decline among Black men and women.

By age 45, Black women had a higher percentage of hypertension than white men, while white women had the lowest rates through middle age. By age 60, 80–90% of Black men and women had high blood pressure, compared to just under 70% of white men and about 50% of white women.

Although the study did not directly measure social and economic conditions, the authors stress that these factors – such as education, environment, family, and work obligations – can significantly influence whether someone maintains physical activity throughout life.

"Although young Black men often participate in sports, social and economic factors, as well as responsibilities, often prevent them from continuing this into adulthood," concludes Dr. Nagata.

The study was published in the journal American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Allergic Asthma – 10 Questions and Answers

Allergic Asthma – 10 Questions and Answers

Allergic asthma is a disease that can occur at any time of the year.

Spring used to be the "exclusive" season for allergies, but ragweed has disrupted this narrative. Since it blooms from July until the first cold winter days, it is now at the top of the list of "promoters" of allergic asthma, even in the autumn period.

What is asthma, really?

Asthma occurs due to the narrowing (called spasm or obstruction) of the airways. A complex reaction takes place on the mucous membrane lining the bronchi and bronchioles (these are the small and medium airways) between allergens (currently pollen) and cells that produce substances responsible for allergic reactions. These are mediators ("intermediaries") of the allergic reaction and lead to the narrowing of the bronchial pathways—writes the portal Biti roditelj.

Bronchial obstruction occurs partly due to the contraction (spasm) of the circular muscle in the bronchiolar wall but also due to excessive secretion of bronchial mucus. The result is difficulty in airflow during inhalation and exhalation.

Is asthma a hereditary disease?

Yes, but it can also occur in children whose parents do not have asthma!

Allergic asthma occurs in children predisposed to allergic diseases, which is professionally referred to as an atopic constitution. Therefore, it is not asthma that is inherited, but rather the predisposition to allergic diseases, with asthma being just one of them. Usually, close family members have some form of allergic disease (though nowadays, it is hard to find a family without allergies).

A child has a runny nose due to ragweed—can this "descend" to the bronchi?

Although the mechanism is very similar, these are two different diseases. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an upper respiratory tract disease, while asthma affects the small and medium—i.e., the lower respiratory tract.

Allergic rhinitis does not "descend" to the bronchi, as is sometimes mistakenly thought! This, of course, does not mean that a child cannot have both diseases—they can, but in that case, it is an allergic reaction occurring in different parts of the respiratory tract.

Can an infection contribute to an asthma attack?

Yes, it can!

This often happens in children with allergic asthma and almost always in children suffering from non-allergic asthma. It is known that many viruses attacking the respiratory organs (respiratory viruses) trigger the chain of production and release of mediators—substances that lead to bronchial obstruction. Unfortunately, autumn viruses are already "raging," which is another reason for the increased frequency of asthma in the autumn period.

How to recognize allergic asthma in a child?

When a child has a typical asthma attack, it is easy to suspect the condition. The child breathes rapidly and with difficulty, wheezes, and coughs, often persistently and for a long time. The attack usually starts suddenly, so the child quickly ends up at the pediatrician.

Milder forms of allergic asthma sometimes "slip through," and the diagnosis is made only after investigating prolonged and bothersome coughing. Usually, infectious causes are ruled out first, revealing that the child has an undetected allergy with occasional bronchial obstruction episodes.

How is the diagnosis made?

In typical cases, any well-trained pediatrician can diagnose childhood asthma.

However, this does not mean the asthma is allergic. Therefore, the child is referred to an allergist for testing to determine whether an allergy exists. There are also tests to assess lung function (spirometry) in children, which can detect hidden asthma. These tests are routine, can be performed quickly, and when asthma is suspected, the path to diagnosis is usually short.

How is an asthma attack treated?

There are two main therapeutic goals: the first is to suppress the acute asthma attack, and the second is to prevent new attacks. Treatment is administered by a pediatrician, and sometimes an asthmatic child must be under the supervision of a subspecialist, such as a pulmonologist or allergist. Self-initiated use of asthma medications can be very dangerous!

Treatment of an acute asthma attack relies on bronchodilators—medications that widen the airways—which are most effective when inhaled. The prototype of this drug is salbutamol (Ventolin, Spalmotil, Aloprol…), most commonly used in children.

Are "hormonal" preparations dangerous?

Most children feel significantly better after inhaling bronchodilators. If inhalation therapy is ineffective (even after multiple repetitions), it indicates a more severe asthma attack. In such cases, the child must receive "stronger" medications—corticosteroid (hormonal) preparations, usually administered orally (if the child's condition allows) or via injections. Many parents have an unjustified fear of these medications. However, when used to treat an asthma attack, they have very mild and temporary side effects, making them a "therapeutic cornerstone" for treating serious asthma attacks.

In addition to dreaded injections, a combination of bronchodilators and corticosteroids can be administered via inhalation, especially in older children. Increasingly, younger patients are also prescribed inhaled corticosteroids to manage asthma attacks, of course alongside bronchodilators. Naturally, this therapy is supervised by the pediatrician monitoring the child.

How to prevent asthma attacks from recurring?

Prophylactic therapy primarily aims to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks or lessen their severity if they do occur. Indications for prophylaxis are determined by the pediatrician (sometimes with the help of a pulmonologist) monitoring the asthmatic child!

The best prevention is eliminating the cause (allergen) triggering asthma. For the vast majority of children allergic to ragweed, this is nearly impossible, as this pest has spread incredibly! Therefore, it is important to enable the child to live a normal life.

We will briefly describe the two most commonly used groups of medications for preventing (prophylaxis of) this disease.

- Inhaled corticosteroids

These medications have revolutionized the treatment of childhood asthma. They are safe and beneficial drugs, pharmacologically designed to act on the bronchial mucous membrane with minimal systemic absorption.

Prophylaxis is long-term, with the first effects appearing only after several weeks of therapy. Parents must be patient and prepared for months-long (often longer) treatment.

- Leukotriene inhibitors

Leukotrienes are also mediators of allergic reactions and are powerful "constrictors" of the respiratory tract. These drugs (Montelukast and others) are administered orally, and numerous studies confirm their efficacy. They have proven particularly effective in children with exercise-induced asthma, though they are increasingly used for other forms of the disease.

Can a child play sports?

Yes!

When allergic asthma is detected and treated early—with regular monitoring—the child can lead a healthy and high-quality life. Once lung function stabilizes, the child can participate in all usual activities, including competitive sports.

An ideal sport is swimming (and other "water" sports), but with good disease control, the vast majority of children can engage in the sport they love most. Of course, regular check-ups with a sports doctor and the pediatrician treating the child are essential.

There are many asthmatics who are Olympic and world champions in all sports disciplines.

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