Melanie Al Tikriti, BSc
Editorial Contributions
Flu and Colds in Winter: Staying Healthy Through the Cold Season
Tips and measures to help prevent colds and flu and protect yourself. In the winter months, cold weather means more than just feeling chilly—it also brings an increased risk of flu and colds, as our immune system is under greater strain. Coughing, runny noses, and fever occur more frequently,...
Read moreMental Health in Everyday Life: Ways Out of Stress and Overload
How everyday pressure arises and why emotional balance is so important The daily lives of many people are shaped by time pressure, constant availability, and high expectations—both at work and in their private lives. Appointments line up back to back, breaks fall by the wayside, and even in m...
Read moreWinter Depression: When the Dark Season Affects Your Mood
Why we often feel drained and low in winter—and what can help The cold, dark season is a challenge for many people. Suddenly, we feel tired, unmotivated, and sad—often without any obvious reason. Such symptoms may be signs of winter depression, medically referred to as seasonal affecti...
Read moreSleep Deprivation in the Digital World: When the Phone Steals Your Sleep
How constant availability and screen time affect our sleep – and how to protect yourself Sleep is a basic human need that is crucial for health, performance, and overall well-being. Nevertheless, more and more people are suffering from chronic sleep deprivation. The cause is often not only th...
Read moreRSV in Babies: When the Airways Become Dangerously Narrow
How parents can protect their child and recognize symptoms early RSV – Respiratory Syncytial Virus – is one of the most common causes of respiratory infections in infants. The virus spreads quickly, especially during fall and winter, in daycare centers, playgroups, or within famil...
Read moreRotavirus Wave: Why So Many Children Are Currently Getting Gastrointestinal Infections
When diarrhea and vomiting become a strain for the whole family Suddenly many parents are reporting similar symptoms in their children: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe exhaustion. Absence reports are increasing in daycare centers, schools, and playgroups. What may initially appear to be...
Read moreIrritable Bowel Syndrome: When the Stomach Just Won’t Settle
Why more and more people are suffering from digestive problems – and how everyday life can be made easier Bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or constipation – anyone living with irritable bowel syndrome is all too familiar with these symptoms. For many people affected, they are...
Read moreLong COVID in Everyday Life: When the Exhaustion Simply Won’t End
Why many people affected feel like strangers in their own lives for months Many people assume that a coronavirus infection is over after a few days or weeks. But for some individuals, the illness does not end with a negative test result. Instead, a long and often exhausting journey begins, ma...
Read moreHPV Viruses: Invisible, Widespread, and Often Underestimated
Why this virus affects many people – and looking away is not a good idea HPV – three letters that many people have heard before, yet few truly understand. Human papillomaviruses are among the most common viral infections worldwide. A large proportion of people will come into conta...
Read moreHand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Infection, Symptoms, and Everyday Tips
What parents and affected individuals should know Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection that mainly affects children under the age of five. The illness is usually caused by enteroviruses and is highly contagious. Although the disease is harmless in most cases, it can significant...
Read moreLabor Induction: When the Baby Is Ready but the Body Is Still Waiting
How medical support helps ensure a safe start to life The anticipation of welcoming a new baby is immense, yet sometimes the baby seems ready to arrive while the mother’s body shows no signs of starting labor. In such cases, labor induction comes into play—a topic that often brings nerv...
Read moreWhen Relatives Become Representatives: The Role of Adult Caregivers for People with Dementia
Between responsibility, overwhelm, and care in everyday life with dementia Dementia does not only change the life of the person affected, but also that of the people around them. Partners, adult children, or other close individuals gradually take on more and more responsibility. At first, it ...
Read moreBurning Bladder: How Bladder Infections Can Take Over Everyday Life
When the bladder suddenly raises the alarm A bladder infection, medically referred to as cystitis, is one of the most common urinary tract infections and can significantly disrupt daily life. It often occurs suddenly and affects both women and men of all ages, although women are particul...
Read moreHigh Blood Pressure: The Silent Threat to the Heart and Blood Vessels
Why high blood pressure often goes unnoticed for a long time High blood pressure is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Millions of people live with it without knowing it. That is exactly what makes the condition so dangerous. While other diseases quickly cause symptoms, high bl...
Read moreIron Deficiency in Women: When the Body Raises the Alarm
Who is particularly at risk and whyIron is an essential mineral that supports the body in many ways. It transports oxygen in the blood, enables cells to produce energy, keeps the immune system strong, and influences brain performance. Women in particular are at risk because they regularly lose blood...
Read moreChronic Back Pain: Identifying Causes and Targeted Treatment
The silent burden: How back pain affects daily life Chronic back pain is one of the most common health problems worldwide and affects a significant portion of the population. It often develops gradually, sometimes beginning with mild tension or a pulling sensation in the lower back, and can signifi...
Read moreHay Fever in Spring – Causes, Symptoms, and Tips for Managing Pollen
Spring means blooming landscapes – and for many, sneezing, itching, and a runny nose Spring is the most beautiful time of year for many people. Sunshine, warmth, and blooming scenery draw people outdoors. However, for those with hay fever, the season begins with sneezing, watery eyes, a runny...
Read moreSkin Cancer: Recogning Warning Signs and Taking Action Early
Understanding skin cancer and taking action early Skin cancer is a condition in which skin cells grow uncontrollably. Anyone who has or has had skin cancer faces specific challenges. It is not only about treating the acute disease, but also about preventing recurrences, protecting the skin in every...
Read moreHypothyroidism: Recognizing Symptoms and Boosting Metabolism
Small gland, big impact: How the thyroid controls our body The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, yet its impact on the entire body is enormous. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism and influence the heart, muscles, nervous system, and body temperature. When the thyro...
Read moreSleep Apnea: When Breathing Pauses Disrupt Sleep
Understanding sleep apnea: What happens in the body Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing pauses repeatedly occur during the night. These pauses last from several seconds to minutes and can happen multiple times per hour. Many affected individuals are not aware of this themsel...
Read moreVitamin D Deficiency: When the Body Lacks the Sunshine Vitamin
Why vitamin D is so important for health Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for the human body. It plays a central role in bone health, supports the immune system, and helps ensure that muscles and nerves function properly. Unlike many other vitamins, however, vitamin D is only absor...
Read moreTestosterone Deficiency in Men: When Energy and Drive Decline
Why men suddenly feel tired and unmotivated Testosterone is not only the male sex hormone but also a key driver of energy, muscle growth, libido, and mood. When levels drop, the effects are often subtle at first. Fatigue gradually sets in, muscle strength decreases, performance declines, and mood m...
Read moreSpring Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, and Possible Countermeasures
Loss of energy despite sunshine – what causes it As the days grow longer and the sun shines more often, many people look forward to spring. However, some individuals feel especially tired, exhausted, or lacking motivation during this time. This phenomenon is often referred to as spring...
Read moreCortisol Too High: Symptoms, Causes, and What Helps
When the body is constantly under tension Cortisol is a vital hormone that is primarily released in stressful situations. In the short term, this is beneficial: the body becomes more efficient, focused, and ready to react. However, it becomes problematic when cortisol levels remain elevated o...
Read moreUnderstanding Bloating: Causes and What Really Helps
An uncomfortable feeling many people know A bloated abdomen, a feeling of pressure, and the sensation of being “full of air” — bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints. It often occurs after eating but can also develop independently of meals. Although the topic is r...
Read moreUnderstanding Difficulty Falling Asleep: Causes and How to Fall Asleep More Easily
The body is tired, yet sleep won’t come Feeling tired, going to bed—and still not being able to fall asleep. Many people know this experience. The body feels exhausted, the eyes are heavy, yet sleep does not set in. Instead, thoughts start racing, time passes, and with every minute the ...
Read moreSudden Severe Joint Pain: Recognizing and Treating Gout
When joints suddenly sound the alarm Gout is one of the most common inflammatory joint conditions in adults and often occurs completely unexpectedly. It usually begins in a single joint—often the big toe—which suddenly becomes swollen, hot, and extremely painful. Attacks frequentl...
Read morePersistent Ear Noise: What May Be Behind Tinnitus
When the noise in your ear never fades A ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ear—tinnitus can appear suddenly or develop gradually. For many people, the noise is constantly present and can significantly affect daily life. What makes it particularly distressing is that the sound is usual...
Read moreSpotting Silent Inflammation: Symptoms and What Happens in the Body
When the immune system remains constantly active Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s defense system. It helps fight off pathogens and heal injuries. However, it becomes problematic when these processes no longer fully subside but persist in the background. This is referred to as sil...
Read moreHeartburn in Everyday Life: When Stomach Acid Becomes a Problem
A burning sensation that is more than just uncomfortable An unpleasant burning behind the breastbone, acid reflux, or a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen—heartburn is one of the most common digestive complaints. Many people experience it after a large meal, but for some it occurs regul...
Read moreRecognizing Restless Legs: Why Your Legs Won’t Settle Down at Night
An uncomfortable urge to move during periods of rest A pulling sensation, tingling, or a strong urge to move the legs—the so-called restless legs syndrome occurs primarily during rest and is often most noticeable in the evening or at night. Many people describe the sensation as difficult to e...
Read moreRecognizing Insulin Resistance: When Blood Sugar Gets Out of Balance
When the body responds less effectively to insulin Insulin is a key hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar levels. It ensures that sugar from the bloodstream enters the cells, where it is used as energy. In insulin resistance, this process no longer works properly. The cells become less res...
Read moreHeart Palpitations in Everyday Life: What’s Behind Extra Heartbeats
A brief pause with a noticeable impact A sudden flutter in the chest, a strong thump, or the feeling that the heart briefly skips a beat—heart palpitations often cause concern. Many people feel alarmed in that moment, even though the cause is harmless in most cases. Still, any irregularity in...
Read moreUnderstanding Cravings: Why the Body Craves Sugar
When hunger becomes hard to control Cravings for sweets or snacks often appear without warning. Especially after meals or in the evening, a strong urge arises that is difficult to ignore. Many describe this feeling as an inner pressure to eat something immediately—usually foods rich in carboh...
Read moreThe Silent Threat to the Liver: Recognizing and Understanding Fatty Liver
When the liver suffers silently Fatty liver is one of the most common liver conditions worldwide and often goes unnoticed for years. It develops when fat accumulates in liver cells, which can significantly impair the organ’s function. In its early stages, fatty liver usually causes no noticea...
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