Health News in English
Latest health headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Sophia (4) has Rett syndrome and talks with her eyes: ‘She is trapped in her own body’
Four-year-old Sophia Verwijs from Tholen, Netherlands, lives with Rett syndrome, a condition that requires her to communicate using her eyes and leaves her physically dependent on others. Her parents,...
The yo-yo effect is real: doctors explain what can happen when losing a lot of weight
Internist-endocrinologist Liesbeth van Rossum and obesity doctor Mariëtte Boon are highlighting the biological challenges of permanent weight loss and the reality of the "yo-yo effect." Their insight...
More Amsterdam children vaccinated in 2025
The number of children and young people aged 4 to 18 in Amsterdam who received vaccinations following an invitation from the GGD increased in 2025. This development marks a continued rise in the vacci...
Sharper thinking, better blood values: how fasting can be healthy according to a doctor
As the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan begins tonight, medical experts are highlighting the potential health benefits of abstaining from food and drink between sunrise and sunset, such as improved blo...
Information sessions on living with brain injury in Haarlem, Amsterdam, Krommenie and Obdam
The organization Hersenz is hosting a series of information sessions focused on coping with brain injuries and their long-term consequences. These meetings are scheduled to take place in several Dutch...
Elite athlete and pregnant: how does that work? ‘View childbirth as an injury’
Gynecologist Floor Sijbrandij explains that pregnant women are now encouraged to stay active rather than resting, as was previously advised. She provides guidance on how to safely maintain a fitness r...
Far fewer babies in ICU with RSV thanks to vaccination
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported on Monday that far fewer babies were admitted to intensive care with the RS virus this autumn and winter. This signif...
Sick again? This works best for coughs and sniffles
An official flu epidemic has been declared, leading to widespread symptoms such as persistent coughing, nasal congestion, and fatigue. General practitioner and professor Dirk Devroey provides guidance...
Mr. Naafs visited the pond liner party and now fears an STI: Doctor Rutger is baffled
Mr. Naafs sought medical advice from Doctor Rutger after attending a "pond liner party," fearing he had contracted a sexually transmitted infection. However, the doctor found that the patient's primar...
Unpredictable disease that mainly affects women: what you need to know about MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease that primarily affects young people and women, presenting symptoms such as sudden fatigue, vision issues, and mobility problems. Neuroimmunologist I...
Falling for the wrong person isn't bad luck but often reflects a pattern from your childhood
Love coach Joey Steur explains that repeatedly falling for the "wrong" partner is often a result of behavioral patterns established during childhood rather than simple bad luck. These cycles are frequ...
Men develop heart problems faster than women: ‘Get checked by your GP in your 30s’
Men develop heart problems an average of seven years earlier than women, with the gap extending to ten years specifically for heart attacks. To mitigate these risks, cardiologists recommend that men b...
Zandvoort once again the setting for Ticking Clock challenge: registration opens today
Circuit Zandvoort will host the "Tikkende Klok-challenge" on September 6, a fundraising event where participants run or walk laps to support research into the hereditary heart muscle disease PLN. Regi...
Macarons from these two shops are equally delicious: ‘Nice and chewy and the flavor matches the colors’
In a blind taste test of eight supermarket brands, three pastry chefs identified two retailers that offer high-quality macarons with a desirable chewy texture and accurate flavors. The review, conduct...
Actor Bas Hoeflaak: ‘I suffer from restless legs’
Dutch actor Bas Hoeflaak discussed his personal life and health in a recent interview with Mezza magazine, revealing that he suffers from restless legs. He shared his routines for relaxation and maint...
After 30 years of marriage, Cor (77) dove into dating 15 years ago: ‘A revelation’
After a thirty-year marriage, 77-year-old Cor turned to online dating fifteen years ago to find a new partner. He has since become a frequent user and a pioneer for his generation, as research shows m...
Toxicologist on alcohol and hangovers: 'Fatty food, like fries, slows down alcohol absorption'
Toxicologist Jan Tytgat explains the science behind hangovers and offers advice on how to mitigate their effects during festivities like Carnival. He notes that consuming fatty foods, such as fries, c...
Is AI making our children dumber? ‘The flood of stimuli from our screens is dulling our brains’
The increasing integration of AI and screens into daily life has sparked concerns that children and youth are becoming less capable of independent thinking and traditional literacy. With one-third of ...
Dream trip to Cape Verde turns into medical hell: ‘I was in a ward where everyone was vomiting’
Henk de Regt’s ten-day all-inclusive vacation on the Cape Verdean island of Boa Vista turned into a medical ordeal when he fell severely ill. He described a traumatic experience on a hospital ward f...
Big five of virus infections sweeping through the Netherlands: ‘Without caution, it's a recipe for trouble’
The Netherlands is facing a significant surge in viral infections, including a major flu wave that is currently straining hospital resources. Virologists warn that a decline in public vigilance is exa...
Everyone turning 60 to receive shingles vaccine invitation from next year
Starting next year, individuals in the Netherlands turning 60 will receive an invitation for a shingles vaccination. Outgoing State Secretary Judith Tielen limited the program to this specific age gro...
Breakthrough in fight against flu virus: new nasal spray prevents illness
Scientists in Leiden have developed a breakthrough nasal spray that aims to prevent individuals from contracting the flu virus. This invention could significantly transform the fight against influenza...
More and more skiers and snowboarders are wearing 'harnesses': does it really protect during a fall?
Back protectors are becoming an increasingly popular safety accessory for skiers and snowboarders, joining helmets as common equipment on the slopes. Medical expert Thierry Parlevliet explains the pro...
Raymond (52) was addicted to chemsex for years: ‘Going until Monday morning and then back to work’
Raymond Brugman, 52, has shared his experience of overcoming a severe addiction to "chemsex," which involved using hard drugs to engage in sexual activity for days at a time. After being clean for six...
Laboratories find much more asbestos in toys, including in 'magic' play sand
Dutch laboratories have detected asbestos in at least 25 samples of play sand, including popular "magic" sand products. Despite these findings, no official safety recalls have been issued yet to remov...
Ton developed an alarm system after his great-uncle spent 36 hours on the floor following a fall
Ton van Hekezen from Bunnik developed a new alarm system after his great-uncle spent 36 hours injured in a bathroom following a fall. The device is designed to prevent long delays in discovery and aim...
Basic health insurance might be enough: check if supplemental coverage is really needed
The basic health insurance package is often comprehensive enough for individuals with minimal medical needs, offering extensive coverage that may make supplemental plans unnecessary. Consumers are enc...
Dreading Christmas already? How to handle sky-high expectations
The article provides guidance on managing high expectations and feelings of loneliness during the Christmas holidays. It encourages individuals to create a celebration that fits their personal reality...
NU+ | How to recognize the red flags that can lead to femicide
CBS data reveals that the number of femicides in the Netherlands has remained stable over the past 15 years, with approximately 20 women killed by an (ex-)partner annually. The report highlights the i...
NU+ | No maternity care is (sometimes) dangerous: what you can do
Although maternity care is a legal right for new mothers in the Netherlands, ongoing personnel shortages are preventing many families from receiving the guaranteed amount of assistance. The article hi...