Health News in English
Latest health headlines from Dutch news, translated into English.
Health Council advises against structural 13-week ultrasound
The Health Council of the Netherlands has advised against permanently implementing the 13-week prenatal ultrasound due to high rates of false positives and missed diagnoses. Although the screening wil...
Neighborhood protest in Sloten against shelter, but decision is final: "Duty to provide these people a place"
Residents in Amsterdam-Sloten held a protest against the city's decision to open a new 24-hour care facility for people with psychological needs on Ditlaar. Alderman Zita Pels stated that the plan is ...
Amsterdam tap water contains more than twice the PFAS recommended by RIVM
Recent analysis by Greenpeace shows that PFAS levels in tap water across parts of the western Netherlands exceed the RIVM health advisory limit of 4.4 nanograms per liter. Although these measurements ...
Privacy regulator: filming people with smart glasses is almost never allowed
The Dutch privacy regulator has cautioned that filming people with smart glasses is mostly illegal under GDPR laws, as bystanders have a right to privacy. The authority advises institutions like hospi...
North Holland tap water contains far too much PFAS, Zaanstad leads the Netherlands
A Greenpeace report indicates that 95 percent of North Holland's tap water exceeds the strict health guidelines set by the RIVM for PFAS concentrations. While experts confirm the water remains safe an...
Paulien Cornelisse opens up about her illness on De slimste mens: 'I don't want a wig'
Paulien Cornelisse revealed on the show De slimste mens that she underwent chemotherapy for cancer, which caused her to lose her hair. She chose to wear hats throughout the filming process rather than...
Healthcare authority warns of impending shortage of intensive youth care in Amsterdam and puts Levvel and municipality on notice
The Dutch Healthcare Authority has issued a formal warning to Amsterdam and care provider Levvel over a severe shortage of residential youth care services caused by a sudden entry freeze. The municipa...
Minister confirms: hospitals to perform late-term abortions
Dutch Minister of Public Health Sophie Hermans confirmed that several hospitals in the Netherlands will begin performing more late-term abortions for pregnancies between 22 and 24 weeks. The initiativ...
Dutch Safety Board sounds alarm: refugee children in emergency shelters living in unsafe conditions
The Dutch Safety Board has released a report warning that refugee children in emergency shelters face unsafe living conditions, including poor sanitation and limited privacy. The board has called on t...
Decline in MMR vaccinations among Amsterdam children under 2 continues
MMR vaccination rates for children under two in Amsterdam have fallen sharply, with the Nieuw-West district experiencing the most significant decline since 2019. Local authorities are implementing a n...
Vaccination rate in Amsterdam stable, but concerns remain for babies and young children
Vaccination rates for school-aged children in Amsterdam remain stable and higher than in other major Dutch cities, though concerns persist as coverage for babies and toddlers continues to decline. Ald...
School advice differs significantly by district: Southeast receives lower recommendations
Recent data reveals that students in Amsterdam's Zuidoost and Noord districts are significantly more likely to receive lower school recommendations than their test performance warrants. Additionally, ...
Help, my child is a bully, what now? 'Don't get angry right away'
Bullying, exclusion, and online harassment are significant concerns for children, as highlighted by UNICEF. This article explores the underlying reasons for bullying behavior and offers guidance for p...
Mr. Stelkens has a swollen face and breathing difficulties: Dr. Rutger rushes to him with sirens blaring
Doctor Rutger responds to an urgent house call for a patient named Mr. Stelkens who is experiencing facial swelling and breathing difficulties. The doctor prioritizes patient safety and takes no risks...
Cindy Crawford's son passes away at age 27
Cindy Crawford's 27-year-old son has passed away in a rehabilitation clinic, according to a statement from his family. He had previously struggled publicly with mental health issues and a long-term dr...
Heleen van Royen: Alcohol and I have never been a happy marriage
In an interview with the magazine Mezza, author Heleen van Royen discusses aging, her management of bipolar disorder, and her decision to undergo transition therapy. She reflects on self-acceptance an...
Could it be 44 degrees in Amsterdam soon: what we can learn from the heat in India
Recent research from Dutch universities suggests that urban heat islands are becoming a growing concern as asphalt and concrete trap heat in cities like Amsterdam. The study concludes that planting tr...
Just back from vacation and already feeling tired and irritable? Don't wait too long to take action
Arbo Unie warns that employees returning from vacation may face increased fatigue and irritability, potentially leading to long-term absenteeism. The organization advises early intervention to prevent...
Zoë (16) writes poetry collection about school struggles: "How do you explain this to people?"
Sixteen-year-old Zoë has published a poetry collection documenting the intense social and performance pressures she faced as a student at an Amsterdam high school. The book, titled De Grote Deuren, o...
Pure happiness or painful infidelity? In nursing homes, love and family sometimes clash
Elderly psychologist Frans Hoogeveen argues that nursing homes should break the taboo surrounding intimacy and romantic relationships among residents with dementia. He emphasizes that the happiness an...
Painting and sharing experiences: this Sip & Paint is specially for grieving young people
Club Rauw is hosting a Sip & Paint event on September 26 in Amsterdam for young adults aged 20 to 35 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Founded by Merel Beks, the community aims to provide ...
Nurse Rose (37) touches thousands with cheerful videos: 'Why aren't you allowed to laugh when you're old?'
Rose Vollmer, a 37-year-old nurse, has gained social media popularity by sharing lighthearted and joyful videos from her work in elderly care. Her content, which highlights the positive aspects of car...
Why does Amsterdam have such a big crack problem? And five other questions
Amsterdam is grappling with increased public nuisance caused by crack users, a problem that experts attribute to the drug's addictive nature and a lack of effective medical treatment options. City off...
Sharp drop in babies with RSV: new vaccine works excellently
The number of infants admitted to intensive care units with RSV has dropped significantly in the Netherlands following the introduction of a new, highly effective immunization program. Medical profess...
René Froger finds it painful to take a step back due to health issues
René Froger is stepping back from his music career to focus on managing an autoimmune disease that he has struggled with for two years. The 65-year-old singer has already canceled his 2026 anniversar...
Applesauce from this supermarket wins our taste test: ‘Nice and appley’
Three experts conducted a blind taste test of eleven brands of applesauce to determine the best-tasting option. They emphasized the importance of a firm consistency rather than a watery texture for a ...
What helps your immune system? Taking zinc preventively does not
Professor of General Practice Dirk Devroey evaluates the effectiveness of eight common supplements and remedies for boosting the immune system during the winter months. The study concludes that taking...
People with failed filler treatments can visit the filler clinic: 'A woman ordered her fillers from a Chinese webshop and injected them into her own nose'
The OLVG hospital in Amsterdam has launched a specialized clinic to treat patients suffering from complications related to cosmetic fillers. The initiative comes as reports of adverse reactions, inclu...
NOS newsreader Iris de Graaf 'blindsided' by postnatal anxiety
NOS newsreader Iris de Graaf is experiencing severe postnatal anxiety following the birth of her first child in July. She describes her current situation as an overwhelming challenge and has been open...
Lab that was hacked last year allowed to resume contribution to population screening
A laboratory responsible for a major data breach has been permitted to resume its role in the national cervical cancer screening program after implementing required security upgrades. Despite this res...