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Turning 50 in Poland: free check-ups, different sick pay rules and job market support
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Turning 50 in Poland: free check-ups, different sick pay rules and job market support

Turning 50 in Poland does not trigger any automatic bonus or early pension, but it does open access to a range of legal entitlements. People aged 50 and over qualify for free preventive health check-ups and face different sick pay rules than younger workers. They are also entitled to additional labour market support under Polish law.

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High doctor salaries aren't the scandal — the scandal is public funds with no accountability
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High doctor salaries aren't the scandal — the scandal is public funds with no accountability

Commentator Cezary Szymanek argues that a doctor earning a high salary is not in itself a scandal and should not be condemned. The real problem arises when the state spends millions in public money and cannot clearly account for what it paid for. It is the lack of transparency in public healthcare spending, not the salaries themselves, that should concern citizens.

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H5N1 Bird Flu Reaches Australia — Are Chicken and Eggs Safe to Eat?
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H5N1 Bird Flu Reaches Australia — Are Chicken and Eggs Safe to Eat?

Australia became the last continent to record H5N1 bird flu last week, after an infected brown skua was found at Cape Le Grand National Park in Western Australia, around 700km from Perth. At least 16 other dead birds were subsequently identified in the area. The virus rarely spreads to humans but can cause severe illness; over 100 human H5N1 cases have been reported globally since late 2020, mostly in the United States. Experts hope strong biosecurity measures will protect Australia's poultry and dairy cattle.

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Hydration Trackers Are Booming — But Do You Really Need One?
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Hydration Trackers Are Booming — But Do You Really Need One?

A growing range of gadgets designed to track hydration levels and sweat composition are hitting the market, from smart wristbands to connected water bottles. Manufacturers claim that knowing your personal "sweat score" helps users — athletes and everyday consumers alike — optimise fluid intake. However, experts question whether most people genuinely need such granular data to stay healthy.

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Scottish Man Used Massage Gun on His Eyes, Suffered Serious Retinal Damage
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Scottish Man Used Massage Gun on His Eyes, Suffered Serious Retinal Damage

A man in his 20s from Edinburgh visited an eye treatment centre after experiencing increasing floaters and flashing lights in his right eye for six days. Ophthalmologists Niamh O'Connell and Ashraf Khan found serious damage to both eyes, documented in a BMJ Case Report. The cause was traced to the man applying a massage gun directly to his eyeballs in an attempt to relieve eye strain from screen use.

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AI Spotted a Serious Heart Defect Doctors Mistook for Asthma
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AI Spotted a Serious Heart Defect Doctors Mistook for Asthma

An AI program detected a serious heart condition in a patient whose symptoms had been attributed to asthma by doctors. The tool identifies patterns in electrocardiograms that humans typically miss. The program is now set to be made widely and freely available to physicians.

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Dr Cass: Puberty blocker trial will reduce harm to children, not increase it
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Dr Cass: Puberty blocker trial will reduce harm to children, not increase it

Dr Hilary Cass, author of the landmark Cass Report on gender-questioning youth, has stated she is "absolutely convinced that more children will be harmed if we don't do the trial than if we do." She was referring to the planned clinical trial of puberty blockers, which she argues is essential for gathering evidence on their safety and effectiveness. Cass framed the trial as a child protection measure rather than a risk.

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Insurance denied your weight-loss drug? Here's how to appeal the decision
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Insurance denied your weight-loss drug? Here's how to appeal the decision

Many Americans are being denied insurance coverage for obesity medications like semaglutide, but experts say a first refusal is not the end of the road. Patients can file a formal appeal, have their doctor submit supporting medical documentation, or look into manufacturer assistance programs. Understanding the specific criteria insurers require for coverage approval is the key first step in successfully challenging a denial.

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'Solo Agers' Are Growing in Number – Advocates Call for Better Support Systems
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'Solo Agers' Are Growing in Number – Advocates Call for Better Support Systems

A growing cohort of people are aging without immediate family members to support them, a group advocates call "solo agers." Experts argue this demographic trend is an opportunity to build stronger community and institutional support networks for older adults. Better care systems developed for solo agers could ultimately benefit the broader aging population as well.

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Just 20 Minutes of Brisk Walking Daily Can Significantly Benefit Your Heart
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Just 20 Minutes of Brisk Walking Daily Can Significantly Benefit Your Heart

Regular walking, especially at a brisker pace, can help control blood pressure, improve blood vessel health, and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system. The benefits depend not just on getting out of the house, but on maintaining the right pace, duration, and consistency. Even 20 minutes a day is enough to produce measurable heart health improvements.

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We tested the most popular mushroom coffees of 2026 — here are the best ones
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We tested the most popular mushroom coffees of 2026 — here are the best ones

Mushroom-based "functional coffees" made with ingredients like lion's mane and chaga are a growing trend in 2026. A tasting team tested the most popular brands on the market to find the most palatable options. The article focuses on the general trend and taste impressions but does not name specific winning brands or scores in the available text.

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Woman with Severe Alzheimer's Begins Talking Again After Single Psilocybin Dose
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Woman with Severe Alzheimer's Begins Talking Again After Single Psilocybin Dose

A woman with severe Alzheimer's disease, who had not spoken more than monosyllables in years, began initiating conversations after receiving a single dose of psilocybin. The remarkable case suggests psilocybin may have a potential effect on cognitive function even in advanced dementia. The findings are preliminary but have generated significant interest in the medical and scientific community.

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Prof. Dobrowolska: The mistake that ruins your holiday is made before you leave work
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Prof. Dobrowolska: The mistake that ruins your holiday is made before you leave work

Professor Dobrowolska explains why so many people fall ill at the start of their holiday or return from vacation just as exhausted as they left. The root cause lies in poor work habits — decision overload, procrastination and lack of recovery before leaving make genuine rest impossible. Building stress resilience through healthier working routines is key to actually benefiting from time off.

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NIK Report: NFZ-Contracted Hospitals Illegally Charged Polish Patients
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NIK Report: NFZ-Contracted Hospitals Illegally Charged Polish Patients

Poland's Supreme Audit Office (NIK) released a report exposing serious irregularities in maternity wards, including illegal fees charged to patients at hospitals with NFZ (public health fund) contracts. The report also flagged excessive working hours for doctors, an overly high rate of caesarean sections, and organisational chaos. NIK noted that despite a general improvement in perinatal care, many wards continue to engage in unacceptable practices.

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Women's Health Forum in Katowice debates healthcare at every life stage
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Women's Health Forum in Katowice debates healthcare at every life stage

The 2nd Women's Health Forum took place in Katowice on 18–19 June 2026. Discussions centred on what actions are needed to better address women's healthcare needs at different stages of life. Experts emphasised that women's health is inseparable from the health of society as a whole.

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How to Sleep in a Heatwave Without a Fan: Simple Tricks That Actually Work
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How to Sleep in a Heatwave Without a Fan: Simple Tricks That Actually Work

Hot summer nights can make falling asleep difficult, but several simple steps can improve sleep comfort without relying on a fan. Recommended measures include breathable bedding and using a hot-water bottle filled with cold water or ice as an improvised cooling pad. Proper ventilation of the bedroom and avoiding heat sources before bedtime are also key tips highlighted in the advice.

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Quick Homemade Protein Snacks to Crush Sugar Cravings
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Quick Homemade Protein Snacks to Crush Sugar Cravings

Protein in the diet provides lasting fullness and reduces sugar cravings. Homemade protein snacks are a cheaper, healthier alternative to store-bought bars. The recipes can be prepared in just a few minutes using ingredients found in any kitchen.

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Nighttime Leg Cramps in Summer: Dehydration, Magnesium Deficiency and Medications to Blame
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Nighttime Leg Cramps in Summer: Dehydration, Magnesium Deficiency and Medications to Blame

Nighttime calf cramps become more frequent in summer, especially after hot days, long walks, or gardening. They are usually caused by dehydration, electrolyte deficiency, or medication side effects and are generally not dangerous. However, if cramps recur regularly, it is worth reviewing hydration levels, current medications, and daily habits.

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US heatwave experts warn extreme heat worsens at least 10 health conditions
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US heatwave experts warn extreme heat worsens at least 10 health conditions

Health experts warn that rising temperatures across the United States could worsen a range of existing medical conditions. Dehydration is flagged as a major risk, with knock-on effects throughout the body. People with chronic illnesses are considered especially vulnerable, and doctors are urging the public to take precautions during the heatwave.