seca stories

27 February 2017 -   Is it actually healthy to go jogging in freezing temperatures? Many ambitious runners ask themselves this very question during the colder seasons. Generally, regular cardio exercise has proven to be positive for our health. Especially the cardiovascular and immune system, the metabolism and our general condition benefits from exercising. So darkness and freezing temperatures should not be used as excuses to not work-out. Still, there are a few important things Winter joggers should consider: Running in temperatures of up to 14 - 5° C should not be a problem. The fear that the cold might damage the lungs is unfounded. After all, skiers, snowboarders and biathletes are capable of performing…  

22 February 2017 -   Most of us like the idea of having a slim figure and strive to attain the beauty standards we are constantly exposed to in the media. But with the excess of available food in many western countries, it’s difficult for us to overcome our fundamental human instincts. We tend to consume excessive amounts of sugary and fatty foods, often in conjunction with a sedentary lifestyle. This imbalance between dietary intake and calories burned often results in weight issues, such as obesity, which come with their own set of negative health consequences. It is extremely difficult for many people to consciously change their dietary habits and lifestyle. This problem has created a huge market for diet…  

20 February 2017 -   Experiencing pain from an unfortunate movement, a twisted knee or a bent foot are all signs that the musculoskeletal system has been injured. Depending on the severity of the injury, the recovery might require a long period of rehabilitation. Particularly in the case of performance athletes, cumulative injuries to the musculoskeletal system require proper rehabilitation to restore the athlete's body as soon as possible, to be fit again for training and competitions.  

15 February 2017 -   Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a collective term for a series of chronic respiratory diseases characterized by a persistent cough, sputum, or a diminished performance and quality of life. Pathophysiologically, the COPD is a narrowing (obstruction) of the airways and hyperinflation of the lungs. As a result of chronic inflammation, the bronchial tubes get progressively and irreversibly constricted. Especially while moving or during exertion, this impedes and prolongs the expiration, so that the inhaled air can not be exhaled entirely and the air vents (pulmonary alveoli) inflate. Further pathological processes ultimately lead to the destruction of the alveoli and to an…  

13 February 2017 -   Wouldn't it be nice if doctors could take the time to see us properly and listen to our problems carefully? Unfortunately in reality, consultations between a doctor and patient last merely five minutes, of which only half a minute is spent by the patient describing his or her symptoms without interruption. Due to a multitude of non-medical tasks and an ever-increasing workload, it is getting harder for doctors to provide basic medical care. But by shifting, optimizing and reorganizing the workflow, doctors could free up more time for their patients. The use of modern technologies, in particular, shows great potential for process optimization. While many industries have made use of these…  

06 February 2017 -   Nowadays, it is widely recognized that high sugar consumption is associated with a variety of health risks. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently reduced the recommended daily amount of refined sugars to 25 grams, or about six teaspoons. Already, a 250 ml can of commercial soft drink exceeds this recommended daily quantity. Over the last decade, the unhealthy consumption levels of our population and the consequent rise in health care expenses, has forced some countries to regulate their consumption of sugar. A “sugar tax” was introduced, namely taxes on products with high sugar amounts. Currently, many more countries are discussing a similar measure. In Fall 2016,…  

01 February 2017 -   Crowded waiting rooms, delayed appointment bookings and doctors under permanent time pressure are a frequent source of frustration. Doctors would also like to have more time for their patients’ treatment, but a considerable portion of their working time is tied up by administrative tasks. Of course a modern health care system necessitates some level of bureaucracy, but this needs to be in a reasonable proportion to the medical job.