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Stress is a natural response to challenges but chronic stress can seriously harm your health. It increases the risk of mental disorders like anxiety and depression, cardiovascular diseases, sleep problems, digestive issues, memory difficulties, and more. When stressed, your brain releases adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare your body for fight-or-flight by opening airways, increasing blood flow to muscles and brain, raising heart rate, tensing muscles, and activating the immune system. While useful short-term, prolonged exposure raises blood sugar and risks such as diabetes and hypertension.Types of Stress Acute stress is short-lived and can help performance or survival. Chronic stress persists over time from ongoing problems like financial worries, relationship issues, or health conditions. Chronic stress needs managing to avoid serious health effects. Health Effects of Chronic Stress Chronic stress is linked to: • High blood pressure • Heart attacks and strokes • Diabetes • Irritable bowel syndrome • Skin conditions like eczema • Anxiety and depression • Infertility Controlling stress can help prevent or reduce symptoms of these conditions. Signs of Excessive StressSymptoms include: • Headaches, muscle pain, jaw stiffness • Fatigue and low energy • Skin rashes or acne • Digestive problems (nausea, diarrhea, constipation) • Blurry vision • Weakened immunity and frequent illness • Changes in sexual drive and menstrual cycle • Weight gain or loss • Sleep problems and dizziness • Anxiety, nervousness, restlessness • Difficulty concentrating or remembering • Increased use of alcohol or drugs If stress interferes with daily life or causes panic attacks, consult a healthcare provider. How to Manage Stress Engage in regular physical activity, which releases mood-boosting endorphins, improves sleep, immune function, heart health, and energy. Exercise is especially beneficial for retired first responders to manage stress. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi, or massage. Maintain social connections and spend time with family and friends. Set time for hobbies and enjoyable activities. Write in a journal to express feelings. Ensure enough sleep and eat a balanced, nutritious diet rich in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, which support brain function and mood regulation. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Stretch muscles regularly to relieve tension and reduce stress hormone levels.Deep Breathing Deep breathing calms the nervous system by activating relaxation responses, lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety, and improving lung function. Diaphragmatic breathing is a simple method: breathe deeply so your belly rises, then exhale slowly, making exhales twice as long as inhales, repeating for 10 minutes. Avoid Unhealthy Coping Passive activities like watching TV, internet browsing, or gaming may feel relaxing but can increase stress over time. Many turn to unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking or smoking to cope, which worsen health. Recognize and replace these with healthier behaviors. Professional help can aid breaking bad habits and managing stress. When to Seek Help If you are unsure whether stress is causing your symptoms, or if self-help is not enough, see a healthcare provider. Therapy can identify stress sources and teach coping strategies. Seek emergency help if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or other heart attack signs.Though stress is inevitable, adopting healthy habits, seeking support, and making lifestyle changes can greatly reduce its impact. Regular exercise, relaxation practices, good nutrition, social support, and professional care form a comprehensive approach to stress management.

Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid synthesized in the fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex. Cortisol levels reflect acute, chronic, and diurnal changes in the body across various physiological and psychological states. Typically, the highest secretion of cortisol occurs in the second half of the night, reaching its maximum level in the early morning, after which cortisol levels decrease throughout the day, recording the lowest levels in the first half of the night. Cortisol plays an important role in regulating many crucial physiological processes, including energy metabolism, electrolyte balance, maintenance of blood pressure, immunomodulation, stress response, cell proliferation, as well as cognitive functions. The main part of cortisol circulates in the plasma bound to proteins: corticosteroid-binding globulin and albumin. The biologically active free fraction accounts for only 2-5% of total cortisol. High levels of cortisol can be detected during stress reactions, psychiatric disorders, obesity, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, and pregnancy, which can cause diagnostic problems in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Low levels of cortisol are observed in patients with rare adrenal enzyme disorders and after prolonged stress. When blood cortisol levels are low, the hypothalamus in the brain releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which in turn causes the pituitary gland to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates cortisol secretion, leading to an increase in blood cortisol levels. When cortisol levels rise, they begin to inhibit the release of CRH from the hypothalamus and ACTH from the pituitary gland. The causes of high cortisol (hypercortisolism) are: 1.Overproduction of ACTH due to a CRH-producing tumor, an ACTH-producing pituitary tumor (Cushing's disease), or other tumors. 2.Autonomous overproduction of glucocorticoids by the adrenal fascicular zone, for example, in the case of a tumor (Cushing's syndrome). Manifestations of hypercortisolism include: • increased arterial pressure. • weight gain with fat accumulation in the face, neck, and torso, while the limbs are relatively thin. • hyperglycemia. • suppression of the immune system (lymphopenia, eosinopenia). • decreased muscle mass. • osteoporosis. • thinning of the skin. • appearance of striae. • slow wound healing. The causes of low cortisol (hypocortisolism) are: • Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency). • Secondary adrenal insufficiency. • Pituitary insufficiency. • Hypothalamic insufficiency. • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (defects in enzymes involved in cortisol synthesis). If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or want to assess your hormonal balance, we recommend checking your cortisol levels at Dalimed Medical Center. Our modern laboratory and experienced professionals ensure accurate results and personalized care.

Brushing teeth is an important part of daily oral hygiene. And choosing the right toothbrush is the first step to making this ritual truly effective. Currently, there is a huge selection of toothbrushes on store shelves, and it's easy to get confused: which one is really right for you?Choosing a Toothbrush: What to Look For?Here are three key points to consider when choosing a toothbrush:1. Soft Bristles. The toothbrush should have soft bristles. Such brushes clean teeth and gums more gently, especially if you have sensitive enamel or a tendency to inflammation. Hard bristles might indeed be better at removing plaque, but with excessive pressure, they can damage enamel and even cause gum recession (their pulling away from the teeth). This, in turn, leads to exposed tooth roots and increased sensitivity to cold, hot, and certain foods.2. Small Brush Head. The shape of the brush head also plays an important role. It is better to choose brushes with a small head (for example, a rhomboid shape) — they penetrate more easily into hard-to-reach areas of the oral cavity, especially to the back teeth. The shape should be comfortable so that you can easily reach all tooth surfaces. This will make the brushing process not only effective but also pleasant.3. Electric Toothbrush. Although a regular manual toothbrush also copes with its task, an electric toothbrush can remove plaque significantly better. It is especially useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and simplifies the brushing process itself. In addition, many such models have a built-in two-minute timer — it helps to observe the brushing time recommended by dentists.Individual Approach to Toothbrush Selection.Depending on your individual characteristics and needs, you can choose a toothbrush that is best suited for you:•Sensitive teeth – pay attention to toothbrushes specifically designed for sensitive oral cavities. They usually have ultra-soft bristles and a gentle cleaning mode.•Orthodontic appliances – if you have braces or other appliances, choose toothbrushes with angled bristles or special models for orthodontic system care. They effectively clean the area around brackets and wires.•Additional functions – some toothbrushes are equipped with built-in tongue scrapers or gum massagers. These elements help to freshen breath and maintain gum health. It is also worth considering the shape of the handle, the comfort of the grip, and the design of the bristles. The main thing is that it should be comfortable and pleasant for you to use the brush every day.To be confident in your dental health and to choose the right oral care products, we recommend undergoing a preventive dental check-up. At the Dalimed Medical Center, you can receive qualified consultation and professional oral care. Take care of yourself in time — health begins with a smile.

Food allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as a threat. In an attempt to defend your body, it triggers a range of reactions like skin rashes, stomach discomfort, swelling, and trouble breathing. Unlike food intolerances, allergic responses can be immediate or delayed and may impact several body systems at once.The difference between a food allergy and food intolerance is important to understand. While a food allergy involves an immune response, food intolerance typically leads to issues such as bloating or abdominal pain a few hours after eating the problematic food, without involving the immune system.Symptoms of a food allergySymptoms of a food allergy may appear soon after consumption or even days later. They can affect various parts of the body simultaneously. Common signs include:•Dizziness or lightheadedness•Swollen lips, eyes, or face (angioedema)•Itchy skin or hives (raised rash)•Wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing•Sneezing, runny or blocked nose•Hoarseness or noisy breathing•Nausea or vomiting•Stomach cramps•DiarrheaCauses of food allergyFood allergies are the result of the immune system overreacting to proteins found in certain foods. Although the exact cause isn’t fully known, some foods are more likely to provoke an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. These include:•Cow’s milk•Eggs•Peanuts, soybeans, peas, and chickpeas•Tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, Brazil nuts, and cashews•Shellfish such as prawns, crab, and lobster•WheatIn addition, foods like mustard, sesame seeds, celery, and lupin flour can also be allergens. Your risk increases slightly if you or close family members have other allergies, eczema, or asthma.What kind of testing do I need for a food allergy?To identify a food allergy, healthcare providers may recommend:•Skin prick test: A small amount of a suspected allergen is introduced to your skin to observe for a reaction.•Blood test: Your blood is analyzed for the presence of antibodies that respond to specific allergens.•Food challenge: Under medical supervision, small portions of a suspected allergen are consumed to monitor for a reaction.What are the complications of food allergies?One of the most dangerous outcomes of a food allergy is anaphylaxis — a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. This may involve swelling of the airways, difficulty breathing or swallowing, vomiting, and a significant drop in blood pressure (anaphylactic shock). If not treated promptly, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call 1-03 immediately if you experience swelling in the face, lips, or throat, trouble breathing, or faintness after eating.