Metelcová T, Svobodová T, Kunešová M
… +2 more, Braunerová RT, Vaňková M
Cas Lek Cesk
· 2025 · PMID 41417586
This study is part of the World Health Organization's European initiative to monitor trends in overweight and obesity in children. Children have been monitored every two years using a consistent protocol since 2008. The...This study is part of the World Health Organization's European initiative to monitor trends in overweight and obesity in children. Children have been monitored every two years using a consistent protocol since 2008. The COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021) and related restrictions significantly altered daily life, including that of children. We compared the prevalence of overweight in seven-year-olds from the 5th monitoring period (Jan-Dec 2019) and the 6th period (Nov 2022-Mar 2024) to assess the impact of pandemic-related restrictions. Results showed no significant change in overall overweight or obesity prevalence between the two periods. In the 6th monitoring, 5.7% of boys and 6% of girls had overweight; 7.5% of boys and 7.3% of girls had obesity. Severe obesity was relatively high (3.8% for both sexes) but not significantly different from 2019. Abdominal obesity, indicated by a risk waist-to-height ratio, was found in 12.9% of boys and 12.2% of girls - also unchanged from the earlier monitoring. Overall, two years after lifting COVID-19 restrictions, overweight prevalence in 7-year-olds remained like pre-pandemic levels. However, the persistent prevalence of severe obesity is concerning and highlights the need for continued public health efforts.
Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction represents a serious complication of treatment with amiodarone, a frequently used potent antiarrhythmic drug. In clinical practice, there are two main forms: hypothyroidism and hype...Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction represents a serious complication of treatment with amiodarone, a frequently used potent antiarrhythmic drug. In clinical practice, there are two main forms: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is further divided into type 1 and type 2 with different pathogenesis, diagnostic findings and, most importantly for the patient, therapeutic approach. Due to frequent diagnostic overlap, a mixed form of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis is also recognized, requiring a combination of both distinct treatment strategies, antithyroid drugs and glucocorticoids. Amiodarone-induced type 1 thyrotoxicosis necessitates prospective discontinuation of amiodarone therapy; in type 2 this step is usually not warranted. In hypothyroidism, substitution therapy with levothyroxine is sufficient without the need to stop antiarrhythmic treatment with amiodarone. Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis may significantly increase the incidence of cardiovascular complications. If amiodarone treatment is discontinued solely for cardiological indications, patients without a history of thyroid disease usually experience restoration of normal thyroid function. However, in predisposed individuals, dysfunction may persist or recur following repeated iodine exposure.
Although professor Viktor Guttmann was one of the key figures in early Czech laryngology, his name has largely faded into obscurity. This article provides a comprehensive view of the life and professional contributions o...Although professor Viktor Guttmann was one of the key figures in early Czech laryngology, his name has largely faded into obscurity. This article provides a comprehensive view of the life and professional contributions of this notable Jewish physician, who was born 145 years ago in Tábor and worked primarily in Prague. Guttmann graduated from the Medical Faculty of Charles-Ferdinand University, specializing in laryngology under the guidance of professor Otakar Frankenberger, and made significant contributions to the establishment of the Czech Laryngological Institute. Guttmann was deeply engaged in scientific and publishing activities. His main research topics included diseases of the larynx, nose, and paranasal sinuses, with several of his findings remaining relevant in today's medical literature. He regularly reported on the institute's activities in the Journal of Czech Physicians and presented at medical congresses both at home and abroad. In his practice, he was known for his compassionate approach, often providing free care to patients from poorer backgrounds. Viktor Guttmann passed away at the age of 42 in 1921 due to kidney disease. This article explores his life and legacy, including the discovery of his tombstone at the now-nonexistent Jewish cemetery in Tábor, thus restoring the memory of this forgotten Czech laryngologist for current and future generations of medical professionals.
International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) is a global organization in the field of biobanking that creates and supports opportunities for networking, education and training and innovatio...International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) is a global organization in the field of biobanking that creates and supports opportunities for networking, education and training and innovation. ISBER provides a forum for collaboration, research, experience exchange globally with the aim to facilitate inspiring and innovative environment for creating new ideas, policies, processes, and research findings as well as showcasing innovative technologies, products, and services in the field of biobanks and biobanking. ISBER is currently well established a well-known international society a world leader in the field of biobanks and biobanking. The Czech Republic and University Hospital in Pilsen has been a full member of ISBER since 2015.
Pekara- J, Kearns PB, Janoušková M
… +5 more, Šeblová J, Kuklová M, Kučera M, Wolfová K, Šeblová D
Cas Lek Cesk
· 2024 · PMID 40816910
Healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients faced a high risk of infection, staff shortages, contact with patient deaths and their own risk of infection during the pandemic. These factors greatly affected their menta...Healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients faced a high risk of infection, staff shortages, contact with patient deaths and their own risk of infection during the pandemic. These factors greatly affected their mental health. This narrative review summarizes the results of studies published in Czech and English between 2020 and 2024 on the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of healthcare professionals in the Czechia. Of the 20 studies identified, 8 met the inclusion criteria. Studies describe symptoms of depression, stress, burnout, stigmatization, discrimination, and violence. The results show a severe impact of these factors on the mental well-being of healthcare professionals. Finally, we emphasize the need for preventive measures, including supervision, psychological assistance and support from management. An emphasis on the mental health of healthcare professionals is key to their protection and sustainability of care in crisis situations.
The unsuccessful fight against the obesity pandemic has shown that the situation cannot be solved by education and interventions aimed at individual behaviour change alone. An environment that facilitates healthy choices...The unsuccessful fight against the obesity pandemic has shown that the situation cannot be solved by education and interventions aimed at individual behaviour change alone. An environment that facilitates healthy choices and discourages unhealthy ones needs to be created through policy measures. The NOURISHING and MOVING tools have been developed in the context of addressing obesity, allowing for the evaluation of government policies on nutrition and physical activity. 10 key areas of action have been defined for nutrition and 6 for physical activity. In a comparison of 30 European countries, the biggest nutrition policy gaps were in limiting food advertising (29 out of 30 countries with poor ratings), harnessing supply chain and actions across sectors to ensure coherence with health (29/30), providing nutrition education and skills (28/30), and setting incentives and rules to create a healthy retail and food service environment (27/30). In the area of physical activity policies, the greatest gaps were in structures and surroundings which promote physical activity (29/30), physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings (29/30), and transport infrastructure and active societies (26/30). The Czech Republic ranks among the four worst countries in nutrition policy, having introduced measures in only six areas, with the highest rating of "average" and only 10 out of 41 measures introduced. In physical activity, the Czech Republic also ranks among the 7 countries that have introduced measures in only four areas, with the highest rating of "adequate" and only 6 out of 23 measures introduced. Prevention in the form of government policy measures is crucial and without it, the rise in obesity and the risk of major non-communicable diseases will not be halted.
At present, the spa industry is not only an effective tool for treatment but also for the prevention of lifestyle diseases, which underlines the importance of movement therapies in the natural environment. Studies confir...At present, the spa industry is not only an effective tool for treatment but also for the prevention of lifestyle diseases, which underlines the importance of movement therapies in the natural environment. Studies confirm that regular physical activity reduces the risk of many diseases, improves physical and mental health, and strengthens the body's adaptive abilities. An analysis of different forms of movement therapy, such as therapeutic physical education, hydrotherapy, and field treatments, shows their benefits for patients. A comprehensive overview of the physiological and therapeutic benefits of physical activity in the spa industry emphasizes its role in the prevention of lifestyle diseases. Research shows that spa programs focused on exercise can improve quality of life, promote mental well-being, and contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases. With the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, it is important to integrate physical activities into spa care, which has the potential for long-term improvement of patients' health.