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Analysis of 18 studies finds increased risk of stroke among people with chronic pain

27. April, 2026

Researchers from Högskolan Dalarna and the Karolinska Institutet have reviewed 18 international studies and published the results in the journal Pain, according to Forskning.se.

They examined a potential connection between pain and disease.

The researchers combined the findings and conducted new calculations across the studies.

The focus is on individuals who have experienced pain in multiple parts of the body for at least three months without a clear cause.

This type of pain is often compared to fibromyalgia, according to Högskolan Dalarna.

Twice the risk

People with long-term body pain have nearly twice the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke compared with individuals without pain, the study shows.

When it comes to the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, the results are more uncertain. Some studies indicate an increased risk, but not all point in the same direction.

At the same time, this type of pain is not yet included in official guidelines for assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Possible implications for treatment

The researchers believe that healthcare systems should pay greater attention to individuals with long-term pain.

This could, for example, mean more frequent monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels in this group.

Early detection is important, as many cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through treatment and lifestyle changes.

Sources: Forskning.se and Pain.

Tired of potatoes? Try this forgotten root vegetable

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

27. April, 2026

Tired of potatoes? Try this forgotten root vegetable

A root vegetable that is less well known today has been used in the Nordic countries for several hundred years.

According to Frukt.no and KK, it was already mentioned in a Norwegian gardening book from 1694.

It arrived in Europe before the potato and was once a common part of the diet.

However, during the 19th century, it was pushed aside as the potato became more widespread.

Today, it is not as commonly found in stores, but it is slowly making a comeback.

Easy to use

The root vegetable is easy to grow and can even be cultivated in a pot. It requires little maintenance and can survive through the winter.

It can be used in many ways in cooking. It can be boiled, baked, or eaten raw. The taste is mild and slightly nutty, and the texture is crisp.

According to Frukt.no, it works well in soups, purées, and hot dishes. It can also be made into chips.

A healthy choice

In addition to its flavor, it offers several nutritional benefits. It contains little fat but provides both protein and dietary fiber.

It also contains potassium, which is important for blood pressure, and folate, which may help reduce fatigue, according to Frukt.no.

This vegetable is the Jerusalem artichoke, once an important crop in the Nordic region.

Sources: KK and Frukt.no.

Tick-borne encephalitis: Understanding TBE and how to stay protected

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

27. April, 2026

Tick-borne encephalitis: Understanding TBE and how to stay protected

TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) is a serious but rare viral infection transmitted through tick bites that can affect the brain.

Here is an overview of what TBE is and how you can protect yourself, according to Netdoktor.

What is TBE?

TBE is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the brain and the meninges.

It is transmitted through bites from infected ticks, which themselves acquire the virus from animals such as mice, deer, and birds.

Where is TBE found?

The disease occurs in large parts of Central and Northern Europe.

When is the risk highest?

TBE typically occurs from March to November, with the highest number of cases during the summer months.

Ticks thrive better in warmer climates, which has increased their spread in Northern Europe.

Risk of infection

The risk depends on location, as the proportion of infected ticks varies between 0.1 and 5 percent across Europe.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis is made through a blood test that checks for antibodies against the virus. Many patients do not notice the tick bite, making testing necessary.

First phase of the disease

After infection, symptoms typically appear after about a week. The first phase resembles influenza, with fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue.

Second phase of the disease

In some patients, the disease progresses after a symptom-free period to affect the nervous system, potentially causing meningitis, encephalitis, or inflammation of nerve tissue.

Who is most severely affected?

Many recover fully, but up to 40 percent of those with encephalitis may experience long-term complications.

People over the age of 60 are often more severely affected than children.

Treatment of TBE

There is no specific treatment once the disease has developed. Prevention is therefore recommended, especially in high-risk areas.

Protection against tick bites

The risk can be reduced by covering the skin with clothing and using insect repellent.

It is also recommended to remove ticks quickly, as transmission can occur shortly after a bite.

Vaccination against TBE

The vaccine is given in three doses over time and provides protection for several years.

It is recommended for individuals who stay in high-risk areas or engage in activities with an increased risk of tick bites.

Side effects of vaccination

The vaccine is generally well tolerated but may cause redness, swelling, and fever, especially in children. It provides a high level of protection after the full vaccination course.

Sources: Netdoktor.

Rising acne cases seen among people in their 20s

Mie Hermansen

27. April, 2026

Rising acne cases seen among people in their 20s

It often begins quietly. A breakout here, another there, and suddenly your skin feels unfamiliar. What once seemed like a teenage phase starts to resurface when you least expect it.

According to data from Boots Online Doctor, supported by guidance from the NHS, this is no longer unusual, reports LADbible.

A growing number of people in their twenties are now dealing with acne, even if they had little or no trouble earlier in life.

A rising pattern

Figures from Boots Online Doctor show a clear increase in young adults seeking treatment for acne. The 20 to 29 age group, in particular, has seen notable growth in recent years.

Clinicians report seeing more patients with late-onset acne or recurring symptoms. This shift challenges the long-held belief that acne fades after adolescence.

The NHS also highlights that hormonal activity continues beyond the teenage years, which can still influence the skin well into adulthood.

What’s causing it

The reasons are rarely straightforward. Hormonal changes remain a key driver, especially among women, where natural cycles and other biological factors can trigger breakouts.

External influences also play a role. Experts point to stress, environmental exposure and daily habits as contributing factors. Even skincare routines can worsen the situation if products are not suited to the skin.

Several elements may increase the risk:

smoking
high-sugar diets
certain medications
pore-clogging cosmetics

In many cases, it is the combination of these triggers that leads to persistent acne.

How to manage it

Specialists stress that adult acne is treatable. A simple and consistent skincare routine is often the first step toward improvement.

Ingredients such as salicylic acid and retinoids are commonly recommended, while avoiding irritation is essential to prevent further damage.

For more severe or ongoing cases, medical advice is advised. Prescription treatments can offer more effective solutions than over-the-counter options.

New study: Common IBS medication may be linked to increased mortality

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

27. April, 2026

New study: Common IBS medication may be linked to increased mortality

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition that many people live with for years. Treatment often consists of dietary changes, therapy, and medication.

As the condition often begins early in life, many patients use medication over extended periods.

According to a study from Cedars-Sinai, published in Communications Medicine and reported by SciTechDaily, previous research has primarily focused on short-term use.

As a result, there has been limited knowledge about the effects of long-term treatment.

Several types of medication

The researchers analyzed data from more than 650,000 patients in the United States over nearly 20 years.

They examined various types of medication, including approved IBS drugs, antidepressants, and antidiarrheal agents.

The results show that some treatments are not associated with an increased risk.

However, there are differences in how safe the various types of medication are when used over longer periods.

Potential risks and mortality

The study shows associations only and does not establish direct causation.

An increased risk may be linked to other health conditions in patients, such as cardiovascular disease or falls.

For individual patients, the risk remains low, but the findings highlight the need for more personalized treatment and better knowledge of long-term effects.

Long-term use of antidepressants among patients who also had IBS was associated with a 35 percent higher mortality rate.

At the same time, certain antidiarrheal medications were linked to approximately twice the risk of death compared to patients who did not use them.

Sources: SciTechDaily and Communications Medicine.

New treatment may nearly double effectiveness against aggressive breast cancer

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

27. April, 2026

New treatment may nearly double effectiveness against aggressive breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive disease that often affects younger women.

It does not respond to hormone therapy, and treatment options are therefore limited.

For many patients, immunotherapy is not an option either.

Around 70 percent cannot receive this treatment and must instead rely on standard chemotherapy, which often has limited effectiveness, according to HealthDay.

New method

A large international study published in Annals of Oncology has tested a new type of drug called datopotamab deruxtecan. It works differently from traditional chemotherapy.

The drug locates cancer cells by recognizing a specific protein on their surface.

It then delivers the medication directly into the cell. In this way, healthy cells are less affected.

Researchers have also found that the treatment is generally better tolerated.

Some patients experienced side effects such as nausea and irritation in the mouth, but fewer had to discontinue treatment compared with chemotherapy.

Better results

The results from the study show a clear difference. Patients who received the new treatment lived an average of 10.8 months without the disease worsening.

This is nearly twice as long as with chemotherapy, where the figure was 5.6 months.

At the same time, tumors shrank in 63 percent of patients. By comparison, this applied to only 29 percent with standard treatment.

Overall, the research suggests that this new therapy could become an important option for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, especially those who cannot receive immunotherapy.

Sources: HealthDay and Annals of Oncology.

How orange can affect your body if you drink it every day

Mie Hermansen

27. April, 2026

How orange can affect your body if you drink it every day

A daily glass of orange juice can be an easy way to add fluids and nutrients to your routine. According to an EatingWell article, it may also play a role in supporting the immune system.

It contributes to immune defense cells

Nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, and plant compounds help support immune cells that are essential for the body’s ability to respond to infections.

It may reduce inflammatory processes

Certain compounds in orange juice can influence mechanisms in the body linked to inflammation, which is important for maintaining immune balance.

It provides a high amount of vitamin C

Orange juice is a rich source of vitamin C, a nutrient necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system.

It supports immune cell activity

Vitamin C plays a role in how immune cells function, including their ability to respond to challenges in the body.

It helps maintain hydration

The fluid content in orange juice contributes to overall hydration, which is important for several bodily functions, including immune response.

It contains electrolytes

Minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium help regulate fluid balance and support normal body functions.

It may influence digestive health

Adequate fluid intake supports digestion, which in turn can have an indirect impact on immune function.

It contains natural sugars

Even without added sugar, orange juice naturally contains sugars from the fruit, making portion awareness important.

It can affect blood sugar levels

The natural sugar content may lead to fluctuations in blood glucose, especially when consumed on its own.

It may aggravate reflux symptoms

For some individuals, orange juice can irritate the esophagus and worsen reflux-related discomfort.

It should be part of a broader approach

While it provides useful nutrients, orange juice is best consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet.

New procedure may help prevent weight regain after Ozempic

Mie Hermansen

27. April, 2026

New procedure may help prevent weight regain after Ozempic

For many, losing weight is only half the battle. Keeping it off often proves far more difficult, as the body slowly drifts back to old patterns.

Now, researchers are exploring a new approach that could help maintain weight loss even after stopping popular medications.

According to research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2026 and led by Dr. Shelby Sullivan of Dartmouth Health, a minimally invasive procedure targeting the gut may offer a new path forward, reports Science Daily.

A familiar setback

Drugs like Ozempic and similar treatments have reshaped obesity care, helping patients lose significant weight in relatively short timeframes.

However, once treatment ends, many individuals experience a gradual return of the lost weight.

This recurring pattern has raised concerns among clinicians about how to sustain long-term results without continuous medication.

A gut-focused approach

The new method centers on the small intestine, a key organ in regulating metabolism and hormone signals.

The procedure works by renewing part of the intestinal lining through a controlled, minimally invasive technique.

Researchers believe this may help restore the body’s response to food and stabilize weight after medication is discontinued.

Promising early data

Initial findings from a controlled clinical trial suggest clear differences between patients who received the procedure and those who did not.

Participants who underwent the treatment regained significantly less weight over a six-month period.

Key findings include:

Reduced weight regain after stopping medication
Greater retention of prior weight loss
Effects that appear to strengthen over time

The procedure is still under investigation, with larger studies ongoing.

If confirmed, it could provide a new strategy for maintaining weight loss without long-term drug use.

New study: Time in nature may improve the body’s recovery

Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk

27. April, 2026

New study: Time in nature may improve the body’s recovery

A study from the University of Gävle in Sweden, published in npj Urban Sustainability and described in a press release from VIA, followed 45 participants over a period of up to ten months.

Participants had their movements tracked via GPS, while their heart rate was measured at night.

The aim was to determine how daily activities influence the body at rest.

Instead of laboratory experiments, data were collected from the participants’ everyday lives, providing a more realistic picture.

Researchers focused in particular on two factors: resting heart rate and heart rate variability.

Signals from the body

Heart rate variability refers to the variation between heartbeats.

A high level of variability indicates that the body is better able to relax and recover, while low variability may be a sign of stress.

By measuring these values at night, researchers were able to observe how daytime activities affected the body’s recovery.

The results showed small but clear day-to-day correlations.

However, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects.

Implications for daily life

The study was conducted in a city with good access to green spaces. This suggests that easy access to nature may play a role in overall health.

Differences between genders were also identified, which researchers have not yet fully explained.

Days with more movement in natural environments were associated with better recovery at night, particularly among women, as reflected in lower resting heart rates and higher heart rate variability.

Sources: VIA and npj Urban Sustainability.

Body language mistakes that can hurt first impressions

Body

Mie Hermansen

26. April, 2026

Body language mistakes that can hurt first impressions

The way you carry yourself often speaks before you say a single word. In everyday conversations, small, almost invisible habits can quietly shape how others judge you within seconds.

According to communication research, including theories from Austrian psychologist Paul Watzlawick, nonverbal cues are a powerful part of how we connect and build trust.

Based on insights reported by Focus.de and supported by behavioral science, certain body language patterns can unintentionally push people away.

Small signals matter

Facial expressions are often the first thing people notice. Subtle reactions like frowning or rolling your eyes can easily be misread, even when no negativity is intended. A relaxed, open expression tends to make interactions smoother and more approachable.

Eye contact also plays a delicate role. Avoiding it may signal discomfort or lack of interest, while too much can feel intense. Finding a natural balance helps create a sense of presence and attentiveness.

Hidden dealbreakers

Checking your watch or phone during a conversation can quickly change the mood. It often gives the impression that your attention is elsewhere, which may come across as impatience or disrespect.

Physical distance is another overlooked factor. Standing too close can feel intrusive, especially in cultures where personal space is valued. Maintaining a comfortable gap shows awareness and respect for boundaries.

What your posture says

Arm positioning can subtly communicate your mindset. Crossing your arms may feel natural, but it often appears defensive or closed off to others. Keeping your posture open signals willingness to engage.

Overall, body language is less about perfection and more about awareness. Adjusting a few small habits can significantly improve how others perceive you.

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Twice the risk

Possible implications for treatment

Easy to use

A healthy choice

What is TBE?

Where is TBE found?

When is the risk highest?

Risk of infection

How is the diagnosis made?

First phase of the disease

Second phase of the disease

Who is most severely affected?

Treatment of TBE

Protection against tick bites

Vaccination against TBE

Side effects of vaccination

A rising pattern

What’s causing it

How to manage it

Several types of medication

Potential risks and mortality

New method

Better results

It contributes to immune defense cells

It may reduce inflammatory processes

It provides a high amount of vitamin C

It supports immune cell activity

It helps maintain hydration

It contains electrolytes

It may influence digestive health

It contains natural sugars

It can affect blood sugar levels

It may aggravate reflux symptoms

It should be part of a broader approach

A familiar setback

A gut-focused approach

Promising early data

Signals from the body

Implications for daily life

Small signals matter

Hidden dealbreakers

What your posture says

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