Healthy citizens
Pandemic could have far reaching effects on bone health, expert warns
The COVID pandemic may have far-reaching consequences on bone health, due to a combination of lack of physical activity and late diagnosis, according to Jane Barratt, secretary general of the international federation of ageing.
Reducing air pollution could save 50,000 deaths a year, says new Lancet report
Reducing air pollution to World Health Organisation recommended levels would prevent more than 50,000 deaths a year across European cities, according to a new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal.
Without prioritising walking and cycling, EU mobility strategy is a lost opportunity
An EU strategy boosting walking and cycling would have been key to clean up the air in our cities, achieve the EU’s climate goals and prevent disease, argues Anne Stauffer.
Scotland first in the world to make sanitary products free
Scotland on Tuesday (24 November) made sanitary products free to all women, becoming the first nation in the world to take such a step against “period poverty.” The measure makes tampons and sanitary pads available at designated public places such...
Further guidance required for assessment of gene drive technology, says EFSA
Existing guidelines are adequate for evaluating risks associated with gene-drive modified insects, but further guidance is needed for some areas, most notably for environmental risk assessments, according to an opinion of the EU's food safety agency (EFSA).
Transparency in the race for a COVID vaccine
As the coronavirus crisis continues to have a devasting impact on people’s lives and livelihoods, all eyes are on scientists to deliver on a COVID-19 vaccine. It is widely accepted that a safe and effective vaccine represents our best chance...
Broken bones, shattered lives: call for action as EU faces rise in osteoporosis
Despite the identification of clear, actionable steps in the prevention of fragility fractures and osteoporosis, EU policy action on the matter remains lacking as the situation is set to worsen. But a new policy toolkit aims to help change this.
Preventing osteoporosis in the EU
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition in which bones become weak and brittle, leading to fractures and breaks which often carry life-debilitating consequences. As well as causing considerable mental and psychological distress, they also severely impair people’s abilities to participate in...
Osteoporosis prevention can start in the womb, says health expert
The narrative that osteoporosis is a natural consequence of ageing must be challenged and emphasis must be given to a smarter way of screening to reduce the risk of fracture and the associated costs, the president of the International Osteoporosis Foundation, told EURACTIV in an interview.
COVID-19: Time to show citizens that they can count on Europe
European citizens have been exemplary in their fight against COVID 19. They have bravely overcome an acute sanitary threat and paid the high economic, social and psychological price of the lockdown, write a group of European lawmakers.
COVID-19 pandemic hinders access to care for patients with rare diseases
Nine out of ten people living with rare diseases across Europe have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, including three out of ten who said that this has caused “life-threatening” disruption, according to a recent study by EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe. VideoPromoted content
Rare diseases Day at the European Parliament
People living with SMA, ALS and other rare disease was the focus of the Rare Disease event at the EU Parliament on 18 February. The event was organised by Biogen in collaboration with EURORDIS, the patient organisation for rare diseases.
‘This is personal’: Von der Leyen launches consultation on EU’s Cancer Plan
The President of the European Commission launched an EU-wide public consultation on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan on Tuesday (4 February), announcing an EU-wide "open health data space" in support of research, prevention and cure.
Whole grains ‘key part of a healthy diet’
In an interview with EURACTIV, Michaela Pichler, secretary-general of the International Association for Cereal Science and Technology (ICC), spoke about the importance of whole grains, but also about the lack of industry standards, labelling and promotion of whole grain foods.
Whole grain diet can slash risk of cardiovascular disease, says researchers
Increasing the daily intake of whole grains to 30-40g reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by up to 20%, EURACTIV.com heard at a recent event to mark the first International Whole Grain Day.
New EU Commission should take on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
The new European Commission should tackle "head-on" rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, the president of the European League Against Rheumatism (Eular) told EURACTIV in an interview, referring to chronic diseases that affect one-quarter of all Europeans, creating healthcare and social security costs.
Velux CEO: ‘If you want the most energy efficient home, live in a cave’
Companies and lawmakers must take more responsibility in helping to solve issues related to buildings, including reducing carbon emissions and improving health standards, according to Velux CEO David Briggs.
1 in 3 children live in unhealthy homes, warns ‘alarming’ report
A third of European children live in damp, cold, dark or noisy homes, according to new findings released last week. Portugal is the worst offender in the EU, with one in two kids exposed to unhealthy conditions.
Healthy homes: ‘The biggest health and business opportunity of a lifetime’
Indoor environment quality and healthy homes play an ever more substantial role in human wellbeing, according to new research unveiled at a high-level event last week (10 October).
Buildings and the forgotten 90%
Human beings spend on average 90% of their lives indoors. Buildings are also a huge drain on energy resources and create a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. This Special Report looks deeper into the places we live and work.
Germany is a ‘developing country’ when it comes to tobacco regulation, expert says
While Germany is being branded a 'developing country' in terms of tobacco regulation, experts warn that a new wave of cancer illnesses may be related to the consumption of E-cigarettes. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Center-right MEPs call for special EU Parliament committee on cancer
The European People’s Party (EPP), the biggest political group in the EU assembly, will ask for the creation of a special parliamentary committee to help formulate a new EU-wide plan to combat cancer. EURACTIV.com and EURACTIV.cz report from Strasbourg.
Better access to health innovation is Kyriakides’ top priority (and hardest task)
With increased powers, Health Commissioner-designate Stella Kyriakides is tasked with striking a difficult balance between making sure there is a steady supply of affordable medicines and ensuring that EU pharma industry remains a world leader in innovation.