Prevention begins with understanding that even the smallest changes in routine can have measurable effects on biochemical parameters of health.
What are the most common health problems faced by office workers – and how can we prevent them in our daily routine?
It is clear that prolonged sitting and stress are two characteristics of modern office work that can significantly affect the biochemical balance in the body. Physical inactivity reduces sensitivity to many parameters in our body, such as insulin, which slows down fat metabolism, and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and many other diseases such as type 2 diabetes. At the same time, chronic stress leads to disruption of parameters that are related to the work of hormones that control many processes in our body, and chronic exposure to stress ultimately leads to an increase in the level of cortisol and other stress hormones, which results in the stabilization of the immune system and other systems in our body. Our body is a sophisticated biochemical system that requires balance, and it is precisely the daily healthy habits of office workers that can be the strongest ally for health, if they are designed with an understanding of these internal processes
What do citizens most often neglect when it comes to preventive examinations – and which examinations would you recommend at least once a year?
We witness every day that many diseases develop silently – without pronounced symptoms until they reach the stage where they require complex and long-term treatment. Citizens most often ignore these 'silent signals' that could be detected in time through timely preventive examinations. These include thyroid disorders, changes in blood fats, high blood sugar, anemia, electrolyte imbalances and hormonal irregularities. Unfortunately, preventive laboratory diagnostics are still perceived as something that is done only when a problem occurs – when in fact it is the key to early detection of diseases. I would recommend that every adult individual undergo a complete medical examination at least once a year, including adequate laboratory tests that should be done annually.
How is digital medicine (e.g. online consultations, digital medical records) changing the patient experience in BiH – and do citizens trust it?
Digital medicine represents a revolution in the way we approach health – and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, although gradually, its importance is increasingly recognized. Online consultations, digital records, electronic prescriptions and health monitoring applications not only increase the accessibility of healthcare, but also contribute to greater efficiency, safety and individualization of therapy. Today, with the help of digital tools, patients can more easily monitor their own findings, consult experts without physically going to the doctor's office, and respond to changes in their health in a timely manner. This is especially important for chronically ill patients, people living in remote areas and all those who find it difficult to fit an appointment into their busy daily routine. However, the trust of citizens still depends on several factors: the availability of technology, digital literacy, but also transparency in the protection of private data. This brings us to the key responsibility of us, healthcare professionals – to be a bridge between technology and the patient, to educate and empower system users to recognize the benefits of digital medicine, while insisting on high standards of safety and ethics. Digital medicine should not be a substitute for human contact, but it can be its strong ally.
