Ο εγκέφαλος του βρέφους αντιλαμβάνεται την απουσία της μητέρας ως μια δυνητικά απειλητική για τη ζωή κατάσταση, ενεργοποιώντας άμεσα τον άξονα του στρες με ταχεία αύξηση της κορτιζόλης. Όταν ένα βρέφος δεν μπορεί να εντοπίσει τη μητέρα του ή τον βασικό φροντιστή, ο εγκέφαλός του δεν βιώνει μόνο ένα αίσθημα μοναξιάς. Αντιλαμβάνεται μια άμεση απειλή για την επιβίωσή του. Η βιβλιογραφία δείχνει ότι το σύστημα αντίδρασης στο στρες κατά τη βρεφική ηλικία είναι εξαιρετικά ευαίσθητο και μπορεί να ενεργοποιηθεί σχεδόν ακαριαία μετά τον αποχωρισμό. Σε διάστημα μικρότερο του ενός λεπτού, τα επίπεδα κορτιζόλης ,της κύριας ορμόνης του στρες , μπορούν να αυξηθούν σημαντικά (έως και 200–300% σε πειραματικά και σε πρωτόκολλα παρατήρησης). Η αντίδραση αυτή δεν αποτελεί συνειδητή επιλογή ούτε μαθημένη συμπεριφορά, αλλά έναν πρωτογενή, νευροβιολογικά προκαθορισμένο μηχανισμό, σχεδιασμένο να προάγει την επιβίωση μέσω της άμεσης επανασύνδεσης με τον φροντιστή. Για το βρέφος, η έννοια της ασφάλειας δεν είν...
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Stress is a universal part of human life. Everyone experiences it in different ways, and yet, two people can face the same situation and feel completely different levels of stress. Why is that? While circumstances certainly play a role, psychology suggests that the way we perceive stress is heavily influenced by our attention. This is where the concept of attention bias comes in—a subtle but powerful factor that can shape our experiences, emotions, and even our health. In this article, we explore how attention bias works, why it matters, and how it can intensify—or lessen—our perception of stress. Understanding this connection can help you develop healthier responses to everyday pressures and lead to a more balanced life. What is attention bias? At its core, attention bias is the tendency of our mind to focus more on certain types of information while ignoring others. We all do it, often without realizing it. For example, if someone has a fear of dogs, they are more likely to notice a ...
Chronic pain is not merely a physical symptom. It is an experience that permeates the body, the mind, and everyday life. When pain persists for months or years, it affects quality of life, mood, sleep, relationships, and the sense of control over one’s own body. Many people feel trapped in a vicious cycle of treatments that offer temporary relief without addressing the root of the problem. In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly turned toward a holistic approach to chronic pain management. Rather than focusing exclusively on the symptom, this approach views the individual as a whole, taking into account biology, lifestyle, nutrition, movement, and psychological well-being. Holistic care does not replace medical treatment but complements it, offering tools that support the body’s natural capacity for self-regulation and recovery. Nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness form three core pillars of this approach. When applied consistently and in combination, they can signif...
In modern life, men are surrounded by powerful and often conflicting messages about who they should be, how they should feel, and what it means to perform well. Success, confidence, emotional control, and competence are frequently portrayed as core elements of male identity. From an early age, many men learn that their value is closely tied to achievement and visible strength, leaving little room for vulnerability or self-doubt. Within this context, self-image becomes more than a private perception; it evolves into a silent standard that men feel compelled to live up to. As pressures accumulate from work, relationships, social media, and cultural norms, anxiety can quietly take root. Performance anxiety, whether related to professional life, intimacy, or social interactions, often emerges not from a lack of ability, but from a deep fear of not being “enough.” The relationship between male self-image and performance anxiety is complex, layered, and deeply human. Understanding this relat...
Chronic pain is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Unlike acute pain, which signals injury or illness and resolves with treatment, chronic pain persists for months or even years, often without a clear cause. Living with chronic pain can be physically and emotionally draining, impacting daily activities, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. Traditional treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, play a crucial role in pain management, but they are not always sufficient. Increasingly, scientific research highlights that what we eat may also influence how our bodies experience and manage pain. A healthy diet, rich in specific nutrients and anti-inflammatory foods, has been shown to reduce chronic pain symptoms and improve overall wellbeing. This article explores the science behind the connection between diet and chronic pain and offers practical guidance for using nutrition as a tool for pain management. The role of inflammation in chronic pain One...
Acne is not just an aesthetic concern of adolescence. It can affect adults of all ages, cause psychological distress, and lower self-confidence. While many people assume that acne is caused solely by hormonal changes or genetics, diet plays a significant role in skin inflammation and the frequency of flare-ups. So, what does this mean in practice? Are there foods that can “irritate” the skin and worsen acne? The answer is yes. In this article, we will explore which foods are the most common “culprits,” how they affect acne, and what dietary changes can help achieve clearer skin. How diet affects acne The way we eat can influence acne through several mechanisms. Some foods increase insulin levels and hormones such as androgens, which in turn stimulate sebum production. Sebum, combined with bacteria and dead skin cells, clogs pores and causes inflammation. Additionally, high-glycemic foods and dairy products have been linked to a higher risk of developing acne. On the other hand, foods r...
The 17th HEALTH EXPO ATHENS, the largest annual Exhibition and Conference event in the Health sector, returns on January 24 & 25, 2026, at the Athens International Conference Center (Megaron), with free admission for all healthcare professionals.
For 17 years, the event has been a landmark and a reference point for the pharmaceutical and medical community, offering an environment of education, knowledge exchange, and professional development.
The goal of the event is to enhance the scientific skills of healthcare professionals, highlight innovative products and practices, and improve the business performance of pharmacies and medical practices.
The 17th HEALTH EXPO ATHENS is held with the support of institutional bodies and leading companies in the sector, which actively contribute to the advancement of science and technology in healthcare. SECTIONS
1. Scientific Program Pharmaceutical Care Conference of the Hellenic Pharmaceutical Society (H.P.S.), aimed at improving profe...
Η 17η HEALTH EXPO ATHENS, η μεγαλύτερη ετήσια Εκθεσιακή και Συνεδριακή διοργάνωση στον χώρο της Υγείας, επιστρέφει στις 24 & 25 Ιανουαρίου 2026, στο Μέγαρο Διεθνές Συνεδριακό Κέντρο Αθηνών, με ελεύθερη είσοδο για όλους τους επαγγελματίες υγείας. Εδώ και 17 χρόνια, η διοργάνωση αποτελεί θεσμό και σημείο αναφοράς για τον φαρμακευτικό και ιατρικό κλάδο, προσφέροντας ένα περιβάλλον εκπαίδευσης, ανταλλαγής γνώσης και επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης. Στόχος της εκδήλωσης είναι η ενίσχυση των επιστημονικών δεξιοτήτων των επαγγελματιών υγείας, η ανάδειξη καινοτόμων προϊόντων και πρακτικών, καθώς και η βελτίωση της επιχειρηματικής λειτουργίας του φαρμακείου και του ιατρείου. Η 17η HEALTH EXPO ATHENS πραγματοποιείται με τη στήριξη θεσμικών φορέων και κορυφαίων εταιρειών του κλάδου, οι οποίες συμβάλλουν ενεργά στην εξέλιξη της επιστήμης και της τεχνολογίας στον χώρο της υγείας. ΟΙ ΕΝΟΤΗΤΕΣ 1.Επιστημονικό Πρόγραμμα - Συνέδριο Φαρμακευτικής Φροντίδας της Ελληνικής Φαρμακευτικής Εταιρείας (Ε.Φ.Ε.), ...
The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that form a complex ecosystem known as the gut microbiome. These tiny inhabitants, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Beyond digestion, recent research has revealed that the gut microbiome influences metabolism, energy balance, and even the regulation of hunger hormones. Understanding how these microorganisms communicate with our body provides insight into why some people experience cravings, frequent hunger, or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. The gut microbiome is not static. Its composition can change depending on diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and even sleep patterns. These changes, in turn, can influence metabolic processes such as nutrient absorption, glucose regulation, and fat storage. Among the most fascinating areas of study is how gut flora interacts with hormones that regulate appetite, including ghrelin, leptin, and peptide YY. These hormones determine not ...
Erectile dysfunction is often perceived solely as a sexual health issue, but in reality, it is much more complex. It can serve as an early warning that the body is signaling underlying health problems that may not yet be apparent. Men experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection often overlook the symptom, assuming it is simply a natural effect of aging or psychological stress. However, scientific research shows that erectile dysfunction can predict cardiovascular issues, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and circulatory problems. Understanding the relationship between erectile dysfunction and overall health can be a crucial tool for prevention and improving quality of life. Erectile dysfunction is not only about the physical aspect of sexual performance. It reflects the broader metabolic, cardiovascular, and hormonal state of the body. Men who notice changes in sexual performance may be receiving early signals of heart disease, vascular issues, low testosterone levels, or...
Feeling tired and lacking energy are experiences we have all faced at some point. Often, we attribute them to a busy schedule, poor nutrition, or lack of sleep, assuming that the fatigue is temporary. However, persistent or intense fatigue may be a silent warning sign of more serious health issues. Low energy can act as a mirror of our internal state, signaling metabolic, hormonal, or psychological imbalances that require attention. Understanding the underlying causes of fatigue can reveal important information about our health and guide the necessary changes in lifestyle and nutrition. Scientific research provides valuable insights into how energy is produced, maintained, and consumed in the body. Energy production is a complex biochemical process affected by diet, sleep, stress, exercise, and other factors. Recognizing the signals the body sends is crucial to prevent potential problems from worsening and to enhance overall well-being. What low energy really means Low energy is not ju...
Η ανθρώπινη εμπειρία της υγείας δεν μπορεί να κατανοηθεί πλήρως χωρίς να λάβουμε υπόψη τη δυναμική αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ του νου και του σώματος. Από τις αρχές της ιατρικής σκέψης μέχρι τις σύγχρονες επιστημονικές προσεγγίσεις, το ανθρώπινο σώμα και η ψυχή θεωρούνταν δυο ξεχωριστές οντότητες. Σήμερα, η επιστημονική έρευνα αναδεικνύει ότι αυτή η διάκριση είναι τεχνητή: το στρες, τα συναισθήματα, οι γνωσιακοί μηχανισμοί και οι κοινωνικές εμπειρίες επηρεάζουν άμεσα τη φυσιολογία — και το αντίθετο. Οι ψυχοσωματικές αντιδράσεις αποτελούν μία από τις πιο καθαρές εκδηλώσεις αυτής της αλληλεπίδρασης, όπου οι ψυχολογικές διεργασίες μπορούν να μεταφραστούν σε σωματικά συμπτώματα, επηρεάζοντας τόσο την ποιότητα ζωής όσο και την κλινική πορεία πολλών παθήσεων. Αν και στην καθημερινή γλώσσα ο όρος «ψυχοσωματικό» μπορεί να χρησιμοποιείται γενικά για να περιγράψει οποιαδήποτε σωματική εκδήλωση άγχους ή δυσφορίας, η σύγχρονη ψυχοσωματική ιατρική αναγνωρίζει πολύπλοκους νευροβιολογικούς, ενδοκρινικούς κ...
There is a quiet shift that many people notice as they get older. Situations that once triggered anxiety, overthinking, or emotional reactivity begin to lose their intensity. Opinions matter less. Social pressure softens. The constant need to explain, justify, or please slowly fades. This change is often described casually as “caring less.” From a neuroscience perspective, however, it reflects something far more interesting: a gradual recalibration of the brain’s emotional and cognitive systems. Rather than emotional detachment or apathy, this shift is closely linked to how the brain matures, prioritizes, and regulates emotional input over time.
The brain does not stay emotionally static
For much of early adulthood, the brain operates in a state of heightened sensitivity to social feedback. The limbic system — particularly the amygdala — plays a central role in threat detection, emotional learning, and social evaluation. This is adaptive early in life, when forming relationships,...
High blood pressure is one of the most common and underestimated risk factors for cardiovascular disease worldwide. While lifestyle changes and medication are often central to management, many people overlook another important variable: dietary supplements.
Supplements are widely perceived as “natural” and therefore harmless. However, scientific evidence shows that certain supplements can raise blood pressure, interfere with antihypertensive medication, or increase cardiovascular strain — sometimes without obvious warning signs. Understanding which supplements may pose risks is essential for anyone managing hypertension, especially given the growing popularity of self-directed supplement use.
Why supplements can affect blood pressure
Blood pressure regulation is a complex physiological process involving the nervous system, kidneys, blood vessels, and hormonal signaling. Many supplements influence one or more of these systems.
Some stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, other...