## Health — the foundation of well-being and quality of life

The WHO has long since stopped defining health merely as the absence of illness, describing it instead as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. People who feel healthy can shape their daily lives actively, perform well at work and nurture their relationships. Four factors influence this balance particularly strongly: nutrition, exercise, mental condition and a trusted environment of family, friends and available care.

### Lifestyle diseases — the downside of modern life

In industrialised countries, chronic illnesses are on a continuous rise. Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and obesity usually develop over years through a combination of too little exercise, poor nutrition and chronic stress. According to Eurostat, in 2022 around half of all adults in the EU were overweight (50.6% of people aged 16 and over), although the figures vary considerably from country to country — from 41.3% in Italy to 62.0% in Malta. In every EU member state, men are affected more often than women. A clear signal that prevention in everyday life needs more attention.

### Taking mental health seriously

Depression, anxiety disorders and states of exhaustion are today among the most frequent diagnoses in general practice. The multiple demands of work, family and household, constant availability and comparison on social media all add to the permanent strain. Recognition instead of stigma, early conversations with a GP or psychotherapist and a reliable social network are the most effective protective factors.

### Nutrition as a daily tool

Highly processed foods with industrial sugar, white flour, trans fats and additives dominate the menu in many households today. A balanced diet with unprocessed ingredients, sufficient protein, unsaturated fats and micronutrients demonstrably lowers the risk of many lifestyle diseases. Nutrition professionals such as dietitians or qualified nutritional advisers help to develop individual eating patterns — tailored to your job, your daily routine and your health circumstances.

### Prevention pays off

Many illnesses can be avoided or treated early if preventive care is used consistently. This includes the screening and prevention services that most European health systems cover — vaccinations, child health checks, skin and bowel cancer screening, dental check-ups. The exact scope of cover differs from country to country. On top of that come individual building blocks: ergonomic workstations, movement in everyday life, relaxation techniques and consistent sleep hygiene. Taking symptoms seriously and acting early often saves you from lengthy treatments.

### Finding the right provider

Doctors, therapists, pharmacies, physiotherapists or advice centres — the choice is wide and the quality hard to judge. Reviews from other patients often give the decisive clue: How do they communicate? What are waiting times and hygiene like? How reliable is appointment scheduling?

McGesund brings together reviews from across the health sector and makes sure that every review comes from real patients or customers. QR code verification, geolocation and cryptographic encryption prevent the fake reviews that distort the picture on many other platforms. The result is a reliable overall impression — before you make an appointment or begin a course of treatment.

Medical practices, therapists and care services — rated by people who have been there in person. Reviews are created during the visit via QR code, so that genuine experiences count.

Health in Portlaoise (Laois) – Leathanach 2

Health Portlaoise: Gnólachtaí agus léirmheasanna

Laois Pharmacy

Specsavers

Ballard Lodge Nursing Home