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Last refreshed: 20/06/2026 15:42 · 49 articles added
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Society

Cancer Patient Advocates for Men's Health Awareness, Challenges Prevention Taboos

Viliam Gabria, a cancer patient, is working to change perceptions about male health and break taboos surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment. In a recent interview, Gabria emphasized that preventive healthcare is not a sign of weakness but a life-saving measure. He argues that men should overcome their fear of medical examinations and take proactive steps toward health screening. Gabria's advocacy comes as Slovakia faces ongoing challenges with cancer prevention and early detection, particularly among men who traditionally avoid routine medical check-ups due to cultural stigmas around vulnerability and health concerns.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak Medical Expert Warns Against Information Overload and Declining Trust in Healthcare

A Slovak pathophysiologist and molecular biologist has highlighted growing concerns about patients turning away from medical professionals in favor of unverified treatments. Peter Celec, speaking on a health-focused podcast, explained that people today face an excess rather than shortage of medical information, making it difficult to distinguish reliable sources from misleading ones. He emphasized that trust in one's doctor and regular preventive checkups remain crucial for health outcomes. The expert noted that Slovaks neglect preventive medical examinations, which contributes to higher mortality rates compared to other countries. Celec suggested that building a strong doctor-patient relationship based on trust is essential for navigating the overwhelming amount of health information available today.

Aktuality
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Society

War Disrupts Lives and Relationships as Slovak Soldiers Prepare for Deployment

Slovak soldiers are preparing for deployment rotations, packing supplies and ammunition as their lives depend on meticulous preparation for the coming days, weeks, or potentially months ahead. The military preparations are taking a personal toll, with relationships strained by the pressures of war. One older soldier spent his final evening before deployment arguing with his wife rather than preparing his equipment, illustrating how military service is affecting not just the soldiers themselves but their families and partnerships. The ongoing conflict is fundamentally changing personal relationships and causing isolation among those serving.

Dennik N
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Society

War's Impact on Relationships: Slovak Soldiers Face Personal Struggles Amid Military Rotations

Slovak soldiers preparing for military rotation are grappling with the personal toll of deployment as relationships strain under the pressure of war. At a military base, troops pack supplies and ammunition while preparing for rotations that could last weeks or months, with their lives depending on meticulous preparation. However, the emotional cost is evident as some soldiers spend their final evenings arguing with spouses instead of focusing on deployment preparations. The ongoing conflict is fundamentally altering not only the lives of military personnel but also irreversibly changing romantic relationships and marriages, highlighting the broader human cost of war beyond the battlefield.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovakia Revisits Legacy of Jozef Tiso, Wartime Leader Who Ended on Bratislava Gallows

Jozef Tiso remains one of the most controversial figures in Slovak history, embodying the deep divisions over the country's wartime past. The Catholic priest turned politician led the Nazi-aligned Slovak State from 1939 to 1945, actively supporting anti-Jewish legislation that paved the way for the deportation of Slovakia's Jewish population to concentration camps. After fleeing to exile following Germany's defeat, Tiso was captured, returned to Czechoslovakia, and executed by hanging in Bratislava in 1947. His legacy continues to divide Slovak society between those who view him as a symbol of Slovak independence and those who condemn his collaboration with Nazi Germany and role in the Holocaust.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak woman faces murder attempt charges after stabbing intoxicated man

A Slovak woman is on trial for attempted murder after stabbing a man in the chest while both were under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The defendant was intoxicated with both alcohol and narcotics at the time of the incident, while the victim was also drunk. If convicted, she faces up to twenty years in prison. The case highlights issues of substance abuse and violent crime in Slovakia, where attempted murder carries severe penalties under the country's criminal code.

Korzár
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Society

Health Ministry Continues Talks on Emergency Medical Service Changes

Slovakia's Health Ministry is continuing negotiations regarding changes to the country's emergency medical services. A commission for emergency healthcare is scheduled to convene at the end of March to address the ongoing discussions about reforms to the emergency medical system.

SME
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Society

European drug agency recommends first combined COVID-19 and flu vaccine

The European Medicines Agency has recommended approval for the first combined vaccine protecting against both COVID-19 and influenza. The agency issued a conditional marketing authorization recommendation for the mCombriax vaccine, which would allow patients to receive protection against both viruses in a single shot. Slovakia's Ministry of Health acknowledged the agency's recommendation and is taking it under consideration. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, holds final authority over vaccine registration and will make the ultimate decision on whether to approve the combined vaccine for use across the European Union.

SMEAktuality
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Society

Police recover stolen tricycle for disabled man, suspect in custody

Slovak police have successfully tracked down and returned a stolen tricycle to a disabled man who depended on it for mobility. The suspect accused of the theft is currently in police custody. The recovery represents a significant personal victory for the victim, who had been left without his essential means of transportation following the crime.

SME
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Society

Fire Department Warns of Fines Up to 331 Euros for Illegal Grass and Vegetation Burning

Slovakia's fire department has issued warnings about the prohibition on burning grass and vegetation, with individuals facing fines of up to 331 euros for violations. The warning comes as spring weather conditions increase the risk of uncontrolled fires spreading from illegal burning activities. Fire authorities are emphasizing enforcement of existing regulations that ban the burning of grass, weeds, and other vegetation in open areas to prevent potential wildfire hazards and protect public safety.

SME
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Society

Psychologist Explains Spring Energy Boost and Seasonal Fatigue

The arrival of sunny spring days has visibly improved the mood of people on Slovak streets, according to clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Adam Suchý. He explains that increased sunlight triggers hormonal changes in the body, shifting the balance between melatonin and serotonin, which naturally drives people toward greater activity. However, Suchý notes that this transitional period can be challenging, as the pleasant weather draws people outdoors even when they may still be feeling the effects of winter lethargy. The psychologist suggests that experiencing spring fatigue during this adjustment period should not be viewed as a personal failure, but rather as a normal part of the seasonal transition.

Dennik N
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Society

Spring Weather Boosts Mood but Transition Period Can Bring Fatigue, Psychologist Says

The arrival of sunny spring weather has visibly improved the mood of people on Slovakia's streets, according to clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Adam Suchý. He explains that increased sunlight triggers hormonal changes in the body, altering the balance between melatonin and serotonin, which naturally draws people toward more activity. However, Suchý warns that this transitional period can be challenging, as pleasant weather may encourage outdoor activities while people still feel fatigued from winter. He advises that experiencing spring fatigue should not be viewed as a personal failure, as the body needs time to adjust to seasonal changes.

Dennik N
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Society

Rožňava Resident Connects Neighbors Over Broken Appliances

A resident of Rožňava in eastern Slovakia is bringing neighbors together through a community initiative focused on repairing non-functional household appliances. Miloslav Kováč says his project serves a dual purpose of preventing waste generation while replacing services that are gradually disappearing from local communities. The initiative appears to address the growing challenge of appliance disposal and the decline of traditional repair services in smaller Slovak towns, creating a community-based solution that encourages sustainability and neighborly cooperation.

Aktuality
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Society

Mountain rescue volunteers in Slovakia face crisis amid funding shortages and changing values

Slovakia's mountain rescue service is confronting a significant crisis driven by insufficient funding and shifting societal values. The Tatra Rescue Service (THS), which relies on volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds including doctors, nurses, IT workers, entrepreneurs, mechanics, and foresters, is struggling to maintain its operations. The organization's volunteer base represents a broad cross-section of Slovak society, but faces mounting challenges in sustaining its life-saving mountain rescue activities. The crisis reflects broader issues affecting volunteer organizations in Slovakia, where traditional community service values compete with modern economic pressures and reduced public funding support.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Slovak spa town Rajecké Teplice prepares master plan amid stark contrast between luxury center and neglected areas

Rajecké Teplice, Slovakia's fourth smallest city by population, attracts more tourists than some regional capitals despite stark disparities within its borders. The town center features the gleaming Aphrodite spa complex, which promotes European luxury standards and has announced a 70-million-euro investment project. However, just meters away from the polished tourist facilities, other parts of the municipality remain in a state of decay and neglect. The contrasts have prompted city officials to develop a comprehensive master plan to address the uneven development across the spa town, which has become a significant tourist destination despite its small size.

Aktuality
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Society

Racism Against Roma Often Manifests in Daily Minor Situations, Slovak Academy of Sciences Study Finds

Racism against Roma people in Slovakia frequently occurs through everyday minor incidents rather than major confrontations, according to researchers from the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The scientists found that stereotypes about Roma communities have deep historical roots that continue to influence contemporary attitudes and behaviors. The research highlights how discrimination against Slovakia's largest ethnic minority often takes subtle forms in daily interactions, perpetuating long-standing prejudices that have persisted across generations.

SME
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Society

Vasectomy Reversal Extremely Difficult but Other Options Exist for Fatherhood, Says Urologist

A Slovak urologist has clarified that while vasectomy reversal is technically possible, it represents an extremely challenging medical procedure. Dr. Martina Serátor explained that reconnecting the vas deferens requires highly complex microsurgery with no guarantee of success. The medical expert was responding to a 24-year-old man's question about whether vasectomy should be considered a permanent procedure and what options exist for men who later wish to father children. While reversal surgery is difficult and uncertain, Serátor noted that men who have undergone vasectomy can still have biological children through assisted reproductive technologies, providing alternative pathways to parenthood even after the sterilization procedure.

Dennik N
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Society

Fire Department Warns Against Illegal Grass Burning as Spring Season Begins

Slovak firefighters have issued warnings about the dangers and legal restrictions of grass burning, emphasizing that the practice is prohibited by law. Over the past 14 years, authorities have recorded approximately 27,000 reported incidents of grass burning across the country. The fire department's warning comes as spring weather conditions increase the risk of uncontrolled fires spreading from illegal burning activities. Grass burning poses significant safety hazards including the potential for fires to spread to nearby buildings, forests, or agricultural areas, and can result in serious property damage and endanger lives.

SME
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Society

Firefighters warn against grass burning dangers as practice remains prohibited

Slovak firefighters are issuing warnings about the dangers of grass burning, emphasizing that the practice remains prohibited by law. Over the past 14 years, approximately 27,000 grass burning incidents have been reported to authorities. The warnings come as spring weather typically leads to increased attempts at controlled burning of vegetation, which can quickly spread out of control and cause property damage or threaten lives. Grass burning is banned in Slovakia due to fire safety concerns and environmental protection measures.

SME
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Society

Slovak Public Television Faces Mass Layoffs as Staff Cite Revenge Motive

Slovak Public Radio and Television (STVR) management is planning mass layoffs of employees, according to a list obtained by the SME daily newspaper. Multiple STVR staff members who spoke to the newspaper said they believe the dismissals are motivated by revenge rather than operational needs. The planned layoffs come amid ongoing tensions at Slovakia's public broadcaster, which operates the country's main public television and radio services. STVR has been a focal point of political disputes in recent years, with debates over editorial independence and management decisions affecting the state-funded media organization.

SME
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