An independent health reference. It does not replace a consultation with a doctor: we do not diagnose or prescribe treatment. In a life-threatening emergency call 112 (or 103 for an ambulance in Russia). This site is not connected with the former greetings service on this domain.
Topics and conditions
The reference is organised into four broad topics that affect almost every adult. Each card explains the topic in plain words, what to pay attention to and where to look next. These are not descriptions of diseases or a way to diagnose yourself: they are pointers to the questions worth taking to a doctor.
Much of what matters for health does not hurt. That is why it helps to know what to check before any symptoms appear.
How this section works: a topic is included if it affects most adults, is covered by recommendations from international or Russian health organisations, and the advice can be followed without buying any particular product or service.
Blood pressure, movement and habits that affect your blood vessels over the years.
According to WHO, hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure measured on two different days is 140/90 mmHg or higher both times. Many people with high blood pressure feel nothing, so it needs to be measured rather than waiting for symptoms. A measurement is part of a routine check-up.
WHO advises adults to do 150–300 minutes of moderate activity a week and muscle-strengthening exercise on at least two days a week. Some activity is better than none. See the table of guidelines for details.
In 2023 the WHO Regional Office for Europe stated that there is no level of alcohol consumption that is safe for health. If someone recommends "a glass for your heart", discuss it with your doctor.
What is known about a healthy diet and how not to fall for fashionable promises.
WHO guidance: less than 5 g of salt a day, free sugars below 10% of daily energy intake, fat no more than 30%. These are general population figures, not a personal diet.
WHO recommends at least 400 g a day; potatoes and other starchy root vegetables do not count towards this.
A dietary supplement is not a medicine. Before believing promises to "speed up your metabolism", see how to check a claim about a method.
What the words on a lab report mean and why the results should be interpreted by a doctor who knows your history.
Sleep and daily strain affect your health as much as diet does.
In a 2015 consensus statement, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that adults regularly sleep 7 hours or more.
WHO advises limiting time spent sitting. Even short movement breaks are a step in the right direction.
If poor sleep, anxiety or tiredness get in the way of daily life, start with a general practitioner. A list of questions for the appointment is in a separate section.
Simple measures that lower the risk of catching or spreading an infection.
According to WHO, the whole handwashing procedure with soap and water takes 40–60 seconds; an alcohol-based hand rub takes 20–30 seconds.
One type of preventive intervention. Which vaccines you need is decided with your doctor, taking into account your age and medical history.
Medicines are prescribed by a doctor. How to check whether a medicine is registered, and why you should not treat yourself based on advice from the internet.
This section will feature standalone articles written for English-speaking readers. They are written with an international audience in mind and are not translations of material from other language versions of the site.
A step-by-step comparison of where players find game information, from official notes to wikis and service-site guides, with criteria for judging each one.
How Aion 2 classes fit into flight combat, group content and PvP, how to choose one after the global launch, and answers to common questions from new players.
How World of Warcraft leveling works in broad terms, which learning resources help new and returning players, and the limits and risks of shortcuts.
A reference map of GTA 6 information sources: official pages, community hubs and service sites, plus what is confirmed and what is still expectation.
Preventive check-ups in Russia's state health insurance (OMS) system and how to get the most from them. WHO guidance for adults.
What counts as evidence-based, the main types of intervention and how to check a claim about a method.
What to ask your doctor and who to see first.
Information is current as of the preparation date. The Russian check-up schedule, recommendations from health organisations and medicine registration rules may change — check current arrangements with your clinic and official sources.