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Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 10:37 · 52 articles added
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Society

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Society

Slovak TV Host's Diet Book Draws Expert Criticism for Harmful Advice

Former Slovak television presenter Adriana Kneissl Poláková has faced criticism from health experts over her bestselling diet book "Do You Want to Lose Weight? Eat Up," which contains what professionals describe as problematic advice. The book, which details how she dramatically lost weight, has become one of the country's top sellers but includes controversial recommendations such as avoiding food when drinking alcohol and restricting daily intake to just 1,200 calories across three meals. Experts contacted by Denník N expressed particular concern about Kneissl's language referring to obese people as having "fat brains" and her overly strict dietary restrictions. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about celebrity diet advice and its potential health risks, as unqualified public figures continue to promote weight loss methods that may conflict with established medical guidance.

Dennik N
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Society

Tetanus Bacteria Found Even on Shoe Soles, Experts Warn Disease Remains Present Threat

Medical experts are warning that tetanus remains a present-day health threat, with the bacteria that causes the potentially fatal disease found even on the soles of shoes. The specialists emphasize that tetanus is not a disease of the past, despite effective prevention methods being available. The bacteria, which can cause severe muscle spasms and death if untreated, persists in everyday environments and poses an ongoing risk to public health.

SME
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Society

Woman receives reduced sentence for fatal stabbing after drinking together with victim

A Slovak court reduced the prison sentence for a woman who fatally stabbed a man in the abdomen after they had been drinking alcohol together. The woman originally faced up to twenty years in prison for murder, but received a lighter sentence due to a serious illness. The court took her medical condition into consideration when determining the final punishment for the killing.

Korzár
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Society

Women Report Humiliation and Dismissal of Pain in Slovak Gynecological Clinics

Women in Slovakia are speaking out about humiliating treatment in gynecological clinics, where doctors dismiss their pain and send them for psychiatric evaluation instead of addressing their medical concerns. The insensitive comments from medical professionals leave female patients feeling powerless during their visits. This pattern of treatment reflects broader issues with how women's health complaints are handled within Slovakia's healthcare system, where physical symptoms are often attributed to psychological causes rather than being properly investigated.

SME
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Society

Slovak Secondary School Admissions Tests Conclude, Results Due by May 21

Future secondary school students completed entrance examinations for non-talent based programs on Tuesday, closing the first round of admissions tests for the 2026/27 academic year. Schools now have until May 21 to evaluate the tests and upload binding lists of applicants to the ePrihlášky system, including both those who met admission criteria and those who fell short of requirements. The ePrihlášky system is Slovakia's centralized platform for secondary school applications, which streamlines the admissions process across the country's secondary education institutions.

Dennik N
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Society

Lidl Issues Recall Warning for Popular Ice Cream Product Over Foreign Object Risk

German discount supermarket chain Lidl has issued a product recall for peanut ice cream bars due to the risk of foreign objects being present in the product. The retailer withdrew the frozen dessert items from its stores as a precautionary measure to protect consumer safety. Lidl operates numerous stores across Slovakia and regularly issues product recalls when safety concerns arise, following standard food safety protocols established by European Union regulations.

Bratislavak
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Society

Health Experts Remind Adults Not to Forget Tetanus Vaccination Boosters

Health experts in Slovakia are reminding adults about the importance of maintaining current tetanus vaccinations through regular booster shots. Tetanus is a serious toxin-mediated disease that affects the nervous system, caused by bacteria that can enter the body through wounds and cuts. The disease can cause severe muscle spasms and potentially fatal complications if left untreated. While tetanus vaccination is part of routine childhood immunization programs, adults often overlook the need for periodic booster shots, typically required every 10 years, to maintain immunity against this preventable but dangerous infection.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Elementary and Secondary School Teachers to Receive ChatGPT Licenses

Elementary and secondary school teachers in Slovakia will receive licenses to use the ChatGPT artificial intelligence model. The announcement represents a significant step in integrating AI technology into the country's educational system, though specific details about the implementation timeline, scope of the program, and how the licenses will be distributed have not yet been disclosed.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Two robbers who attacked and injured teenager with tree branch face prison sentences

Police have apprehended two suspects who robbed and assaulted a teenager, beating him with a tree branch and causing injuries. The older suspect faces up to eight years in prison, while the younger accomplice could receive a four-year sentence. Slovak authorities successfully tracked down the perpetrators following the violent robbery incident.

Korzár
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Society

Against Diseases and Superstitions: The Beginnings and Consequences of Vaccination

A Slovak media outlet published an examination of the historical origins and societal impact of vaccination programs. The piece explores how vaccination efforts have evolved from their early beginnings to become a cornerstone of modern public health policy, while also addressing persistent misconceptions and superstitions that continue to influence public attitudes toward immunization. The article appears to trace the development of vaccination science and its role in combating both infectious diseases and the spread of misinformation about vaccine safety and efficacy.

SME
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Society

Ombudsman Reports Suspected Violence at Slovak Correctional Facility

Slovakia's ombudsman has reported suspected cases of violence, including slapping and physical punishment, at the correctional facility in Hrnčiarovce nad Parnou. The ombudsman's office conducted monitoring that examined both the alleged violent incidents and the material conditions within the prison. The Public Defender of Rights, Slovakia's ombudsman institution responsible for protecting citizens' rights and investigating complaints against public authorities, regularly inspects detention facilities to ensure compliance with human rights standards and proper treatment of inmates.

SME
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Society

Slovakia Among Countries Facing Dramatic Birth Rate Decline, Unlike Israel

Slovakia is experiencing a dramatic decline in birth rates, following a trend common among developed nations worldwide. Israel stands as a notable exception to this demographic crisis, maintaining higher fertility rates due to cultural and social factors that continue to prioritize family and children. The demographic challenge facing Slovakia and other developed countries reflects broader social and economic shifts that have made raising children less central to societal values and individual life planning.

Dennik N
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Society

Job Advertisement Scam Targets Slovaks with Fake Nordic Employment Offers

A fraudulent scheme is targeting Slovak job seekers by selling fake job advertisements promising employment in Iceland and Norway, with scammers reportedly earning up to 13,000 euros monthly from the operation. The scam exploits Slovaks' desire to find work in Nordic countries, which are attractive destinations due to higher wages and better working conditions. The fraudulent advertisements are causing frustration among legitimate employers in these countries, who find themselves dealing with inquiries from job seekers who have been misled about available positions.

SME
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Society

Boy hospitalized after attack for speaking Ukrainian on phone

A boy was attacked and hospitalized after speaking Ukrainian during a phone conversation, prompting police to launch criminal proceedings. The incident highlights ongoing tensions related to the Ukrainian refugee crisis in Slovakia. Police have opened a criminal investigation into the assault, which appears to have been motivated by the victim's use of the Ukrainian language.

Korzár
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Society

Investigation Continues Into Fatal Bus Accident That Killed Three Girls in Spišské Podhradie

A fatal bus accident that killed three girls in Spišské Podhradie has entered the shortened investigation phase, according to authorities. The tragic incident involved a bus striking the three victims, though specific details about the circumstances of the accident have not been disclosed. Spišské Podhradie is a small town in eastern Slovakia, located in the Spiš region near the famous Spiš Castle. The shortened investigation procedure is typically used in Slovak criminal cases where the facts are relatively clear and straightforward, allowing for a more expedited legal process.

Korzár
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Society

Fitness Trainer Advocates Simple Kettlebell Approach Over Complex Routines

A Slovak fitness trainer is promoting a simplified approach to kettlebell training, arguing that most people don't need elaborate exercise routines and can achieve their fitness goals with just three basic movements. The trainer, Tkadlčík, identified the most common mistakes people make when starting kettlebell training: using weights that are too heavy and attempting to skip the fundamental technical basics. This back-to-basics philosophy emphasizes proper form and gradual progression over flashy or complex exercises that may look impressive but aren't necessary for most fitness enthusiasts.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovak Social Insurance Agency to Send Pension Forecasts to 3.5 Million Clients

Slovakia's Social Insurance Agency will distribute pension forecasts to approximately 3.5 million clients by the end of May, providing estimates of their future retirement benefits. The forecasts will help citizens understand their expected pension income and interpret the various financial data included in the projections. The Social Insurance Agency, Slovakia's state-run pension system administrator, regularly provides these forecasts to help workers plan for retirement and understand how their contributions translate into future benefits.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak Disinformation Review Covers Fico's Putin Promise and Kaliňák Funding Claims

Slovak media outlet SME published its latest weekly review of disinformation trends circulating in Slovakia, covering false claims about Prime Minister Robert Fico's alleged promises to Russian President Vladimir Putin, fabricated stories about funding from Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák, and manipulated content regarding the national anthem. The review, part of SME's regular "Dezinfomaják" series, tracks and debunks false narratives spreading through Slovak information channels. Fico leads the ruling Smer-SD party, while Kaliňák serves as defense minister in the current coalition government. Such disinformation monitoring has become increasingly important in Slovakia, which faces regular exposure to false narratives particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and domestic politics.

SME
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Society

Slovak TV Series Cancelled, Pension Bonuses Criticized, and Broadcasting Changes Announced

Three separate developments emerged in Slovak public affairs today. The television series "Očistec" (Purgatory) has been cancelled, while experts have criticized the government's 13th pension payments policy. Additionally, Karin Majtánová announced her temporary departure from STVR, Slovakia's public television broadcaster. The developments reflect broader questions about power, financial policy, and trust in state institutions that continue to shape Slovak public discourse.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak University Senate Approves Merger Amid Student and Staff Concerns

The academic senate has approved a merger that would transform metallurgy students into mechanical engineering graduates, sparking concerns among students about the validity of their future degrees. The decision has left university employees feeling demotivated and frustrated as the institution undergoes significant restructuring. The merger represents a major shift in the university's academic programs, potentially affecting the career prospects of current students who enrolled expecting to receive metallurgy qualifications.

Korzár
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