The European Health Data Space (EHDS) has officially become law as of 26 March this year, marking the beginning of a new era in how health data is accessed, shared, and utilized across the EU. This regulation will require every EU Member State to implement changes that will allow every EU citizen to access and control their health data. The goal is to have cross-border services available for priority categories of health data by 2029, with further expansion planned through 2031 and beyond.
The road to the EHDS has been a long one, with coordination efforts dating back to 2012 when Member States started developing cross-border digital health services within the eHealth Network framework. This collaborative approach has led to significant progress, with projects like MyHealth@EU paving the way for the EHDS by focusing on interoperability, security, and ethics. Dr. Henrique Martins, an associate professor at ISCTE-IUL, highlights the importance of these early initiatives in laying the groundwork for the EHDS.
Interoperability lies at the core of the EHDS, with technological components being developed to allow citizens to securely access their health data across borders. Projects like Potential are exploring how the EU Digital Identity Wallet could be used for e-prescriptions, while MyHealth@EU will be expanded to support cross-border exchange of patient summaries, e-prescriptions, and e-dispensation by 2029.
However, the success of the EHDS ultimately depends on the active participation of citizens. Projects like MyHealth@MyHands are focused on putting people at the center of this transformation by involving patients, healthcare professionals, and developers in the co-design process. By establishing communication channels and feedback mechanisms with EU citizens, these projects aim to address the diverse expectations, concerns, and needs of individuals across the Health Union.
To learn more about the EHDS and its practical implications, HIMSS Europe 2025 in Paris will feature a dedicated track on “EHDS in Practice” on 10 June. This track will cover various aspects of the EHDS, with speakers including health ministry representatives, tech experts, and patients. Join the conference from 10-12 June 2025 to stay updated on the latest developments in the European Health Data Space. The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and has been found to have numerous benefits for mental health. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety are common, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can help improve your overall well-being.
One of the primary benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. When we are stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. By practicing meditation regularly, we can lower our cortisol levels and reduce the impact of stress on our bodies.
Meditation can also help improve our mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that meditation can increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is often low in people with depression. By practicing meditation, we can boost our mood and reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Additionally, meditation can help improve our focus and concentration. In today’s world of constant distractions, it can be challenging to stay focused on one task at a time. By practicing meditation, we can train our minds to stay present and focused, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Furthermore, meditation can help improve our sleep. Many people struggle with insomnia and other sleep disorders, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. By practicing meditation before bed, we can calm our minds and bodies, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
In conclusion, the benefits of meditation for mental health are numerous. By incorporating meditation into your daily routine, you can reduce stress, improve your mood, increase your focus and concentration, and improve your sleep. If you are looking to improve your overall well-being, consider adding meditation to your daily routine and experience the positive effects it can have on your mental health.
