More than 80 student volunteers took part in the action. In order to raise Polish people's awareness of a healthy lifestyle and prevention of civilization diseases they educated on immunizations, prevention of cervical, testicular and breast cancer. They performed blood pressure and blood glucose measurements and spirometry, among others. They taught breast self-examination and first aid principles. The stand prepared by the students, equipped with drug and alcohol goggles, was also of great educational value. Thanks to them, the inhabitants of Warsaw had an opportunity to check how perception changes under the influence of intoxicating substances.
There was no shortage of valuable advice on proper pharmacotherapy. Visitors were able to take a short test to test their knowledge about taking medications. They discussed its results with the volunteers, learning what mistakes to avoid. Students also conducted an initial oral health screening and provided information on how to brush and care for teeth properly. Those interested in diet and healthy lifestyle could undergo body composition analysis with interpretation of the results. They received a packet of tips on proper nutrition and recipes for tasty plant-based meals. The participants had also the opportunity to sign up for the database of potential marrow donors of the DKMS Foundation.
For the youngest there were mascots in need of help waiting in the "Teddy Bear Hospital.” The children, with the help of the students, bandaged the bears, gave them x-rays and injections. Thanks to this, they had the opportunity to tame their fear of doctors, tests and the hospital.
- For us - medical students, health and illness are among the main topics of conversation. For years, as part of our voluntary work, we have been educating, promoting and encouraging people to undergo preventive medical examinations and to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In the era of the pandemic, our activities have been transferred to the virtual world and thus direct contact with the patient has been reduced to a minimum. That is why the stationary edition of our "Health under Control" is of such special value - says Janusz Świeczkowski-Feiz, the president of the capital city branch of IFMSA-Poland.
The entire event was held in compliance with the restrictions associated with the pandemic, including distance, disinfection of positions, the use of personal protective equipment.
"Health under Control" is the biggest action of the International Federation of Medical Students' Associations IFMSA-Poland. It is organized twice a year. In this edition the Warsaw Branch was joined by the Warsaw North Branch. The event was also attended by students from: Polish Pharmaceutical Students' Society Warsaw Branch, Polish Association of Dental Students Warsaw Branch, Student Scientific Society of Clinical Nutrition MUW and Lifestyle Medicine Student Scientific Club MUW.
The event was held under the honorary patronage of the Rector of Medical University of Warsaw Professor Zbigniew Gaciong, Mayor of Warsaw Rafal Trzaskowski, the District Medical Chamber and the Polish Diabetes Association.
The campaign was supported by many Partners who enriched the stands with educational materials and provided promotion, such as: Social Education Foundation, DKMS Foundation, Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy in Warsaw, Appetite for Poland, Super Fun, MEDtube, Caffedra Medica.
