World Health Day - student-led prevention
On the second weekend in April, the Olympia in Brno was transformed into a unique health centre, where almost 140 future doctors revealed the secrets of prevention in an unconventional and fascinating way.16 interactive stations prepared by students of the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University attracted passers-by like small scientific pavilions full of surprises. They could experience for themselves that health science does not have to be boring. From the measurement of body parameters to screening tests to practical first aid demonstrations - each station was like a small adventure revealing hitherto hidden aspects of the human body and its functioning. The event, under the patronage of leading Brno institutions, showed that prevention can be fun, educational and absolutely captivating!
On the second weekend in April, the Olympia Brno shopping centre was not only for shopping, but also for health! A wide range of stations focused on various areas of health attracted many curious visitors. This year, on 12 and 13 April 2025, World Health Day also focused on mental well-being - which was a pleasant novelty and quickly made this place the centre of attention. Volunteers were not only there to talk about how to manage stress and strengthen the psyche, but more importantly to teach simple breathing exercises that can quite easily relieve the stresses of everyday life.
Civilisation diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity still remain a major threat. At sixteen stations, visitors could measure their health and find out how to prevent diseases under the supervision of experienced students from medicine and related fields.
A team of students from different disciplines - medicine, dentistry, nutritional therapy, physiotherapy, embryology and psychology - prepared a really varied programme. Everything was measured: blood sugar, blood pressure, body fat percentage, BMI... and lots of valuable advice. Doctors from St. Anne's University Hospital supervised all the measurements and were ready to answer any question. And those who wanted to, could also learn the basics of first aid - for example, how to resuscitate or properly treat burns.
In addition to the novelty dedicated to mental health, there were also activities on smoking prevention, lung function test with piCOmeter, blood oxygenation measurement with oximeter and foot examination with podoscope. For children, there was the popular "Hospital for Teddy Bears" - a fun and non-violent way to show that medical care doesn't have to be scary. Other activities included breast and testicular self-examination on models, HPV prevention, vaccinations and sexual health. Embryology students explained the secrets of (in)fertility and the course of pregnancy on models and in the lab.
Attention was also paid to hygiene - under the UV lamp, everyone could check whether they knew how to wash their hands properly and received tips on how to do it. Nutritional therapists broke down popular foods and debunked diet myths. Physiotherapists explained why it is important to move regularly and how to sit and stand properly. And dental students demonstrated how to care for your smile to keep it healthy.
"During the talks, we wanted to show people that mental health is just as important as physical health. Visitors tried breathing exercises to manage stress and were given information on where to seek help. As a volunteer, I gained a lot of positive energy and I am happy that our work means something," says energetic Sophia Babičová, a 2nd year general medicine student.
At the end, everyone who had passed all the stations could have their results evaluated - and then a raffle full of cool prizes, such as vouchers for fitness centres, escape games or wellness, awaited them. Around 1,300 people attended the event over the two days!
This whole health festival was organised by a team of fifteen enthusiastic members of IFMSA - an international student volunteer organisation that gives space to change the world for the better. "It was great to be part of such a great team again. This experience has been a huge benefit and I am convinced that our long-term work is making a difference and motivating people to take more care of their health. A big thank you also goes to the support of the faculty, the Rector's Office and the sponsors - without them such an event would not have been possible," said Karolína Holíková, a member of the organizing team, with a smile.
Support for the event was provided by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University prof. MUDr. Martin Repko, Ph.D., the Rector of the University prof. MUDr. Martin Bareš, Ph.D., the Head of the II. internal clinic Bohuslav Kianička, Ph.D., and the Mayor of Brno, JUDr. Markéta Vaňková.
"Many thanks to the Faculty of Medicine of MU, Masaryk University and St. Anne's University Hospital for their invaluable support. Thanks to the joint work of students, doctors and sponsors, every year we have managed to raise awareness of the importance of preventing civilisation diseases and to promote interest in mental and physical health. We are already looking forward to the next event, which will traditionally take place in November in Olympia shopping centre under the name of World Diabetes Day," concludes Karolína Holíková.
