The time of the COVID-19 epidemic made us realize how much remains to be done in terms of ensuring the safety of patients, especially those over 60 years of age. It turned out that the elderly were in the group exposed to the most serious effects of coronavirus infection.
Medonet took patronage over the “Senior in the center of attention” campaign, which is a reliable source of knowledge for seniors, their relatives and carers. The highly educational message was ensured thanks to the support of eminent authorities who took up the topic from the perspective of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of individual diseases. The articles are available on the website www.pacjentilekarz.pl
The substantive patronage over the campaign was taken by the Patient’s Rights Ombudsman – Bartłomiej Chmielowiec, who notes in his article that it is the seniors who need special support, protection, attention and real help, especially during a pandemic. Therefore, educational and systemic initiatives have been undertaken.
The face of the campaign was prof. Jerzy Stuhr, actor, film and theater director, who suffered a stroke on July 12. He points out that the quick intervention saved him and that there are practically no consequences of the stroke he had suffered.
THE CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING THERAPEUTIC AREAS:
BRAIN STROKE – TIME IS KEY
Every year 80-90 thousand Poles suffer a stroke. It can affect anyone, although people with certain risk factors are most at risk. Fortunately, we have an influence on most of them. Stroke can be treated effectively, but time is key to successful therapy.
Substantive support in this topic was provided by:
- Adam Kobayashi, MD, PhD, Prof. UKSW, Medical Faculty of Collegium Medicum of the University of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński in Warsaw
- Prof. dr hab. n. med. Jarosław Sławek, President of the Polish Neurological Society
VACCINATION AGAINST INFLUENZA – PREVENTION OF BRAIN STROKE
Scientific research confirms the link between myocardial infarction and stroke and the flu. Flu vaccination can prevent stroke – it reduces the risk by as much as 54 percent.
Substantive support in this topic was provided by:
- Prof. dr hab. n. med. Adam Antczak, Head of the General and Oncological Pulmonology Clinic of the Medical University of Lodz, chairman of the Scientific Council of the National Program for Combating Influenza
- Prof. dr hab. Małgorzata Polz-Dacewicz, Head of the Department of Virology at the Medical University of Lublin
HYPERTENSION – THE NEED FOR REGULAR TAKING MEDICINES
Seniors are at particular risk of complications related to untreated or poorly treated hypertension. So what should be the optimal treatment of arterial hypertension in the elderly?
Substantive support in this topic was provided by:
- Prof. dr hab. n. med. Aleksander Prejbisz, Department of Hypertension of the National Institute of Cardiology, president elect of the Polish Society of Hypertension
- Prof. dr hab. n. med. Krzysztof Narkiewicz, Head of the Department of Hypertension and Diabetology of the Medical University of Gdańsk
BRAIN STROKE – INTERVENTIONAL PREVENTION
The left atrial appendage procedure is aimed at reducing the risk of stroke by eliminating the potential source of embolism. In Poland, it is intended primarily for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, stroke risk factors and contraindications to chronic use of oral anticoagulants.
Substantive support in this topic was provided by:
- Prof. dr hab. n. med. Adam Witkowski, Head of the Department of Cardiology and Interventional Angiology at the National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw, president of the Polish Society of Cardiology
Cataract – LATE AGE DISEASE
According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are the most common cause of visual impairment that can lead to complete loss of vision. Mostly it is diagnosed in the elderly. Though it carries blindness, cataracts can be effectively treated.
Substantive support in this topic was provided by:
- Michał Kamiński, MD, PhD, Polish Network of Ophthalmology Clinics Okoklinik
SENIOR’S DIET
Elevated cholesterol levels do not cause any alarming symptoms for many years, but it leads to the build-up of atherosclerotic plaque in the blood vessels. This can lead to heart disease and atherosclerosis, and consequently to strokes and heart attacks. Substantive support in this topic was provided by:
- Danuta Gajewska, President of the Polish Society of Dietetics
The editorial office recommends reading all articles that are part of the “Senior in the center of attention” campaign, available on the website www.pacjentilekarz.pl