MMSA has taken proactive steps by contacting the Minister, seeking a meeting to discuss these concerns and contribute to the decision-making dialogue, and is waiting for a response.

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November 14th is the particular day in which the world congregates to venerate diabetic people. Diabetes is unfortunately a chronic condition which has affected many lives, especially here in Malta. It continues to do so both in the young and older generations on a global scale, and thus knowledge concerning Diabetes should be propagated in an ubiquitous level.

Understanding Diabetes

When one has Diabetes, it simply means that their glucose levels in the blood are too high in consequence of the pancreas (a visceral organ in the abdomen), not producing adequate amount of insulin or just the body not being able to make use of its insulin well. To clarify better, insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas which is accountable in helping the body to make use of the sugar consumed by using it as energy. Therefore, if the pancreas is lacking this, the insulin will not be present to uphold its function, instigating diabetes.

Diabetes can be categorised as either Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, or Gestational:

• Type 1 – It can also be identified as insulin – dependant or juvenile diabetes. This is mostly due to it being seen mostly in children and younger generations. It is believed to be an autoimmune response from the body itself, meaning that the body attacks itself. Since the body will attempt to dispense of the glucose using the kidneys, children often complain of having to urinate a lot, and this can be a first major symptom. One can also feel incredible thirst and even loosing weight without any effort in place. Conversely, type 1 can be controlled through maintaining a balanced diet, habitual exercise, and not forgetting to check the blood glucose level and knowing the proper ranges.

• Type 2 – This classification of diabetes is considered to be more familiar within adults rather than children. One of the leading distinctions from type 1 is that it evolves in a far decelerated rapidity, and one could be living with this without any definite awareness. With type 2, the typical agents that can result in this diagnosis are being medically obese ( BMI 30.0 or higher) and a sedentary inactive lifestyle. Furthermore, at times, some patients may present a family history of diabetics, leading to them easily having it. A healthy diet and some daily exercise can really make a difference with type 2 diabetes. However, if these non – pharmacological factors are found to be unsuccessful, there are medications which can be prescribed.

• Gestation Diabetes – This 3rd category of diabetes is known to be diagnosed during pregnancy. Adversely, with the high blood glucose levels the mother can be easily affected, as well as the foetus. Thankfully however, the mother can properly take care of herself and the unborn baby by for instance going on walks as this will count as an approach to exercise. In addition, the diet can be compromised of an admixture of fruits and vegetables. Proteins, unsaturated fats, and whole grain foods are also advised so that a balanced diet is taken. Furthermore, this type of diabetes commonly goes away after the delivery. Be that as it may, mothers should still stay apprehensive as now they are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Taking Care Of Diabetes

Managing Diabetes can be formidable at times, yet one must be vigilant everyday so as to not let the blood sugar levels escalate. This therefore will take certain discipline within oneself, but it is all very accomplishable. One of the very first things recommended in managing any type of diabetes is to develop a care plan with a GP and discuss this with your closed ones. Support here goes a long
way, so it is crucial to include those around you and get them to be more inclined towards awareness and commitment. Commitment here will include checking the blood sugar levels daily or depending on when the doctor recommends. Additionally, the routine might include taking specific medications like Metformin or insulin. It is vital to check with your doctor if there are any adverse side effects being seen.

Smoking is another risk factor which can lead to diabetes. Thus, if you are someone that suffers from diabetes, do consider smoking caseation. Additionally due to smoking there are risks like diseases of the heart, strokes, a reduction in blood flow in regions like the legs. Be that as it may, the nicotine from the cigarettes alters the cells and so there will be a weak response to insulin, eventuating in high blood sugar levels. Usually, diabetes that stems from smoking will be under the category of type w2.

Another key point to remember when controlling diabetes is to plan appointments to the diabetic clinic. Usually, patients schedule up to two or four appointments yearly and with them an eye exam is good to be added. Such visits will include an assessment regarding the diet that the patient is following and how to maybe improve it. Additionally, the weight is measured along with a check up on the blood sugar level and the blood pressure. By attending these appointment, patients will gather a better view on any diabetic complexities such as kidney damage, heart disease or even nerve impairment.

Diabetes Around Malta

Diabetes in the Maltese island is a common condition which is taking over almost every generation, with nearly 1 in 10 suffering from it. Unfavourably, as time has elapsed the statistics kept on showing how the situation exacerbated and in 2019 it was established that 31, 709 people were diagnosed with diabetes. Such findings could be rooted to many probabilities, yet mostly obesity is a big initiator. Thankfully, the health authorities have taken these statistics into account along with other NGO’s that are ready to sustain and encourage those contending.

Such examples include:

1. The Maltese Diabetes Association: This is a voluntary organisation that intends to gather diabetics so that they can have the comfortable space where they are free to discuss any struggles or assistance that they may need. In addition, monthly talks are provided by specialised people in this sector with considerable time given to questions.

2. The Diabetes Shared Care Programmes: This programme takes place at Mater Dei hospital. In contravention of this diabetics are given a follow up at their respective health care centres which are managed by a number of doctors, nurses, ophthalmologists, and podiatrist. Consequently, patients are given a holistic long – term follow-up so that their diabetes is under control.

Aside from the above, there are various diabetic clinics around Malta, which can be found in the local health centres, providing free care for anyone in need. Alternatively, some patients may opt for private clinics which also offer a professional standard of care!

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Written by: Bettina Zammit

Although it may be more desirable to remain blissfully unaware, it is immensely important to address and to inform yourself about the diseases that are regarded as the top killers worldwide: Cardiovascular diseases. Below, you can read about the risk factors that may lead to heart disease, symptoms of a heart attack, and a step-by-step guide on how you may save a life using an AED.

Risk factors for heart disease

Pertinent risk factors for cardiovascular disease include the use of tobacco, high amounts of alcohol intake, air pollution, a high BMI index, and low levels of exercise. Studies have shown that an unhealthy diet, which is one that consists of a high intake of processed foods, trans and saturated fats, food items with high amounts of salt and sugar, and drinks with high sugar levels, is a primary cause for the development of heart disease. High serum cholesterol and high blood pressure levels are regarded as two of the leading causes of the development of ischaemic heart disease. 

A large number of the risk factors that lead to heart disease are modifiable. Nowadays, easily accessible tools, such as exercise and nutrition apps, are ideal to keep you motivated to maintain healthy habits that reduce the risk of heart disease development.

Although the risk may be decreased through lifestyle changes, there are a few risk factors that must be continually monitored for, despite having a healthy lifestyle. Hypertension and atherosclerosis are two of these types of risk factors that are commonly encountered.

Hypertension

Also known as high blood pressure, may not result in symptoms despite it being present. Hypertension which goes unnoticed and untreated has the potential to be seriously damaging to the heart, and thus, may result in heart attacks, heart failure, and even sudden death. Hypertension can be monitored by measuring blood pressure regularly.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which arteries become clogged due to a buildup of plaques, which are fatty substances. Consequently, arteries become hardened and narrowed, resulting in a decrease in the amount of blood flow to vital organs, and an increase in the risk of blood clot formation. Blood clots may result in heart attacks or strokes. 

This condition typically does not present with any symptoms, and therefore, oftentimes goes unnoticed. However, if atherosclerosis remains untreated, cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes may develop. 

Myocardial infarction

A myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart, which typically arises due to the presence of a blood clot. 

The symptoms of myocardial infarction include chest pain which may radiate to the jaw, neck, arms and back, shortness of breath, experiencing lightheadedness and/or weakness, and experiencing feelings of extreme anxiety. 

Heart attacks pose life-threatening danger, and cause extreme damage to the heart muscle; it is of utmost importance that if you feel any of the symptoms mentioned, you seek medical treatment immediately. 

The importance of AEDs and how to use them

Sudden cardiac arrest is treated using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). This is a device that is used to determine heart rhythm and will provide an electrical shock. The electrical shock will aid in reobtaining a regular heart rhythm. 

AEDs in Malta may also be found in public spaces and buildings. For instance, in Valletta, AEDs may be found at: 

• Chemimart in Republic Street
• Chemimart at the City Gate
• Empire Pharmacy in Old Theatre Street
• Castille Hotel in Castille Square
• Marsamxetto Harbour
• Bus Terminus – Near Tal-Linja Kiosk

Every minute is crucial in the case of sudden cardiac arrest; each minute that defibrillation is not provided reduces the chance of survival by 10%. Therefore, since there is a certain amount of time that it takes for medical assistance to arrive at the scene, it is vital that everybody is aware of how to use AEDs. Hence, people have the power to potentially save a life.

Steps to take when using an AED

1. Retrieve the AED and switch it on.
2. Expose the person’s chest and ensure that it is dry.
3. Open and apply the AED pads.

• One pad must be applied on the upper right chest above the breast.
• The other must be applied on the lower left chest below the armpit.
• If the individual has a device such as a pacemaker, position the pads in such a way that they do not make contact with the device.

4. Ensure that the wires are attached to the AED box as necessary.
5. Stop CPR and stand clear of the person. Ensure that neither you, nor any other bystanders, are touching the individual.
6. Let the AED analyse the rhythm.
7. Read the AED message provided. This message may read:
   • “Check electrodes”: in this case, ensure that the electrodes are attached to the skin properly.
   • “Shock”: in this case, ensure that the individual is clear, and press and hold the “shock” button until the AED delivers the shock
8. Resume giving CPR.
9. Repeat these steps.

More articles by MHSA here.

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Written by Gabriel Grixti and Daniel Zammit Lupi from MMSA

As MMSA, this year we are re-introducing the ‘Diabetes Awareness Campaign’ in the hopes of reaching out to the public about this extremely prevalent disease. It is estimated that 422 million people have the condition worldwide, and this number is expected to rise further within the next decade. We believe that people should be made more aware of this disease which affects quite a large percentage of our population.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the blood glucose level (or blood sugar) is too high. Glucose is the main source of energy for our cells and it comes from the food that we eat. Insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas, aids the uptake of glucose so that it may be transformed into energy. Sometimes the body does not produce enough insulin or loses its ability to use it. When this happens, glucose remains in the blood leading to a high blood glucose level.

The main types of diabetes are: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes) is a chronic condition which occurs when the body does not make insulin. This type of diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, as the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas (beta cells) that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to control their blood glucose.

In Type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin to cope with the body’s demands or it loses its sensitivity to use insulin. Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, however, it more commonly develops in middle-aged and older people. This is the most common type of diabetes. People having this type of diabetes are able to somewhat better control their blood glucose levels when compared to type 1 diabetes who need to take daily insulin.

Gestational diabetes develops in some women during pregnancy. Typically, this type of diabetes goes away after the mother gives birth. However, if you have had gestational diabetes, you have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life. Any woman can develop this during pregnancy, but women with the following risk factors are predisposed: BMI above 30, previously having a baby who weighed 4.5kg or more at birth, or having an immediate family member diagnosed with diabetes, amongst others.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes and the presentation is not always the same. Certain symptoms only occur in either men or women. In addition to this, they also differ in people having type-1 or type-2 diabetes. However, there are some general symptoms common to all. These general symptoms include increased hunger and thirst, weight loss, frequent urination, blurry vision and sores that do not heal. Men who have diabetes could also exhibit the following symptoms: decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction and loss of strength. Diabetic women are more prone to urinary tract infections, yeast infections and dry skin.

What are the complications of diabetes?

High blood sugar damages organs and tissues all over the body. The higher your blood sugar is and the longer you live with it, the greater the risk of complications. Complications associated with diabetes include: heart disease, heart attack and stroke, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), vision loss, hearing loss, foot damage, ulceration which may lead to amputation and depression. People with type 2 diabetes also have an increased risk of dementia (Alzheimer’s). In gestational diabetes, complications include pre-eclampsia and also a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on in life.

Preventing Diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes unfortunately could not do anything to prevent them from getting the chronic disease. However, type 2 diabetes which is the most common form of the disease, can be prevented. One can take the following measures to prevent developing this form of diabetes.

1. Reducing sugar and refined carbs from your diet
2. Keeping active
3. Drinking water as the primary beverage
4. Maintaining a healthy weight Being overweight enhances your chances of developing type 2 diabetes 7-fold
5. Quitting smoking Smokers are 30-40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes when compared to non-smokers. Smoking can also make managing the disease difficult because high levels of nicotine can lessen the effectiveness of insulin causing smokers to need more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have found insulin to become more effective at lowering blood glucose levels just 8 weeks after quitting smoking
6. Following a very-low-carb diet
7. Reducing stress Stress hormones raise blood pressure and heart rate causing blood glucose levels to rise. Stress can lead to excessive smoking and eating which increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes can lead to serious medical complications but the condition can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. One of the most important notions in medicine is understanding that PREVENTION is BETTER than cure, therefore by focusing on PREVENTION and adapting the appropriate lifestyle changes one can avoid developing the complications and struggles that arise from this disease.

Diabetes awareness campaign on Quad

On Wednesday 24^th November from 12pm to 2pm, the Public Health team within MMSA will be organising health checks as part of the ‘Diabetes Awareness Campaign’ on quadrangle for University students and staff to get their blood glucose and blood pressure checked. We hope to see you there!

References

1. Diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose concentration, and risk of vascular disease: a collaborative meta-analysis of 102 prospective studies. Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration
2. Diabetes. Who.int. (2021). Retrieved 31 October 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes.
3. What is Diabetes?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Retrieved 31 October 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html.
4. Diabetes Symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Retrieved 31 October 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/symptoms.html.
5. Asif M. (2014). The prevention and control the type-2 diabetes by changing lifestyle and dietary pattern. Journal of education and health promotion, 3, 1. https://doi.org/10.4103/2277-9531.127541

Find more articles by MMSA here.

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Written by Bettina Zammit

Travelling restrictions are finally easing after a long year of being stuck at home or working relentlessly. What now? You’ve booked your plane ticket and you’re looking forward to a well-deserved trip abroad during these summer months.

Not to burst your bubble but we’ve still got to keep travelling safety guidelines in mind. They are put in place to ensure that you remain as safe as possible while travelling during these extraordinary times. Keep this list in mind while you’re packing your passport and socks:

1. Cover

Wearing your mask at all times will you will keep yourself and others most safe. Be it at the airport, on the airplane, using public transportation, or in indoor spaces. Ensure that your mask is clean, and covers your nose, chin, and mouth snugly. In other words, wearing your mask like this ( image above) is not going to do you or anyone around you any favours. Ensure that your mask is clean, and covers your nose, chin, and mouth snugly. In other words, wearing your mask like this is not going to do you or anyone around you any favours. 

2. Clean

Carry a bottle of hand sanitiser around with you at all times and clean your hands regularly. Particularly before and after touching your mask, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. After touching any surfaces that are frequently touched by others, such as door handles or trolleys. After using a public bathroom. And finally, before and after eating. After applying sanitiser, rub your hands together for 20 seconds, and you’re good to go!

Your luggage passes through the hands of many people between the time of check-in and reclaim. So, after arrival at your accommodation, be sure to wipe down the outside with an alcohol wipe, or a damp cloth soaked in soap and water. 

3. The further away, the better!

Remember to remain at a distance of at least 2 meters from any other individuals that you are not travelling with.  There will be markings on the floor in public areas which clearly indicate where you should stand to maintain this distance. By social distancing, you’ll find yourself in a win-win situation; you’ll decrease the risk of transmission of the virus, while also guaranteeing that neither a stranger nor your personal space is invaded. Those strangers will definitely thank you for it!

Furthermore, avoid spending excess time in areas in which crowds form, and, of course, make efforts not to form part of those crowds yourself. This may happen at baggage claim at the airport, for instance.

4. Plan, Plan, Plan.

While travelling, most of us have been in situations where we’re staring at rail maps helplessly or have to pluck up the courage to ask advice from a stranger or two, all in an attempt to deduce which bus, train or tram will actually get us to the right destination. Going that extra mile and familiarising yourself with the relevant public transport routes, or pre-booking a car from the airport, for example, will reduce the amount of time that you spend inside busy places such as train stations and the number of interactions you have with other people. 

5. Choose outdoor over indoor.

Your risk of infection is increased in confined spaces that lack ventilation, as there is the possibility of being in close proximity for a lengthy period of time with an infected individual. If you have no choice but to stay inside, try to remain close to a window.

“Vaccines save millions of lives”. 

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to stop the COVID-19 pandemic.  You are placed at significantly less risk of severe infection if you are vaccinated. However, no vaccine is 100% protective, and there is still a chance of infection after vaccination. All vaccines go through a process of rigorous testing prior to being made available to the public, to ensure their safety and efficacy. Get vaccinated and encourage others to do the same!

Stay safe!

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Written by Kimberly Ellul Bellia

Snacking is a significant component of the fast-paced lifestyle led by teenagers and young adults, as it provides them with an extra kick of energy, alertness, and motivation. Lectures, homework, extra-curricular activities, and after-school part-time jobs, often leave limited time for preparing healthy snacks. Therefore, such often opt for the cheaper and more accessible unhealthy snacks. 

Contrary to common belief, a hectic schedule is not mutually exclusive to the consumption of healthy snacks.  

Why is snacking so important for teenagers?

Adolescents often express a strong and persistent appetite. During this period of growth and maturation the body needs the right balance of nutrients to develop into a healthy adult, therefore this appetite is understandable. Healthy snacks, in adjunct to healthy and adequately portioned meals are an excellent way to satisfy this hunger, in addition to ensuring that all of the right nutrients the growing body needs are consumed. 

How will I know if the snack is healthy or not?

Opting for a healthier snack requires making smarter choices. Although a product is labelled “Organic” or “100%  natural”, it does not necessarily mean that it is healthy.

Snacking on chocolate provides an intense short-lived energy boost, proceeded by an insulin mediated response where there is a sudden drop in energy levels. Alternatively, sugar free peanut butter based granola bars could provide a high protein and slow release carbohydrate snack, benefiting the development of the teenager and maintaining energy levels, respectively.

 Juices with no added sugar often still have a high amount of natural sugar, contributing to a high calorific value. Further, products such as low fat flavoured yogurts generally have a high sugar content and hence a similar calorific value to that of its high fat content counterpart. The high sugar content provides a sweet taste which compensates for the low fat content. Such knowledge can contribute to making smarter choices when snacking.

Smart Snacking Strategies

1. Prepare snacks in advance.
2. Stock up your car, bag, and desk drawer with healthy snacks.
3. Keep it interesting! Vary colour, flavours, and textures.
4. Compromise with cravings by substituting ingredients in unhealthy snacks for healthier ones.
5. Follow MHSA’s Nutritional Label (below) to determine whether a snacks’ macro and micronutrients are adequate.

More from MHSA here!

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Telehealth is a broad term used to encompass a vast range of services that contribute to the clinical setting including treatment, health education and counselling. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased the use of digital health, it has been around for decades and can be dated back to 1959.

Telehealth was originally used for clinicians to consult with each other but today, the advancement of technology has allowed patients to safely connect with doctors and healthcare professionals from the comfort of their own home.

How does it work?

Various methods may be used when providing healthcare through digital means.

• Live videos allow for synchronous audiovisual communication between the patients and the healthcare provider via any device which can connect to the internet.
• Mobile health may also be provided in the form of mobile apps. These may serve different purposes, from communicating with practitioners and accessing health records to apps that can help with mindfulness or sleep tracking.
• E-prescribing allows prescriptions to be filled in electronically
• The store and forward method is an asynchronous method of telehealth where videos and messages may be exchanged between the patient and the practitioner.

Who can benefit from Telehealth?

Practically anyone can benefit from this digital form of healthcare. However, the use of such means to provide healthcare is mostly beneficial to patients in marginalized, low-income or high-risk groups and communities, all of whom have particularly limited access to traditional healthcare.

While telehealth may have immense benefits for these groups, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they benefit from it in practice. This is because several challenges can prevent telehealth from reaching those who need it most. These include insurance permissions, licensing requirements and adequate internet connection.

Breaking ‘Traditional Health Care’ Barriers

Some of the biggest limiting factors of traditional healthcare include:

• Location: People living in Gozo, for example, have a harder time accessing certain healthcare services than those living in Malta. Transportation is often linked as a limiting factor within this population.
• Time: In addition to the challenge of physically getting to the appointment, including transportation and the time of the session itself, may pose a challenge for individuals who have a full-time job.

With the further introduction of Telehealth in Malta, the gaps in the current healthcare system may be bridged with digital alternatives.  Problems of time commitment and transportation may be solved by giving access to telehealth from home. This may further increase attendance rates for individual therapy sessions as it removes the challenge of physically getting to the appointment. Telehealth can also speed up the diagnosis and treatment process as waitlists are reduced and individuals are connected directly to available providers in different areas.

However, the problem of accessibility may be encountered when providing such online services. In the geriatric population, service providers may be faced with reluctance by the patients to participate in online sessions whilst other communities, families might not have the resources necessary to participate.

Telehealth and COVID-19

During this pandemic, changes in the way healthcare is delivered were needed to reduce staff exposure to ill persons, preserve personal protective equipment (PPEs) and minimize the number of patients visiting local healthcare facilities. Telehealth services helped provide the necessary care to patients while minimizing the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth trends were increasing at a slow rate. However, since the outbreak of the virus in Malta back in March, telehealth access and promotion has drastically increased. This has also highlighted the importance of maintaining care at all cost to avoid negative consequences from delaying preventive, chronic or routine care.

Remote access to healthcare services has helped increase participation from patients who are medically or socially vulnerable and has also helped to maintain the patient-provider relationship at times where physical visits to clinics are not feasible.

What is the way forward for Telehealth?

There will always be concerns when providing such services however, we must adopt a positive attitude towards telehealth.

Telehealth has been shown to be effective, viable and favourable as a format for various forms of healthcare treatment. Still, we need clear laws and insurance regulations that make telehealth a viable choice for patients and practitioners alike.

For more articles by MHSA click here!

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The aim of this European initiative is to involve local and international students in activities focused on sports, healthy lifestyle, nutrition, responsible party, mental health and other areas, as well as to show international students that they can adopt a healthy lifestyle while being on exchange. 

9th March – Football and Rugby Game

The week will kick off, quite literally, with a Football Game at Lija Athletic Football Ground from 8:30pm till 9:30pm. And if football is not your cup of tea, a Rugby Game will take place on the same day at 9:00pm till 10:00pm.

10th March – Salsa Night

Dancing on to the second day, it is time to show off your Salsa skills! And no, not the sauce. A Salsa Night will be held at the Truth Lounge in Paceville at 9:00 pm. This will surely help you sharpen up your skills for a whole night of dancing at the club.

11th March – Padel Rodeo

A Padel Rodeo will be taking place at Padel Malta in Pembroke from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm. It is the perfect mixture of tennis and squash, providing you the right amount of fun.

12th March – Erasmus Party

ESN are letting it loose at Footloose! It is time for the Erasmus Party and you better be there at 10:30 pm sharp.

13th March – Archery, Beach Volleyball and Disco Bowling

Friday is quite an eventful day and luckily, all the activities are spaced out! Start of the day with some Archery at 12:00pm at the Falcon Archery. Head off to the beach at 4:00 pm for some Beach Volleyball at Sprachcaffe in Pembroke. Party the night away with some Disco Bowling at the Eden Superbowl at 9:00 pm. I guess Friday the 13^th is not so bad after all.

14th March – Diving

Dive into Saturday with some Scuba Diving at the DiveBase Malta in Qawra from 2:00 pm till 5:30 pm. In the evening, relax with a friendly quiz and BBQ night at the Sprachcaffe at 8:00 pm.

15th March – Ring Road Race and Hike

Ending the week with a bang, a Ring Road Race will take place at 8:45 am, followed by a Hike with Ray!

Make sure to fill in the form to book your place for each event you are interested in!

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Written by Kristina Pulis

SCOPET is the standing committee within MMSA whose main aim is to target children and offer them educational, yet fun and interactive, sessions that are mainly centered around healthy living.

The sessions given are tailormade to address problems most prevalent for children in our community such as;

• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Repetitive Strain Injury
• Lack of knowledge regarding road safety
• Fear of the hospital setting
• Lack of basic first aid knowledge

Sessions offered tackle all these essential subjects, nutrition and fitness, ergonomics, and basic first aid, to children attending Maltese schools. Extra-curricular centres such as football nurseries also benefit from these.

We have sessions adapted to primary schools and more advanced sessions that are more appropriate in secondary schools.

Ergonomics

This session consists of knowledge regarding the basic structure and function of the spine, maintenance of proper posture for a healthy back, and other common conditions affecting the spine and back.

The basic first aid sessions introduce the students to skills in an interactive, hands-on, and enjoyable manner. We teach students a diverse array of emergency procedures ranging from tending to a jellyfish sting at the beach to properly administer CPR.

Fitness and nutrition

Regarding the fitness and nutrition session, we explain the importance of food and the different food types which constitute a healthy and balanced diet. When it comes to secondary-level students; the concept of calories, calorie balance and analysing food labels will be discussed.

The new campaign added this year with SCOPH and Doctors for Road Safety centralised promoting and raising road safety awareness.

Teddy Bear Hospital

Stress children might feel when visiting the doctor could influence them all negatively even once they grow into adulthood; so in light of the issue, we also offer a session targeted mainly at very young children called Teddy Bear Hospital.

Children were asked to bring with them a teddy bear to school. The child is the doctor and the teddy bear is their patient.

Medical students demonstrate various activities such as; using common instruments like the stethoscope, thermometer, and a mouth mirror, what a bone on an X-ray film looks like and the importance of vaccines. Children then got to practice these on their teddy bear patients.

World Children’s Day

Established in 1954 and celebrated on the 20th of November – each year promoting international unity, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare.

As MMSA, we visit various schools throughout the year in order to raise awareness about children’s health. For World Children’s Day, we hold major events and this year we decided to visit Mosta Primary A School.

In order to explain the logistics of World Children’s Day, a workshop was organised amongst the participants, giving them an introduction to basic first aid principles. Given by the President of Malta Red Cross, Mr. Edward Gruppetta, helped us, medical students, to deliver accurate information while giving the Basic First Aid session.

A medical student dressed up as a teddy bear visited each classroom as a surprise visit.

During the event at Mosta Primary A School:

• 125 medical students took part in this event,
• 30 classes were given a variety of sessions with,
• 650 children being targeted

We are very pleased that Mosta Local Council collaborated with us and sponsored us in order to have more toy doctor sets to be used on the day, as well as two sets which were given to the school.

This event enabled medical students to empower younger children to be more health-conscious. Aside from that, children are now more aware of the daily practices and habits which may influence their long-term health.

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We often associate Pink October and women’s health with breast cancer awareness. However, a vital part of Movember is coming to terms with the hard fact that men’s health is too often neglected – by patients themselves and by the media. Keep reading to hear about why men’s health goes beyond a mere month…

Body image and eating disorders in men

For men, societal expectations about how men “should” behave and what masculinity is have been present throughout the eras. Purely by the depiction of gender health awareness, a moustache is a poster of advocating for men’s health. Strength, dominance, control, power are all but some words often used to describe men in literature and media.

Looking at psychiatric conditions such as eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binging, body dysmorphia, etc.), the mind often jumps to the female sex. The American eating disorder association says 10 million males will be affected by EDs in their lifetime.

Included in the ED criteria, is harmful ways of ‘bulking’. How many times have we seen an avid gym-goer chowing down their chicken and rice 7 times a day to bulk up? We must stop and think about the foreign supplements being put into the body.  Studies show that 22% of men turn to dangerous means to ‘bulk up’.

“Because of stigma and stereotypes, males often have a harder time being diagnosed and receiving treatment for an eating disorder,” says Lauren Smolar, director of programs at the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).

Men’s screening tools

Breast

Contrary to popular belief, men are susceptible to getting breast cancer (although not as common as in women). If a certain amount of risk criteria is met, (such as family history, gene mutations, chest radiation, etc) getting screened is important!

Men should become familiar with the feel of their breast and chest wall tissue, so they can talk with their doctor if they notice any lumps or changes. This might be slightly challenging, however, since they do not have large amounts of breast tissue. A doctor may recommend screening mammography for men with a genetic mutation that increases the risk of developing the disease.

Testicular

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-34. When it comes to screening for testicular cancer, the tests are used to differentiate between the different types when a patient is asymptomatic. Most of the time, testicular cancer is found during an accidental ‘self-examination’ or a routine physical exam. Although extremely cureable, early detection is proclaimed important to avoid metastasization.

Pathologies that men are more susceptible to

Examinations of sex differences in disability and physical functioning ability generally show that men have better physical functioning and report less disability. Additionally, women tend to have more functional limitations though men have higher mortality rates.

Men are more likely to suffer from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, whereas women are more likely to have arthritis and depression, and there is considerable variation between countries in the differences between the sexes.

Diseases that affect the immune system are often more severe in men. For example, multiple sclerosis affects many more women than men overall, but when it comes to the progressive form, men get it in equal numbers to women.

Nearly 55,000 more women than men have strokes each year in the U.S. Common symptoms are a sudden weakness on one side, loss of speech and balance, and confusion.

Men are far more likely to lose hair as they age than women. Some 40% of women will have hair thinning or hair loss, but 85% of men will have thinning hair by age 50. Men tend to lose hair in the same pattern — their hairline goes farther and farther back. (This is called a receding hairline.) They may also get a bald spot on the crown of their head.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are typically more common in females, though UTIs in males are more likely to arise from something that blocks their urine stream, like an enlarged prostate or kidney stones.

Mental health in men

Because of the aforementioned ‘men = strong’, mental health is pitifully neglected in the male population and too many male-gendered individuals suffer in silence. Being surrounded by phrases such as ‘take it like a man’ or ‘cry like a girl’, it is to no surprise that many men have been brought up in traditional surroundings in which they have had to suppress emotions.

Statistically, men are less likely to seek professional help for their mental health than women whilst also being less likely to disclose any information to family and friends.

Unfortunately, this creates a higher prevalence of turning to dangerous methods of coping mechanisms such as drinking and alcohol.

Because men who are depressed may appear to be angry or aggressive instead of sad, their families, friends, and even their doctors may not always recognize the anger or aggression as depression symptoms.  Sometimes mental health symptoms appear to be physical issues. For example, a racing heart, tightening chest, ongoing headaches, or digestive issues can be signs of a mental health problem. [true for both genders] Many men are more likely to see their doctor about physical symptoms than emotional symptoms.

If anyone reading this article can relate to any of the symptoms above, do not refrain from seeking professional help or calling the 179 national support line!

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