WORLD DAY OF THE SICK 2023

World Patients Alliance (WPA) in collaboration with the Polish Patients Safety Foundation organized the World Day Of The Sick on February 12, 2023 at Lodz, Poland. The World Day of the Sick is celebrated all over the world and encourages people to offer prayers and show support to those suffering from illnesses. This year's theme is “Illness is part of our human condition. Yet, if the illness is experienced in isolation and abandonment, unaccompanied by care and compassion, it can become inhumane.” Many organisations around the world mark this day mainly by providing the sick with medicines, food, and spiritual guidance.

The webinar started with welcome and an introductory presentation on WPA and its activities by Jolanta Bilinska, President, Polish Patients Safety Foundation and Founding Director, WPA. Prof. Wojciech Drygas from National Institute of Cardiology in Anin, Warsaw and the former Adviser for WHO EURO office highlighted the importance to protect our health and what can patients’ do to stay healthy according to Kordian heart project. Prof. Drygas also said that the cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Poland and have also been included as Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by the WHO. He also distributed special booklets to patients providing guidelines on how to remain active, healthy eating and what are the best treatments available for cardiovascular diseases.

Following Prof. Drygas, Dr Elzbieta Majzner presented on the important issue of Sepsis. Dr Majzner provided detailed information on what is Sepsis, its symptoms and what can we do about it? After that, Dr Elżbieta Gauer made a detailed presentation on blood diseases.

Mrs Anna Tronczynska along with her Rehabilitation team showed the importance of exercises and how can these exercises benefit our spine. Mr. Tomasz Radzik from MARINEX informed about the scientific developments in the area of nutrition. He appraised participants on how each of us can improve our health and how can fish oil benefit our overall health. Finally two dietitians, Mrs Tronczynska and Ms. Agnieszka Rydzewska provided valuable information on nutritional issues and healthy eating habits. The conference concluded with nordic walking by the participants. The participants of the conference included patients, nurses, doctors and people who are interested in health.