A “Health Fair” Took Place at Samara University

Over 80 students and staff spent their time productively at the fair’s stations: 42 participants utilized the opportunity to “here and now” clarify their HIV status through rapid testing, while 60 underwent diagnostics at the Health Center of City Polyclinic No. 4, assessing blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, cardiac function (with a visual “heart portrait” displayed on monitors), and receiving medical recommendations for identified irregularities. Additionally, attendees consulted with a dermatovenerologist and a preventive medicine specialist-nutritionist, recorded health metrics in a “health passport,” and relieved eye fatigue using stereograms as visual exercises.

For identified health issues or preventive purposes, participants were individually matched with suitable physiotherapy programs, and the wellness opportunities of the university’s sanatorium-prophylactic center were showcased at a dedicated station. One of the restorative procedures offered there was therapeutic device-assisted massage.

The Biological Faculty student team, with their “Plant Resources of the Samara Region” station, immersed attendees in the world of health-giving plants from the region’s rich flora, serving hot, aromatic herbal drinks at a phyto-bar. Mint, oak bark, chamomile, and mixed herbs, when brewed, filled the space with phytoflavonoids and added an aromatherapeutic effect.

At the “My Inner World” station, participants’ health passports were supplemented with key indicators like oxygen saturation and blood pressure. Reflex tests using a neurological hammer were conducted, alongside a biological quest on human anatomy.

The chance to refresh knowledge and muscle memory via emergency aid training — practicing CPR on mannequins under the guidance of experienced medical volunteers — proved highly relevant and popular among students and staff.

“Thank you for this day — it broadened my perspective and made me rethink many health-related issues,” read one participant’s feedback to the organizers, confirming the event’s effective format, relevance, and the value of its initiatives.

Details and photos from the event: https://vk.com/yarmarkazoj.

For reference:

The “Health Fair” initiative, as part of Samara University’s practice to promote healthy lifestyle values, was recognized as a winning project in the “Healthy University” All-Russian Competition among Higher Education Institutions (2022) for its use of social media to advocate healthy living and popularize wellness culture in universities.

Text: Tatiana Morozova, Head of the SUZS Center

Photos: Photo Club “Illuminator” named after V. Kakovkin