A citywide preventive campaign, “Health Week”, is under way in Lviv, during which residents can have basic medical check-ups free of charge in special tents at various locations around the city. In just the first two days, over 4,000 people took part in the campaign.
According to the city health department, medical staff have already measured blood pressure in 2,600 participants, and in almost half of them the readings turned out to be outside the normal range. Blood glucose levels were checked in almost 1,900 people, and approximately one in five had elevated values.
Almost 400 visitors made use of a new opportunity to have their ferritin checked — an indicator of the body’s iron stores. More than a quarter of those examined were found to have deviations from the recommended norms.
Among the laboratory tests, the largest number performed were rapid HIV tests — 1,996, of which three returned a positive result. For hepatitis B, 1,663 tests were carried out and 10 positive results were obtained; for hepatitis C — 1,614 tests, of which 14 were positive. A total of 636 people were tested for Helicobacter pylori, and approximately one in four was found to have the infection.
Visual acuity was tested in 1,989 people, and nearly half of them require further diagnostics or correction. Medical staff also carried out 316 electrocardiograms, with changes in readings recorded in more than 40% of those examined. In addition, over the two days 255 dermatoscopies and 259 gynaecological consultations were performed.
“It is important to understand that deviations in readings from the norm are not diagnoses in themselves. But they are definitely a reason to see a doctor and understand what to do next. Because sometimes even minor changes in test results are the first symptom of a disease. That is precisely why we are holding this preventive campaign, so that as many people as possible can undergo basic examinations in a way that is convenient for them,” said Marta Matiushko.
Based on the results of the first days of Health Week, over 70% of those examined are women, and more than half of participants are people over 60.
The Health Week campaign in Lviv will run until and including 10 October. At the medical tents you can have your blood pressure, glucose and ferritin levels, heart function and eyesight checked free of charge, have an electrocardiogram, be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori, as well as receive consultations from a dermatologist, gynaecologist and dentist. This year, for the first time, additional ferritin tests are being offered, along with gynaecological consultations from Saint Anna Hospital for women.