MARCH 2021 | VOL. 3
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Date: 18th April Time: 2-5pm Location: ZOOM
The MHSA newsletter is back! Sadly, our term is coming to an end, so take the opportunity to read all about the initiatives and events we held throughout the past 3 months. Join us for our Annual General Meeting on the 18th of April between 2-5pm on Zoom. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information.
HEALTH OFFICE
Catch It Early!
Medical Maltese Booklet Stay tuned for World Health Day on the 7th of April for the release of our very own Medical Maltese Booklet
MHSA's Raising Cancer Awareness Campaign
During the month of January, MHSA hosted the Catch it Early! Cancer Awareness Campaign which aimed to raise awareness on the signs and symptoms of common types of cancer as well as the risk factors which may cause such cancers. A series of infographics were published with information about prostate cancer, lung cancer and leukaemia. Two articles were also published in relation to this campaign; ‘Cancer: An Overview’ discussed the different types of cancers that may develop in various body systems and ‘Coming to Terms’ discussed the 5 stages of cancer diagnosis acceptance, following the Kubler-Ross Model.
HEALTH OFFICE
Safeguard your Health- First Aid Campaign MHSA’s First Aid campaign in collaboration with The Maltese Emergency Nurses' Association was an online initiative aimed to raise awareness on various emergency situations one might find themselves in which may require a fast response. The campaign consisted of an 8 -part infographic series highlighting the importance of recognising and responding to situations such as hypothermia, heart attacks, strokes and choking as well as how to stop a bleed or what to say when calling an ambulance.
COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Video In the month of March, MHSA published a COVID-19 vaccine Awareness video to create awareness on how the vaccine works to fight the virus. The video highlighted what causes infection, how the body naturally reacts to pathogens through the immune response, and how the vaccine contains a weakened or inactive part of the COVID-19 antigen which helps produce an immune response in the body.
HEALTH OFFICE
Endometriosis Awareness Day The month of March is dedicated to Endometriosis Awareness . MHSA decided to celebrate this by producing a series of infographics highlighting what is and what causes Endometriosis in women as well as some statistics and myths and facts on this condition. A webinar was also hosted on the 27th of March together with a panel of speakers which included a midwife, a physiotherapist and a person speaking from her own experience with Endometriosis.
Down's Syndrome Awareness Day The 21st of March marks World Down Syndrome Day. On this day MHSA took to Instagram to spread awareness on this condition. People were encouraged to share an Instagram story of themselves wearing mismatched socks as well as tag people they know to do the same with the aim of creating Awareness MHSA also shared a series of infographics with some facts and information about this genetic condition.
EDUCATION OFFICE Orientation Seminars
Stress Less for Success Campaign With exam season coming up, the Stress Less for Success campaign focused on helping students de-stress and focus on their studies. A series of infographics were published showing students how to prioritise, manage their time wisely and how to work smarter not harder. The campaign also consisted of the Meditate Stress online event which was split over two days. The aim of the event was to host a meditation session in collaboration with Core Balance Movement which students could join from the comfort of their own home.
Throughout the month of January, MHSA hosted orientation seminars for the incoming 1st year students of the Applied Biomedical, Occupational Therapy and Radiography courses. These were held online via Zoom, where a power point presentation with a brief overview of the course was presented. Students then had the opportunity to ask questions about their respective course to 2nd/3rd year students who were also present.
Walk from Obesity As part of World Applied Food Sciences and Nutrition Day as well as World Obesity Day, MHSA hosted ‘Walk from Obesity’. A light-hearted competition with prizes to be won, with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Participants were required to track a 5km walk and post their route to Instagram stories as well as tagging MHSA and the event sponsors Oakberry, MT coast and Fish Express. The winners of the event were Maria Cutajar, Karen Louise Stoner and Keona Abdilla.
EXTERNALAFFAIRS AFFAIRS EXTERNAL OFFICE OFFICE
Contribution to Conference 360 On the 6th of March, MHSA participated in the annual Conference 360 Event hosted by Willingness and Betapsi. This year’s conference was Family 360°: Multidisciplinary Approach towards Family. This conference discussed and disseminated information regarding relationships, parenting, caring for family members, gender and sexuality, family dynamics, education and other related topics, using the 360° multidisciplinary approach. MHSA was responsible for hosting various breakout rooms throughout the day which hosted a number of speakers who presented different topics surrounding the main theme of the event.
Telehealth Campaign
Throughout the month of April, MHSA will be hosting an online campaign on the impact of telehealth and how it is being introduced in Malta by healthcare professionals. Various points will be discussed throughout the campaign such as telehealth in relation to the law, psychology, technology and COVID-19. A webinar was also hosted as part of this campaign where telehealth was discussed from the perspective of various healthcare professionals including a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and a speech language therapist.
COVID-19 Vaccination Statement In January, the Malta Health Students’ Association released a statement which highlighted how they worked tirelessly from the start in order to ensure that all students within the Faculty of Health Sciences receive the Covid-19 vaccination along with front liners and health care professionals. Students within our Faculty didn’t stop attending placements ever since restrictions were being lifted in June and they stepped up their responsibility by working in swabbing hubs and by working as trainees in state hospitals. Moreover, students repeatedly had to leave home, and quarantine themselves for the sake of family members especially if they live with vulnerable people. Students also contracted Covid-19 due to being exposed to positive patients whilst on placement. Whilst each course manages their placement differently, one thing in common is that all students come in contact with patients, including those which are COVID positive. MHSA urgently called upon the Ministry for Health to take immediate action on the matter as students were being forgotten even though they are being exposed to the same risks as any other front liner during these times. Following further discussion, a statement was published on the 13th January by the University of Malta which stated that there was an agreement with the Health Authorities for students in the healthcare setting to be given priority for vaccination.