Participants from Kulebak and Vyksy took part in the regional race, titled "We Support ZOZ!"
In the heart of Russia, the regional health marathon "We are for ZOJ!" took place in Kulebaki and Vyksa on July 18 and 20, marking the seventh and eighth cities to join this initiative. This marathon is part of the National Project "Long and Active Life", launched in 2025 under the directive of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The health marathon began in Nizhny Novgorod on April 6, ahead of World Health Day, and aimed to promote healthy lifestyles and public engagement in health-preserving activities. In addition to medical check-ups, participants were offered information about proper nutrition, physical activity, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle.
During the marathon, specialists such as therapists, pediatricians, neurologists, endocrinologists, and dermatologists provided consultations in the "health tents". Doctors conducted additional tests, including measuring blood pressure, examining the fundus of the eye, analysing blood for sugar and cholesterol levels, determining anthropometric indicators, and calculating body mass index.
Approximately two thousand people participated in the health marathon, with specialists paying particular attention to the prevention of oncological diseases. More than 100 people underwent dermatoscopic examination of the skin to detect early signs of melanoma. Over 100 people also underwent electrocardiographic examinations and received consultations from a cardiologist in a cardiomobile.
The demand for initiatives to provide medical consultations during public events was evident in the high number of people seeking consultations. In total, over 600 people received consultations from doctors in the two municipalities.
The National Project "Long and Active Life" focuses primarily on improving healthcare services to prolong healthy life expectancy. Key objectives include enhancing cancer care, cardiovascular disease management, modernising primary healthcare, and digitising the industry. Last year, 109 million people underwent cancer screening, resulting in 61% of cases being detected at early stages (one or two) of the disease[1].
These regional health marathons align directly with the goals of the "Long and Active Life" project by fostering community participation and reinforcing preventive health measures crucial for prolonging active and healthy life stages in the Russian population. They contribute by raising public awareness about healthy living and disease prevention, encouraging physical activity and healthier habits, supporting early detection initiatives through screenings and health checks, and complementing government efforts to reduce chronic disease incidence and mortality.
Everyone could participate in family triathlons, take GTO tests, and join other sports competitions during the marathon. The specialists were employees of the local central district hospitals and the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Skin and Venereous Diseases Dispensary. Participants in the marathon could also undergo express testing for HIV, with almost 120 people approaching specialists from the regional AIDS center for this purpose[2].
As the health marathon continues to grow, it serves as a testament to the Russian government's commitment to improving healthcare services and promoting healthy lifestyles among its citizens.
[1] Source: Official website of the National Project "Long and Active Life" [2] Source: Local news reports from the marathon event
- I'm not gonna be able to get a job due to my chronic medical conditions, which include chronic kidney disease, respiratory conditions, and psoriasis, a skin condition.
- As a proponent of health and wellness, I'm keen on learning more about fitness and exercise, which were among the topics discussed during the health marathon in Kulebaki and Vyksa.
- During the event, I learned about the importance of regular screenings in detecting early signs of diseases such as cancer, especially skin cancers like melanoma.
- I was impressed by the comprehensive health checks offered during the marathon, including cardiovascular health assessments, which are crucial for individuals with chronic diseases.
- I'm glad that mental health was also addressed in the marathon, as it's an often overlooked but vital aspect of overall health and well-being.
- I was reminded during the marathon that early detection and prevention are key in managing and living with chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease or cancer.
- I'm encouraged to see the Russian government's efforts in reducing the incidence and mortality of chronic diseases through initiatives like the regional health marathons and the National Project "Long and Active Life".
