“Children’s health care in the Maltese health system” guest specialist in paediatrics, doctor Jelena Martić, the forum held on December 1, 2021.
The brave doctor Jelena Martić, who handles the most serious diseases of children every day in the pediatric intensive care unit of the state hospital Mater Dei in Malta, was a guest of the forum “Let’s stay healthy people”, on the 1. December this year.
The lifelike biography of our doctor tells us that, after graduating from medical school, she started her involvement in the treatment of children at the Mother and Child Institute, Vukan Čupić, in Belgrade, and in 2014. started a new chapter in her career with her move to Malta and employment at Mater Dei Hospital. The work dedicated to her vocation was crowned with a specialization in the field of neonatology, and she has recently been hired as a lecturer at Queen Mary University in London.
A two-hour tribune in the pleasant hall of the local community in Mosta, with this eminent expert, Dr Jelena, was an exceptional opportunity we need to share with all the parents,
On behalf of SECC St. Helen of Anjou, the guests and the doctor were greeted by the president, Jelena Jablanov Maksimović, highlighting the purpose of the establishment of the organization and its educational role on the Serbian community on this island. Father Risto Gorančić, spiritual support, also welcomed the gathering on behalf of the ecclesiastical municipality of Malta. The moderator, as well as the initiator of this educational project, was Olivera Vasić-Brčerević.
The scheduled time was used to renew knowledge as well as to learn about different topics from children’s upbringing and all the challenges that the parental role entails. Thus, the interlocutor, with her high conversational skills, took us through the Maltese healthcare system, explaining the advantages and differences compared to the functioning in Serbia. On this occasion, we learned that the Maltese healthcare system, in its conception, does not have a planned pediatric service in the centres for general medicine. The only place where children are provided with a pediatric examination, excluding private medical practices, is Mater Dei Hospital, which actually only provides this service to children who need an urgent examination. Paediatrics at Mater Dei Hospital is available for emergencies 24 hours a day, every day.
The second part of the forum brought answers to key questions about health preservation and vaccination of children, the favourable influence of the Mediterranean climate, early detection of disorders in children’s health, necessary medications in the home pharmacy; reacting in critical moments when a child’s life may be in danger and many other important topics.
In the continuation of the discussion, encouraged by the empathy and approachability of dear doctor Jelena, parents asked a series of questions concerning practical situations for which they received useful advice and specific instructions. It was extremely gratifying to hear everything that the doctor selflessly shared from both points of view: as a doctor and as a parent. We believe that this pleasant and useful gathering gave the parents a clear picture of the necessary steps on the way to the healthy growth of every member of the community of our young generation, so the video, for all those who could not attend, has been posted on the YouTube channel.
After the scheduled time, the meeting participants stayed for a long time in an informal conversation, exchanging parenting experiences with an emphasis on the humane need to continue such forums. SECC St Helen of Anjou, in cooperation with Dr Jelena Martić, made its contribution to World Children’s Day with this forum and also, with a small educational gesture, for the general benefit of the community, marked the beginning of the great Christmas fast.
A recording of this panel is available on our YouTube channel:
“A healthy diet leads to better immunity” – guest Maja Petrović, dietician and nutritionist, the forum held on January 15, 2022.
A practical manual for healthy eating for children and adults, with many useful tips on improving immunity and reaching high body energy. During the conversation, Maja Petrović, dietician and nutritionist, guided us in a simple and immediate way through a unique model of nutritional health, focusing on the specifics of Mediterranean and Serbian cuisine. The forum was an excellent opportunity to check our eating habits with the help of expert suggestions and thus ensure well-being for ourselves and our loved ones.
A recording of this panel is available on our YouTube channel:
“Guardians of bone health” – guest Dr Marija Đekić-Ivanković, forum held on February 26, 2022.
Thanks to the expert advice of Dr Marija Đekić-Ivanković, from McGill University in Montreal, we had the opportunity to learn about the optimal conditions for bone growth and development through a meaningful presentation. What is osteoporosis? How to prevent bone loss? Dr Marije Đekić-Ivanković explained what the recipe for healthy bones entails and how important it is to introduce minimal changes in diet and thus become stronger.
A recording of this panel is available on our YouTube channel: