Gadgets, organic products, and medical innovations: care for the health of Russians discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA
Health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of complete wellbeing. This was the focus of the panel session titled "The Art of Being Healthy", held as part of the "SMARTzdrav" (SMARThealth) Congress at the National Centre RUSSIA. The congress aims to bridge the gap between the medical community and the cultural sphere, creating a foundation for the practical implementation of cultural and humanitarian practices into the public health system.
"Health is a person's primary resource, and its preservation requires attention and knowledge. Experts from the World Health Organization define health not simply as the absence of disease but as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Researchers have proven that various factors influence a person's health: 50 percent of it depends on individual lifestyle, and another 20 percent — on external environmental factors. Accumulated scientific data indicates that health is a multifaceted phenomenon; however, this data is not yet fully utilised in the public healthcare system today," said Inna Svyatenko, session moderator, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building.
She noted that at the state level, work is underway to ensure accessible, high-quality, and up-to-date medicine for citizens. According to her, the Federation Council is doing everything necessary to combine federal and regional efforts. At the same time, disease prevention projects are being implemented in Russian regions, and the upper house of parliament takes part in shaping the agenda on health and preservation of the people. She added that medical centres conduct activities promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Projects such as "The Country's Preventive Shield", "Oncopatrol", "Cardio Raid", and many others are being implemented.
Modern technologies, as Inna Svyatenko pointed out, help people lead healthy lifestyles today. She emphasised that it is important for innovations and scientific-technical progress to contribute to preserving health. Gadgets track the number of steps taken, analyse physical activity and daily routines, she added.
"Russian medical device developers are working on devices with biofeedback, which are compact instruments for continuous health monitoring and correction. For example, students from the NSTU (Novosibirsk State Technical University) are developing a domestic smart bracelet that will allow tracking a person's emotional state based on biological reactions. Researchers from SPbGEU (St. Petersburg State University of Economics) are creating a device for rapid insulin administration in the form of a bracelet with a microelectronic instrument and an array of microneedles, manufactured using 3D printing technologies. The 'Natsmedtek' company has developed and registered a continuous glucose monitoring system for patients with diabetes: a sensor transmits data to a mobile device and allows real-time glucose level tracking. Companies named 'Motorika' and 'Metiz' are creating modern bionic hand and foot prostheses. Motorika company is developing a hand with microprocessor control and vibrotactile feedback; also, work is underway to restore tactile sensitivity and reduce phantom pain," shared Yekaterina Priyezzheva, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
First Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, Yelena Fastova, noted that Russia is fully self-sufficient in key types of food products. Furthermore, the country has established a system of strict state quality and safety control "from field to counter", and GMOs are prohibited. According to her, domestic producers are now transitioning to a new stage — developing the production of food with specified healthy properties and organic products, thus forming a culture of conscious nutrition as the most important foundation for preserving public health.
"A new task lies before us: increasing the nutritional value of food products, including through enrichment with macro- and micronutrients. Science and digitalisation are also assisting us in this. For example, plant breeding today allows us not only to cultivate high-yield varieties but also to create new plants with higher protein and vitamin content. Regarding the food industry, technologies such as drying, fermentation, freezing, and special packaging help preserve vitamins and other substances, thereby preserving the value of our product for consumers," explained Yelena Fastova.
Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, Sergei Pershin, stated that a large number of creative projects promoting healthy lifestyles are being developed in Russia today, including in theatrical performances, films, books, and more.
"Content shapes a certain way of life. Today, such content is increasing. It unobtrusively and convincingly motivates people to care for their health, pay attention to the health condition of loved ones, and forms a certain culture of healthy living. Native and talented integration of right values into creative projects is an effective tool for conveying meanings. This is especially understood by the new generation, the young generation. The Ministry of Culture conducts such work together with colleagues from other agencies, including the Government Office. For example, last year we developed methodological recommendations for organising cultural events aimed at citizens’ personal development and motivating health preservation," said Sergei Pershin.
The "SMARTzdrav" Congress united parliamentarians, representatives from healthcare, science, culture, education, urbanism, the social sphere, and business at the National Centre RUSSIA. Throughout the day, the space will host masterclasses and practical discussions aimed at experiencing, reflecting on, and understanding the connection between culture, art, and health: "Theatre as Therapy", "The Cultural Code of Movement", "How the Language of Cinema Influences Our Condition".
The congress is organised by the Federation Council, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, the National Centre RUSSIA, the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, and the Russian Society for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Event photobank
An Open Lecture Hall titled "Inventing the Future: Plots and Stories" will take place at the National Centre on 7 February.
