"Beauty starts with health. Conversations about HPV" – this was the theme of an educational event held on Wednesday, March 11th, at the University of Zielona Góra (UZ). Aimed at high school and university students, the event was organized in collaboration between the Lubusz Regional Branch of the National Health Fund (NFZ) and the University. The program featured an expert panel followed by beauty workshops, all with one simple goal: to encourage young people to prioritize preventive healthcare.
Prevention as a Key to Longevity
Regular screenings are vital, especially for conditions that often show no symptoms, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Primarily transmitted through sexual contact, HPV is a widespread virus that can lead to various cancers.
"This virus is common and can lead to cervical, anal, and penile cancers, as well as head and neck cancers," explains Prof. Anna Mania, Provincial Consultant in Infectious Diseases. "We strongly encourage taking advantage of the HPV vaccine, which is a safe and highly effective method of prevention."
While free vaccinations are available for children and adolescents aged 9 to 18, experts emphasize that for older individuals, the key lies in consistent screening.
Breaking the Stigma
Psychological barriers often prevent people from getting tested. Kamila Wilczyńska-Kamrat, a clinical psychologist, points out that fear often dictates our health choices.
"We shouldn't put these conversations off until tomorrow. True beauty is both internal and external, and it stems from our health. Often, people avoid check-ups because they fear the results, thinking that skipping the doctor means escaping the illness. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. We are here to break these harmful stereotypes and encourage proactive care," says Wilczyńska-Kamrat.
Diet and Lifestyle: Our Greatest Allies
The experts also highlighted the role of nutrition. While a healthy lifestyle isn't a substitute for medical screenings, it plays a crucial role in prevention."A proper diet cannot replace a Pap smear or a vaccination," notes Dr. Justyna Korycka-Korwek from the UZ Department of Human Nutrition and Dietotherapy. "However, how we eat and how active we are act as powerful allies in staying healthy and preventing infections like HPV."
Inspiration from the Top
The event also featured a special guest, Miss Poland 2025, Oliwia Mikulska, who joined the call for health awareness.
"I am happy to be a voice for young people and perhaps an inspiration for those who neglect their health in the daily rush," she added. "Everything starts with health. To have the energy to live at such a fast pace, we must take care of ourselves first and remember our check-ups."
To wrap up the event, participants moved from the lecture hall to the Beauty Zone, where they enjoyed professional makeup demonstrations, practical styling tips, and color analysis workshops.
