Uşak University continues to bring science to rural communities.

Uşak University held the second of its ‘Science Café’ events in the village of Uşak Alanyurt (Sirge).

The event, titled ‘Preventive Public Health Services’ and featuring Dr. Ece Öcal Yanık, an Assistant Professor of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, drew significant interest from the village residents.

Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş, Rector of Uşak University, delivered the opening speech of the event, emphasising that universities are not merely educational institutions and highlighting the importance of direct contact with society. He stated:

"We attach great importance to university-industry cooperation as well as university-village meetings. Following the programmes we previously conducted on agriculture, livestock farming, and beekeeping, we are now coming together with you to discuss public health. The dissemination of research and knowledge to the public is one of the most important missions of universities. As Uşak University, we are successfully fulfilling this mission. Our activities will continue. I would like to thank our Alanyurt (Sirge) Village Head and the villagers for their support and contributions to our Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Health Sciences.”

Preventive Health, Early Diagnosis, Conscious Society

Dr. Ece Öcal Yanık, a Public Health Lecturer who provided detailed information about preventive public health services, touched on topics such as healthy living, disease control, and awareness in her presentation. Dr. Ece Öcal Yanık explained the precautions that should be taken, particularly regarding diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and skin problems, which are very common today, and answered questions from the audience.

Dr. Öcal Yanık emphasised the importance of paying extra attention to skin health during the summer months when the sun's rays are more direct, and shared effective skin care tips and ways to protect against skin cancer with the audience. Dr. Ece Öcal Yanık also addressed acute intestinal infections (diarrhoea), another important issue during the summer months, and warned the audience to be careful about food safety and consuming clean food.

Drawing attention to the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco smoke, Dr. Yanık provided information about cancer and emphasised the importance of early diagnosis of this disease.

Health Screenings Were Also Conducted

As part of the programme, Uşak University Faculty of Health Sciences conducted blood sugar, blood pressure, height and weight measurements for participants.

The event concluded after questions from participants were answered.

The event was also attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Kenan Taş and Prof. Dr. Lütfi Özav, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Hanefi Özbek, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Kadir Özcan, and General Secretary Bülent Şahin.