We Were Cheerful and Serious...

ČSH

...but above all, for you. That was the name of the second edition of the gathering for all interested parties at the very nice Hotel Jezerka near Sec in eastern Bohemia. Last year the bar was set quite high, and this year — according to participant feedback — it was maintained. Defending is always far more difficult than starting. Once again, we can call the event a "meeting of generations." The age range covered virtually all categories and brought something for everyone. Again with an emphasis on the usefulness of the information provided, complemented by pleasant surroundings, an inviting wellness area, and hospitable treatment.

It has become customary for invited experts to share news and the state of their field. This was no different here. Whether it was new supporting arguments in favour of prophylaxis backed by the most recent data obtained right here in our country. Results of various studies from around the world have been known for a long time, but now we can very convincingly work with data obtained at Czech centres as well. They were presented by Brno paediatric haematologist Jan Blatny, who also highlighted the importance of pharmacokinetics. We had already reported on this matter on the Society's website in the February article "The Pharmacokinetics Project Gets Under Way" and had also offered to facilitate testing. Unfortunately, no one showed interest, even though sophisticated measurement of the time course of clotting factor clearance is extremely important and the optimal use of individual curves has clear benefits for absolutely everyone. This time, each person could at least have an approximate measurement taken in Sec of how their body responds to factor administration. Regrettably, only a handful of people were interested here as well — the organizers' idea did not fall on fertile ground. It is an eternal shame that so few people want to obtain what is often vital information. The Society's offer to facilitate pharmacokinetics testing continues, however.

Many families arrived with children of all ages, and they surely found useful the talk by psychologist Petra Buckova on parenting and its development at different ages of children in haemophilia families. As the year before, a sort of improvised nursery school operated where childminders ensured that the children did not disturb their parents during presentations and workshops.

Great interest was generated by the presentation of Petr Stourac, a physician from the Brno Pain Treatment Centre. He endeavoured to demystify notions about the harmfulness of certain drugs about which there are misconceptions regarding addictiveness, while also confirming that modern medicine can deal with unnecessary pain relatively easily and quickly.

Further advice on how to effectively approach the upbringing of children and parents, as well as how to properly handle partner relationships in families affected by the concerns of Society members, was offered in additional sessions. That even very serious matters can be named and presented in a very entertaining way was demonstrated by psychologist and sexologist Laura Janackova. She received a response in the form of a very extensive discussion.

That rehabilitation plays a key role in addressing the most serious problems has been heard many times by Society members and their partners and other family members. Yet very few follow the principles, and this was once again emphasized by one of the most renowned physiotherapists in the community, Marie Katzerova.

But it was by no means only about theoretical lectures — each topic was followed by a workshop for those interested, bringing closer what could not be fully covered during the presentations.

Among the guests was also Jaroslav Janovec, chairman of the Slovak Haemophilia Association. And not only him — he brought along the Slovak silver and bronze medallist in table tennis from the Beijing Paralympics, Miroslav Jambor. Can there be a better example that even with such a condition, one can successfully pursue sports? Jaro Janovec also acquainted everyone with how their organization lives, what it has accomplished, and what it still intends to do for its members.

In short — it was shown that there is interest in such information, and when it is complemented by massage, a pool, saunas, steam baths, whirlpools, and other amenities, everyone finds something for themselves. Hotel Jezerka is among the exclusive and sought-after destinations for various congresses, trainings, and also relaxation stays. The prices reflect that. But there was no need to worry about them — everything went, with the exception of a symbolic co-payment of CZK 1,000 per one adult companion, through the Society at the expense of Baxter. Warm thanks are due to them — and specifically to Mrs. Hana Hruba — for everything that was made available. Nearly 180 satisfied participants speak for themselves, and thoughts are already slowly turning to the programme for 2015.

The Council has already received some suggestions for improving the programme in the future. If you were there and have any ideas, the organizers will be happy to hear or read them.