Health Takes Center Stage at Bari’s Free Wellness Village
Former rugby star Martin Castrogiovanni stopped by Bari’s “Villaggio della Salute” on Wednesday, lending his star power to a free health initiative aimed at encouraging preventative care. The village, spanning 1500 square meters in Piazza della Libertà, opened its doors on Tuesday and offers a range of free screenings and check-ups until December 1st.
Prevention is Key: Castrogiovanni’s Message
“As a healthy supporter of sport, I couldn’t help but be here today. Health is the most precious asset we have, we must preserve it by aiming on prevention,” Castrogiovanni said, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare.
The Health Village is a project of the Federation of Italian medical-scientific societies (Fism), undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. It coincided with the G7 Health summit held in Bari, which concluded on Tuesday.
Spotlight on Wellness
Castrogiovanni, who has transitioned from professional athlete to a popular television personality, believes athletes have a responsibility to advocate for health awareness.
“I believe that the world of sport has many responsibilities – all athletes are under the spotlight. Therefore it is very important for us to raise people’s awareness of taking care of their health, the only thing that matters in life. Making a preventive check-ups cost nothing, while it can sometimes be too late to undertake treatment,” he shared.
Emphasis on Blood Donation
The Ministry of Health has a dedicated stand within the Villaggio della Salute, focusing on promoting healthy eyesight, responsible antibiotic use, influenza vaccination, and blood donation. Castrogiovanni serves as a testimonial for the Ministry’s “Donate life, donate blood” campaign.
“This initiative, thanks to which I became a donor, has taught me a lot: donating blood costs nothing, it is a painless gesture of great altruism and generosity,” he stated, encouraging Bari residents to consider donating.
Call to Action: Bari Residents Invited to Donate
Castrogiovanni had a simple and direct invitation for the people of Bari: “To donate blood, the appointment is tomorrow in Piazza Libertà, at 10.30 in the Villaggio della Salute.”
What is the main message Martin Castrogiovanni wants to convey about preventative health care?
## Interview: Martin Castrogiovanni on the Importance of Prevention at Bari’s “Villaggio della Salute”
**Interviewer:** Martin, thank you for joining us today at Bari’s “Villaggio della Salute”. This free wellness initiative is generating quite a buzz. What drew you to support it?
**Martin Castrogiovanni:** As a former rugby player, I’ve always believed in the importance of physical health. But health is about much more than just fitness. It’s about taking preventative measures, recognizing potential issues early on, and making smart choices for our well-being. When I heard about “Villaggio della Salute” and its free screenings and check-ups, I knew I had to be here.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned preventative care. Can you elaborate on why you feel it’s so crucial?
**Castrogiovanni:** Look, we tend to take our health for granted until something goes wrong. But being proactive is key. By having regular check-ups and screenings, we can catch potential problems early, when they’re easier to address. It’s about investing in our future health.
**Interviewer:** The “Villaggio della Salute” offers a wide range of services. What would you say is the most important takeaway for people visiting the village?
**Castrogiovanni:** The biggest message I want to share is this: taking care of your health doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. This initiative makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or income. There are no excuses. Come down, get checked out, and prioritize your well-being.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Martin, for your time and your message of encouragement. We hope this initiative inspires everyone in Bari to make their health a priority.
