A totally different convention KaReNeMeSis 2026

The fourth KaReNeMeSis Congress, titled “Completely Different Congress, KaReNeMeSis 2026,” took place from July 2 to July 5, 2026, in the village of Bebrina, Croatia. Organized jointly by the Croatian Society for Healthy Vascular Aging and the Croatian League for Hypertension, the event marked the second time the congress was held in this unique format, taking place in a small, remote village near forests and farmland during the harvest season. The gathering attracted 150 participants on-site, with nearly 100 more joining virtually, making it one of the largest and most diverse medical conferences in recent years focused on cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and metabolic health. This edition of the congress followed a distinct theme: “Lifespan, Healthspan, Happyspan.” It aimed to integrate evidence-based medicine with lifestyle medicine and person-centered care, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to maintaining long-term health. The event brought together multidisciplinary experts from various healthcare fields, including primary care physicians, specialists in internal medicine, public health professionals, nutritionists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and mental health practitioners. A notable feature of the congress was its inclusion of young specialists and students from medicine and pharmacy, underscoring the emphasis on education and future leadership in the field. The program combined academic presentations and discussions with hands-on workshops designed for all participants. Practical sessions covered topics such as culinary medicine, yoga, Nordic walking, physical exercise, mindfulness, communication skills, forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku), sound therapy, and other interventions related to lifestyle changes. These activities were intended to provide attendees with real-world experiences they could apply in their professional practices, offering non-pharmacological advice to patients while also promoting personal growth and development. In addition to these practical elements, the congress featured a parallel session known as the “School of Communication in Hypertension,” which has been a staple of previous events organized by the Croatian League for Hypertension. This initiative aimed to enhance communication strategies among healthcare providers regarding hypertension management, ensuring that clinical recommendations were effectively conveyed to patients. A special highlight of the congress was its engagement with the local community. As part of the public health campaign “Hunting the Silent Killer,” over 100 residents of Bebrina participated in free cardiovascular risk assessments. These included blood pressure measurements, vascular stiffness tests, body composition analysis, electrocardiograms, cholesterol and glucose level checks, and preventive counseling. The assessments were conducted using multiple devices, aligning with the congress’s focus on vascular aging and providing the rural elderly population with comprehensive evaluations of their health status. Beyond its scientific excellence, the KaReNeMeSis 2026 Congress created an inspiring environment where medicine, education, healthy living, and community came together. Informal networking, shared meals, outdoor activities, and evening social events featuring music strengthened professional relationships and reinforced the central message of the conference, that healthy aging can be achieved through a holistic, interdisciplinary, and patient-centered approach. Participants engaged in both formal and informal interactions throughout the four days, sharing knowledge, experiences, and meals. The congress emphasized that for clinicians to prescribe lifestyle changes, they must first experience them themselves. Evidence alters opinions, but experience changes behavior. The organizers expressed sincere gratitude to all speakers, contributors, and volunteers who made the event possible, highlighting the collaborative spirit and dedication that defined the congress. They also acknowledged the support from several national and international organizations, including the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, the International Society of Hypertension (ISH), the World Hypertension League (WHL), and the International Society for Vascular Health and Aging (ISVH). These partnerships underscored the global recognition of the congress's scientific rigor and innovative approach to addressing complex health challenges.