The question is bewildering in the wake of an interruption the lockdown situation wrapped in doubts. After slowly breaking the bonds of fear, we open our arms to freedom, which presents different characteristics from other times, still conditioned by the restlessness and uncertainty that often assail our minds.

With more or less hesitation, we abide by the order to resume “normal” life. Each day we move forward and look at what we have already experienced, asking ourselves whether we need to deepen knowledge in the art of leaving the lockdown situation.

Alarms are sounding in society and in the world, which is still struggling and trying to rise from a struggle that it still has to fight. But because we are beings of habits and for the sake of mental health, we need to find our safe haven in the midst of chaos. Therefore, we move on and look at the health of the mind, looking for the most effective approach to mental illnesses in times of pandemic, whose impact on medical activity took on Dantesque proportions.

This is, as Fernando Pessoa wrote, “the time to make the crossing: and, if we do not dare to do it, we will have been, forever, on the margins of ourselves”.

And with prudent boldness, we crossed the Covid-19 barrier in an attempt to lighten our days, paying attention to what cannot be forgotten.

We talked about the usual patients and explored other battlegrounds, placing us in front of neurosurgery and learning important lessons about digestive health and the truths that are revealed in our “2nd brain”.

We were inspired by childhood, reserving a place for children to understand the challenges they face today, and revisited the history of Paediatrics in Portugal, between colours and flavours that come to us through such important and pressing initiatives as Kiddy Cook.

We refined our senses in the surrounding environment, whose physical component we were once again allowed to explore, and reflected on the health of man in the environment.

We also examined numbers with FMUL in Figures and evaluated the result of the work we are so proud of, sharing the most recent Activity Report and showing how teams reinvent themselves in times of crisis.

As it became a habit, we also recall the best that took place in June, as well as the most remarkable achievements of the month. And because every day we are invited to come out of lockdown, we leave you in the best company. It is time to read and enjoy, because as José Saramago said, “Reading is probably another way of being in a place”.

Editorial Team