"Health is not only an individual responsibility, but also a social concern," said District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier at the opening of the conference. "And that is precisely why we as a district, with our district administration and health department, have the task of focusing on the health of our citizens." Health is an important prerequisite for everyone's well-being and quality of life, the district administrator continued. This must be promoted and preserved.
The conference was attended by representatives from various institutions and facilities in the healthcare sector as well as politicians from the district of Ludwigsburg. A total of around 40 experts discussed the issues at the district hall.
"Municipal health conferences are important health planning bodies for bringing together local players in prevention and medical care. The aim is to create structures to improve the health of the population," explained Dr. Uschi Traub, Head of Health Promotion and Health Planning at the Ludwigsburg District Office.
Medical center for adults with disabilities discussed
GP care for people with mental or multiple disabilities is difficult and is becoming increasingly difficult. In this context, Claudia Lychacz, the district's local representative for the disabled, made the introduction of a medical center for adults with disabilities one of the topics of the conference. Due to the great approval of the participants, a working group was initiated for this purpose, which will now jointly work out what approaches exist in the district.
First health report to be published shortly
The first health report for the district of Ludwigsburg will be presented in April. Katharina Klenk from the district's health department provided some initial insights. Lack of exercise, obesity, the increasing ageing of society and stress in the living and working environment are also the greatest risk factors for the impairment of personal health in the district of Ludwigsburg.
In his subsequent presentation, Dr. Thomas Kauth, a paediatrician in Ludwigsburg and member of the medical board, also pointed out the problems, particularly among children and adolescents. Overweight and obesity are a complex problem for which there is "no simple solution". "Obesity not only has an impact on physical health, the disease also causes serious psychosocial damage," said the pediatrician. Reduced self-esteem, eating behavior disorders and even depression are often the result.
Due to the current need, the Municipal Health Conference has decided to set up a working group for this as well. The aim is to develop concrete measures to counteract the problem.
School health specialists in the Ludwigsburg district would be a novelty
Another point presented at the conference was Madeleine Braun from the health department, who discussed the introduction of school health specialists in the district of Ludwigsburg. So far, there are no such specialists in the district. Due to the complexity of this structural change, a working group is planned to develop a suitable concept for the district.
