Doctors in Vahr: Social networking against loneliness and poverty!

Doctors in Vahr: Social networking against loneliness and poverty!

Vahr, Deutschland - A serious topic in Bremen came up: loneliness and poverty have turned out to be considerable health risks. The general practitioners of the Praxis Vahr have recognized this and are looking for ways to offer their patient: inside a holistic care. This goes hand in hand with the increasing realization that social factors play a crucial role in medical research. As the Weser-Kurier recently visited the family and neighborhood center new to social To inform help offers.

loneliness is a central problem, especially for older people. Andrea Michaelis from the Vahrer Löwen association is involved in senior citizens' work and offers support in various forms, such as a cheap lunch or free social consultations. Linking medical and social services is considered the key to improving patient care. Patients often come into practice without a medical reason, which shows that it is time to combat social isolation.

### The health consequences of isolation

The negative effect of loneliness should not be underestimated. According to the Who> loneliness and social isolation are not only harmful to the feeling of well-being, they also make physically ill. 871,000 deaths worldwide are due to loneliness. The risks range from brain strokes to depression - these numbers alone turn out to be intimidating. In Germany, a third of the older people and a quarter of the adolescents are socially isolated, such as the ZQP

The most common causes of loneliness are diverse: diseases, lack of education, low incomes and lack of social offers all contribute to this problem. Medical practice in Vahr therefore relies on networking with social institutions in order to create a better connection and help the patient: inside, to maintain social contacts.

### Innovative approaches to improve social contacts

Some initiatives, such as the language cafés in the district center, are also of great importance. These promote the integration of people from different countries and address an essential need: social participation. Health specialist Jasmin Scholz explains that the goal is to offer health consultation hours directly in the medical practices to improve networking.

The challenges mentioned are not only important locally. The comprehensive view of loneliness shows that there are also international approaches, such as in Sweden, where a national strategy for combating loneliness is pursued. Here social contacts are actively promoted in shops, restaurants and neighborhoods, which has a positive effect on society.

In Bremen, general practitioners are determined to make a contribution to solving this significant problem. The close cooperation with social institutions is intended to ensure that the patient concerned: inside not only medical care, but also socially integrated. At a time when loneliness is one of the greatest challenges of our society, this initiative is a step in the right direction.