Things have to change in the North of the Netherlands: there is a lot of skin cancer, dementia and alcoholism

The problem in Kop van Noord-Netherlands is big: the population is aging at a rapid pace, there is a lot of alcoholism, obesity and dementia, but there are also too few informal caregivers and healthcare workers, and there is a shortage of general practitioners. Seniors will also have to solve the problem themselves, at home and digitally.

The healthcare sector believes things need to change. In fact, the region should become the healthiest region in the Netherlands before 2030. This is how many healthcare organizations, the mental health service, the GGD, municipalities and health insurance companies are joining forces. But is this also possible?

Address the cause

“Let me say one thing: I think it is very good that this is being studied and planned,” says Michel Verkulen of the Healthcare Institute. “A lot of money and attention is given to the current healthcare system, but not enough to health and prevention.” Cautious consulting firm. However, he still had some doubts about how to handle this matter. “I still miss it a little bit: What are you going to do to make it happen?”

According to Verkulen, simply organizing health care differently is not enough. “We must also address the causes of health problems where they arise,” he believes. “Healthy food and clean air contribute more.”

Debt causes stress

Colds will help the area get started. “Look, this is a good example,” he says, addressing the debt problem at Den Helder & Hoorn. “People who suffer from debt often also suffer from other problems, such as long-term stress. These people simply do not have room to think about anything other than their debts, and if you reduce this burden, you kill two or three birds in one,” he explains. Arnhem points out The municipality takes over the debts of fifty families in the poorest neighborhoods of the city. “This really makes a difference.”

Verkulen: “Or think about skin cancer, which is common in coastal municipalities. For example, provide free sunscreen in beach tents or create shaded areas, so everyone can protect themselves well from the sun.” The municipalities of Horn and Dyck-en-Ward, among others, are actively working on this project Installing dispensers In entertainment areas and shopping centers. “Or paying more attention to mental health in schools. If you do all of this, you're already doing a very good job in the district.”

Too ambitious?

The goal to be the healthiest region in the Netherlands by 2030 may be too ambitious, according to Verkulen. “It is good to set a concrete goal for the coming years, because 2050 is still very far away, although there may be a high chance of not achieving it.”

Verkulen: “Because the goal is so abstract and broad, it is difficult to determine whether you will achieve it or not. If you formulate more specific and concrete goals, there is a greater chance of achieving it.” He believes North Holland North actually does a good job with its healthy side menus. “So, if you improve just a few of these things, there's no chance you'll be able to call yourself the healthiest in the areas you choose as goals.”