Health on the agenda
Since the local government reform, we have taken over a range of new health areas. We now handle rehabilitation services, all community health promotion and prevention, and substance misuse initiatives. Not least, we also finance a portion of health care expenses, which gives us a greater financial incentive to focus on prevention and health promotion.
· We will focus on prevention and health promotion so that, in time, we can minimise the treatment and care resources devoted to certain groups, the chronically ill in particular.
· We will improve our rehabilitation services and ensure that we can provide enough modern facilities, preferably jointly with other local authorities.
· We will spotlight exercise and outdoor activities in schools and daycare centres.
Public health
The health ranking of Albertslund is below the national average. This statistic has spurred us to focus on health, both general initiatives and those intended for special target groups, particularly children, at-risk groups and the elderly. We have joined the KRAM project, which focuses on diet, smoking, alcohol and exercise.
· We will raise our health profile to a level at least matching the national average.
· We will strive to provide an environment in which people with chronic illnesses can take control of their own lives.
· We will launch targeted initiatives to prevent overweight – starting with our children.
· We will incorporate exercise in the activities we provide for the community (the elderly, the disabled and unemployed) – and for local government staff.
· We will make targeted efforts, through schools in particular, to prevent substance misuse and bad habits.
Health and the environment
A good environment is also a healthy one. Organic foods and cycle and pedestrian traffic are high priorities.
· We will carry on serving healthy, organic food in our institutions and extend the service.
· We will continue to provide differentiated traffic solutions and continuously expand the network of pathways.
· We will encourage cycling, which will improve the health of our citizens while lowering pollution.
· We will encourage children to develop healthy transport habits at a young age, cycling, for example.
· We will promote traffic safety and reduce traffic risks.
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KEY POLICY DOCUMENTS |
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1. Health policy: Goals for how Albertslund will work with health issues, focusing on prevention and health promotion, targeted measures and eliminating health inequalities among residents. |
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PRINCIPLES |
PLATFORM ISSUES |
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Urban quality |
Children |
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Democracy |
Culture |
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Diversity |
Environment |
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CORNERSTONES |
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Housing |
Commerce |
Finance |
Organisation |
Communication |
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KRAM – DIET, SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND EXERCISE
Eating correctly, refraining from smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation and getting enough exercise are essential for our health and well-being. Albertslund has put these issues under the microscope and become a member of the KRAM project. Read more at www.kram-undersoegelsen.dk (in Danish).
HEALTH PROFILE
The Capital Region of Denmark will prepare health profiles for its local authority members every four years. Albertslund got its first health profile in spring 2008, which provides a good planning basis for future health initiatives.
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DID YOU KNOW that, along with the other local authorities in the Dogma network, Albertslund has pledged to serving 75% organic food in local authority institutions? In 2007, 80% of all food served in Albertslund institutions was organic, and in daycare centres the figure was 90%.
DID YOU KNOW that we have the region’s highest incidence of smoker’s lungs and conduct the highest number of heart operations per resident in the region? We also have the region’s highest incidence of diabetes and are among the highest-ranking local authorities in Denmark in number of visits to the doctor.
DID YOU KNOW that 600 local government employees are offered free health checks?
DID YOU KNOW that, together with the other Copenhagen West local authorities, we are continuing the ‘Young Dialogue’ initiative launched by the former county authorities? The programme informs young people about healthy attitudes towards sex, alcohol and drugs. Albertslund has also launched a patients’ education programme for people with chronic illnesses.
DID YOU KNOW that 74% of all first grade pupils in Albertslund cycle to school? Of those who do not cycle to school, 32% are overweight. We have launched a project for overweight children.
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02. september 2009 //