And again a Pekelder municipal council is launching a health campaign. With the aim of a longer life for its inhabitants. Because research shows that Pekelders live an average of 6 to 7 years shorter than the average Dutch person.
“We have to get rid of the bottom places on all kinds of lists,” says alderman Lex Kupers of Samen voor Pekela (SVP). He says he is shocked by the numbers. This shows that the urgency is even greater than expected and that things have to change. “Hence our motto ‘More healthy years in Pekela’.”
Kupers realizes that it is yet another attempt to make Pekelders live more consciously, but above all healthier. More exercise and healthier eating are important aspects. Always have been, but apparently Pekela needs to go the extra mile. And no, Kupers does not believe that previous health policy has failed. “It is simply a matter of patience to see the effects,” Kupers acknowledges. That is why the approach will mainly focus on young people in the coming years, because otherwise it will be mopping up with the tap open. “But we certainly do not forget the elderly. They are an important group in educational matters.”
Many smoking pregnant women
For example, the number of young people who smoke weekly is extremely high (16.9 percent), in the province that figure is 8.2 percent. The percentage of pregnant women (19.2) who ‘normally’ smoke during pregnancy is also shocking. With almost one in five, by far the highest score in the province, where the figure is 6.9 percent. According to the researchers, this has to do with the level of education.
Kupers also finds it bitter to note how many young people in Pekela under the age of 18 drink alcohol: 50 percent compared to 36 percent nationally. Although a figure from 2021, it does not alter the fact that intervention is necessary. Overweight of both young and old is also a problem.
Water bottles are handed out at all schools, from which water can be drunk. “We have to get rid of the too many sugars in soft drinks.” To discourage smoking, the Municipal Executive is considering setting up smoke-free areas.
Over the next three years, the budget for ‘More healthy years in Pekela’ has been increased from over 4 tons to 7 tons. “The government also considers health important and has pledged more money, which will give us an extra million euros over the next three years. Money is important to be able to continue our campaign, but the most important thing is the awareness of healthy living,” says Kupers.
General practitioner care is an important link
The report with many figures, plan of action and objectives comes at a time when general practitioner care, another important link, is under pressure in Pekela. Three general practitioners for 12,000 inhabitants seems too few. The council therefore invites the doctors for a meeting at the town hall. “We are not about their policy, but we do have an interest in good care for our residents,” says Kupers.
The figures in the report largely come from GGD monitor youth and adults, Vektis, Waarstaatjegemeente.nl. They are on the site of the municipality of Pekela, with a plan of action.