Fiorenza Sarzanini (photo by Carlo Furgeri Gilbert).
ORDealing with a problem means checking what the needs of those who have it are, analyzing what has been done and what still needs to be done to find a solution, listening to those who have dealt with it and continue to do so. One of the most serious problems that our country faces today concerns the care of those suffering from eating disorders.
The latest surveys carried out by the Higher Institute of Health estimate at at least three million people suffer from ithighlight how the age group most affected is between 15 and 25 years old, and list the urgent interventions to support patients and families.
The first concerns one “dedicated” allocation that allows the creation of specialized treatment centers in all Regions given that in many areas of Italy there are no structures that can take care of these patients.
The second provides a serious information and prevention campaign that is aimed at those who are dealing with an eating disorder also through the control of social networks and the blackout of websites that incite not to eat or promote very dangerous challenges to those who gorge themselves the most.
The third imposes the training of doctors and healthcare assistants to dedicate themselves to a disease that can become lethal if it is not detected in time. I have been ill and I know what those who suffer from it need.
I know that underestimation is an attitude that can cause devastating consequences. I also know that you heal if you have awareness of the disorder, the will to fight that enemy that lurks in the head and destroys the body. It can be done if you have adequate tools and specialist support at your disposal.
Instead the Government has decided to cut even the few funds available. The 25 million allocated each year to support care were a drop in the sea of desperation surrounding the disease, but they were still a sign of attention. A message to those children, adolescents, teenagers and adults who fight against their demons every day to demonstrate that they would not be abandoned to their fate.
Promising, as Health Minister Schillaci did, that something will arrive anyway sounds like a joke. A tip to silence the protests. The message, however, is very clear: if you have the financial resources, turn to private individuals, if you can’t, we won’t do anything to support you on the path to rebirth. And this represents a defeat for everyone.
On what topics should it focus the campaign to prevent eating disorders? Write to us at [email protected]
All articles by Fiorenza Sarzanini
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