The Saarpfalz district health authority also used the "Health Authority Day" on 19 March to focus on the topic of "Climate change and health" - the motto of the day. The health authority opened the doors of its large conference room for this purpose, which led visitors into the health authority's own world by means of a small exhibition trail.
"We may not have been overrun on this day, but I am very satisfied with the course and organisation of the event. The employees presented their work in our health department in a clear way and with good ideas. And in view of the current motto and other health topics, there was certainly a lot to learn. I was particularly pleased to see the children from the neighbouring kindergartens. With their curiosity, they radiated an immense liveliness, which benefited the event," said Dr Ulrike Zawar, Head of the Labour, Social Affairs and Health Department, speaking of the positive response.
There were educational contributions at several information stands, at the wheel of fortune and at the social psychiatric service. The colouring and puzzle stations as well as the large dental models for practising proper tooth brushing aroused the interest of the younger guests. In addition, the short videos shown in a continuous loop in the specially set up video corner addressed topics such as "Heat - risk for small children", "Ticks - what is Lyme disease", "Vaccination", "Effects of UV radiation" and much more. Visitors took the opportunity to have their blood pressure measured or to take the test on the effectiveness of hand hygiene. To do this, hands are treated with fluorescent contrast agent and under black light it becomes visible whether the application, i.e. rubbing in the agent, has been successful.
The future District Administrator Frank John also took the opportunity to visit the individual stands and say hello. At 3 p.m., a good 50 guests finally listened to the witty lecture by Prof Dr Dr Sören Becker, Head of the Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene at Saarland University Hospital, who was able to explain complex issues in an understandable way. His topic: "Climate change, infectious diseases and tiger mosquitoes".
District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo summed up after his tour: "If a separate day is dedicated to the health authorities, then it makes sense for us to participate in the Saarpfalz district and for the health authorities to present themselves extensively. Just like last year at Christian-Weber-Platz, we have once again succeeded in doing this today, which makes me very happy. I would like to thank the team at the public health department for this commitment away from the daily routine - which sometimes is certainly no longer a routine, because those who deal directly with people will always experience surprises. I would also like to thank Prof Dr Dr Sören Becker, who took the time to enrich the event. Our public health department acts as a central pillar for protecting the health of the population, and we should all be aware of this, and not just on this day."