Health
Challenges relating to health
Physical stress
- Chronic diseases: Diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems or rheumatism require long-term confrontation and lifestyle adjustments.
- Stress and overwork: Permanent stress at work or in the private sphere has a negative impact on the immune system and general health.
- Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle often leads to muscle loss, obesity and other health risks.
Mental health
- Stress and burnout: Mental stress leads to exhaustion, sleep disorders or listlessness and should be taken seriously.
- Anxiety and depression: Mental illness can severely restrict quality of life and also cause physical symptoms.
Access to health services
- Orientation in the system: Which are the right places to go when health problems occur?
- Financial burdens: Costs for medication, treatment or prevention are not always easy to bear.
First steps: What you can do for your health
Health starts in everyday life. Small, targeted changes can have a big impact - whether you are taking preventative action or tackling existing problems.
Preventative care for your health
- Regular exercise: Just 30 minutes of exercise a day, e.g. a walk, can improve your well-being.
- Balanced diet: Focus on fresh food, lots of vegetables, plenty of water and reduce sugar or convenience products.
- Stress management: Relaxation exercises such as yoga, meditation or breathing techniques help you to calm down.
Tackling existing problems
- Don't put off seeing a doctor: If your symptoms persist, you should seek medical advice early on.
- Accept therapies: Whether physiotherapy, psychotherapy or special rehab offers - take advantage of the options that can help you.
- Visit support groups: Sharing experiences with people in similar situations can be emotionally relieving and motivating.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
There are numerous ways to actively promote your health or better manage existing problems. Here are some important points of contact:
Medical care and advice
- Doctors: Your first point of contact for health problems and the coordination of further treatment.
- Health authorities: These often offer programs and information materials on prevention and health promotion.
- Special clinics: There are specialized facilities for specific illnesses such as diabetes, orthopaedic complaints or mental illnesses.
Prevention and self-help
- Prevention courses: Health insurance companies often promote courses on exercise, nutrition or stress management.
- Support groups: Exchange and support from people with similar experiences.
- Fitness and health courses: Many communities and clubs offer low-threshold exercise and relaxation programs.
Financial support
- Health insurance subsidies: Many health insurance companies cover the costs of prevention programs or subsidize therapies.
- Social benefits: If the financial burden of illness becomes too high, you can apply for support from social welfare offices.
Frequently asked questions about health
You can contact health advice centers or health authorities. They will provide you with information on health services and doctors in your region.
Many health insurance companies offer courses on exercise, nutrition and stress management. Volkshochschulen (VHS) and local health services also offer prevention programs.
Register with your health insurance fund to apply for sickness benefit. If there is a risk of prolonged incapacity for work, rehabilitation measures or retraining can be considered via the pension insurance.