Prospects for growing up healthy

Our children - supporting, understanding, treating

Paediatricians are regularly sounding the alarm that more and more children and young people are suffering from chronic disorders or diseases. In addition, behavioural problems such as the much-discussed attention deficit disorders are becoming increasingly common. The causes of these disorders and diseases are very complex and require better cooperation between doctors, therapists, educators and the family environment. The "Children's Health Today" congress initiated by the Society of Anthroposophical Doctors in Germany (GAÄD) and the Umbrella Association for Anthroposophic Medicine in Germany (DAMiD) is a platform for becoming acquainted with the various perspectives for growing up healthy.

The health situation of children in Germany has changed. While it is now often possible to successfully treat acute infectious diseases, it is chronic disorders and diseases which are to the fore today. Allergies and diabetes in early childhood have become more common and many children already complain of stomach ache, headaches and backache while still of school age. 

How can these complex clinical pictures and symptoms be meaningfully treated and helped? How can children and young people develop in a healthy way? The "Children's Health Today" congress, which was held for the first time in Stuttgart on September 27 and 28, 2014, focuses on the interplay between upbringing, lifestyle and family structures: doctors, therapists, educators and parents discuss what children and young people need today and how they can be supported in a meaningful way. The underlying approach of the conference was to meaningfully link orthodox and complementary medicine to one another for the purposes of an integrative understanding of treatment. In numerous forums with the leitmotifs of "the parent-child bond", "attention" and "pain", experts, parents and the public discussed common new pathways in the treatment and support of children and adolescents.

PROJECT DETAILS

Who else is involved in the project?

In addition to the Society of Anthroposophical Doctors in Germany (GAÄD) and the Umbrella Association for Anthroposophic Medicine in Germany (DAMiD), the City of Stuttgart, the Olga Hospital and Filder Clinic are among the co-organisers of the "Children's Health Today" congress.

As the professional medical society overseeing the treatment facilities used in Anthroposophic Medicine, GAÄD is responsible for representing the interests of science, research and teaching. DAMiD represents the entire spectrum of Anthroposophic Medicine. As the umbrella organisation, the Association stands up for the interests of its 15 members.

What are the funds of the MAHLE FOUNDATION specifically used for?

The MAHLE FOUNDATION assumed the personnel costs in the areas of design, execution and public relations. In addition, the Foundation was involved in financing the website and the print materials. The costs of the speakers were also paid for by the MAHLE FOUNDATION.