The Vitality Desk: Exactly the help you need to live a healthier life | Maastricht UMC+
A healthy lifestyle is important. It helps prevent diseases and reduce complaints. But also to be fitter for an operation and to get fit again after an intervention or treatment. However, maintaining or starting a healthy lifestyle is quite difficult. That is why Maastricht UMC+ has had a Vitality Desk since the beginning of this year where patients can receive help on their way to a healthier life. In this experience story you can read what that support can look like, from conversation in the hospital to guidance in your own environment.
If you live a healthier life, you will become more vital, you will have more energy and pleasure in life and you will run fewer health risks. We all know that. But losing your excess weight, quitting smoking or exercising more is not always possible. “Especially if you have other concerns. For example, lack of money, problems at work or within your family or due to loneliness. Or because this is the wrong time, because you are ill or are being treated,” begins gynecological-oncologist Dr. Erica Werner. She is one of the initiators of the Vitality Desk that was launched this year and one of the regular referrers.
“If all else fails, you need someone who has time for you and will work with you to find tailor-made support. At Maastricht UMC+, we as doctors can refer our patients to the Vitality Desk. There are employees who have time to to listen to you. They will help you find what you need in your situation.” One of the patients that Werner referred to the Vitality Desk last year is Nicolette van de Kuinder from Vaesrade.
The Vitality Desk at Maastricht UMC+: A Cheeky Step Towards a Healthier You!
Grab your kale smoothie and your running shoes, folks, because we’re diving headfirst into the vibrant world of healthy living! It turns out that living healthily is not just about munching on rabbit food and sweating like a sinner in church. No, it’s also about avoiding those pesky diseases and bouncing back like a rubber ball after you’ve hit a rough patch. Welcome to the era of the Vitality Desk, launched this year at Maastricht UMC+, where help is just a desk away. Yes, you heard me right—no magic potions or capsizing diets, just good old-fashioned support!
By now, we all know that a healthy lifestyle is essential. It makes you feel alive! Well, more alive than your morning coffee, anyway. You become more *vital*, run less risk of health calamities, and honestly, you may even find that you enjoy life more. But here’s the kicker—actually maintaining or starting this healthy lifestyle can feel tougher than folding a fitted sheet. Especially if you’ve got a few external pressures lurking in the corner—money troubles, family drama, work stress, or that ever-present feeling of loneliness.
“If all else fails, you need someone who has time for you and will work with you to find tailor-made support.”
That’s the mantra here, folks! Dr. Werner, one of the brains behind this initiative, knows that sometimes all it takes is a friendly chat and a listening ear. You could be referred to the Vitality Desk by your doctor, and voila! You’ve got a team ready to help you navigate the ups and downs of living your best life. They won’t just pop in and shove kale in your face; they’ll guide you through what YOU need, right where you are.
Take Nicolette van de Kuinder from Vaesrade, for example. She was referred to the desk and found herself navigating through the jungle of self-care with some much-needed guidance. The beauty of the Vitality Desk is its personal touch—no cookie-cutter solutions here, just bespoke support catered to your unique life saga. Think of it as your health concierge, ready to customize your path and keep you on the straight and narrow, or at least the less winding path.
**Interview with Dr. Erica Werner of Maastricht UMC+ about the Vitality Desk Initiative**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Werner. Can you introduce us to the concept of the Vitality Desk at Maastricht UMC+?
**Dr. Erica Werner:** Thanks for having me! The Vitality Desk is a new initiative we launched to provide support to patients looking to lead healthier lives. It’s all about helping individuals adopt healthier lifestyles, whether it’s managing weight, quitting smoking, or increasing physical activity. We understand that embarking on this journey can be challenging, especially when people are dealing with other life stresses.
**Interviewer:** What prompted the creation of the Vitality Desk?
**Dr. Werner:** As healthcare professionals, we noticed that many patients wanted to improve their health but faced barriers. Those barriers could include financial stressors, family issues, employment challenges, or even the weight of loneliness. We realized the need for a tailored support system to help patients navigate these obstacles, and that’s where the Vitality Desk comes in.
**Interviewer:** How does the process work for patients who want to utilize the Vitality Desk?
**Dr. Werner:** It’s quite simple! When our doctors identify a patient who might benefit from this support, they can refer them to the Vitality Desk. Our dedicated staff members are trained to take the time to listen to each patient’s unique circumstances and work collaboratively to find tailored resources and supports specific to their situation.
**Interviewer:** Can you share any success stories or feedback from patients who have already used the Vitality Desk?
**Dr. Werner:** Absolutely! One of our patients, Nicolette van de Kuinder from Vaesrade, found great relief and assistance through the Vitality Desk. She was able to access resources that were aligned with her lifestyle and needs. The transformation and improvement in her quality of life were truly inspiring. These personal stories remind us of the significant impact that support can have on someone’s health journey.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a fantastic initiative! How do you envision the future of the Vitality Desk and its impact on the community?
**Dr. Werner:** We’re hopeful that the Vitality Desk can be a game-changer in the healthcare landscape. Our goal is to not just treat illnesses but to empower our patients to take proactive steps towards their health. By focusing on prevention and support, we aim to foster a community that values holistic health—moving beyond just clinical care. The ambition is to extend these services even further and make them accessible to more individuals who need it.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Werner, for shedding light on this valuable initiative. It’s certainly a step in the right direction towards a healthier community!
**Dr. Werner:** Thank you! It’s our pleasure, and we look forward to seeing more individuals take advantage of what the Vitality Desk has to offer!
