Nationwide, the Only Dedicated Nurse for Metabolic Syndrome Prevention and Management Stationed in Every Dong for Health Consultation
With obesity increasing worldwide, it is not merely an individual issue but a significant concern that society must address. At the local level, multifaceted efforts are needed to reduce economic losses caused by diseases and enable healthy living through early detection and preventive management of metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity) among residents.
Accordingly, Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Soo-hee) operates the 'nation's only' obesity, blood pressure, and blood sugar management centers in every neighborhood, allowing residents to conveniently receive health care close to home.
Gangdong-gu Operates Community-Based Health Management Centers with Dedicated Nurses in Every Neighborhood
Gangdong-gu is the only district where centers staffed with dedicated nurses during working hours operate in every neighborhood. This is possible because, in addition to the public health center (Seongnae-dong) and health branches (Gangil-dong, Cheonho-dong) 'Health Management Centers,' there are also 'Health 100-Year Consultation Centers' in 16 neighborhoods.
Since 2008, starting with Cheonho 1-dong, the district has installed and operated 'Health 100-Year Consultation Centers,' small public health offices within community centers in 16 neighborhoods, leading early detection and preventive management of metabolic syndrome and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases among local residents. Recognized for these efforts, Gangdong-gu has received numerous awards from domestic and international organizations, including the 'AFHC Healthy City Award' at the 2012 Alliance for Healthy Cities (AFHC) international conference. In 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) website featured the Health 100-Year Consultation Centers in detail under the title 'Community-Based Non-Communicable Disease Prevention in Korea.'
Each Health Management Center and Health 100-Year Consultation Center is equipped with medical devices such as cholesterol point-of-care testing devices, body composition analyzers, blood glucose meters, automatic blood pressure monitors, and height-weight scales to provide consistent health management services. Residents’ health status is assessed through metabolic syndrome tests (waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, good cholesterol) and body composition analysis. Physicians (nurses), exercise specialists, and nutritionists provide customized health consultations and education. Any resident aged 20 or older can visit and use the center near their home.
Health Education Programs to Promote Healthy Living in Daily Life
Additionally, health education programs are operated in every neighborhood to enhance residents’ personal health management abilities and encourage healthy living.
In the first half of this year, the 'My Fat Out! Body Fat Reduction Class' was held for 12 weeks in 17 neighborhoods, with 239 residents participating and receiving support for obesity management. In the upcoming August and October sessions, the '100-Year Health Class,' an 8-week exercise and nutrition education program for chronic disease prevention and management, will be offered to center users. Even after the health education, participants continue to engage regularly in health clubs focused on exercise and walking, fostering a lifestyle of health management together with neighbors.
Despite optimal accessibility, some residents, such as young and middle-aged adults, find it difficult to visit centers due to busy daily lives. To address this, starting this year, each neighborhood center operates the 'Health 100-Year Mobile Health Consultation Room,' which visits residents’ workplaces and living areas. In the first half of the year, health checkups and consultations were conducted at 16 locations, including workplaces, traditional markets, and social welfare facilities, with plans to provide follow-up management every six months for one year.
For health checkup reservations and usage information, please contact the Health 100-Year Consultation Center or Health Management Center in each neighborhood.
Lee Soo-hee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, stated, “It is important to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and obesity factors from a young age to prevent metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. We will do our best to promote projects so that more residents can comfortably access prevention-centered health management services near their homes and enjoy a healthy life.”
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