Program for children
A varied program awaited the children at the Helmholtz Diabetes Center, one of the largest diabetes research facilities in the world, where they were able to get to know the research work of the scientists at seven different stations. From 10:30 to 15:00, they carried out exciting experiments and discovered new things through play: the children extracted their own DNA and took the result home with them as a necklace. They learned about the fascinating world of stem cells in a board game. During microscopy, they looked at samples from the pancreas through a homemade microscope and played an interactive diabetes game. At another station, they learned more about the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. An interactive game on the topics of nutrition, exercise and sleep as well as an exercise unit provided important tips for healthy everyday life and disease prevention. The children also had the opportunity to listen to the Pixibook story “Finn has diabetes” in a reading corner and solve a matching puzzle.
Program for parents
An exciting program was also offered for accompanying parents. Prof. Anette-Gabriele Ziegler, Prof. Timo Müller and Prof. Stephan Herzig presented their current research topics. The focus was on early detection and prevention options for type 1 diabetes in children, the classification of the much-discussed “weight loss injection” and the latest findings on interval fasting. In the afternoon, Helmholtz Munich provided exclusive insights into the state-of-the-art laboratories of the recently opened Helmholtz Pioneer Campus and the biosample storage facility of the National Health Study NAKO.
“We are delighted to have been part of the 'Doors open with the mouse' campaign again this year. It is very important to us to give children and parents a direct insight into the fascinating world of health research. Through our commitment, we want to raise awareness of important topics such as diabetes prevention at an early age and at the same time encourage children to have fun discovering and learning. Together with our partners, we strive to share knowledge and thus make a contribution to health education,” said Prof. Stephan Herzig, Director of the Helmholtz Diabetes Center.
Health education at Helmholtz Munich
Helmholtz Munich is actively involved in the field of health education and prevention. With the health portal clever.gesund, the research center promotes healthy lifestyles among children and young people through playful educational offers on the topics of eating and drinking, exercise, addiction and relaxation. The aim is to raise awareness of healthy everyday living at an early age, promote health literacy among children and young people and thus prevent common diseases such as diabetes and obesity in the long term. The program also offers a wide range of health and prevention activities for teachers and is sponsored by AOK Bayern.
In addition, the diabinfo.de platform, which is managed by Helmholtz Munich, the DZD and the German Diabetes Center, offers comprehensive, scientifically proven information on all aspects of diabetes. It is aimed at those affected as well as healthcare professionals and interested parties and provides important tips on prevention, early detection and dealing with the disease in everyday life.