A Mural for Health: Breaking Barriers Through Art and Inclusion
In the heart of Reggio Emilia, Italy, a vibrant mural now adorns the facade of Villa Le Mimose, a facility dedicated to elderly and frail individuals. This striking piece of art, titled ‘A Mural for Health’ (#unmuraleperlasalute), is more than just a visual masterpiece—it’s a powerful statement about inclusion, care, and the collective effort needed to support vulnerable populations. Created by local artist davide Ghiacci, the mural is a collaborative initiative by the National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP Orders and ASP Reggio Emilia – Città delle Persone.
The mural, inaugurated on January 11, 2024, is part of a broader campaign to raise awareness about the challenges faced by elderly and frail individuals. It also highlights the critical role of healthcare professionals in fostering inclusion and well-being. As teresa Calandra, president of the National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP Orders, explains, “This mural wants to remind you that we can only make a difference on the topic of inclusiveness if we work together, united in the same direction.”
The Symbolism Behind the Mural
The artwork is rich with symbolism, depicting healthcare professionals and caregivers working together to ”pick fruit”—a metaphor for the collective effort required to nurture well-being and inclusion. The mural serves as a visual reminder of the importance of collaboration among healthcare workers, families, and the community.
Massimiliano Contesini, president of the TSRM and PSTRP Order of Modena and Reggio Emilia, emphasizes the mural’s meaning: “For us, this mural is a symbol, and we want all citizens to know better and better the work that we healthcare workers carry out in synergy with our colleagues and families of elderly and frail people.”
Breaking Down Barriers
The mural also addresses the multifaceted barriers faced by elderly individuals, which extend beyond physical limitations to include social and psychological challenges. Gianluca Valestri, a physiotherapist at Villa Le Mimose, explains: “Especially for the elderly person, they are of three types: physical, social, and psychological. These barriers are created when a person begins to loose their autonomy,and there begins to be a lack of physical strength,balance,or coordination problems.”
Healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, play a crucial role in addressing these barriers through rehabilitation and preventive care.Valestri adds, “Our intervention is rehabilitation type, cooperating with other healthcare professions. We deal with the recovery of strength,coordination,and balance. And this gives the person more security.”
A Community Effort
The initiative has been warmly received by the community, with mariella Martini, president of ASP Reggio Emilia – Città delle Persone, expressing her enthusiasm: “We welcomed the initiative ‘A mural for health’ with great enthusiasm because it highlights and values the skills and role that these professionals carry out and exercise every day.”
The mural’s location on a prominent wall at Villa Le Mimose ensures it is visible to the entire community, serving as both a testament to the power of art and a call to action for greater solidarity. Martini adds, “Promoting inclusiveness is a commitment that we should all make, starting to break down social walls.”
A Growing Movement
The Reggio Emilia mural is the second in a series, following the inaugural piece in Chioggia, Veneto. The National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP Orders plans to continue this initiative, creating more murals across Italy to raise awareness about the vital role of healthcare professionals in promoting inclusion and well-being.
As Calandra notes, “Citizens do not yet know all the health professions that our institution represents. And instead, they deserve diffrent notoriety.”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Initiative | ‘A Mural for Health’ (#unmuraleperlasalute) |
| Location | Villa Le Mimose, Via Guinizelli 33, Reggio Emilia |
| Artist | Davide Ghiacci |
| Organizers | National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP orders, ASP Reggio Emilia |
| Objective | Raise awareness about inclusion, care, and the role of healthcare workers |
| Symbolism | Healthcare professionals and caregivers “picking fruit” for well-being |
| Barriers Addressed | Physical, social, and psychological challenges faced by elderly individuals|
A Call to Action
The ‘A Mural for Health’ initiative is a poignant reminder that inclusion is a shared responsibility. By breaking down barriers—both physical and social—we can create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of age or ability, feels valued and supported.
As you walk past the mural in Reggio Emilia,let it inspire you to take action in your own community. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply fostering connections with those around you, we all have a role to play in promoting inclusion and well-being.
“Promoting inclusiveness is a commitment that we should all make,” says Martini. Let’s start today.
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For more information on the National Federation of TSRM and PSTRP Orders, visit their official website. Learn more about ASP Reggio Emilia – Città delle Persone and their initiatives here.
Combating Dementia Through Social Inclusion and Prevention: A Community-Driven Approach
Dementia is more than a medical condition—it’s a societal challenge that demands collective action. As vanda Menon, head of the Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia in Carpi, Local Health Authority of Modena, emphasizes, dementia strips individuals of their ability to remember, leaving loved ones unrecognized and relationships fractured. But the impact goes deeper.“Dementia causes you to lose not only the ability to remember, and let’s think about what it might mean for a child, a relative, or a friend not to be recognized by their loved one, but also much more,” Menon explains.
The solution? A dual focus on prevention and social inclusion. Menon, who has authored several manuals on the topic and delivered a TEDx talk, stresses the importance of combating isolation, a meaningful risk factor for dementia. “We must avoid isolation, which is among the risk factors for dementia, and which over time can lead to impoverishment of cognitive abilities far superior to those one would have in a reality where the words inclusion, solidarity, and kindness are truly put into practice.”
The Role of Community in Dementia Prevention
Preventing dementia starts with understanding its risk factors. According to Menon, there are 14 known risk factors, including smoking, high cholesterol, impaired vision, low education levels, hearing loss, hypertension, alcohol abuse, obesity, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, head trauma, pollution, and social isolation. These factors, backed by scientific studies, highlight the need for widespread education and awareness.
But prevention isn’t just about individual behavior—it’s about fostering a supportive community. Menon advocates for training programs and inclusive activities that bring people together. “We have organized training courses for pharmacists, who are among the points of reference for citizens, and together with family associations, we organize moments of inclusiveness, such as walks or meeting moments where tools such as art or other activities are used that can make everyone feel free to express themselves, without barriers.”
These initiatives align with Law 33/2023, which promotes integrated programs to combat isolation and social exclusion among the elderly. Morena Pellati, District Director and Director of the SC Program for the Elderly and Frailty of the AUSL of Reggio Emilia, underscores the importance of education. “That people with cognitive disorders are among others,socialize,and can have a stimulating life is a factor that we should encourage,with actions of education to all citizens.”
Breaking Down Barriers Through Art and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Art and creativity are powerful tools for inclusion. Annalisa Rabitti, Councilor for Personal Care, believes that beauty should be a global right.“Beauty, in the broadest sense that this concept allows us to imagine, in the lives of fragile people is a powerful means of innovation. The encounter between fragility and art is generative of new opportunities and social inclusion.”
Margherita Schiavi, an occupational therapist and member of the TSRM PSTRP Order, echoes this sentiment. She highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in creating inclusive communities. “It is essential that citizens understand the importance of the work carried out by us healthcare professionals. Together with family members, citizens, and the entire community, we must take concrete actions to support the most fragile and arduous people.”
To symbolize this collective effort, Schiavi and her team created a mural. “We symbolically chose a wall, on which a painting was created, as a present and future memory for citizens, precisely to underline these two essential aspects.”
A Call to Action: Building an Inclusive Future
The fight against dementia requires more than medical interventions—it demands a cultural shift. As Rabitti aptly puts it, “When we think and work on inclusion, we must not do it in one direction, because we are all fragile. Encountering everyone’s fragility,and telling it,makes us become stronger.”
here’s how you can contribute:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the 14 risk factors for dementia and how to mitigate them.
- Support Inclusive Programs: Participate in or advocate for community activities that promote social inclusion.
- Spread Awareness: Share stories and resources that highlight the importance of inclusion and prevention.
| Key Takeaways |
|——————–|
| Dementia prevention requires addressing 14 known risk factors, including social isolation. |
| Community-driven initiatives, such as art programs and inclusive walks, are vital for fostering social inclusion. |
| Law 33/2023 emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and integrated programs to combat isolation. |
| Beauty and creativity are powerful tools for innovation and inclusion in the lives of fragile individuals. |
By working together, we can create a society where no one is left behind. Let’s break down the walls of indifference and open the doors to a future defined by inclusion, solidarity, and kindness.
For more information on dementia prevention and community initiatives, visit the Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia or explore resources from the Local Health Authority of Modena.A Mural for Health: Art, Inclusion, and Community Come Together in Reggio Emilia
In a vibrant celebration of art, health, and inclusion, the city of Reggio Emilia recently unveiled a stunning mural that transcends traditional boundaries. The event,aptly titled A Mural for Health,brought together government officials,artists,athletes,and healthcare workers to highlight the power of art as a universal language and a tool for social change.
The mural, a collaborative effort spearheaded by artist Davide Ghiacci, serves as a testament to the transformative potential of creativity. “The universal language of art can be a vehicle to reach everyone, without limits,” ghiacci emphasized during the inauguration. His words resonated deeply with attendees, who witnessed firsthand how art can bridge gaps and foster inclusivity.
The event was graced by notable figures, including the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, and the Minister for Disability, Alessandra Locatelli, both of whom underscored the importance of initiatives that promote health and inclusion. Singer orietta Berti also lent her support with a heartfelt video greeting, while the historic Reggio Emilia band L’officina del Battagliero provided lively entertainment, setting the tone for a day of celebration and reflection.
A Celebration of Inclusion and Resilience
At the heart of the event was a powerful message: inclusion is not just a goal but a tangible reality. Simone Burzacchi, an athlete from the italian men’s Sitting Volleyball team, shared his inspiring journey, demonstrating how sports and art alike can break down barriers and empower individuals.
The mural project also honored three healthcare workers who participated in the social competition A Mural for Health. Their contributions were celebrated as a reminder of the critical role healthcare professionals play in fostering inclusivity and supporting vulnerable populations. The results of the competition, showcasing the creativity and dedication of participants, can be viewed on the world,” she remarked. Her words echoed the sentiments of many attendees, who saw the mural as more than just a piece of art—it was a beacon of hope and a call to action.
The mural’s vibrant colors and intricate design serve as a visual representation of the community’s collective efforts to promote health and inclusion. It stands as a reminder that art has the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together, regardless of their background or abilities.
Key Takeaways from the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event Name | A Mural for Health |
| Location | Reggio Emilia, Italy |
| Key Figures | minister Orazio Schillaci, Minister Alessandra Locatelli, Davide Ghiacci |
| Artistic Contribution| mural by Davide Ghiacci |
| Special Guests | Orietta Berti, Simone Burzacchi, Liliana Cosi |
| Social Media | Results on health project is a shining example of how art can drive social change and create a more inclusive world. It challenges us to continue supporting such efforts, ensuring that the message of inclusion reaches every corner of society.
For more updates on initiatives promoting health and inclusion, follow the Photo credits: FNO TSRM and PSTRP press office – (ITALPRESS)
