Wellbeing in… sight
Italians increasingly think about wellbeing and the figures confirm this. Annually, they spend 16 billion euro on body care, which means about 275 euro a head. To talk about something that obviously interests everyone, the worlds of culture, health and wellbeing met at the Telelombardia studios in Milan for a talk show presented by Susanna Messaggio, which was broadcast yesterday at 23.00.
The Salmoiraghi & Viganò initiative was for a special occasion: next Thursday November 19, at an invitation-only preview for VIPs and journalists, and Friday, November 20, from 12pm for the general public) it will inaugurate a new store on Piazza San Babila in Milan, one of the biggest and most innovative optics stores in the world.
Taking part in the television talk show were the city councilors for manufacturing and health, Giovanni Terzi and Giampaolo Landi di Chiavenna, respectively, the provincial councilor for culture, Novo Umberto Maerna, radio health expert and “Sole 24 Ore” journalist, Nicoletta Carboni, and the president of Salmoiraghi&Viganò, Dino Tabacchi.
The basis of the meeting was a survey about the Milanese and wellbeing. The interviewees associated wellbeing not just with working out, spas and diet, but above all with lifestyle, taking part in cultural events and dedicating time to themselves and the family.
Landi di Chiavenna reiterated that wellbeing is also a style of life, especially in Milan, a city that symbolizes the work ethic. “We are considering” he said “how to create the conditions for greater personal wellbeing also in the workplace with, for example, spaces for relaxation and fitness”. On the subject of vision wellbeing, during “vision month” it emerged that Italians, and their
children in particular, do not have sufficient checkups. It is hoped that help will come to encourage families to have these checks.
The survey also showed that the Milanese are very enthusiastic about taking part in city events, in line with the thoughts of Giovanni Terzi, who reminded everyone that “this year we began to work on this aspect in the world of fashion, all too frequently closed within its own space, with “Vogue fashion's night out”, which was met with enthusiasm even though the sales figures were not inspiring”. But the value of the initiative was not to support sales as much as to involve citizens.
For Novo Umberto Maerna, wellbeing is also wellbeing of the mind and, therefore, culture. The Milanese want continual offers that are for everyone and not niche events: “We must offer intelligent, quality entertainment to be enjoyed with the family”. For Nicoletta Carbone, the concept of wellbeing is very important but needs time: “Real wellbeing means having time to dedicate to yourself and to social relationships”.
Dino Tabacchi talked about sight wellbeing: for nine out of ten Italians it is the most important of the senses, even though it is not regularly checked to keep it in good condition.
The figures show that 69% of our fellow citizens wear contact lenses or prescription glasses, but only 62% have their eyesight checked. The regularity of checks – he reminded us – is even more important for children. However, less than 50% of parents take their children for regular checks. And attention to the correct use of sunglasses. 70% of Italians have a pair of sunglasses, but as a fashion accessory and not as an essential tool for protection from UV rays, the first cause of possible eyesight damage. “We must be extremely careful to buy lenses that are safe” and all the more so in Italy, where very high quality lenses are made. But proper diet is also important: fruit and vegetables, not just carrots, that are rich in Vitamin A, also kiwis, blackberries, nuts and salmon.
