Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Apotheken Umschau Celebrates 70 Years: Why Evidence-Based Health Journalism Matters More Than Ever

On January 1, 1956, the first issue of Apotheken Umschau was published. What began as an information resource for pharmacy customers has evolved over seven decades into Germany’s most widely read health magazine. To mark its 70th anniversary, the editorial team examines how medical knowledge has changed over time – and why reliable guidance on health issues is more important today than ever before.

The anniversary issue clearly demonstrates that health knowledge is not static. Diagnostic methods, therapies, and social perceptions have repeatedly undergone fundamental change. Apotheken Umschau not only documents these developments, but also explains them in a clear and evidence-based way. Especially in an era of information overload, misinformation, and rapid technological change, the magazine continues to position itself as a trusted beacon of independent health journalism.

70 Years of Accessible Health Knowledge for Everyone

Available in pharmacies from January 15, 2026, the anniversary issue illustrates medical progress through striking examples. Minimally invasive surgery was once considered risky, while recommendations on alcohol consumption, fat intake, and treatment standards have been fundamentally reassessed as scientific evidence evolved. The editorial team does not shy away from addressing social taboos either, critically reflecting on the fact that homosexuality was classified as a disease until the 1980s.

At the same time, the issue looks ahead. New forms of therapy, digital prevention tools, and personalized medicine highlight future opportunities in healthcare. The core mission remains unchanged: making scientific evidence understandable and accessible to everyone.

Responsibility for Trust and Orientation

“Apotheken Umschau has stood for reliable health information for 70 years and for the courage to update knowledge,” says Andreas Arntzen, CEO of Wort & Bild Verlag. “Our role is to provide context, translate scientific evidence, and help people find orientation in a complex health landscape.”

Dennis Ballwieser, Editor-in-Chief of Apotheken Umschau, also emphasizes the editorial responsibility: “Health knowledge is never final. Our anniversary issue shows how perspectives and guidelines have changed – and why it is essential to explain these changes transparently. Our goal is to present complex topics in a way that enables readers to make better decisions for their own health.”

A Trusted Companion Through Change in Healthcare

The retrospective also highlights the role Apotheken Umschau has played across generations: as a daily companion, a translator of medical knowledge, and a bridge between science, pharmacies, and the public. This philosophy dates back to founder Rolf Becker, who viewed health knowledge as a public good that should be accessible to everyone.

With its anniversary issue, the publisher underscores its commitment to continuously evolving health journalism. In addition to the print magazine, the editorial team is expanding digital offerings such as online platforms, podcasts, and videos. These are complemented by special-topic issues, nationwide awareness campaigns, and new formats such as Apotheken Umschau Medicus, which will be available at newsstands for the first time. The guiding principle remains unchanged: credible, understandable, independent – and people-centered health journalism.