News
News from the Health Service Journal on transport and physical activity
- An independent report containing recommendations for the health and well-being of NHS staff was strongly supported by public health doctors. They said that NHS Health and Well-Being known as the Boorman Review, released last year, presented an opportunity for the NHS to lead on key public health issues. Doctors said the report offered the chance for one of the world’s largest employees to lead improvements in areas such as mental health, physical activity and healthy eating. The report says NHS staff health and well-being are vital and improve the quality of services and productivity.
- Initiatives that address climate change and healthier living need to be shared, said public health doctors. They said extra information could include recommendations on how government policies on food, transport, energy and other areas can address climate change while promoting healthier lifestyles. Guidance could also help doctors in communicating environmental health issues to patients.
- The Health Practitioner’s Guide to Climate Change (Jenny Griffiths et al, Earthscan 2009) vividly illustrates why climate change presents a serious threat to human health. The first section provides information on climate change and the environment and describes the potential health benefits of a more sustainable, low carbon way of living. The second provides a wealth of examples of good practice and tools already being used, for example sustainable travel plans and business events. The book creates a platform for building and spreading shared ideas, and for harnessing the leadership potential of health practitioners to promote meaningful change.
HSJ