The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety recently consulted on a draft Policy Framework for supporting people in Northern Ireland living with long term (or chronic) conditions. The original consultation can be accessed here (http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/showconsultations?txtid=47446).

Access the IPH response here

The economic recession with its accompanying rise in unemployment rates is linked to extremely adverse effects for men’s mental health.

This research report Facing the Challenge – The Impact of the Recession and Unemployment on Men’s Health in Ireland identifies a strong expectation of increased mental health problems for men given the very strong correlation between unemployment and male mental ill health.

This questionnaire has been designed to help stakeholders respond to New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs Phase 2 (2011-2016) consultation document.

The IPH response to this consultation process can be found in the attached document below.

This review gives a flavour of IPH work and accomplishments in 2010. Since its establishment IPH has been flexible, efficient and innovative in keeping with its stated vision and values.

Access the Review here

This piece of research is the fifth in a series of chronic conditions prevalence forecasting reports which IPH has produced. Previous studies on hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes were launched in 2010.The research series is based on statistical models of disease prevalence developed in the UK by the Association of Public Observatories (APHO).

Across Ireland, there is considerable scope to replace many short car journeys with walking and cycling which would bring about a range of benefits to health as well as saving money for individuals and society.

'Active travel, healthy lives' presents a summary of international evidence on the health and economic benefits of active travel and makes recommendations on how active travel can become a viable, safe and attractive alternative to car use.

Tackling inequalities in social, cognitive and personal development in the early years is recognised as a priority action to reduce health inequalities. IPH welcomed the development of a strategic approach to the early years in Northern Ireland and drew evidence from the recent Health Impacts of Education – a review (IPH, 2008) in response to the Department of Education (NI) Early Years (0-6) Strategy.
 
Access Health Impacts of Education – a review

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) has developed this briefing paper to highlight the health impacts connected to gambling and in particular problem gambling.  This paper was developed to give information to Government Departments who are currently reviewing gambling legislation across the island of Ireland.  It draws attention to the impact problem gambling can have on the individual, family and community health and well-being.

This paper provides an introduction to the links between climate change and health and aims to inform policy-makers, politicians and the public of the benefits for health from reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)* emissions from food production, transport, energy, and waste. It also highlights the importance of action by the health sector.

It presents a platform for action which demonstrates that creating healthy sustainable places and communities can go hand in hand with reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

IPH commissioned a review of HIA work in 2009 to detail progress and achievements of HIA from 2001.  This included an assessment of current levels of HIA awareness and activity and suggestions for the direction of future work.