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.

IPH has developed a discussion paper on food security on the island. This makes the case that health is and needs to be central to food and agricultural policy. Population health, food systems and agricultural production are intimately linked.  A clear framework on food security is needed in both parts of the island of Ireland and this offers a key opportunity for cooperation.

Access Food Security on the island of Ireland: are we sleepwalking into a crisis?

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.

The social and economic circumstances in which people live strongly influence their chances to be healthy.  Factors such as housing, transport, environment, education and employment are just some of the functions of local government that influence health.

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.

The National Heart Alliance (NHA) and the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) launched this advocacy Position Paper Building young hearts - physical activity, young people and the physical environment in April 2010.  The Paper aims to show how the physical environment can improve young people's opportunities for physical activity and that it should be a key focus of policy for Government and Local Authorities.  The NHA and IHF are advocating for a more supportive environment for the promotion of physical activity, particu