As part of National Breastfeeding Week (01-07 October) in the Republic of Ireland, IPH launched a report on breastfeeding on the island of Ireland. The report presents up to date figures on breastfeeding patterns and on attitudes, perceptions and experiences of breastfeeding.
Dr Helen McAvoy is co-author on the report and in 2 blog posts reflects on findings and potential implications for public health policy and practice.
IPH Blog
As part of National Breastfeeding Week (01-07 October) in the Republic of Ireland, IPH launched a report on breastfeeding on the island of Ireland. The report presents up to date figures on breastfeeding patterns and on attitudes, perceptions and experiences of breastfeeding.
A few days after the announcement of the British referendum to leave Europe, I had the opportunity to visit the Well London initiative as part of the European Joint Action on Chronic Disease (JA- CHRODIS). CHRODIS JA is a European collaboration that brings together over 70 partners from 26 Member States and in Ireland the IPH collaborates with the Health Service Executive and European Institute of Women’s Health on the project.
In this blog, Dr Noelle Cotter and Dr Helen McAvoy explore the evidence on taxation of sugar sweetened drinks policy in the context of the obesity epidemic on the island of Ireland.
The significant burden on the health service and on the quality of life of a large number of Irish people caused by common diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer has driven a range of stakeholders to push for ever-more effective and comprehensive public health policies. These sorts of population health challenges are well established as the ‘bread and butter’ of public health policy-making. The full battery of population health tools in prevention, treatment and chronic disease management are employed.
Colours and textures in paintings and sculptures often result from deliberate layering of paint and clay. Great oaks derive strength from their growth counted by their growth rings that build up over many seasons and years. Health, ill-health and health inequalities also develop in complex ways.
This needs to be reflected in efforts to achieve a fairer distribution of health across the island of Ireland, and IPH wishes to renew debate of these issues and welcomes your contribution to this blog.
Many factors operating at different levels
By Owen Metcalfe, Director, Institute of Public Health in Ireland
Economic recessionary times threaten many aspects of daily life and have implications for health and wellbeing. One aspect of recessionary impact is explored in the recent IPH report ‘Facing the Challenge – the Impact of the Recession and Unemployment on Men’s Health’ which has identified a strong expectation of increased mental health problems for men given the very strong correlation between unemployment and male mental health.
