New recommendations to promote health and well-being in York (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

New recommendations to promote health and well-being in York

September 22, 2008 12:00 AM

Numerous recommendations have been developed by City of York Council, North Yorkshire and York PCT and other partners on the Healthy City Board to improve the health and well-being of York residents.

In a report entitled Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, coming to the Executive meeting tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd September), recommendations have been made on key areas in relation to lifestyle and health.

The recommendations aim to tackle deprivation and inequalities in relation to health and well-being, promoting healthy eating and preventing smoking and drugs misuse. The report prioritises adult participation in sport, reducing alcohol misuse, reducing obesity amongst primary school children, and allowing vulnerable people to achieve independent living, amongst other goals.

The report states that generally the health and well-being of residents in York is very good in relation to the rest of the country, and that overall York's levels of deprivation are decreasing.

Reducing smoking levels is detailed as a key lifestyle priority for York, and data gathering is needed to help deliver actions such as implementing legislation, providing information, supporting those who want to give up, and ensuring services are accessible to the most vulnerable - i.e. pregnant smokers.

There are also real concerns about the levels of healthy eating and obesity in the city, particularly amongst children and young people. Work will therefore continue through health visitors, children's centres, family support workers, healthy schools programmes and adult education to improve children's diets.

Alcohol consumption is another major concern, particularly due to the high and increasing number of alcohol-related hospital admissions, again, particularly amongst young people. A targeted strategy will be implemented with the aim of reducing this trend.

Cllr Sue Galloway, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Housing and Adult Social Services, said, "This report contains some very important recommendations for tackling health problems in the city, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and a lack of physical activity amongst both children and adults. However, whilst there are improvements to be made, as there are across the country, York has a relatively healthy population especially in relation to stroke and cancer which are the biggest killers nationally.

"It is important that we improve levels of health in York and reduce inequalities in relation to residents' well-being, and I look forward to the Council working in partnership with other key organisations, such as the PCT, to deliver our goals."