Improve Public Health, Says UUP

A critical report from NI's most senior medic has received political backing with news that the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Health spokesman, John McCallister has called for harder work to improve the health of the public.

He welcomed the publication of the Chief Medical Officer's Annual Report and said: "I fully support the call from the Chief Medical Officer for everyone to play their part in striving to improve the health of everyone in our society and recognise that we must all take responsibility for our own actions and not leave everything to the health service," he said.

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said on Thursday that too many people in Northern Ireland were dying prematurely and that too many people still died too young or live with preventable medical conditions.

Mr McCallister commented: "I also share the Chief Medical Officer's concern regarding the unacceptable levels of health inequality especially amongst those in socially and economically deprived areas.

"It is vital that people take more responsibility for their own health and realise that the choices they make now will have consequences years into the future.

"Giving up smoking, drinking moderately, eating more healthy foods and taking regular exercise are steps which everyone should follow," said the South Down MLA.

"Obesity is a huge issue facing society now and in the future, and with it comes related conditions such as diabetes. Early intervention to prevent obesity is much preferable to trying to cure the condition once it manifests itself.

"The Ulster Unionist Party has been actively campaigning for health improvements for all in Northern Ireland in recent times.

"I recently introduced a motion to the Assembly, which received wide support, leading the Health Minister to agree to explore the possibility of legislation to ban smoking in cars with children.

"Your health is too important to be left to other people. Each of us must take responsibility for our own lives and make responsible choices in order to maximise our chances of enjoying good health long into the future," the MLA concluded.

See: Too Many Dying Too Young, Says Top Medic

(BMcC)