Healthier lifestyle for all is a priority - Chief Medical Officer

The promotion of healthier lifestyles for all and warnings about mental health problems, smoking and obesity were the key messages in a health report issued today.

‘The Health of the Public in Northern Ireland,’ is the latest Annual Report published by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Henrietta Campbell.

Launching the report, Dr Campbell said the importance of maintaining and improving the health of the public remained a priority.

“The good news is that men and women are living longer than ever before and death rates for heart disease, cancer of the bowel and breast, and lung cancer in men are falling. However there are some worrying trends in lifestyle factors,” Dr Campbell said.

Pointing out that mental health problems are among the most common causes of ill health, Dr Campbell added: “The state of our mental health impacts significantly on every aspect of our lives.

“Mental health problems are the leading cause of absence from work, however there is much than can be done to improve the mental and emotional health of our population both in the workplace and in the community.”

Dr Campbell also highlighted the harmful effects of smoking: “Smoking continues to be the largest preventable cause of ill health. There is a need to ensure that non smokers, including children, are protected from the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke.”

Expressing concern at the rising trend in obesity levels, Dr Campbell said: “The increase in levels of obesity in adults and children, due mainly to an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise, are a major concern.

“In the last 10 years, the precentage of children in Northern Ireland aged between twelve and fifteen years of age who are overweight or obese has increased by more than a quarter. Two thirds of men and half of all women are overweight.”

Today’s report also highlighted the possibility of an influenza pandemic and points out that Northern Ireland and UK influenza pandemic plans have been developed.

(MB/SP)