Twin Track Approach On Youth Health

Just as the latest edition of the British National Formulary for Children (BNFC) is being made available to help tackle controversial health concerns in young people, including rising rates of teenage pregnancy and the increasing incidence of sexually transmitted infections, the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has challenged the local drink's industry to work with his and other agencies to tackle the growing problem of young people's drinking.

He said that meetings have now been held with representatives from the industry, as well as the PSNI and follow the Minister's announcement of an action plan to deal with young people's alcohol misuse.

Speaking this week the Minster said: "Young people are continuing to put themselves at serious physical and mental harm from excessive alcohol consumption.

"They are storing up a life-time of health problems such as liver damage and increased risk of cancer, the emotional and mental consequences of alcohol misuse are considerable.

"Alcohol is also involved in one-third of suicides and is too often a factor in anti-social behaviour and violence," he said, noting that he wanted to ensure a tough and effective 'joined-up' approach to this issue.

The NI call for a combined, inter-agency approach came at the same time as Professor Martin Kendall, Chairman of the Formulary Development Committee, launched the new UK edition of the BNFC for the medical profession nationwide.

Emphasising the importance of focussing on young people, he noted national concerns about sexual activity in the young, which had seen new sections on contraception and additional guidance on the treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

He said that the BNFC is the national guide on managing the diseases of today and protecting children and young people from the medical problems of tomorrow.

(BMcC)