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Health promotion initiatives in Cork, including active transport and school programs, aimed at creating a healthier community. Collaboration between the health and transport sectors to promote physical activity and improve environmental conditions.
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Cork: Towards a Healthier City Denise Cahill Health Promotion Dept, HSE South
Health in all policies based on a recognition that population health is not merely a product of health sector activities but largely determined by policies and actions beyond the health sector
Two basic premises Healthy Cities 1. A comprehensive view of health and community issues, and 2. Commitment to the active promotion of a healthy community, rather than the “treatment” of problems
Transport: A Health Perspective Active transport the use of physical activity such as cycling & walking as a means of transport Inclusive transport design creates a way for everyone to get around
Health Benefits of Active Transport • Environmental, Mental & Social Reduced traffic congestion = more pleasant environment for living: • Reduced emissions, better air quality and reduced respiratory problems • Reduced noise pollution • Lower stress levels • Safer access to local services for vulnerable groups such as older people, wheelchair users, visually impaired; etc. • Physical • Reduced accidents • Cardiovascular health • Weight Management • Improves mood • Strength & Co-ordination
School Programmes • Walk On Wednesday (WOW) & Cycle On Wednesday (COW) initiatives • After 8 weeks of COW - increase from 3% to 14% of children cycling to school
“What would help encourage your child to continue to walk to school?” • If following barriers did not exist: • Safety / Traffic (x 53) • Weather (x 35)
Evidence • WHO Report“Collaboration between the health and transport sectors in promoting physical activity: examples from European countries 2006” • 48case studies concluded: • Urban planning policies & large scale transport interventions have the largest impact • Cases involving both health & transport sectors facilitated the largest amount of changes to environment required to promote cycling
Moving forward from a Health Perspective • Information on health benefits • Education/Training • Health Professionals • Parents • Schools • Employers • Strategic • Healthy Cities planning • Health Impact Assessment
Possible Supports for HIA in Cork HIA Toolkit for implementation of the WHO Healthy Cities Model HIA Network A fledgling network of people in the Cork area trained in HIA who have expressed an interest in learning more and building momentum for HIA locally