Health Promotion and the Use of the Environment

1. Health Promotion andthe Use of the Environment Richard Brattli Coordinator Norwegian Healthy Cities Network

2. WHO Healthy Cities • The New Public Health concept • Started in 1988 • Main focus on health promotion work • Considering health in a broader (environmental) context • 2009 • A global public health "movement" • More than 1000 cities in 30 countries (Europe)

3. Name - Identity Norsk nettverk av helse- og miljøkommuner = ”Norwegian Network of Health and EnvironmentalCities”

5. Members

6. Our motivation • Inequalities in health can be avoided • Our health is largely influenced by the environment • The profit of good health is gained locally The most important asset of the society is individuals that are happy, cope with the daily life and contribute to the community Everyone is useful

7. Network approach From downstream (rules, regulations, trends, service production, governmental programs) to upstream (initiatives, innovation, knowledge, self confidence, local development)

8. Network approach Health + 0 Illness – From minus to plus We will promote • mastering • wellbeing • health We will prevent • illness • accidents

9. The Environment Often seen as the problem (negative) Part of many ”downstream” activities managed by governmental bodies BUT Nature and the built environment contribute to maintaining and promoting health and wellbeing Positive environmental factors constitute very important mastering factors Knowledge and attitudes towards nature will decide whether the environment challenges will be solved or not

10. Examples • Pre-school and school children • “Find Me” - competence in managing outdoor life • Families • “Top ten” - hiking tours to mountain summits • Adult age • “Green prescription” – training for regaining health - using the neighborhood surroundings

11. 1. FindMe WHAT: • Educational and activity program for children between 4 and 10 years WHY: • Give better skill to manage in outdoor conditions • Feel safe/confident

12. Main parts • Give knowledge about children's basic needs and what situations that occur when a child has gone astray (parents, teachers). • Teach the children three tricks to raise the chance to be found sound and safe • Hug a tree (to stay calm) • Find a shelter/build a cottage • (to keep warm) • Learn to make a stop signal

13. Main parts • Give knowledge about children's basic needs and what situations that occur when a child has gone astray (parents, teachers). • Teach the children three tricks to raise the chance to be found sound and safe • Hug a tree (to stay calm) • Find a shelter/build a cottage • (to keep warm) • Learn to make a stop signal

14. Importantaspects • Not over-focusing on the risk (child) • To create self-confidence • Knowledge and joy is basic

15. 2. Top Ten Mountains Aspiration • Offer individual exercise to all age groups within a geographical area (municipality) • Motivate people to use nature for exercise • Give people new and spectacular nature experiences

16. The concept • 10 accessible mountains • Walkable hiking trails • Parking area • The “card” • The “stamp” • A mail address • Participant medal of any kind

17. To achieve Mastering challenges (skill) Excitement and fun Knowing your local environment Love and respect for nature

18. More to achieve • ”Overview” • Territoriality • A “point” of reference • Control of the body • Achievement of a concrete goal • A way to better psychical health

19. 3. Green Prescription A health professional's written advice to a patient to be physically and socially active in order to improve health and wellness.

20. Motivation Research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal indicates that a Green Prescription is an inexpensive way of increasing activity. Loneliness and solitude are significant risk factors Outdoor activities have important side effects (positive)

21. Health chat Test Motivation Awareness of possible activities/arenas Design of an activity program

22. Pool of activites

23. Nordic Pole Walking