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| Archive February 2008 Click on the year for news from 2004 2005 2006 2007
Pnuemococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) In September 2006, PCV was introduced into the routine childhood immunisation programme at two, four and 15 months of age to protect children from Pnuemococcal infection. A large number of children under two, who had already received their primary immunisation without PCV were called as part of a "catch-up" programme to ensure that they were fully protected. What is Pneumococcal Infection? Pneumococcal Infection can cause pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis. Children under two years of age are particularly at risk from this infection. The UK's routine immunisation programme now offers protection against this infection. If your child is about to turn 15 months old he/she will be offered a routine booster along with their MMR. It is important that your child is immunised to ensure they are fully protected against Pneumococcal Infection. For further information about PCV please visit www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/phealth. Alternatively you can speak to your health visitor, practice nurse or GP.
With Northern Ireland going smoke free on the 30th April 2007 its time to get help to quit. Go to www.spacetobreath.org.uk for more information on stopping smoking. No Smoking day 14th March 2007 Pupils and teachers get fresh food for thought – and action!
New guidance to promote healthier eating among children of primary school age is being launched today by the Eastern Board and a range of partner organisations. The guidance, which has been developed in a series of themes, is designed to teach children in classes from P1 to P7 all about food and how our bodies use it. It touches on healthy food choices, where food is produced, how to enjoy eating a healthy diet, and explains the relationship between eating and the benefits of regular exercise. The guidance is known as Children and Teachers Creating Health or CATCH for short – and fulfils part of the revised curriculum for children attending primary school. This guidance has been developed by a partnership of the Eastern Health & Social Services Board, the South Eastern and Belfast Education & Library Boards, CCEA (state full name) and several health and social services trusts. Health service research has found that levels of obesity in children living in Northern Ireland are increasing year on year and that around one in five boys and one in four girls in P1 are overweight or obese. Studies have similarly shown that levels of obesity among 12 and 15 year olds living in Northern Ireland have increased by 25 per cent in the last 10 years. However, it is widely recognized that obesity can be a bigger problem for some sections of society, as some research also now points to people from poorer backgrounds as having a poorer diet and higher risk of obesity. The new scheme is being supported by Michelin Award winning restauranteur Michael Deane, and the formal launch will take place on Wednesday 10th January in the Ramada Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast at 11.00am.
Health Impact Assessment This comprehensive course builds on a basic understanding of HIA. It aims to increase participants’ knowledge and skills in order to be better able to plan and conduct HIA across a range of settings. The next course will take place in Complete the application form overleaf or contact tara.burke@publichealth.ie for further information. Please note that applications will close on Friday 30th March 2007. What is Health Impact Assessment? Who should consider doing an HIA course? Course outline Cost A small number of bursary places are available. Please submit a short letter with your application if you wish to be considered for a place. Further information
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Eastern Health and Social Services Board Champion
House, |
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| “Stay
Cool in School”, a pilot programme in primary, post primary
and special schools across the area initiated by EHSSB
Oral Health Promotion Facilitators, promotes desk top access to
drinking water throughout the school day. |
| Smoking
in pregnancy increases the risk of: |
| In Northern
Ireland 3% of the population are known to have diabetes, a figure
which is expected to double in the next 8 years. Up to a further
25,000 people may have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed. |