Bernard Allen
Ceist:212 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce asthma education sessions in view of the findings of a Norwegian study (details supplied). [5388/01]
Written Answers. - Health Reports.
I am not aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. If the Deputy makes a copy of the report available, its conclusions will be considered in detail by the appropriate personnel.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:213 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a report from the Cork and Kerry diabetes and heart disease study carried out at University College Cork in collaboration with the Southern Health Board in Cork University Hospital which shows that almost half the population in Cork and Kerry are overweight; and the steps he proposes to take to deal with this problem. [5389/01]
I have received the Cork and Kerry diabetes and heart disease study which found that 4% of those studied had diabetes, of whom 30% had not previously been diagnosed. The prevalence of diabetes is rising in the developed world and presents a major public health challenge, both in terms of prevention and in the provision of high quality care for patients so as to reduce the rate at which they develop complications.
The data suggest that three quarters of this population group rather than the population of Cork and Kerry are overweight, of whom one quarter is obese. This is higher than has been reported in other studies in that region, for example, the happy heart survey of the early 1990s. The population is getting heavier in the developed world. This is associated with increased prevalence of diabetes in older age groups, as well as with other health problems, including raised blood pressure.
Maintaining the correct body weight or losing weight can be achieved through healthy eating and physical activity. The national healthy eating campaign, run by the Department of Health and Children, has over the past eight years raised awareness of healthy eating and provided practical information to the general public. This years campaign encourages the public to look at their fat intake and to reduce total fat, in particular saturated fat. We should make small gradual changes to our eating and exercise habits to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Patients with diabetes have a two to four fold risk of coronary, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular disease compared to people who have not. Heart related disease is our biggest cause of death. These high rates of illness and premature death are unacceptable from a disease which is preventable. Part of the cardiovascular health strategy in October 2000 is a mass media campaign called Ireland needs a change of heart. It uses television, radio and outdoor advertising. A handy guide to a healthy heart – a 16 page handbook providing advice on lifestyle changes each individual can make to help improve their heart health was delivered to every home last year.
The Cork and Kerry diabetes and heart disease study found that 40% of 50 to 69 year olds engaged in minimal physical activity. The SLAN survey – survey of lifestyle, attitudes and nutrition – shows that physical activity decreases with age. The next phase of Ireland Needs a Change of Heart, this year, will focus on encouraging the population, older people in particular, to increase awareness of the benefits of physical activity and to encourage them to increase their levels of physical activity.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:214 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a report from the Health Research Board; if he will publish the report; and if he proposes to implement its findings. [5390/01]
The Health Research Board sent a draft strategy document on research for health. My Department is considering this draft strategy and seeking the views of the health boards' chief executive officers. When those views have been received, I will bring a finalised draft strategy to Government with a view to its acceptance for implementation.