Public health campaigns

The National Health Service from the Health Service Executive (HSE) has a national website for promoting health in Ireland. The website covers all aspects of health, such as being active, healthy eating, breastfeeding, alcohol and smoking. https://www.healthpromotion.ie

In October 2013 the campaign To take on childhood obesity was launched by Safe food, it urges parents to become more active in changing the everyday habits of their children. They promote reducing portion sizes, replacing sugary drinks, managing treat foods, make being active fun, less screen time and encouraging more sleep. Safe food, https://www.safefood.eu/Home

The campaign will feature on television, radio and posters it also includes a free booklet for parents that will be available nationwide in crèches, health centres, GP surgeries, and from public health nurses and local libraries.

Safe food, an organization for safe and healthy eating on the island of Ireland, has set up many different campaigns. A few examples: Stop the spread (2011) about losing overweight, Don’t take food risks (2009) about food hygiene in the kitchen and Ask your local butcher (2010) about food safety and healthy eating when consumers prepare raw meats.

The other recent campaigns are regarding breastfeeding and getting active, please check the website for more information.

The Public Health Agency established since 2009 promotes Health and Wellbeing in Northern Ireland. At the beginning of 2013, the PHA started a big campaign against overweight and obesity. The public campaign was set up in two parts. The first part was to make people aware of  their health and body. The second part was to advise them on which steps they had to take to reduce their waist size and get back into shape with exercise and eating well. There was also a website www.choosetolivebetter.com developed to support the campaign. People can find helpful tips and practical advice on how to measure their waist and reduce their weight.

Sources: Health Service Executive,  Public Health Agency, Safefood