Health News Summary 1 September 2008

1 Sep 2008
The latest edition of Health News summary is now online. In the news: NHS reports rapid rise in young drug users being hospitalised, new research finds that staying staying on in education cuts rates of teenage pregnancy . In the practice section read how Bournemouth achieved one of the highest drops in teenage pregnancy statistics. Plus resources practice examples, and more.

Healthy Lifestyle

Campaigners call for more information on fast food menus

The Food Commission has published a report calling on the government to make fast food chains display nutrition information on menu boards, next to the name and price of the item on sale.
The Food Commission press release >>

Poor co-ordination linked to obesity

A new study has found that bad co-ordination and physical control in childhood are linked to obesity later in life. Research from the ongoing National Child Development Study in Great Britain looked at the hand control, co-ordination and clumsiness of children aged seven and 11. The study then measured the body mass index of the subjects once they reached the age of 33. Those that had poor co-ordination and hand control in childhood were more likely to have a body mass index of 30, where a person is defined as obese, or over. The National Child Development Study in Great Britain began in 1958 and follows more than 11,000 individuals. BBC article >>

New information booklet for parents on healthy weight

The Department of Health has published a new booklet ‘Healthy weight healthy lives: why your child's weight matters’ aimed at parents to help their children achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The booklet includes information on the National Child Measurement Programme and practical tips on how to help the whole family be healthy through enjoying healthy foods and being active. Download booklet >>

Conservatives warn of obesity 'excuses'

People should not be offered ‘excuses’ for being overweight, shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley has said. The Conservative Party say people should take more responsibility for their lifestyles, exercise more and eat more healthily. They would not promote the ‘traffic lights food labelling of fatty and sugary foods and focus on an improved diet, rather than ‘fear of junk foods’. Lansley made his comments as he launched the Conservatives' plans for a ‘responsibility deal’ on public health between businesses and government. BBC article >>

Healthy Relationships and Sex

Staying on cuts rates of teenage pregnancy

Increasing the age of compulsory education and training to 18 could help to cut England's persistently high teenage pregnancy rates, according to research published by the Royal Economic Society. A study looked at rises in participation age in Norway and the United States. The research found that whilst attitudes to teenage mothers vary considerably between the countries, the impact of increasing the duration of education was similar, especially among lower achieving pupils. Royal Economic Society press release >>

Alcohol and Substance Use

Police terror law used on underage drinkers

Underage drinkers in South Yorkshire are being arrested by police using laws brought in to combat organised crime, terrorism and identity theft, it has emerged. Young people using fake, borrowed or ­stolen ID to by alcohol are being targeted ­using the Identity Card Act. Offenders can be jailed for up to ten years. Campaigners have criticised the move, saying it risks criminalising young people for minor offences because the incid­ent shows up on their criminal record. The initiative in began six weeks ago and 30 people have been arr­ested so far. Police are mostly issuing reprimands but this is still revealed by ext­ended Criminal Records Bureau checks. Metro article >>

Q&A: Drugs classification - Guardian

A Guardian ‘Q&A’ feature which explains the current legislation on illegal drugs. Guardian article >>

Ex-drugs policy director calls for legalisation

A former senior civil servant who was responsible for co-ordinating the government's anti-drugs policy now believes that legalisation would be less harmful than the current strategy. Julian Critchley, the former director of the Cabinet Office's anti-drugs unit, also said that his views were shared by the ‘overwhelming majority’ of professionals in the field, including police officers, health workers and members of the government. Guardian article >>

Illegal drugs: NHS reports rapid rise in young users being hospitalised

The number of under-25s admitted to hospital with mental and behavioural problems linked to illegal drug use has risen by 18% in a decade, according to new figures. In the decade from 1996, drugs-linked hospital admissions among children and young people under-16 rose 48 per cent with a 17 per cent rise among those aged 16 to 24, according to the NHS Information Centre. The figures relate to NHS hospital admissions in England where the main or secondary diagnosis was of drug-related mental health and behavioural disorder. Guardian article >>
Statistics on Drug Misuse: England, 2008 webpage>>

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Homophobic bullying affects all pupils

Homophobic bullying in schools has a negative impact on straight young people as well as those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual, according to new research. A survey carried out by youth charity Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS) found the effects of homophobic bullying on straight young people were often ‘less obvious’ than the effects on those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB).
CYPN article >>

IARS report – executive summary >>

Children and Young People’s Services

Parents sue over daughter's death

The parents of a 17 year old girl who died of an undiagnosed heart problem after requesting education staff not to inform her parents of a GP’s visit are planning to sue County Durham Education officials. Education staff acted in accordance with the 'Gillick Principle' which means that parents do not need to be informed about health issues if a young person does not consent in order to maintain young people's right to confidentiality. BBC article >>

Bournemouth cuts teen pregnancy rates

The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) report on the approaches and methods used in Bournemouth to cut levels of teenage pregnancy which have resulted in the sixth largest drop in the country. IDeA article >>

Parkour gets first UK accredited course

Children and Young People Now reports that Westminster City Council is hosting the first accredited parkour course in the country. Parkour professionals will teach about 20 young people, aged eight to 19, techniques and moves used in the discipline. It is an expressive sport where the aim is to move your body as efficiently and effectively as possible to navigate the obstacles around you. The free four day course has been accredited by the Assessment & Qualification Alliance (AQA), the UK's leading awarding body for general qualifications CYPN article >>

New mental health website for young people in South East London

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust has launched a website for young people in Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich in London to tackle emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. The website aims to provide information on issues that young people often worry about and the services and support available to help them deal with them. CAMHScares website >>

Cash for Southampton street sports

Commissioning substance misuse and family support services (Staffordshire)

Events/Training

National Open College Network

Resources

DrinkCheck

SHINE - August 2008

IDeA- Reaching out – community engagement and health

Know Your Limits - resources

Help put tobacco out of sight and out of mind

Hands on Scotland website

Consultation/Research Proposals

‘Your Puberty’ online survey

Beat – consultation on services fro young people with eating disorders

Promoting physical activity for children: consultation on the draft guidance

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