Simple steps to a healthy heart

The number of deaths from coronary heart disease in Northern Ireland has dropped significantly, according to recent figures. However, the Public Health Agency is urging everyone to take steps to protect their heart and reduce their chances of developing the disease during National Heart Month (February).Despite the number of deaths dropping significantly in recent years, coronary heart disease is still the number one killer across the country. Over 2,200 people died in Northern Ireland from coronary heart disease in 2010 compared to just over 2,300 people in 2009 - an overall reduction of 100 province-wide. The latest figure reveals the positive downward trend is continuing - in 2008, there were 2,410 deaths, 2,493 in 2007 and 2,554 in 2006, while in 1979 there were nearly 5,000 deaths. Throughout National Heart Month in February, the PHA is calling for people to follow a number of steps in a bid to reduce their chances of developing the disease.Smoking is a major risk factor and, the more cigarettes you smoke, the higher the risk, according to Dr Christine McMaster, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, with responsibility for cardiovascular disease in the PHA."The reduction in smoking over the past number of years through public education, stop smoking programmes and smoke free legislation has had a major impact on reducing deaths from heart disease. However, 24% of the population in Northern Ireland still smoke, putting them at risk of developing the disease."People who suffer from high blood pressure also run an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. High blood pressure is a silent, but treatable condition. In order to minimise the risk, I would urge everyone over the age of 45 to have their blood pressure measured every five years by their GP," said Dr McMaster.Simple lifestyle changes will also reduce the risk of heart disease, including eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, avoiding saturated fats, limiting alcohol intake and taking at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week.Dr McMaster described the reduction in deaths from coronary heart disease over the past few years as "a big success story". "It shows that people can take very positive steps to reduce their risk of heart disease by getting their blood pressure checked and adopting a healthier lifestyle; in particular by not smoking," he added. "The message is clear during National Heart Month - you only have one heart and you can take steps to keep it healthy."

Alcohol Action Ireland's conference - presentations.

Session One - Alcohol and Crime in Ireland, Counting the Costs• National Quantitative Research, Director of Alcohol Action Ireland, Fiona Ryan• National and International Context - Dr. Anne Hope• Economic Costs of Alcohol Related Crime - Senior Lecturer, Sean Byrne Session Two - Exploring Responses to Alcohol and Crime• Garda Juvenile Diversion Program - Superintendent, Colette Quinn• HSE South - Health Promotion Officer, Sandra Coughlan Session Three - Hidden Harm - Sexual and Domestic Violence and Alcohol• Rape Crisis Network Ireland - Cliona Saidlear• SAFE Ireland - Director, Sharon O’ Halloran• Alcohol Concern - Director, Christine Toft• Men Overcoming Violence (MOVE) - CEO, Thomas Bibby• Head of Crime Reduction Branch, Martine Mc Killop & Belfast Community Safety Partnership, Stevie LaveryThis resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

New Horizons

New Horizons includes strong elements of and modules on horticulture, nutrition and cookery skills. The project is based in an outdoor pursuits centre in Drumshanbo Co. Leitrim and the participants are young people who have left school early or who are at risk for a variety of reasons. The participants spend a year on the programme and they take a range of FETAC modules and also engage in a work placement. Funding: FAS (Local Training Initiative), Dept Social Protection, Co. Leitrim VEC, Leitrim Development Co Contact: Lynn Thompson Address: Church, St Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim County: Leitrim Phone number: 071 9641770 Email: info@ldco.ie Website: www.ldco.ie Partner organisation(s): FAS (Local Training Initiative), Dept Social Protection, Co. Leitrim VEC

Indications of public health in the English regions - 8: alcohol

This report is the eigth in the series, "Indications of Public Health in the English Regions" commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer and has been produced jointly by the Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO), North West PHO, and LJMU Centre for Public Health. In 2006, the United Kingdom rated third highest across 25 EU member states for the number of drinks consumed in one sitting. This Regional Indications report is produced alongside the new national strategy Safe. Sensible. Social: The next steps in the National Alcohol Strategy.