Work and health : remodelling perspectives of working life research, as proposed by Järvholm et al. (2009)

Järvholm and Co-workers (2009) proposed a conceptual model for research on working life. Models are powerful communication and decision tools. This model is strongly unidirectional and does not cover the mentioned interactions in the arguments.With help of a genealogy of work and of health it is shown that work and health are interactive and have to be analysed on the background of society.Key words: research model, work, health, occupational health, society, interaction, discussion paperRemodellierung der von Järvholm et al. (2009) vorgeschlagenen Forschungsperspektiven in Arbeit und GesundheitJärvholm und Kollegen stellten 2009 ein konzeptionelles Modell für die Forschung im Bereich Arbeit und Gesundheit vor. Modelle stellen kraftvolle Kommunikations- und Entscheidungsinstrumente dar. Die Einflussfaktoren im Modell verlaufen jedoch nur in einer Richtung und bilden die interaktiven Argumente im Text nicht ab. Mit Hilfe einer Genealogie der Begriffe Arbeit und Gesundheit wird aufgezeigt, dass Arbeit und Gesundheit sich gegenseitig beeinflussen und nur vor dem Hintergrund der jeweiligen gesellschaftlichen Kontextfaktoren zu analysieren sind.Introduction : After an interesting introduction about the objectives of research on working life, Järvholm and Co-workers (2009) manage to define a conceptual model for working life research out of a small survey of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) definitions. The strong point of their model is the entity 'working life' including personal development, as well as career paths and aging. Yet, the model Järvholm et al. (2009) propose is strangely unidirectional; the arrows point from the population to working life, from there to health and to disease, as well as to productivity and economic resources. The diagram only shows one feed-back loop: between economic resources and health. We all know that having a chronic disease condition influences work and working capacity. Economic resources have a strong influence on work, too. Having personal economic resources will influence the kind of work someone accepts and facilitate access to continuous professional education. A third observation is that society is not present in the model, although this is less the case in the arguments. In fact, there is an incomprehensible gap between the arguments brought forth by Järvholm and co-workers and their reductionist model.Switzerland has a very low coverage of occupational health specialists. Switzerland is a long way from fulfilling the WHO's recommendations on workers' access to OSH services as described in its Global plan of action. The Institute for Work and Health (IST) in Lausanne is the only organisation which covers the major domains of OSH research that are occupational medicine, occupational hygiene, ergonomic and psychosocial research. As the country's sole occupational health institution we are forced to reflect the objectives of working life research so as not to waste the scare resources available.I will set out below a much shortened genealogy of work and of health, with the aim of extending Järvholm et al's (2009) analyses on the perspectives of working life research in two directions. Firstly towards the interactive nature of work and health and the integration of society, and secondly towards the question of what working life means or where working life could be situated.Work, as we know it today - paid work regulated by a contract as the basis for sustaining life and as a base for social rights - was born in modern era. Therefore I will start my genealogy in the pre-modern era, focus on the important changes that occurred during industrial revolution and the modern era and end in 2010 taking into account the enormous transformations of the past 20-30 years. I will put aside some 810 years of advances in science and technology that have expanded the world's limits and human understanding, and restrict my genealogy to work and to health/body implicating also the societal realm. [Author]

SLÃÅN 2007: Dietary Habits of the Irish Population

SLÃÂÅN 2007: Dietary Habits of the Irish Population The third national Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLÃÂÅN) was conducted in 2007, following previous surveys in 1998 and 2002. The 2007 SLÃÂÅN survey involved a nationally representative sample of 10,364 respondents (62% response rate), of whom 9,223 (89%) completed a standard Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire adapted for use in the Irish population. Click here to download PDF 4mb

SLÃÅN: Injuries in Ireland - Findings from National Population Surveys

SLÃÅN: Injuries in Ireland – Findings from National Population Surveys Click to download PDF 982kb

All-Ireland Traveller Health Study

Summary of Findings (PDF 9.4mb) Alongside the executive summary above, this report is further broken into 3 technical reports and an appendix, which are available below. Because of their size, Technical Reports 2 and 3 are available in low-resolution format and are also broken into 4-part higher resolution versions. Technical Report 1 features the findings of the Census of Traveller Population and a Quantitative Study of Health Status and Health Utilisation Technical Report 1: Health Survey Findings (PDF 10mb) Technical Report 2 reports on Demography and Vital Statistics including mortality and life expectancy data, an initial report of the Birth Cohort Study and a report on Travellers in Institutions. The Birth Cohort Study was a 1 year follow-up of all Traveller babies born on the island of Ireland between 14th October 2008 and 13th October 2009, with data collection up to 13th October 2010. Part D of Technical Report 2 is the Birth Cohort Study Follow Up and was published in September 2011. Technical Report 2 – Parts A, B & C (PDF 12mb) Demography & Vital Statistics: Part A of Technical Report 2 (PDF 5.3mb) The Birth Cohort Study: Part B of Technical Report 2 (PDF 9.6mb) Travellers in Institutions: Part C of Technical Report 2 (PDF 4.3mb) Technical Report 2 Bibliography – Parts A, B & C (PDF 2.7mb) The Birth Cohort Study Follow Up: Part D of Technical Report 2 (including bibliography) (PDF 7.1mb) Technical Report 3 reports on Consultative Studies including qualitative studies based on focus groups and semi-structured interviews with Travellers and key discussants, and a survey of Health Service Providers Technical Report 3 : Full Report (PDF 11.8mb) Qualitative Studies: Part A of Technical Report 3 (PDF 4.2mb) Health Service Provider Study: Part B of Technical Report 3 (PDF 5.4mb) Discussion & Recommendations: Part C of Technical Report 3 (PDF 3.1mb) Technical Report 3 Bibliography (PDF 2.6mb) Preamble Health Service Providers Questionnaire for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (PDF 75kb) Questionnaire for the Republic of Ireland (PDF 326kb) Questionnaire for Northern Ireland (PDF 140kb)

Health In Ireland: Key Trends 2011

The purpose of Health in Ireland, Key Trends 2011, as with previous editions, is to provide summary data on the main areas of health and health care over the past decade. It also aims to highlight selected trends and topics of growing concern and to include new data where it becomes available. A further objective is to assess ourselves and our progress in the broader EU context. With these goals in mind, the booklet is divided into six chapters ranging from population, life expectancy and health status through to health care delivery, staffing and costs. Click here to download PDF 2.26MB

Public Service Agreement - Revised Health Sector Action Plan - December 2012

The health service has been at the forefront in delivering significant change under the PSA. The substantial contribution already made by health service staff, especially during the period of concentrated retirements up to February 2012, is acknowledged and much appreciated by management. These changes are being achieved in what is a complex working environment with increasing demands, (500,000 increase in medical card holders between 2007 and 2012) and a growing and ageing population, within a public health service which is undergoing unprecedented organisational change and reform, accompanied by a reducing workforce. Public Service Agreement – Revised Health Sector Action Plan- December 2012 savings report Click here to download PDF 51kb

Health In Ireland: Key Trends 2013

Health in Ireland, Key Trends 2013 provides summary statistics on health and health care over the past ten years. It also highlights selected trends and topics of growing concern and includes new data which has become available during the course of the year. An important objective is to assess ourselves and our progress in the broader EU context. The booklet is divided into six chapters ranging across population, life expectancy and health status through to health care delivery, staffing and costs. Overall, the picture which emerges is of continuing progress, but at a reduced rate, set in a context of very ignificant financial constraints. Rapid ageing of the population in conjunction with lifestyle-related health threats present major challenges now and for the future in sustaining and further improving health and health services in Ireland Click here to download PDF 3.2MB

Oviposition activity and seasonal pattern of a population of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) in subtropical Argentina

Monthly oviposition activity and the seasonal density pattern of Aedes aegypti were studied using larvitraps and ovitraps during a research carried out by the Public Health Ministry of Salta Province, in Tartagal, Aguaray and Salvador Mazza cities, in subtropical Argentina. The A. aegypti population was active in both dry and wet seasons with a peak in March, accordant with the heaviest rainfall. From May to November, the immature population level remained low, but increased in December. Ae. aegypti oviposition activity increased during the fall and summer, when the relative humidity was 60% or higher. Eggs were found in large numbers of ovitraps during all seasons but few eggs were observed in each one during winter. The occurrence and the number of eggs laid were variable when both seasons and cities were compared. The reduction of the population during the winter months was related to the low in the relative humidity of the atmosphere. Significant differences were detected between oviposition occurrences in Tartagal and Aguaray and Salvador Mazza cities, but no differences in the number of eggs were observed. Two factors characterize the seasonal distribution pattern of Ae. aegypti in subtropical Argentina, the absence of a break during winter and an oviposition activity concomitant of the high relative humidity of the atmosphere.

Department of Health Annual Report for 2013

  The Department of Health Annual Report for 2013 This report sets out the body of work undertaken by the Department of Health in 2013.  Download the report here

Increasing awareness of health related issues

To enhance the health and well-being of members in the Craigavon and Cullyhanna communities. To identify and forge links between both community groups, Trust bodies etc, To offer members of both communities the opportunity to receive information and attend sessions on relevant health related issues. Outcomes - Pharmacists have introduced channels of communication between themselves, community groups and other statutory agencies. - Health benefits through information sessions have been delivered and tailored to meet the needs of local population groups. - The pharmacist has developed group working skills and how to link with others working outside the dispensary environment. - There has also been the opportunity to meet the needs of ethnic minorities in the Craigavon area

Diphtheria remains a threat to health in the developing world: an overview

Changes in the epidemiology of diphtheria are occurring worldwide. A large proportion of adults in many industrialized and developing countries are now susceptible to diphtheria. Vaccine-induced immunity wanes over time unless periodic booster is given or exposure to toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae occurs. Immunity gap in adults coupled with large numbers of susceptible children creates the potential for new extensive epidemics. Epidemic emergencies may not be long in coming in countries experiencing rapid industrialization or undergoing sociopolitical instability where many of the factors thought to be important in producing epidemic such as mass population movements and difficult hygienic and economic conditions are present. The continuous circulation of toxigenic C. diphtheriae emphasizes the need to be aware of epidemiological features, clinical signs, and symptoms of diphtheria in vaccine era so that cases can be promptly diagnosed and treated, and further public health measures can be taken to contain this serious disease. This overview focused on worldwide data obtained from diphtheria with particular emphasis to main factors leading to recent epidemics, new clinical forms of C. diphtheriae infections, expression of virulence factors, other than toxin production, control strategies, and laboratory diagnosis procedures.

Director of Public Health annual report 2009

This first annual report of the Director of Public Health highlights the many public health challenges that affect people in Northern Ireland and how thepublic health team tackles this complex agenda by working with many statutory, community and voluntary partner organisations across health, local government, education, housing and other sectors. The report refers to core tables throughout, these tables provide key statistical data on population, birth and death rates, mortality by cause, life expectancy, immunisation and screening. The report and the core tables are available below.

Joint Commissioning Plan of the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency: 2010-2011

Legislation enacted on 1 April 2009 created a new Commissioning system with the establishment of a region-wide Health and Social Care Board, including 5 Local Commissioning Groups (LCGs), and a Public Health Agency. In line with Departmental direction and guidance the objectives of the new commissioning arrangements were to: - Approach the future delivery of Health and Social Care from a region-wide perspective focused on outcomes. - Ensure local sensitivity through the creation of five Local Commissioning Groups reflective of their areas. - Give appropriate weight to the public health agenda to ensure that commissioning reflects the drive to reduce health inequalities in our society and works in partnership with others to improve health and wellbeing. In this regard the legislation signalled a new way forward which would first be expressed in a Commissioning Plan for 2010/11 and beyond. This plan outlines how the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency are approaching that task. It is our aim that this plan is straightforward and written in a manner which will encourage public engagement and understanding. We wish to show clearly how the commissioning task is to be approached and to signal the decisions necessary to ensure the maintenance of a health and social care system in Northern Ireland which responds to the population it serves.

Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services network in Northern Ireland - Update report 2008-2009

The third annual report from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Healthy Promoting Hospitals (HPH) and Healthy Services network highlights a rich selection of the innovative developments and team-working achievements across services in Northern Ireland. The report provides a platform to showcase the five Health and Social Care Trusts and Cooperation and Working Together (CAWT)’s commitment to health and wellbeing to the population and shows how hospitals can have an impact on the determinants of health as they are explained in the context of people’s daily lives. The Public Health Agency continues to support the network both locally and nationally as this report gives hospitals and other health services a chance to be recognised as health enhancing organisations. The HPH and Healthy Services concept recognises that a hospital is much more than a place where people go for treatment and cure from sickness. It identifies the huge opportunities for the promotion of good health among the many thousands of people, patients and staff who have daily contact with hospitals and also with the wider community which the hospitals serve. In recent years much progress has been made in addressing health improvement in the hospital setting by looking at the broader cultural, social and environmental issues which can support health and wellbeing. The Northern Ireland HPH network continues to embrace change across services and to drive action to ensure that health improvement is embedded in the new health and social care systems.

Comparative population genomics in animals uncovers the determinants of genetic diversity.

Genetic diversity is the amount of variation observed between DNA sequences from distinct individuals of a given species. This pivotal concept of population genetics has implications for species health, domestication, management and conservation. Levels of genetic diversity seem to vary greatly in natural populations and species, but the determinants of this variation, and particularly the relative influences of species biology and ecology versus population history, are still largely mysterious. Here we show that the diversity of a species is predictable, and is determined in the first place by its ecological strategy. We investigated the genome-wide diversity of 76 non-model animal species by sequencing the transcriptome of two to ten individuals in each species. The distribution of genetic diversity between species revealed no detectable influence of geographic range or invasive status but was accurately predicted by key species traits related to parental investment: long-lived or low-fecundity species with brooding ability were genetically less diverse than short-lived or highly fecund ones. Our analysis demonstrates the influence of long-term life-history strategies on species response to short-term environmental perturbations, a result with immediate implications for conservation policies.