Public Health

Current Awareness

Source: KnowledgeShare

The role that alcohol or drug use can play in increasing the risk of suicide.
Carried out by Frankie Marcelline from Sussex Health on 27/9/2024
https://www.knowledgeshare.nhs.uk/index.php?PageID=literature_search_request_downloader&RequestID=52844
[This evidence search report aims to support a conference on suicide. This search focusses on the role that dependent or problematic patterns of alcohol and drug use, can play in increasing the risk of suicide. Results include a good number of very recent high-level studies on the risks of alcohol and drug use on suicide.]

Teens, screens and mental health.
World Health Organization (WHO); 2024.
https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-09-2024-teens–screens-and-mental-health
[New data from the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals a sharp rise in problematic social media use among adolescents, with rates increasing from 7% in 2018 to 11% in 2022. This, coupled with findings that 12% of adolescents are at risk of problematic gaming, raises urgent concerns about the impact of digital technology on the mental health and well-being of young people.]

Digital health and equitable access to care.
Shaw J. PLOS Digital Health 2024;:10.1371/journal.pdig.0000573.
[This research uses a framework by Levesque et al on patient-centered access to care and the World Health Organization’s framework on digitally enabled health systems to generate insights into the ways that digital solutions can support access to needed health care for structurally marginalized communities.]

Keeping children and young people with mental health needs safe: the design of the paediatric ward.
Health Services Safety Investigations Body; 2024.
https://www.hssib.org.uk/patient-safety-investigations/keeping-children-and-young-people-with-mental-health-needs-safe-the-design-of-the-paediatric-ward/investigation-report/
[This investigation looks at the care of children and young people with mental health issues who are admitted to a paediatric ward in an acute hospital – that is, a ward for children and young people in a hospital that typically treats physical health conditions. Specifically, it focuses on the risk factors associated with the design of paediatric wards in acute hospitals caring for children and young people with mental health needs.]

Suicide Prevention Bulletin October 2024

The latest suicide prevention bulletin produced by the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS Trust is now available. If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Making Every Contact Count September 2024

The most recent Make Every Contact count public heath bulletin looking at latest evidence around smoking cessation, alcohol, healthy weight, healthy eating and physical exercise is now available. The bulletin is produced by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT Library staff. If you cannot access any of the articles included in the bulletin please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Smoking Cessation

Alcohol

Healthy Weight

Healthy Eating

Physical Activity

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Every year, we celebrate Breastfeeding Awareness Week to highlight the critical importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and their babies. This week is a time to spread awareness about the numerous benefits breastfeeding provides, from essential nutrients and antibodies for infants to reduced health risks for mothers.

Our library is dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers and their families. We offer a wealth of resources on breastfeeding.

During this week, let’s come together to support and encourage breastfeeding mothers. Whether through providing accurate information, or simply offering a listening ear, each of us can make a difference.

Alcohol Awareness Week

Alcohol Awareness Week is here, offering a chance to reflect on our drinking habits and their impacts. This week highlights the risks of alcohol misuse and promotes healthier choices.

Learn and Share: Educate yourself about alcohol’s effects and share with others.

Promote Alternatives: Encourage non-alcoholic social activities.

Seek Help: Reach out if you or someone you know needs support.

Let’s use Alcohol Awareness Week to make positive changes. Visit our library for helpful resources.

MEN’S HEALTH WEEK 2024

As we approach Father’s Day, Men’s Health Week is a perfect time to focus on men’s physical and mental health. Too often, men avoid discussing health issues, leading to overlooked problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Encouraging open conversations about health can lead to early detection and better overall well-being. Simple questions like “When was your last check-up?” can start important dialogues.

This Men’s Health Week, let’s break the silence. Talking about physical and mental health can lead to longer, healthier lives for men everywhere.

We need to share our stories | Men’s Health Forum (menshealthforum.org.uk)

Enhancing Lives Through Knowledge: Our New Dementia Collection

We are thrilled to announce the addition of a comprehensive Dementia Collection to our library! This new resource is designed to support individuals, families, and caregivers who are navigating the challenges of dementia.

What You Can Find in Our Dementia Collection:

Educational Books and Guides: Learn about the latest research, treatment options, and caregiving strategies from leading experts in the field.

Personal Stories and Memoirs: Gain insight and empathy through the experiences of those living with dementia and their loved ones.

Activity Resources: Discover activities and programs tailored to engage and support cognitive function for individuals with dementia.

Support Resources for Caregivers: Find practical advice and emotional support to help caregivers manage their responsibilities and well-being.

Visit our library today and start discovering these vital resources. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those touched by dementia.

British Medical Association Report

The country is getting sicker: The urgent need to address growing health inequalities and protect our health in the face of an economic crisis.

This report contains anonymous testimonials from doctors, patients,
and carers across the UK about their experiences of a country that is
getting sicker in the face of an economic crisis.

Read the report here.

Men’s Health Forum

Levelling up men’s health: the case for a men’s health strategy

Across the UK, men’s mental and physical health is unacceptably poor – with around one man in five dying before the age of 65. Covid has worsened the situation with completely disproportionate effects among men. Many services are failing to reach men in time, especially working-age men, even though there are ever more examples of how services can be designed to reach and engage men more effectively. The lesson from other countries is that introducing a men’s health strategy alongside the government’s planned women’s health strategy can change this. This document lays out the case for change.

Better health

A new national campaign has launched to support people to loose weight

With current data showing that obese people are significantly more likely to become seriously ill and be admitted to intensive care with serious illnesses including COVID-19 -compared to those with a healthy BMI- the campaign encourages adults to introduce healthier lifestyle changes to help people achieve a healthy weight. Support has been identified to eat better, drink less alcohol and get active through access to a range of apps including; Easy Meals, Food Scanner, Couch to 5k and Active 10.

The campaign has partnered up with a range of partners offering exclusive discounts including:

  • one month free membership with WW and Weight Watchers Reimagined
  • £2o discount for online memberships to Slimming World
  • 86p a week memberships at Get Slim

To find out more click here.