Cork: Towards a Healthier City Denise Cahill Health Promotion Dept, HSE South

Health in all policies based on a recognition that population health is not merely a product of health sector activities but largely determined by policies and actions beyond the health sector

Two basic premises Healthy Cities 1. A comprehensive view of health and community issues, and 2. Commitment to the active promotion of a healthy community, rather than the “treatment” of problems

Transport: A Health Perspective Active transport the use of physical activity such as cycling & walking as a means of transport Inclusive transport design creates a way for everyone to get around

Health Benefits of Active Transport Environmental, Mental & Social Reduced traffic congestion = more pleasant environment for living: – Reduced emissions, better air quality and reduced respiratory problems – Reduced noise pollution – Lower stress levels – Safer access to local services for vulnerable groups such as older people, wheelchair users, visually impaired; etc. Physical – Reduced accidents – Cardiovascular health – Weight Management – Improves mood – Strength & Co-ordination

School Programmes Walk On Wednesday (WOW) & Cycle On Wednesday (COW) initiatives After 8 weeks of COW - increase from 3% to 14% of children cycling to school

How does your child/children currently travel to school?

Preferred means of travelling to and from school

“What would help encourage your child to continue to walk to school?” If following barriers did not exist: Safety / Traffic (x 53) Weather (x 35)

Evidence WHO Report “Collaboration between the health and transport sectors in promoting physical activity: examples from European countries 2006” 48 case studies concluded: Urban planning policies & large scale transport interventions have the largest impact Cases involving both health & transport sectors facilitated the largest amount of changes to environment required to promote cycling

Moving forward from a Health Perspective Information on health benefits Education/Training Health Professionals Parents Schools Employers Strategic Healthy Cities planning Health Impact Assessment

Possible Supports for HIA in Cork HIA Toolkit for implementation of the WHO Healthy Cities Model HIA Network A fledgling network of people in the Cork area trained in HIA who have expressed an interest in learning more and building momentum for HIA locally