Date 7/1/2009
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Rural Health Week 2008Rural Health Week | Press Releases | Messages of Support | Events Press Releases
Report identifies key health role for Wales' Natural Environment October 3, 2008 The natural environment can play a key role in improving public health and wellbeing, says a major report from the Countryside Council for Wales. Researchers from the Institute of Rural Wales (IRH) spent a year studying what impact the natural environment - everything from allotments, urban parks, woodland and lakes to the countryside, mountains, rivers and sea - has on health and wellbeing. Their findings are contained in the report "Natural Heritage - a pathway to health", which is published by the CCW today to mark Rural Health Week, organised by the IRH, across the UK. This year's Rural Health Week theme "A breath of fresh air - Making tracks to health and wellbeing in the countryside" is designed to build on the research undertaken for the CCW. The researchers found a wealth of evidence that being able to view and have access to the natural environment can make people feel less stressed, more relaxed and better able to concentrate. It is also credited with helping people recover from surgery, lowering blood pressure, modifying behaviour for people with dementia, improving mood, self esteem and social wellbeing and improving the behaviour of over active children. Living near green space helps people stay healthier, live longer, be less likely to be obese and to shield children from stress. Well maintained green space in urban communities reduces violence and crime, helps with social interaction and increases community integration and support. "With the increasing emphasis on preventative health measures and, in particular, concerns about rising obesity and chronic illness caused by sedentary life styles and poor diets, the CCW has the potential to make a timely, appropriate and critical impact in this arena," says Jane Randall-Smith, Chief Executive at the IRH. The report sets out three priority actions to:
Dr Jenny Deaville Research Manager at the IRH said: "This has been an exciting new area of work for the Research team at IRH and we have welcomed the chance to build a working partnership with CCW. The research has shown that the natural environment plays an important role in our health and well-being. We hope this report is the start of more work exploring how the health and well-being benefits of green space can be maximised". John Lloyd Jones, CCW's Chairman said: "The headlines from this report show that Wales' natural environment should be "the Nation's greatest outpatient department" but so often it remains under-utilised. Thousands of lives and millions of pounds could be saved if more people were physically active. "CCW works with a range of national and local bodies to help improve access to, and unlock the potential health benefits of, the countryside in order to ensure the long-term health and well-being of all people in Wales. "We hope that the finding of this report help us to develop evidence-based policies and actions" concluded John Lloyd Jones. ~ Ends ~ For more information please contact Dr Jenny Deaville, Institute of Rural Health Research Manager, on 01686 650800 or Duncan Foulkes, public relations adviser, on 01686 650818 or Meinir Wigley. CCW?s Senior PR Officer on 01686 613400 or 07720 428644. A breath of fresh air - that's Rural Health Week May 27, 2008 People across the UK are being asked to do something to celebrate this year's Rural Health Week from September 28 to October 4 which aims to highlight the links between health and the environment. This year's theme, "A breath of fresh air - Making tracks to health and wellbeing in the countryside", builds on recent research that the Institute of Rural Health (IRH) has undertaken on behalf of the Countryside Council for Wales. The research - "Natural Heritage: A Pathway to Health" - revealed evidence that nature has a positive impact on health and wellbeing in many. Rural Health Week is the one time in the year that people have a real chance to put rural health issues firmly on the national agenda by organising an event, activity or exhibition to promote their work. The week aims to celebrate the successes as well as to raise awareness of the challenges involved in rural health and care services. This year's theme covers a wide range of issues, including physical exercise and diet to reduce obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Then there's the problems associated with people of all ages accessing care in rural areas. Could we be making better use of the natural resources on our doorsteps to benefit our health and wellbeing? Rural Health Week organiser, the IRH, want to hear what people in rural areas across the UK have to say about health and wellbeing, how they are using the countryside or green spaces to improve health and wellbeing and how they are making a difference in their communities. All examples of good practice and innovative services that emerge during the week will be shared to benefit others. Raising the profile of rural health issues locally, regionally and nationally, the week is designed to bring together people at all levels, from individuals and voluntary organisations to health professionals and local government workers. Examples of good practice will be added to the www.ruralhealthgoodpractice.org.uk online database. A valuable source of information for all UK organisations with an interest in rural health and wellbeing, this database has been developed by the IRH with support from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). "To make Rural Health Week a success, we need people to get involved,"" said IRH chief executive Jane Randall-Smith. "They don't need to organise a big event; a small exhibition or community activity is just as important to raise awareness of rural health issues. "We would love to hear about innovation and examples of good practice that can be shared with others to improve rural health services and the wellbeing of rural communities across the UK. "Although we cannot help to organise events and activities, we will promote them on our website www.rural-health.ac.uk and try to include them in publicity about Rural Health Week." One regular Rural Health Week event is the Annual Rural Doctors Conference held by the Montgomeryshire Medical Society at Gregynog, near Newtown in Mid Wales from October 1-3. The conference brings together rural doctors and healthcare professionals from across the UK to discuss issues affecting their practice and update clinical skills. Formed 11 years ago, the IRH is a UK-wide academic charity, working to inform, develop and promote the health and wellbeing of rural people and their communities. Its three main academic programme areas are research and projects contributing to the evidence base, education and training, and policy analysis, including rural proofing. The IRH, which also co-ordinates the work of the Rural Health Forum, can be contacted on Tel: 01686 650800 or by e-mailing info@irh.ac.uk. ~ Ends ~ For more information please contact Jane Randall-Smith, Institute of Rural Health chief executive, on 01686 650800 or Duncan Foulkes, public relations adviser, on 01686 650818. |
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