Prevention is key says new report on the health and wellbeing of Warwickshire residents

The importance of preventing people getting ill is a key theme in the latest Annual Report from Public Health Warwickshire.

Highlighting this approach, Dr Linnane, Director of Public Health for Warwickshire County Council quotes the words of Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Released on 7th September, the report: “Public Health Matters: Sex, Drugs and Fluoridation” informs local people about the health and wellbeing of their communities, as well as providing necessary information to allow decision makers in local health services and authorities to address health gaps and priorities.

Key highlights from the report include:

• physical activity in adults has improved across all district and boroughs – all are now similar to, or better than England;
• physical inactivity in adults has reduced – from 1 in 3 down to 1 in 4;
• smoking during pregnancy is now below the England average;
• teenage conceptions continue to fall; and
• number of Dementia Friends in Warwickshire has increased to over 11,000.

The report also outlines the importance of investing in Public Health and the impact this is having across Warwickshire. Public health offers a range services to people living in the county, from support to stop smoking, support for mental health and wellbeing, programmes for people to eat well, get fit and active, to name but a few.

Dr John Linnane, Warwickshire County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Preventing people getting ill, by promoting and protecting health and wellbeing is not only necessary to halt the demand on health and social care, improve quantity and quality of life, but it actually very cost effective. This requires a system wide approach to build a resilient community and promote independence.”

Cllr Les Caborn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, said: “This report gives a clear context to the health needs of communities in Warwickshire. In order to continue to build on the improvements we have seen, particularly with physical activity in adults, it is clear that bodies such as the Health and Wellbeing Board are integral to this approach.”

Cllr Alan Webb, Warwickshire County Council’s Chair of the Adults, Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee added: “Working collaboratively with our partners is key to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. The report highlights key achievements in Public Health and provides a useful insight into the services available to support local people”

The report is available online: publichealth.warwickshire.gov.uk/annual-report

What do you think of the report? Leave your feedback here: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/dphannualreport

For more information on Warwickshire health and wellbeing services visit: warwickshire.gov.uk/health

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