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Glasgow Children's Health Drive a Worldwide Success Efforts to Lose 'Sick Man of Europe' Tag Hailed As International Model

Posted on: Friday, 10 March 2006, 15:00 CST

By GORDON THOMSON

GLASGOW'S efforts to improve children's health have become an international success story.

Ata conference in Italy today, the World Health Organisation was set to adopt several lifestyle projects which have been launched in the city and across Scotland.

NHS Health Scotland was spelling out to delegates at a conference in Florence the health problems facing the nation and in particular socially-deprived communities.

Glasgow has been branded the "sick man of Europe" and until recently was also the heart attack capital of Europe. But experts were being told today how the NHS, together with the city council and other agencies, were leading the way in improving people's health.

Ian Young, head of international development for NHS Health Scotland, said some of the policies already adopted - especially schemes involving young people - were seen as ideal models by the WHO.

The organisation has singled out Scotland - along with Norway and Slovenia - as a model country where ill health has been turned around.

Mr Young said delegates were particularly impressed with the Hungry for Success school meals programme and the drive to improve mental health among the young.

A series of initiatives launched in recent years - particularly in Glasgow which has led the way for Scotland - are being highlighted.

The Evening Times championed a project in the city which gave children free fruit. The scheme has since been introduced at primary schools across Scotland.

We were also a trailblazer in the drive for healthy eating with our Get A Life! campaign which was launched in 2000.

Toddlers from Maryhill were among the first and youngest recruits who benefited from a simple board game called Pam Pam which was introduced in their nursery and encouraged them to eat fruit.

Council bosses in the city have also ordered a healthier menu for pupils at school meals by introducing Fuel Zones which offer soup and salad as healthy alternatives to junk food.

And the city led the way again by introducing an incentive scheme which rewards secondary children for selecting the healthiest options by awarding them prizes such as ipods.

Another pioneering initiative has been the launch of breakfast clubs for schoolchildren which offers youngsters nutritious snacks.

A spokeswoman for NHS Health Scotland said: "Scotland could be starting to lose its 'sick man of Europe tag'.

"It's great news for Glasgow and the rest of Scotland. Initiatives that have been started in schools are starting to work."

Source: Evening Times; Glasgow (UK)

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