Alcohol and obesity experts face 'Dragons' Den'
Leading public health experts are to explore the future of health improvement with former BBC Scotland presenter Pennie Taylor during a Dragons' Den-style debate at a conference in Aviemore.
The conference, organised by the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) in Scotland and the North of Scotland NHS Boards, runs from Thursday 10 to Friday 11 November. It will bring together 250 public health professionals to debate improving Scotland's health in an increasingly challenging climate. Leading public health experts Professor Anne Ludbrook and Professor Mike Lean will discuss their work on obesity and minimum pricing for alcohol in a session chaired by Pennie Taylor on Friday.
Dr Emilia Crighton, convenor of FPH in Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Pennie Taylor will be joining the debate at the FPH Scotland conference, when we will be working to find solutions to the public health challenges we face. Public health is not widely understood, yet the work that public health professionals do, on issues such as alcohol pricing and the smoking ban, can save lives.
“With the public health workforce undergoing huge change, this conference is perfectly timed to give people the opportunity to come together for informed discussion and to leave with inspiration for their work.
“While there is still much to be done to improve Scotland’s health, the smoking ban shows how taking bold steps saves lives. In such uncertain times, we public health professionals need to show leadership and focus our efforts to have the most benefit. Our next priority is setting the minimum price per unit of alcohol sold in Scotland at a level that has an impact on the lives and health of Scots.”
Written: 09/11/2011 , last modified: 06/02/2012
