Exploring Health Promotion and Education

Charlie Roberts, a pharmacy student and our student ambassador, recently co-hosted a lively webinar organised jointly with IHPE and the University of Nottingham (UoN) with Trustee Robin Lansman. The event aimed to increase recognition of the Determinants of Health.

What do we mean by ‘Determinants of health’? And does it matter? Charlie started the webinar with a clear explanation of the ‘rainbow’ model of health determinants, outlining the many influences on health from our home, school, work and wider environment.

IHPE provided a discussion panel, with diverse interest and experience:

• Karen Neil, pharmacology, public health and mental health;
• Katherine Whittingham, BSc Health Promotion course lead at UoN;
• Robin Lansman, osteopathy and health promotion;
• Sylvia Cheater, dental public health, nutrition and settings-based approaches.

Dr de Gruchy started as England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer in October 2021.
Dr de Gruchy did her clinical training in South Africa. She worked clinically in South Africa and then in the NHS and has over 20 years of public health experience. In a compelling conversation with Robin Lansman, IHPE Trustee, at the House of Commons during the Institute of Health Promotion and Education’s 60th Anniversary event in June 2023, Dr J De Gruchy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, highlighted the critical role of health promotion and education in shaping individual and societal well-being. Her insights underscored the importance of a proactive approach to healthcare, emphasising prevention and health literacy as cornerstones of a healthier future.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Dr. J De Gruchy discusses the importance of health promotion and education.
2. The focus should be on preventing illness and promoting good health.
3. Tackling public health challenges requires a collective effort from a wide range of partners.
4. Health inequalities should be a key consideration in addressing public health challenges.

Denise is a Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences, having previously worked in various roles within Public Health. 

She started her career in Adult Nursing and is now a Lecturer at RGU, training AHPs in Health education and health promotion and Teachers and Others wanting to upskill.

Interview by Robin Lansman, IHPE trustee at House of Commons for IHPE 60th Anniversary with Karen Buck MP  

Karen Buck MP Key Summary points:

Smarter techniques like early intervention, prevention work, and education are needed to tackle future health challenges.

-          Poverty, bad housing, junk food, and dirty air are drivers of inequality.

-          Embedding health promotion in strategies at all levels of government and the private sector is crucial.

-          Providing tools and information can help individuals make informed choices, and a cohesive strategy integrating all these elements can serve as a reliable source of advice.

Interviewer Karen Neil fellow Trustee at IHPE asks Robin Lansman AHP Osteopath about his clinical work and how Health Education has been a large part of his daily work in Practice.