The Environmental Health Promotion team, based at St Albans City and District Council, is committed to improving the health of our community through the provision of services, advice and information.
We support a wide range of public health campaigns, local events and community projects and have strong partnerships with local and national groups. We also provide regular training for members of the public.
We take a holistic view of health and believe that good health depends not only on physical but also on mental wellbeing. We see health promotion as a process of raising awareness, enabling people to increase control over their lives, and addressing the factors within the environment and community that influence health
Our Key Objectives:
- To prevent ill health and to promote the maintenance and improvement of physical and mental health of individuals in our community.
- To work in partnership with external organisations.
- To reduce health inequalities by working in deprived areas of the district.
We focus on a range of priority areas which include promoting nutritious food, active communities, tobacco control, accident prevention, sun awareness, alcohol awareness and school and workplace health promotion.
Be Clear on Cancer
People in Hertfordshire are being asked by their GP to "just tell me" if they recognise any of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
Research shows that the over 55s have a higher risk of getting bowel cancer and are more likely to put off going to their GP to talk about their symptoms.
Symptoms to look out for are:
• A change to your normal toilet habit to more softer or looser poo or going to the loo more often
• Blood in your poo.
Hertfordshire GP, Dr Perumal Raveendran said, "If you recognise these symptoms and have had them for three weeks or more, then make an appointment to get checked out by your GP. No need to feel embarrassed - it's all in a days work for your doctor.
"It could be that there's nothing to worry about but if not then the earlier cancer is caught the more chance there is of a complete cure."
For more information about bowel cancer visit www.nhs.uk. You can also download a poster supporting the campaign (opens in new window).
For more information on local projects, health issues, accident prevention, the environment and disability issues, see our FAQ.
Date of last review: 21 February 2011