Health-EU Newsletter

Issue 53, 1 July 2010

In this edition


Welcome


Stay healthy…even on holiday!


Andrzej Rys, Director for Public Health, European Commission



Many of you will be spending your holidays abroad this year. To avoid health risks associated with travelling, there are important things to remember before you go and while you are away.

 

Guaranteeing quality care for all Europeans and helping protect your health is a priority for us here at the European Commission.

 

The European health insurance card is part of that effort, and getting one should be part of your travel plans. Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, it will make things easier if you need treatment in another EU country.

 

In and of itself, travelling abroad brings with it many factors that can affect our health: new things to eat, a new climate, jet lag, the need to prevent accidents and injuries, protecting our skin from the sun, knowing where it's safe to go for a swim, getting the necessary vaccinations, etc.

 

As summer gets rolling, we're pleased to offer you a series of tips, tricks and useful information to help you minimise the risks associated with travel and enjoy safe, relaxing holidays!

 

Have a good read and a great summer holiday!

 





News from the EU


Bulgaria and Portugal join countries with cleanest bathing spots

Water quality down slightly but vast majority of Europe’s beaches, lakes and rivers clean enough for swimming

Bulgaria and Portugal join countries with cleanest bathing spots

Water quality down slightly but vast majority of Europe’s beaches, lakes and rivers clean enough for swimming

New Eurobarometer on electromagnetic fields

The European Commission publishes the results of the second Eurobarometer survey on Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). This survey was commissioned following a significant research effort over the last few years and in light of the high level of public concern and media interest on this issue.

New Eurobarometer on electromagnetic fields

The European Commission publishes the results of the second Eurobarometer survey on Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). This survey was commissioned following a significant research effort over the last few years and in light of the high level of public concern and media interest on this issue.

"Pharmaceuticals in the European Union" are now part of the EC-Public Health website

"Medicinal products for human use", "Medicinal products for veterinary use", "International activities", which were formerly hosted on the DG Enterprise website, have now joined the EC Public Health website.

"Pharmaceuticals in the European Union" are now part of the EC-Public Health website

"Medicinal products for human use", "Medicinal products for veterinary use", "International activities", which were formerly hosted on the DG Enterprise website, have now joined the EC Public Health website.

Council agrees on new rules for patients' rights in cross-border healthcare

The EPSCO council today agreed on a draft directive concerning the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. The draft directive aims to facilitate the access to safe and high-quality cross-border healthcare and to promote cooperation on healthcare between member states.


Council agrees on new rules for patients' rights in cross-border healthcare

The EPSCO council today agreed on a draft directive concerning the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare. The draft directive aims to facilitate the access to safe and high-quality cross-border healthcare and to promote cooperation on healthcare between member states.


South Africa: health advice for travellers to the FIFA World Cup

Tips to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and safe travel to South Africa. They have been endorsed by FIFA and the South African Department of Health.

South Africa: health advice for travellers to the FIFA World Cup

Tips to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and safe travel to South Africa. They have been endorsed by FIFA and the South African Department of Health.



Reporting from across Europe


Belgium

SOLEIL MALIN 2010 – be smart when out in the sun

Awareness campaign on how to enjoy the sun safely, protect your self adequately and choose and use sunscreens.

Italy

Staying safe in the summer 2010

Hot-weather strategy from the Italian Health Ministry including informing the public in advance on measures to take and protecting children and the elderly

United Kingdom

Dedicated section on summer and travel health on NHS "Choices" website




Forthcoming Events


Tri-annual meeting of the International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety (22-26 August 2010)

A wide range of traffic safety themes will be discussed, including drugs and traffic safety, biomarkers for alcohol, narcotics and drugs and rehabilitation programs for intoxicated drivers. The aim of ICADTS is to combat driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and medicines.

10th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (21 - 24 September 2010)

The key theme of the conference is "Safe and Equitable Communities", reflecting the disproportionate burden from almost all types of injuries that falls on poorer communities.

13th European Health Forum Gastein (6 - 9 October 2010)

EHFG is providing a platform for discussion for the various stakeholders in the field of public health and health care. It is a unique annual event, bringing together, politicians, senior decision-makers, representatives of interest groups, as well as experts coming from government and administration, business and industry, civil society and science and academia.



New Publications


Travelling in Europe 2010

Information, helpful tips and a map of Europe

Travelling in Europe 2010

Information, helpful tips and a map of Europe

Preventing injuries in Europe: from international collaboration to local implementation

Final report of a 3 year project of WHO and the European Commission on progress made preventing injuries and promoting safety.

Preventing injuries in Europe: from international collaboration to local implementation

Final report of a 3 year project of WHO and the European Commission on progress made preventing injuries and promoting safety.


What's New on Health-EU


EU Health Prize for Journalists 2010 submission deadline extended till 18 July 2010



Focus


Travel and Health – stay healthy…even on holiday!


Activities at EU level


Health EU – Travel

European Commission - DG Health and Consumers

Health-EU - Sex

European Commission - DG Health and Consumers

Healthy environments - Injury prevention

European Commission - DG Health and Consumers

Package holidays

European Commission - DG Health and Consumers

Q&A on pet passports

European Commission - DG Health and Consumers

Air passenger rights

European Commission - DG Health and Consumers

Be sun-smart this summer

European Commission - DG Health and Consumers

112 - European emergency number

European Commission – DG Information Society

Travelling in Europe - Staying healthy

European Commission – DG Information Society

European Health Insurance Card

European Commission - DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

Medical treatment abroad

European Commission - DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities

Health EU - Sports and Leisure

European Commission - DG Health and Consumers



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