On February 6, NDPHS Secretariat hosted a Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network's event "NordAN Open Day". The event explored concerning policy shifts that could increase alcohol-related harm and identified ways to strengthen Nordic and Baltic cooperation in addressing these issues. Ülla-Karin Nurm, director of the NDPHS Secretariat, contributed to the discussions, reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation in public health and alcohol policy.

For decades, alcohol consumption has ranked as one of the leading risk factors for disease and premature mortality. Despite prevention and control efforts, Europe has the highest alcohol per capita consumption (APC) but one region stands out - the Nordic countries, including Finland, Norway, and Sweden - where APC is lower than anywhere else in the EU. Why? Governed by strict regulations to eliminate private profit motives, the Nordic alcohol retail monopolies prioritize health and well-being of their citizens. A recent WHO/Europe report highlights the monopolies as a model for reducing alcohol consumption and related harm.

Work is more than just a means to earn a living; it is a way to connect and to share knowledge and experiences. The continued participation of senior workers in working life is critical for both - economic sustainability and individual well-being. Projects "Solutions for Age-Friendly Employer" (SAFE) and "Silver Strategies" address challenges that prevent the full potential of senior workers from being realised. Fresh after the winter break the project partners met in Tallinn to explore thematic synergies.

Chronic illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular diseases have surpassed accidents as the leading causes of work-related fatalities in the Nordic countries. A recent report commissioned by the Nordic Future of Work and Occupational Safety and Health group underscore an urgent need for course correction of occupational safety and health research, policy and practice. The study offers valuable insights for the NDPHS region and calls for a paradigm shift to robust disease prevention strategies.

Gain practical knowledge and professional experience related to the NDPHS activities, we are looking for a motivated trainee to join our team in the NDPHS Secretariat in Stockholm, Sweden. The programme grants a monthly scholarship. Read more what is in it for you and begin 2025 with a unique experience!

On 4-5 November, the partners from the project “Solutions for Age-Friendly Employers - SAFE” gathered in Helsinki to advance the development of an age-friendly workplace self-assessment tool. Over two intensive days, the partners explored innovative age-management practices, with presentations from the Finnish start-up Nextmile and students at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. By the end of the workshop, the partners had crafted a preliminary set of indicators for assessing age-friendliness in workplaces.

As a non-clinical and non-pharmacological approach to mental healthcare, Arts on Prescription bridges two sectors: culture and health. Although there is growing interest in this field, a framework for setting up, coordinating, and incorporating this approach into existing healthcare systems and mental health care services is still lacking. Our Interreg BSR project “Arts on Prescription in the Baltic Sea Region” aims to bridge this gap and outlines the various benefits of Arts on Prescription in a recently published brochure.