Michael Watson

England

Contributor at Freelance

Retired dentist writes a lot for dental publications

Articles

Action is urgently needed to reduce homelessness and save lives

1 week ago | bmj.com | Michael Watson |Angela Towers

Dear Editor, Levels of homelessness and precarious housing are rising significantly in England leaving many individuals, including children, in dangerous positions.(1,2) Ashwell and colleagues’ state that there is much that can be done by healthcare professionals to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness.(1) In their thorough article they describe some of the health impacts as well as recommending a range of sound practical considerations and actions for health professionals...
Children’s mental health - pivotal roles for health visitors and school nurses.

2 weeks ago | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Dear Editor,The Institute of Health Promotion and Education (IHPE) fully agrees with the Centre for Mental Health report findings that the Government should invest in children and young people by training and employing more health visitors and school nurses.(1) Mental health is a critical issue for babies, children and young people, and investing in evidence-based interventions, such as those highlighted in the report, will have major impacts.
Robust data: crucial for guiding public health

1 month ago | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Dear Editor,Professor Majeed makes a very important point that we fully agree with – “We need to guide the NHS and our public health system and that’s best done by using data”. Public health data is complex, often making it challenging to separate causal relationships from trivial correlations and multiple interrelated factors. Cautious, expert analysis is required so as to effectively target impactful indicators.
Good quality housing can protect and promote health.

Jan 7, 2025 | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Rapid Response: Dear Editor We fully agree with Marmot – “Poor quality housing is harming our health.”(1) Moreover, poorer people are dying younger than richer people and lack of good quality, safe homes is an important factor in this dire situation.(2) Good quality homes are crucial for health, and Marmot is right to stress the dual tasks that are needed: tackling existing homes and new builds.(1) Lack of enough safe and healthy homes is not just a tragedy for individuals and families but...
Road safety in the UK: a preventable public health crisis

Nov 21, 2024 | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Rapid Response: Dear EditorGeduld and Kinyanjui are right to remind us that road traffic injuries are the leading killer of children and adults aged 5-29 years globally, and that individuals in low and middle income countries continue to face the highest risk of death per population.(1,2)In many high income countries road safety is also not given the priority it deserves. There is often a lack of leadership, funding, and other resources.
Create supportive environments to promote health

Sep 24, 2024 | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Rapid Response: Dear EditorMcNally’s article provides examples of environments that can be used to promote or hinder healthy habits.(1) Furthermore, in one example cited, she suggests that even temporary changes can be used to bring about benefits for physical activity, injury reduction and community cohesion. There are many environmental factors that can influence health including physical, social, economic and cultural.
Bold action is needed urgently, to curb “vaping epidemic”

Sep 1, 2024 | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Rapid Response: Dear Editor, We have for some time warned of the potential harm of e-cigarettes particularly in relation to young people,(1-3) so we welcome the BMA report calling for tightening regulations of e-cigarette products and restricting access to them.(4,5) We fully agree with the BMA recommendation that the legislation should include banning the sale of all disposable vapes on the grounds of harmful use by children and young people, as well as their detrimental impact on the...
Accident prevention: effective measures need to be implemented

Jun 10, 2024 | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Rapid Response: Dear EditorOliver recommends some credible positions on crucial health policy areas including the NHS, social care and public health; political parties should take heed.(1) In relation to public health he covers key issues; however bearing in mind his profession we were surprised that he did not mention an area that would help to lessen the demand on the NHS and social care, that is, accident prevention.
A positive manifesto for public health.

May 14, 2024 | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Dear Editor,Hiam and colleagues accurately outline the problem of deteriorating health across the UK.(1) Their analysis, based on a range of sound evidence, describes shorter lives spent in poorer health, marked inequalities, and the decline in both physical and mental health of children aged <5 years. They stress that without urgent action, inequalities will continue to increase.
Investment in a healthy childhood will have enormous returns.

Apr 24, 2024 | bmj.com | Michael Watson

Dear EditorKingdon paints a bleak picture of child health in the UK(1,2) and this is supported by wide-ranging evidence including the recent stark report by the Academy of Medical Sciences.(3) However, change is possible as effective interventions exist. Moreover, improving child health, will bring short- and long-term benefits to individuals, community health and the economy, and reduce potential costs to the NHS.