by Matt Crow, Manchester University, Z2K Volunteer.

Introduction

• Low birth weight, as defined by Dr Gail Rees, is when an infant weighs less than 2.5kg at birth which, as Rees goes on to state provokes an “increased risk of mortality and morbidity[1].” Whilst the figure of 2.5kg is generally accepted as the demarcation point for low birth weight it would not be unreasonable to propose that 3kg is the more appropriate figure for concern as the risk of perinatal mortality has been shown to increase when just below that weight[2]. Continue reading →

Z2K recently responded to the Department of Health’s Public Health White Paper and Mental Health Strategy. We were strongly critical of the Department’s continued failure to fully recognise the proven negative impact of low incomes and debt on the physical and mental health of those both in and out of work.

Incomes are currently well below evidenced recommended Minimum Income Standards for many living on low wages or through government benefits. The government has not yet estimated the consequent cost to the health service, education, policing, labour markets, etc… As a result we simply do not know the full impact this policy of imposing poverty incomes in the UK has on its economy. Continue reading →