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HEALTH PROMOTION

Prevention of Disease & Illness

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The Role of General Practice

Health promotion in a general practice setting involves giving information and advice to patients so that they can be encouraged to stay healthy.  It takes the form of immunisation programmes and efforts to prevent or delay the onset of diseases such as COPD, IHD, STIs and diabetes. 

Promoting healthy lifestyles, ideally from a young age, can help in bridging the equality gap between those in society who are diasadvantaged and others. Smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption are major risk factors for many diseases.

Key Areas 

Here are some important areas in promoting good health

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Obesity

A healthy diet involves eating five portions of fruit and vegetables daily. Avoiding processed and fried food and eating fibre-rich meals is advocated

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Excercise

Remaining active is an important part of keeping healthy.  At least thirty minutes of excercise five times a week is recommended by NICE.

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Alcohol

Excess alcohol intake is a risk factor in a a range of cancers, liver disease, gastritis, hypertension, ulcers and many other diseases.

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Smoking Cessation

Smoking is a major risk factor in many diseases - including COPD, lung cancer, IHD, sudden infant death syndrome, diabetes and osteoporosis.

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Stress

Through health promotion we can achieve mental & psychological health. Whilst some stress is part of life, managing excess stress is important.

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Sexual Health

Sexual health promotion helps individuals control & improve their sexual health & emotional well-being, avoid STDs HIV & unwanted pregnancies.

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