Primary Prevention Strategies:
The major chronic diseases globally include hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Different chronic diseases have their unique risk factors, but they share common risk factors such as smoking, alcoholism, high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical exercise, unbalanced diet, high-fat and high-salt diet, overweight, obesity, and environmental pollution.
In light of the common risk factors for major chronic diseases, we recommend adopting primary prevention strategies to prevent the occurrence and development of chronic diseases. Preventive measures include controlling tobacco use and alcohol consumption, maintaining a reasonable diet, engaging in appropriate exercise, and maintaining a positive mood.
Controlling tobacco and alcohol
The health hazards of tobacco are well known and have been analyzed in this blog. To prevent the occurrence and development of chronic diseases, it is best for those who do not smoke or have no addiction to quit smoking and avoid contact with tobacco products.
If you already smoke, try to quit, and if not, control your tobacco intake. According to epidemiological investigations, minimal exposure to tobacco does not significantly harm health, so it is recommended that daily smoking not exceed 5 cigarettes. Moderate drinking can be beneficial to health, while excessive drinking can be harmful. It is best to drink fermented wine rather than spirits or alcohol-colored blended liquor. Drinking 50-100g of fermented red wine daily may have certain benefits for cardiovascular health.
Maintaining a reasonable diet
Maintain a balanced diet by changing unhealthy eating habits. Avoid overeating or indulging in unhealthy foods, and aim for a diet that is low in fat, salt, and calories, yet rich in vitamins and dietary fiber. Incorporate both meat and vegetables into your meals, focusing on plant-based foods, and practice moderation in your eating habits to ensure a nutritious and balanced diet.
Engaging in appropriate exercise
Moderate exercise is an important factor for good health. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates said, “Sunlight, air, water, and exercise are the sources of life and health.” Walking is the best exercise in the world. Regularly engaging in walking exercises can benefit blood pressure control, cholesterol stability, and weight loss. In the hometown of the Greek Olympics, there is a mountain engraved with the words, “Do you want to become smarter? Run. Do you want to become healthier? Run. Do you want to become more beautiful? Run.” Running can make people healthy and have a good body shape. However, when exercising, one should:
- (1) do it in moderation, according to individual differences, and avoid excessive exercise;
- (2) persist in it and maintain a consistent routine;
- (3) choose an exercise method suitable for oneself. For example, elderly individuals can walk safely and healthily, while young adults can choose to run or engage in some equipment-based workouts.
Maintaining a positive mood
Psychological balance is the best measure for health maintenance. By paying attention to psychological balance, you hold the golden key to good health. A survey of centenarian healthy seniors in a certain city found two common points: First, healthy seniors have an open mind, a easy-going personality, and a kind heart; second, they are diligent, love labor or sports, and none of them are lazy. Futile worries, helpless anger, unsupported sorrow, and groundless suspicion will only bring discomfort and pain, which are harmful to health.
Primary Prevention Strategies in United States
The United States has implemented a range of strategies aimed at primary prevention of chronic diseases, recognizing the importance of addressing risk factors before they lead to illness. These efforts are multifaceted and involve various sectors of society, from government agencies to community organizations. Here are some key initiatives:
- Public Health Campaigns: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) leads numerous campaigns to educate the public about the risks of chronic diseases and how to prevent them. These campaigns often focus on modifiable behaviors such as tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Healthcare System Integration: The U.S. healthcare system is increasingly emphasizing preventive care, with healthcare providers counseling patients on lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. This includes advice on nutrition, physical activity, and smoking cessation.
- Policy and Legislative Actions: The government has enacted policies to support chronic disease prevention. For example, the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage for preventive services, including screenings for conditions like hypertension and diabetes, without cost-sharing for patients.
- Community Interventions: The CDC and other organizations support community-based interventions that create healthier environments. This can involve initiatives to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, increase opportunities for physical activity, and reduce exposure to environmental health hazards.
- Worksite Wellness Programs: Many employers in the U.S. offer wellness programs to their employees, which can include health screenings, weight management programs, and stress reduction initiatives. These programs aim to improve employee health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- School-Based Programs: Schools play a crucial role in promoting healthy behaviors among children and adolescents. Programs in schools often focus on nutrition education, physical education, and creating healthy food environments.
- Research and Innovation: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other research institutions conduct research to better understand the causes of chronic diseases and to develop new prevention strategies. This research informs policy and practice in chronic disease prevention.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: The U.S. engages in partnerships with various stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, private companies, and international bodies, to leverage resources and expertise for broader impact in chronic disease prevention.
These efforts collectively aim to create a society where healthy choices are accessible and encouraged, thereby reducing the incidence of chronic diseases and improving the overall health of the population.
