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JUST THE FACTS - AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
The Romanow Report singled out the importance of investing wisely in primary health care. Yet, all too often, investments in health care are not made in the very programs and services that help people lead healthier lives.
Fact: Early intervention prevents serious health problems and improves quality of life.
- Prenatal and postnatal care helps give children a good start in life. Services that teach new mothers about healthy eating-both for themselves and their families-and about breastfeeding, help both parents and children build upon that good start and stay healthy.
Fact: Accessible and practical health promotion helps people learn how to live healthier lives.
- Advice on healthy eating, skills for coping with depression, and programs in smoking cessation and exercise are valuable components of comprehensive primary health care.
Fact: Incidence of chronic disease is on the rise in a rapidly aging population. Effective health education can help people better manage health conditions, and prevent future medical complications.
- As people live longer, cardio-vascular disease, adult-onset diabetes, asthma and arthritis are all on the increase. Such diseases often lead to more serious health problems. Community-based programs help people learn more about their illnesses and how to stay as healthy as possible.
Community Health Centres (CHCs) effectively deliver high-quality primary health-care intervention, prevention and promotion programs.
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