NON-TRANSMISSIBLE CHRONIC DISEASES - A PREVENTIVE APPROACH

Non transmissible chronic diseases, accidents and violence cause 70-80% of deaths in developed countries and 40-50% in underdeveloped ones, including Chile. Their relative contribution to mortality in Chile has increased from 34% to 64% in the last 30 years. Prevention is possible by controlling risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, obesity, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Preventive programs should be implemented based on available studies of the epidemiology of risk factors in our country. Population intervention to obtain better health habits and special actions for individuals with risks factors must be employed. Local health services, the community and the media must participate, the cornerstone of the program being population education, particularly those of younger age. A model to be followed is the interhealth Project, sponsored by WHO and led by Finland (North Karelia).