5 - Noncommunicable Conditions

Abstract

Chronic conditions are major public health problems in most industrialized countries, and are rapidly becoming so in developing countries. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and trauma are the major causes of death in most western countries, but the leading cause of years of potential life lost is trauma. Increasing longevity, improved nutrition, social support, and medical care are creating an increasingly elderly population living longer and healthier than previous generations. The public health challenge is to promote healthy middle-aged and elderly populations by reducing risk factors through health promotion and effective medical care. The New Public Health involves working partnerships between clinical services to prevent and control chronic conditions, and to prevent or delay onset of their complications. Dramatic lowering of mortality and morbidity from cerebrovascular and coronary heart diseases has been accomplished by this approach. The potential for prevention for increasing the well-being of those affected by these conditions should be a central element of national health policy.