Lifetime positive lifestyle education aimed at reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease

A review of a portion of the vast amount of literature on the subject of Coronary Heart Disease reveals that although the incidence of mortality from this disease has declined by over 20 per cent since the 1960's, it is still a major cause of death in Canada. There seems to be general agreement that there are certain "risk factors" for Coronary- Heart Disease and that these can be modified positively by intervention such as education via the media, and counselling, as has been done in such studies as MRFIT, the Stanford Program, North Karelia, and "Know Your Body" Program. Many investigators now agree that Coronary Heart Disease is a "pediatric disease" and that measures to reduce the effects of the known risk factors should be initiated early in life. This reduction can best be achieved by an education program which commences at least as early as at the kindergarten level and continues throughout life in the school and in the work milieu. Governments will be the main source of funds for the development and implementation of health education programs, but will also provide support for the education and hiring of health educators. Other resources will be the health professionals in all disciplines and at all levels; industry, both at the occupational and consumer levels; the media; and various community facilities. In addition to incentives in the form of reduced insurance premiums offered by the private sector to participants in positive lifestyle programs, there could be tax incentives to individuals and to industry for such participation, or for the provision of facilities to encourage participation. It is suggested that the various programs aimed at helping Canadians to develop positive lifestyles for the prevention of Coronary Heart Disease be "married" into one inter-related, continuous program so that there is some rational relationship between programs at all levels. This would provide the continuous exposure necessary for enhancement of the learning process. Some recommendations are made for future studies.Medicine, Faculty ofPopulation and Public Health (SPPH), School ofGraduat