The World Health Professions Alliance (WHPA) has produced an easy-to-use, practical guide to assist individuals and their health professionals diminish the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which presently account for 60% of global deaths.1 The WHPA Health Improvement Card consists of a health scorecard and includes “how to” guides for both individuals and health professionals.
WHPA, which represents 26 million nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, dentists, and physicians across 130 countries, is alarmed by the global epidemic of noncommunicable disease, such as cancer, because it signifies a substantial threat to social and economic development and human health.
According to WHPA spokesperson Jean-Luc Eiselé, Chief Executive Officer, FDI World Dental Federation, “It is a simple, universal educational tool which allows everyone to assess and record their lifestyle/behavioral and biometric risk factors. It helps individuals and their health professional take a proactive approach to prevent NCDs and associated disability.”
Individuals and healthcare providers can use information acquired from the card to address risk factors and actively strengthen their health and well-being. The card explains how to:
• Avoid tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption
• Improve diet
• Undertake regular sufficient physical activity
• Achieve and maintain healthy weight
• Manage tension and stress
• Access preventive care and screening for preventable illness
1Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2010. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2011.
Source: WHPA.