Mortality and morbidity data clearly demonstrate that heart disease and cancers are major contributors to premature illness and death. Causative factors are multifaceted — environmental, social and lifestyle. In addressing such factors a broadly based and intersectoral approach is required which incorporates not only health education and information but also seeks to create an environment that support healthy behaviour.
Specifically in relation to the lifestyle factors, many studies demonstrate that the lifestyle of many middle aged persons places them at risk of premature death from heart disease and certain cancers. Lifestyle risk factors include smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, badly managed stress and alcohol misuse. Reduction in these risk factors are being addressed in a variety of settings including occupational, educational and community. My Department together with statutory and voluntary agencies are involved in a range of health promotion initiatives at national and local levels which address the major lifestyle factors to which I have referred. For example, the health promotion unit have been active over the past number of years in co-ordinating activities associated with Ireland's participation in the EC cancer programme, the objective of which is to reduce cancer deaths by 15 per cent by the year 2000.
My Department have a co-ordinated strategy of legislation and education to reduce the incidence of smoking in the community. I propose extending the scope of the regulations which I made recently restricting and prohibiting smoking in public places. In this context I intend meeting with trade unions and employers to discuss how such regulations might be applied in the workplace.
