Regional initiative led by PAHO/WHO promotes opportunities for healthy living to prevent noncommunicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes
Washington, D.C., 11 September 2014 (PAHO/WHO) — The 4th annual Wellness Week in the Americas will kick off this Saturday, Sept. 13, with activities throughout the hemisphere that promote healthy living and healthy policies. The regional initiative, which is led by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), promotes opportunities for healthy living to help prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions, which are now the leading causes of death, illness and disability in countries throughout the Americas.
Research shows that much of the burden of NCDs can be prevented by reducing four main risk factors: poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. Wellness Week, originally launched by PAHO in 2011, is intended to showcase effective ways to reduce these risk factors.
"Walk more, exercise more, teach our children to choose fresh natural and healthy foods. Stop smoking tobacco and reduce alcohol use to moderate quantities," said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. "This is the message of Wellness Week, and we are counting on you to join us and be a champion of wellness. Be on the side of a healthy life."
PAHO member countries have organized a variety of events to celebrate Wellness Week 2014. PAHO Director Etienne will travel to Guyana to participate in a National Health Symposium, the launch of a National Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Commission, a health and wellness exhibition and fair, and the launch of a new Wellness Warriors Organization dedicated to raising public awareness about the importance of healthy living to prevent NCDs. The events are also part of the celebration of Caribbean Wellness Day.
In Washington, D.C., PAHO and the U.S. National Park Service are cosponsoring a Hike and Bike community event on Sept. 13 for capital-area residents and visitors. PAHO and NPS will also host information booths focused on wellness at Fiesta DC, an annual celebration of the capital city's Latino community, on Sept. 21.
Other events planned for Wellness Week in the Americas 2014 include:
- In Colombia, a conference of the Colombian Network of Health-Promoting Universities, at the University of Tolima.
- In Lima, Peru, a week-long series of health-promoting activities including aerobics, cycling, skating, yoga, nutrition education, and activities for older adults.
- In Mexico, a series of elementary and secondary school workshops focused on prevention of tobacco and drug use, organized by the Department of Psychology at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí.
- In Managua, Nicaragua, an interpretive walk in the Montibelli ecological reserve, organized by the country's Ecoclubs and students and teachers from seven Managua school districts.
In addition to encouraging healthy habits in individuals and families, Wellness Week also emphasizes the importance of healthy public policies that help "make the healthy choice the easy choice" for people to make.
"Providing the best opportunity for all persons to be well requires that all of society and governments work together," said PAHO Director Etienne. "Urban planners, educators, experts in labor, transport, agriculture and trade must come together to create a healthy environment and the best opportunities for people wherever they live, learn, work or play."
Wellness Week was originally inspired by Caribbean Wellness Day, which is celebrated on 13 September each year in Caribbean countries to raise public awareness about NCDs and their prevention through healthy living. Since 2011, communities throughout the hemisphere have participated in the initiative with activities ranging from health walks and bike rides to healthy-food fairs.
PAHO, founded in 1902, is the oldest international public health organization in the world. It works with its member countries to improve the health and the quality of life of the people of the Americas. It also serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of WHO.
