Preface

*"In a well-ordered society the citizens know and observe the laws of health and hygiene. It is established beyond doubt that ignorance and neglect of the laws of health and hygiene are responsible for the majority of diseases to which mankind is heir."*

#### **Mahatma Gandhi**

The 21st century has witnessed significant progress in the field of health. In spite of the COVID pandemic, remarkable achievements have been made in reducing the number of people living in poverty, increasing primary school enrolment, and reducing child and maternal mortality. The number of new malaria cases and HIV infection have also declined and a considerable number of people worldwide now have access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. However, inequity in every part of the world still exists. At the same time, lifestyle disorders like hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and obesity have increased considerably not only in the developed world but also in developing countries, affecting all segments of society, both poor and rich as well as urban and rural areas. In this scenario, health promotion, including teaching people about the health benefits of consuming a balanced diet, engaging in physical activities, and changing behaviors to minimize anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health issues, is even more important.

This book presents the basics of and approaches to health promotion and disease prevention. It is organized into two sections. Section 1, "Basics of Health Promotion", includes three chapters. Chapter 1 emphasizes the benefits of physical activity to improve health and prevent diseases like cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, stress, anxiety, and depression in all populations and ages. Chapter 2 describes a social innovation-based pilot project in health promotion. The project is based on a model of holistic health consciousness and responsibility involving the participation of community residents and local actors in a health promotion program. Chapter 3 discusses a social innovation of health promotion centers that were established with natural ingredients and modern technological tools providing personalized services for primary and secondary prevention and population-based health promotion. It formulated and implemented a developmental concept based on research findings, built on it with educational implementation, and integrated communication for audiences. Using a holistic approach (physical–spiritual–mental–social), the program increased the number of healthy years of life and led to a positive experience for the participants and thus may be a promising model for other communities.

Section 2, "Approaches to Health Promotion", includes four chapters. Chapter 4 demonstrates the causal relationship between healthy life expectancy, socioeconomic status, dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and three health factors. As described by the World Health Organization (WHO), the study might be of great importance for elderly individuals, emphasizing the importance of income maintenance rather than

focusing on diet and lifestyle improvements. Chapter 5 highlights that collaboration between health services and health-promoting environments may be influenced by patients, health professionals, and other stakeholders based on Antonovsky's concept of salutogenesis of promotion of a sense of coherence and the feeling of meaningfulness and people's ability to influence their own situation. An interdisciplinary understanding of a sense of coherence as described in this study can strengthen collaboration in health and technology. The results of the case study from Norway present the potential for replication of the approach in different settings in other countries. Chapter 6 describes how social media has transformed people's communication and has emerged as a powerful tool in health promotion and health policy. The chapter shares success stories from New Zealand and demonstrates that social media can also be a powerful platform for advocacy and activism to raise awareness about health-related issues, organize events and campaigns, and mobilize support for policy advocacy. Chapter 7 examines health promotion and its usefulness in preventing diseases in Botswana and concludes that health promotion has enabled people to exert control over their health and cultivate a positive health concept through participation and involvement.

This book provides useful information about the principles of health promotion and its applications in different settings. I am thankful to IntechOpen for providing me with the opportunity to edit this book. My special thanks to Publishing Process Manager Mr. Dominik Samardzija for his valuable support.

> **Dr. Bishan Swarup Garg MD, Ph.D., FAMS** Emeritus Professor of Community Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India

> > Secretary, Kasturba Health Society, Wardha, Maharashtra, India

Section 1

Basics of Health Promotion

Section 1
