Action at national and community level

In prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the habits of people within a population can, to some extent, be controlled by the actions of their government. The best example of this, particularly in relation to cardiovascular diseases, is the way in which various governments attempt tobacco control.

The most common types of government activity are through the use of taxation, by banning smoking in public places, by banning tobacco advertising and by choosing to finance health education campaigns. As a health professional you should think of a project within your community to promote smoking reduction and decrease salt intake.