Health and Prevention in China

In China, dramatic and sustained economic development and health care reform in the last two decades have substantially improved living standards of Chinese people. However, economic transition may have a negative impact on health and lifestyle. As a consequence of economic and lifestyle changes, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer have increased in China. Overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and raised blood pressure are risk factors contributing to the escalating chronic diseases epidemic in Chinese adults. National education and prevention programs have been launched to make health care accessible to Chinese people. Healthy China 2020, National Diabetes Prevention Program, National Physical Fitness Program and National Nutrition Improvement Program play important roles in disease prevention and health promotion for Chinese people. Interventions and strategies on prevention of chronic diseases have demonstrated effectiveness to reduce risk factors. Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle is a key to achieve the goals of Healthy China 2020.