​9/19/2017
Press Release No. 131, 2017

- About 178 people die every day in Colombia from cardiovascular diseases.

Bogotá, D.C. September 15, 2017. Promoting regular physical activity and healthy eating with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as fighting against smoking and the harmful use of alcohol are the unavoidable commitments promoted by the Ministry of Health and Protection Social in the framework of the Week of Healthy Modes, Conditions and Lifestyles among the Colombian population.

Data presented by the Office of the Deputy Director of Non-Communicable Diseases indicate, for example, that regular physical activity decreases heart disease by as much as 30 percent; 27 percent in diabetes, and 25 percent in preventable events such as breast and colon cancers, and reduce the risk of other cancers such as lung, endometrial, and ovary.

“If we combine healthy eating, physical activity, non-consumption or exposure to tobacco or its derivatives, and reducing harmful use of alcohol, we will have a healthier population. Among other aspects, it reduces childhood obesity, increases self-esteem and thus mitigates the risks of anxiety and depression, chronic diseases are delayed and, in every sense, it improves people’s well-being and quality of life.” said José Fernando Valderrama.

The Deputy Director of Noncommunicable Diseases added that “the promotion of healthy modes, conditions and lifestyles is defined as those individual, collective and population interventions, which are inclusive and differential, managed and promoted from the sectoral, cross-sectoral and community level to provide daily environments that promote a healthy life.” Styles are those ways of thinking, feeling and acting that positively impact personal, collective and environmental health, which are influenced by the particular history of each individual, social groups and the economic, political and cultural characteristics of each territory.

He emphasized: “About 178 people die daily as a result of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes that could be prevented by only exercising for 150 minutes a week. However, within the framework of this week, we seek to raise awareness among Colombians to eat well, exercise, avoid alcohol and not be exposed to tobacco.”

Valderrama presents a panorama of Colombians, which invites to a social reflection and to attack at the root of the issue with the social determinants of health:
• 1 in 5 Colombians die as a result of cancer.
• 4 out of 10 adults suffer from hypertension and half do not know they have it.
• 231 people die each day as a result of chronic diseases.
• 24 trillion pesos per year is the approximate cost of care for noncommunicable diseases in Colombia.
• 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases and 30 percent of cancers occurring in the country are preventable with lifestyle modification.

What are the characteristics of a healthy diet?

1. Complete: it should contain all macro and micronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals), water and fiber.
2. Balanced: it should include adequate amounts of food groups, which, when combined, should provide the proportion of nutrients to promote growth and maintenance of health.
3. Sufficient in energy and nutrients to promote growth in children, milk production during breastfeeding and maintenance of a healthy weight at all stages of life.
4. Adequate: it adjusts to the tastes, preferences, economic resources and eating habits of individuals
5. Innocuous: it is free of contaminants, toxic substances and other factors that are detrimental to the user’s state of health.

Benefits of Healthy Eating

- Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces heart disease, the likelihood of stomach, esophageal, lung and colon cancer and coronary disorders
- Boosts metabolism for fat-burning
- Reduces cholesterol levels
- Improves intestinal transit
- Reduces blood sugar levels
- Contributes to the elimination of toxins
- Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D helps protect bones.
- Eating low-fat foods that include plenty of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products reduces the likelihood of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Reduces ischemic heart disease and stroke

For more information, click on the following link and know what to do to maintain healthy lifestyles: