The Health Census shows alarming figures

However, the prevalence of current tobacco use among young people (13 to 15 years) decreased from 18.3 in 2002 to 7.8% in 2017

Communicable diseases endangering progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals & # 39; Sustainable Development (SDG), including the reduction of & # 39; premature deaths from NCDs by 33% by 2030

In the National Census & # 39; Preventive Health around 600,000 people were registered, b & # 39; impressive results: 36% of people suffering from arterial hypertension, 14% diabetes mellitus; 38% of & # 39; dyslipidaemia and 40% & # 39; overweight and obesity.

These diseases generate heavy issue for Panama State and families, increase of pocket expenses and economic losses associated with a decrease in productivity.

In order to promote the consumption of tobacco prevention in our population and raise awareness through & # 39; continuing education aimed at our professionals, are held the II Congress Multidisciplinary International Smoking and diseases not Memorial, which seeks to train our employees, technicians and three hundred (300) management, to improve awareness and health personnel skills for the comprehensive management of smoking, prevention and control his.

During this scientific convention, will be carried out parallel actions to stimulate interest to quit tobacco users.

And to raise awareness in the population about the damage that the use cigarette causes in humans by & # 39; activities such as: Context & # 39; Photography, Competition painting, Clinical Context Case, context for works & # 39; Research, Troubadour Competition, Regional Stand it all worked under the slogan of the congress "The heats tobacco to share, choose Health ".

The Ministry of Health has made an effort to reduce the burden & # 39; not communicated disease where control & # 39; a & # 39; risk factors such as consumption & # 39; salt, sugar and unpackaged food is a national priority.

B & # 39; & # 39 manner consistent with, this fight, the regulation of & # 39; sugary drinks and junk food in schools was implemented kiosks.

In addition, we also implement labeling & # 39; before food and tax regulation to move gradually in our National Plan against the Social Disease Transmission. About 4.1 million deaths a year are attributed to excessive risk & # 39; salt / sodium

More than half of the 3.3 million annual deaths attributable to consumption & # 39; alcohol are due to NCDs, including cancer. About 1.6 million deaths a year can be attributed to insufficient physical activity.

While currently in Panama, the prevalence of current tobacco use among young people (13 to 15 years) decreased from 18.3 in 2002 to 7.8% in 2017. For 2017 the prevalence of & # 39; smoking & # 39; cigarettes was estimated at 3.9%, no statistically significant differences between boys and girls.

And exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke also showed a significant reduction, both at home and at & # 39; public places.