Promotion of a lifestyle conducive to cardiovascular health in the Israel Defence Force.
This article reviews the characteristics and components of intervention programs that are conducted by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in an attempt to reduce future cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality among Israeli military personnel. Various populations have been targeted for intervention, ranging from selected high-risk individuals to the entire military population. The four basic elements of the activity are educational programs, environmental changes, legislation, and enforcement of the rules. Important characteristics of the program, which probably will contribute to its success, are (1) the establishment of a standing joint committee for developing and implementing health promotion programs in the IDF; and (2) the adoption and the follow-up of the suggested intervention programs by the head of the Manpower Branch, together with commanders of the other relevant branches. The effectiveness of the intervention programs will be measured in the future mainly by a follow-up on the prevalence of CV risk factors among Israeli military personnel.
Lerman
Y
Y
Israel Defence Forces, Medical Corps, Military Post 02149.
Vardi
D
D
Ashkenazi
S
S
Wiener
M
M
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008019:Life Style; D008889:Military Personnel; D016730:Program Development; D012307:Risk Factors