ABSTRACT
Over the past three decades there has been a dawning realisation that changes in aspects of individuals’ lifestyle can significantly influence their health and longevity and prevent the onset of chronic disease. During this time health education efforts have aimed to bring about positive changes in individuals’ health behaviour by communicating information about risks of continuing unhealthy lifestyles and the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle. ‘Health education attempts to close the gap between what is known about optimum health practice and what is actually practiced’ Griffiths (1972:12). Targets specified in the previous Government’s Health of the Nation white paper (Department of Health 1992) emphasised the significance of such lifestyle practices. The current Government’s consultation paper Our Healthier Nation (Department of Health 1998) proposes local Healthy Living Centres specifically aimed at raising local awareness of healthy lifestyle practices.
