ABSTRACT
The term 'health promotion' is usually used when it is intended to improve health while 'disease prevention' is the term used when it means to reduce the chance of developing a disease. It has been defined as the "process of enabling people to increase control over and so improve their health" (World Health Organisation, 1984). Some health behaviours will do both. Joining an exercise class will improve fitness and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Giving up smoking will increase respiratory function. The term 'health education' is more restrictive than health promotion and concentrates on the individual whereas health promotion clearly includes public policy. It has been used in the past to include counselling, or arguing the case for more play facilities or improved safety (Ewles and Simnett, 1985). The term health promotion is broader, and is now more in current use.
