IMSS promotes change of lifestyle from units of the first level of care
From the Editorial Office
Newspaper La Jornada
Saturday February 12, 2022, p. 6
In medical units of the first level of care, the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) promotes a change in lifestyle that consists of correct nutrition, physical activity, hygiene habits, mental health and healthy environments, which together with Vaccination against covid-19 are key to avoiding severe coronavirus disease.
Dr. Alan Moisés Santana, coordinator of Medical Programs, highlighted that overweight and obesity are the main causes of chronic diseases such as diabetes and arterial hypertension, which affect the immune system and cause metabolic alterations.
He added that the lack of healthy habits and the presence of chronic conditions increase the probability that when sick with covid-19 a serious condition occurs, requiring hospitalization and even that this leads to death.
He indicated that to achieve physical, emotional and social well-being, Social Security has health promotion actions in Family Medicine Units, in order to achieve and maintain healthy lifestyle habits among its beneficiaries, based on three fundamental strategies.
The PrevenIMSS check-up grants, according to age and gender, a package of actions to prevent or detect diseases in a timely manner; Among other actions, the nursing staff provides advice on correct nutrition, physical activity and addiction prevention, measures weight and height, as well as assesses nutritional status; In addition, screening for diabetes, hypertension or high blood cholesterol is performed.
