"De corazón a corazón": Proposal for a Regional Initiative in Health Promotion and Noncommunicable Disease Prevention

Abstract

"De Corazón a Corazón" (heart to Heart) is a seven-year (by many measures long overdue), community-based, regional initiative for health promotion and noncommunicable disease prevention. It offers a comprehensive framework for the reduction of risk associated with cardiovascular disease and related chronic noncommunicable diseases within the context of community-based interventions. Its long-term goal is to accomplish a "culture change" of target populations' lifestyles, attitudes toward health and perceptions of their role in adhering to a healthy life. These changes are difficult, requiring time and a great deal of financial investment