The workshop was led by IGU Addiction Prevention Coordinator, Asst.Prof. Nurten ELKİN, and took place on March 13, 2025, from 13:00 to 15:00 on the 17th floor of Gelişim Tower. The main theme of the session was "Health Promotion", which was explained through case studies, and participants' questions were answered.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. In achieving this well-being for individuals, families, and society, implementing strategies related to health protection and promotion plays a crucial role. Studies indicate that the most common diseases and causes of death worldwide, including in Turkey, are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases. The modifiable risk factors for these diseases are also similar, including nutritional deficiencies, tobacco use, stress, and lack of physical activity.
Promoting positive health behaviors such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, tobacco-free living, and stress management can significantly reduce the prevalence of these diseases. Health promotion programs play a key role in helping individuals, families, and society adopt these behaviors. A shift towards health promotion can also help reduce national healthcare costs spent on treating diseases. Thus, implementing comprehensive health promotion plans has become a necessity for the future of nations.
The foundation of these plans includes:
Helping individuals of all age groups achieve and maintain good health.
Optimizing health even in cases of chronic illness or disability.
Creating a healthy environment for everyone.
Although often used interchangeably, Health Promotion and Health Protection are distinct concepts:
Health Promotion focuses on increasing the health potential and well-being of individuals, families, and communities through active interventions. It is a dynamic process that does not include disease and injury prevention.
Health Protection, on the other hand, is a static process aimed at preventing disease or injury by avoiding harmful behaviors.
Protecting individuals and society from health risks and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Providing accessible, appropriate, effective, and efficient healthcare services to individuals and society.
Adopting a person-centered, holistic approach to meet individuals' health needs and expectations.
Comprehensive preventive healthcare services are offered through:
Family Health Centers (Aile Sağlığı Merkezleri)
Community Health Centers (Toplum Sağlığı Merkezleri)
Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Training Centers (KETEM)
Community Mental Health Centers
Public Health Laboratories
Healthy Nutrition
Physical Activity Promotion
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse Prevention
Early Diagnosis and Screening Programs for Cancer
Mental Health Protection
Tobacco Control Program: One of the most significant national programs in Turkey aimed at reducing tobacco use.
Healthy Nutrition and Active Life Program: Launched as a Prime Ministerial Circular in 2010, this program focuses on preventing obesity through increased physical activity and healthy nutrition.
National Cancer Control Program: Under this program, the WHO-recommended screenings for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers are provided free of charge at 134 KETEM centers across Turkey.
At the end of the workshop, the importance of raising awareness about health promotion was emphasized. Additionally, "Healthy Life Brochures" prepared by IGU Addiction Prevention Coordination were distributed to participants.