One of the project's objectives was to implement health promotion programs in multiple work settings in the Negev, starting with large factories. The project receives support from the Ministry of Health and from local health services.
The specific program began with key note lectures on the main current causes of mortality and disability in the Negev district, emphasizing the great need for the prevention of chronic diseases and promotion of health by cultivating a healthy life style and by changing local health policy and the local work environment. These health messages were reinforced through health education as well as advocating health promotion issues to local administration and the management.
Then, every employee had a personal appointment with a public health physician and a dietician in order to discuss his or her family and personal health risks and the need for practical life style changes. We also recommended some important changes in the management's health policy and some changes in the physical environment. Specifically, the management agreed to implement a no-smoking policy in all locations, including open spaces, excluding special smoking booths, located across the factory. The management also agreed to include more vegetables and less saturated fats on the menu of the local cafeteria.
Finally, we formed special support groups to encourage the cessation of smoking and the promotion of healthy dietary habits. Since the beginning of our intervention n approximately 40 employees have stopped smoking and 60 have lost weight.
