Healthy lifestyle : government healthcare initiatives and public response

• Main Authors: Koh, Chin Beng, Seah, Gek Choo
• Other Authors: Nanyang Business School
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Business::Accounting
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/58590
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In Singapore, the provision of health care services is neither wholly borne by the government nor by the individual. With the increase in health care expenditures, due to an aging population, technological advancement etc., the government has taken active steps to encourage individuals to be responsible for their health. At the same time, the government ensures that a minimum standard of health care is provided to all. Since individuals bear part of the health care expenditures, they have incentives to stay healthy. Five lifestyle risk factors were identified. Their prevalence in Singapore and the government's measures to promote healthy lifestyle are discussed. A survey on the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) student population was conducted. The results showed that most respondents exercised and were occasional or nondrinkers. Majority of them did not smoke but took low fat, low cholesterol products. Where possible, these trends were compared to the National Health Survey, 1992. Recommendations were made with respect to the prevalence of lifestyle risk factors in Singapore and the survey's results. To increase the effectiveness of health programmes, activities should be targeted at specific groups such as school children, national servicemen, families and employees.