A chronic disease prevention program

In a pilot chronic disease prevention program at the Hinds County Health Department in Jackson, Mississippi, 1030 patients were evaluated with yearly complete physical evaluation, Pap Smears, screening mammography, and other appropriate tests and procedures. The patients were also provided with nutritional and healthy lifestyle education. The study lasted for 3 1/2 years. It was done in conjunction with a pre-existing hypertension program. Although the benefits of the educational effort were more intangible in the relatively short period of time of the study, it is significant that mammography identified eight (8) occult breast cancers. We believe this pilot study only touches the surface of what could be done with more extensive preventive measures.