Poor health blights the lives of people and families. It is bad for the economy and makes us poorer as a nation. It also puts pressure on our health services. Yet a lot of ill-health could be prevented.

People’s health is improving. Fewer people smoke, and more people understand the need to eat healthy foods and take exercise. But much more needs to be done. Health is worse in Wales than in many other parts of Britain.

Some of the main causes of ill-health can be prevented. Cancers, heart disease, and diabetes, for example, are all influenced by the way we live. Preventing ill-health in the first place not only saves people from pain and suffering but also helps our health and care services work more effectively.

You’ll find more at www.healthchallenge.wales.gov.uk