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Foreword by the
Prime Minister
In our country today, too many people suffer from poor health.
Too many people are ill for much of their lives. Too many people
die too young from illnesses which are preventable.
But at the same time, many people realise the value of better
health. Many already take exercise, eat properly, and don't smoke.
I believe that by working together, we can tackle poor health,
and achieve the aim of better health for everyone, and especially
for the least fortunate. To do that, we have to combat the key
killers in our country - cancer, heart disease and stroke, accidents
and mental illness.
Individuals taking action for themselves and their families
are central to this. Communities working together can offer real
help. And there is a vital role for Government too. Not as the
so-called nanny state in action. But the Government addressing
the big issues which affect our health, like housing, jobs and
education.
This White Paper is a significant step towards better health.
It sets
out a new, modern approach to public health - an approach
which
refuses to accept that there is no role for anything other than
individual improvement, or that only Government can do something.
An approach which no Government in Britain has adopted before.
I am determined that New Labour in Government will meet what
we see as our clear responsibilities, and play our part in improving
the health of everyone in Britain.
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