Multiple reports indicate that lifestyle-related diseases are more common among Norrbotten residents than in the rest of the country, and Norrbotten is particularly vulnerable regarding cardiovascular disease. Unhealthy lifestyles, especially tobacco use, risky alcohol consumption, insufficient physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits, are a risk factor for many major public diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, according to multiple reports. Region Norrbotten's local program area for lifestyles includes several professions working to strengthen the effort, and it is led by a group including general practitioners, dentists, strategists, physiotherapists, and coordinators for maternal and child healthcare, according to multiple reports.
The Northern healthcare region, where Region Norrbotten is one of four regions, holds the national knowledge management responsibility for lifestyles, according to multiple reports. The local program area for lifestyles in Region Norrbotten recently started a local working group around physical activity on prescription, which is prescribed extensively here compared to other regions, according to multiple reports. The local program area for endocrine diseases recently started a local working group for obesity, according to multiple reports.
Healthcare work with lifestyles should follow the National Board of Health and Welfare's national guidelines for prevention and treatment of unhealthy lifestyles, with an update coming in autumn 2024, according to multiple reports. In Sweden, unhealthy eating habits, after tobacco, are the biggest risk factor for ill health, according to major media. More than 100,000 cases of cancer and cardiovascular disease could be prevented each year if all adults ate in line with dietary guidelines, according to major media.
The national and Norrbotten updated dietary guidelines can be summarized as: much fruit, vegetables, and whole grains; less soda, candy, and snacks; fish and legumes often; meat in moderation, according to major media. A 'traffic light' visual guide is used: green for foods you can eat a lot of, yellow to pause and consider changes, red to eat less, according to major media. Region Norrbotten is transitioning to a more circular economy to reduce climate footprint and costs while better preparing healthcare for crises, according to multiple reports.
The sustainability unit works to ensure the region's operations are conducted in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable way, based on Agenda 2030 and six sustainability goals set by the regional council, according to multiple reports. The sustainability unit was formed in 2024, with the mission previously spread across different levels and operations, according to multiple reports. Sustainability should be considered throughout the lifecycle of products and services used in operations, at both structural and individual levels, according to multiple reports.
The sustainability unit works closely with Healthcare Hygiene and Patient Safety, according to multiple reports. Food consumption significantly impacts public health, environment, climate, and societal preparedness, according to major media. Globally, the food system accounts for about one-third of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes greatly to biodiversity loss, according to major media.
Norrbotten's food production is generally very sustainable, with high demands on environmental consideration, animal welfare, and food safety, according to major media.