National Public Health Week is April 6-12 with the theme of "Building the Foundation for a Healthy America". This week is intended to raise awareness nationally and locally of public health's critical role in restoring and ensuring a healthy America. Public Health is a crucial component of the solution because it affects every facet of our lives: our nation, communities, workplaces, schools, and homes.
It is true that our nation's health is in poor shape even though we spend more on health care than any other country. Did you know that . . .?
-
A baby born in the U.S. is more likely to die before its first birthday than a child born in almost any other developed country.
-
U.S. life expectancy has reached a record high of 78.1 years but still ranks 46th -- behind Japan and most of Europe, as well as countries such as South Korea and Jordan.
-
We are among the top 10 countries that have the most people living with HIV/AIDS and it is estimated that one in 20 residents in the nation's capital are HIV positive.
-
Health disparities persist.
-
The list goes on and on. . . .
Everyone has a role to play and can contribute something to an effective public health foundation. You can start by recognizing and valuing the way public health affects your life. Then you can make healthy choices every day that will enhance not only your health but the overall health of the larger community. Some great public health achievements over the past decades are:
-
Vaccination programs have greatly reduced the incidence of disease, complications, and death.
-
Seat belt campaigns have reduced the number of injuries and deaths from traffic crashes.
-
Workplaces are safer.
-
Communicable diseases are prevented and controlled.
-
Deaths and disability from heart disease and stroke have been reduced.
-
Foods are safer and healthier.
-
Mothers and infants are healthier.
-
Availability of family planning has increased.
-
Oral health has improved thanks to fluoridation of drinking water.
-
Tobacco prevention and control efforts have resulted in decreased smoking and an increase in the number of smokefree environments.
The staff at the North Shore Health Department is proud to be a part of the public health infrastructure that helps ensure our community's health.
Visit the following websites to learn more about what public health: http://www.apha.org http://www.wpha.org
