National Public Health Week

Next week, the American Association of Public Health kicks off National Public Health Week in the U.S. You can find much of the information I will blog about in the coming week at http://www.nphw.org/tools-and-tips/themes/empowering-a-healthy-community.

For too long, health delivery and public health systems in our country have been uncoordinated and artificially separated. Recent healthcare delivery model and reimbursement changes are insisting on a reunification of public health activities and healthcare delivery. This effort will hopefully improve overall health, reduce the need for treatment and reduce the costs of poor health in our society.

This comprehensive model of health empowers patients and engages them in their day-to-day well-being. But the model requires health considerations to be taken into account by community leaders. The impact towards health must be considered in public policies regarding transportation, infrastructure, the work place, living spaces, safety, education and environmental planning.

If asked, almost anyone responsible for a community, a business or their family, would respond “Of course the health and well-being of those I am responsible for is my top priority. It is a basic.”

Unfortunately, most people do not know the impact daily decisions have on their health. The impact of major community initiatives on the population’s health is even less well known. As for the things we hear constantly – exercise 30 minutes a day, eat more vegetables – are we doing it? Certainly not often enough.

Where to start? The American Association of Public Health is guiding us this week. I will share with you some of their information each day – April 1-5 – in an effort to educate and to provide a convenient list of what you can do to make a positive impact on your health, your child’s health and your community’s health.

I encourage you to do one thing each day from this list and be part of a healthier today and tomorrow. Your actions are the “public’s health” (times 312 million Americans)! Thanks for celebrating a new way of thinking of our health.

Next week’s topics:

Monday – Ensuring a Safe, Healthy Home for Your Family

Tuesday – Providing a Safe Environment for Children at School

Wednesday – Creating a Healthy Workplace

Thursday – Protecting You While You’re on the Move

Friday – Empowering a Healthy Community