The public health field addresses a wide range of issues, ranging from disease control to digital transformation. The goal of public health is to positively affect the safety and well-being of people living in a community. Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being. It aims to improve health equity by reducing inequalities in the distribution of risk factors for disease and disability. It also includes promoting public health through programs that improve the health of communities and reduce disparities in health outcomes among diverse populations—a successful public health program results in reduced morbidity and mortality rates. Public health is critical to providing Americans with healthy lifestyle choices, access to healthcare services, and healthcare policies that have promoted optimal health over the past decade. With that said, here are a few reasons why public health is essential: The Importance of Public Health The United States has the highest rate of diabetes and obesity globally, with more adults exceeding the recommended level of fat intake compared to other developed countries. The rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke are also exceedingly high, which can be attributed to poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. These conditions seriously affect millions of individuals in the USA and contribute to major health problems. Moreover, this scenario is expected to worsen in the coming years. With public health in the United States stagnating, we must take steps to bring a positive change in this direction. We must improve healthy behaviors, create environments that promote healthy lifestyles and supply quality healthcare to all. By taking public health seriously, we can work towards: reducing chronic disease burden by promoting healthy behaviors improving access to high-quality care Let us look at the diverse ways in which you can make an impact on public health. 1. Pursuing a Career in Public Health Public health has enormous potential to improve the health of entire communities. Public health professionals work in many different fields, including epidemiology and biostatistics, environmental health sciences, food safety, and nutrition programs—to name a few. While many people think that they would like to become a doctor or nurse practitioner (NPS), other public health career options include: People who work with children or families at childcare centers Educators in school systems Researchers who conduct clinical trials of new drugs or vaccines Behavioral scientists who study habits among teens Engineers who develop ways for people living with disabilities 2. Staying Informed By staying informed, you can make a positive impact on public health. Here’s how: Reading educational materials Taking online courses Watching online videos Listening to podcasts Reading blogs that discuss various health issues You can also use the internet for resources on public health issues. Many websites hold information about public health topics, such as the Global Health Center at Harvard University or The State of Obesity report from the American Heart Association. 3. Start Being Healthy Contribute by eating healthy food and exercising regularly. Get enough sleep, especially on weekends and holidays when you are not working. This can help you feel better, stay alert, and be ready to tackle the week’s challenges and avoid stress. Also, avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol. If you are trying to quit these habits, consider a rehab facility or find professional help. 4. Volunteering Volunteering is a fantastic way to make a positive impact on public health. It can help you contact the community and develop new skills, make new friends, learn more about your community, or even learn about your country. From helping at a local food pantry or homeless shelter to volunteering at an animal shelter or music school, there is something for everyone! 5. Innovation Innovation is creating the latest ideas, products, and services that are different from existing ones. It can be applied in many other sectors, including health care. Innovative solutions to public health problems like obesity or mental health disorders will help improve the quality of life for all Americans and reduce costs associated with these issues in our healthcare system. Because innovation is often associated with creativity and originality, it may seem easy to say “innovate,” but many challenges exist when trying something new. 6. Technological Advancements The field of public health is constantly evolving, and it is vital to keep pace with technological advances. Technology can be used in public health in a variety of ways: Electronic records are often the best way to store patient information and medical histories. They allow doctors and nurses to review past patient encounters quickly, which helps them find trends or patterns that may show more severe conditions. Computerized systems are also helpful for tracking statistics on specific diseases or types of illness. For example, if you want your city council member to know exactly how many people died due to heart attacks last year alone, then an online database would do simply fine. 7. Effective Communication Effective communication is the key to success. It can be learned and is the key to building relationships and trust. When you think about how much time and effort goes into impacting public health, it is easy to become overwhelmed by all the work that needs to be done. But remember, effective communication will allow you to focus on what matters most, which means getting things done more quickly than ever before! Try to make eye contact with people when you talk to them. This is a terrific way to build rapport and seek attention. Use body language when speaking. Body language communicates emotion and intention in ways that words alone cannot express. Conclusion In conclusion, there are many ways to impact public health positively. The first step is to recognize that you have a role in improving the well-being of others and their communities. Once you’ve found your interests, find ways to support those who need assistance. We must dedicate ourselves to finding novel approaches and solutions that will help improve our society.
