Seven Ways to Make a Positive Impact on Public Health
Contents
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.
The CDC Foundation defines public health as the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. It focuses on whole populations, from a neighborhood to an entire country, and aims to reduce inequalities in health.
It also includes programs that improve the health of communities and reduce disparities in health outcomes among diverse populations. Successful public health programs help lower rates of illness and early death.
Public health helps Americans make healthy choices, get access to care and benefit from policies that protect health.
With that said, here are a few reasons why public health is essential:
The Importance of Public Health
The United States has some of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes among wealthy countries. The CDC reports that about 42% of US adults had obesity in 2017 to March 2020, up from about 31% in 1999 to 2000.
High blood pressure, heart disease and stroke are also common, and poor diet, inactivity and smoking are major risk factors. These conditions affect millions of people in the US and drive many serious health problems.
With public health in the United States facing these challenges, 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, biostatistics, environmental health, food safety and nutrition programs, to name a few.
While many people think that they would like to become a doctor or nurse practitioner (NP), other public health career options include:
- Community health workers who support children and families
- Health educators in schools and communities
- Researchers who run clinical trials of new drugs or vaccines
- Behavioral scientists who study habits among teens
- Engineers and designers who make places and products accessible to people 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 trustworthy sources that discuss health issues
You can also use the internet for resources on public health issues. Reliable sources include the CDC, the World Health Organization and your state or local health department. Trust for America's Health also publishes a yearly State of Obesity report.
3. Start Being Healthy
Contribute by eating healthy food and exercising regularly. Get enough sleep on a regular schedule, not just on weekends. This can help you feel better, stay alert, and be ready to tackle the week’s challenges and avoid stress. Also, avoid smoking and limit alcohol. If you are trying to quit, talk with your doctor or find professional help.
4. Volunteering
Volunteering is a fantastic way to make a positive impact on public health. It can help you connect with your community, develop new skills and make new friends. 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 health records store patient information and medical histories. They let doctors and nurses review past visits quickly and spot trends that may signal more serious conditions.
- Computerized systems are also helpful for tracking statistics on specific diseases or types of illness. For example, health departments use online databases to track how many people die of heart disease each year.
7. Effective Communication
Effective communication is key to public health. It can be learned, and it builds relationships and trust. When you think about how much work goes into improving public health, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Clear communication helps you focus on what matters most and get people on board.
- 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.
Sources
- What Is Public Health?, CDC Foundation
- Adult Obesity Facts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
