Presentation is by Dr. Tedros. Public health is key in aiding and prolonging life.
Public Health plays a major role in fighting off the biggest killers of humans. Public Health professionals, who have either studied a Public Health degree or Health Studies related course, are constantly battling against diabetes, cancer, heart disease and dementia to maintain the health and well-being of the population.
A fundamental quality of Public Health is its preventative nature. Prevention is far more effective and far less expensive than cure.
Public Health is important due to aiding and prolonging life. Through the prevention of health issues, individuals can spend more of their years in good health.
Public Health helps detect health issues as early as possible and responds appropriately to avoid the development of disease.
It is diverse and takes into account the health of the whole population, rather than focusing on health at an individual level.
Public Health is important as it ensures everyone is aware of health hazards through educational programmes, campaigns and through influencing government policies.
It is important because you are constantly building new skills and expanding as a person. This is due to the nature of the work promoting growth through day to day activities and taking part in major projects and campaigns.
Public Health is important because you are constantly striving to close the inequality gap between people and encourage equal opportunities for children, all ethnicities and genders.
Health is a human right and as a Public Health professional you are ensuring no one is disadvantaged regardless of their socio-economic background.
Public Health is important because you become the voice for individuals who have no voice and simply put, your influence on the improvement of someone’s health can be a great satisfaction.
With the recent spread of COVID-19 — a pandemic that has caused a global economic shut down and thousands of hospitalizations — public health is more relevant and critical than ever. And as a result, public health professionals are in high demand.
Public health professionals are dedicated to protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is realized by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and — of course — responding to infectious diseases, such as a novel coronavirus.
You may be wondering, "Why is public health important?"
Here, we will break down the importance of public health in our communities. Spoiler alert: In the wake of the pandemic, it is more important than ever.
The Importance of Public Health
“Working at the community level promotes healthy living, helps prevent chronic diseases and brings the greatest health benefits to the greatest number of people in need.”
The CDC states that chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death and disability within the United States.Half of all adults in the United States have a chronic disease.
1 in 3 Americans has high blood pressure.
2 million heart attacks and strokes occur every year.
7 in 10 deaths among Americans are caused by chronic disease.
For every $1 spent on health care, 75 cents is spent on chronic disease and factors that increase their risk.
Of course, failing to uphold public health within a community can lead to a wide variety of healthcare concerns. Those chronic diseases we mentioned before — such as diabetes and heart disease — increase when a community’s overall health and wellbeing is neglected. The CDC reports that 90% of the nation’s annual healthcare expenses are for people with chronic health conditions. This reinforces the simple fact that public health professionals are critical to our country’s health and wellbeing.
Millions around the world are alive today thanks to public health initiatives like clean air and water standards, family planning, road safety laws, and tobacco restrictions.
