Health Literacy...
is an individual's ability to read, understand and use health care information to make decisions and follow instructions for treatment. Public health practitioners can help people understand their own health information by taking measures such as translating written materials into various languages for underserved populations.
Photo Credit: Public Health-Seattle and King County
Public health's emphasis on safety...
reduces the risk of injuries before they occur. Examples of injury prevention include donning protective headgear, wearing seat belts and using child safety locks.
Photo Credit: Lyndsey Crum, Colorado School of Public Health
Good nutrition for health populations...
means having access to fresh fruit and vegetables no matter where you live. Assuring access to fresh produce in disadvantaged communities and through school food lunch programs is a growing public health concern.
Photo Credit: Public-Health Seattle and King County
Public health is leadership from the Office of the Surgeon General...
to provide safety warnings about the harmful side effects of consuming alcohol or tobacco. Smoking and alcohol consumption are two of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and worldwide. Warning labels put the responsibility for consumption on the individual.
Photo Credit: Laura Runnels, Saint Louis University School of Public Health
By 2020, the nation is projected to have a shortfall...
of more than 250,000 public health workers. Graduating from one of the nation's CEPH accredited schools of public health will open doors and create numerous exciting career paths.
Photo Credit: Kate Howe, MPH Student, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services
The Safe Drinking Water Act...
was passed in 1974 to protect the public's health and regulate the nation's public drinking water supply. All public water systems are tested regularly by the state and local health authorities to ensure safety, eliminate toxins and pollutants, and monitor for contaminants.
Photo Credit: Association of Schools of Public Heatlh
Physical activity...
is a key component to achieving a healthy lifestyle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults spend at least 150 minutes every week doing moderate-intensity activities. Advocating for walking and biking trails in communities is an example of public health in action.
Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Health Careers Center
Public health in action...
is supporting vaccinations to protect the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccination is generally considered to be the most effective and economical method of preventing infectious diseases, and is also one of the most significant health advances of the 20th century.
Photo Credit: Sarah Bruestle, Pueblo City-County Health Department
One of several historic achievements in public health...
is the use of fluoride for healthy, beautiful teeth and smiles. Community water fluoridation, which decreases the formation of dental caries, is one of the most significant examples of a preventive public health measure.
Photo Credit: MPH Students, Portland State University School of Community Health
Public health supports the development of communities...
that are conducive to physical activity, including walking. Individuals living in neighborhoods with accessible sidewalks that incorporate proper signage are more likely to walk or bike, resulting in greater physical activity.
Photo Credit: Public Health-Seattle and King County
Hand washing...
plays an essential role in public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regularly scrubbing hands with warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds.
Photo Credit: Laura Runnels, Saint Louis University School of Public Health
Public health promotes the use...
of condoms to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Condoms are also the most popular and affordable form of birth control available.
Photo Credit: Marina Anwuri, MPH, Loma Linda University School of Public Health
