The Main Goal Of Public Health Is To Prevent Diseases And Pr

The Main Goal Of Public Health Is To Prevent Diseases And Promote Heal

The main goal of public health is to prevent diseases and promote health of a population level. Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, identify, research, and read about a public health issue of your interest. Based on your research, express your views on the following: What is the difference between public health and individual health? How does the system of health care delivery in the United States support the goals of public health? Is the health issue identified by you during the research being adequately addressed? Why or why not? What initiatives are in place to address your identified public health issue? Explain at least two such initiatives. What are the risks or social factors associated with your identified health issue? How are the three levels of government (national, state, and local) working together to address your identified health issue?

Paper For Above instruction

Public health focuses on protecting and improving the health of populations through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private sectors, and individuals. It aims at disease prevention, health promotion, and health equity, contrasting with individual health, which pertains to the health status of an individual person. Understanding the distinction between public health and individual health is vital to comprehend how health systems operate to promote collective well-being.

Public health and individual health, while interconnected, operate at different levels. Public health emphasizes community-wide initiatives, disease surveillance, health education, and policy development to prevent health issues before they occur. Conversely, individual health pertains to personal health management, clinical care, and health behaviors tailored to an individual’s needs. For example, public health measures may include vaccination programs or sanitation policies that benefit entire communities, whereas individual health services involve personal medical treatments or counseling.

In the United States, the healthcare system supports public health goals through federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state health departments, and local health agencies. These organizations coordinate efforts to monitor disease outbreaks, regulate health standards, provide immunizations, and develop policies to promote health equity. Healthcare delivery models such as primary care clinics, public health programs, and community outreach initiatives work collaboratively to address health issues comprehensively. However, despite these efforts, gaps remain, especially concerning disparities in access and health outcomes.

Based on research, obesity represents a significant public health issue in the U.S., contributing to chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Despite widespread awareness campaigns and policy initiatives, obesity prevalence remains high, indicating that the issue is not fully addressed. Factors such as socioeconomic disparities, food environment, cultural norms, and physical activity barriers contribute to this ongoing challenge.

To combat obesity, multiple initiatives are in place. The First initiative is the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010, which improved nutritional standards in school meals and snacks. This policy aims to promote healthier eating habits among children, addressing early risk factors associated with obesity. The second initiative includes community-based programs like Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign, aimed at increasing physical activity levels among children and families through education, community engagement, and access to recreational facilities.

Social factors and risks associated with obesity include socioeconomic status, which influences access to healthy foods and safe environments for physical activity; cultural attitudes towards diet and exercise; and socioeconomic disparities that limit health education and resources. These social determinants significantly impact obesity rates and related health outcomes.

The federal government, state health departments, and local agencies collaborate to address obesity and other public health issues by sharing data, coordinating programs, and implementing policies tailored to community needs. For example, federal funding supports local initiatives that improve access to nutritious foods and safe physical activity spaces. State-level legislation often complements federal efforts by setting nutritional standards and funding local health promotion activities. These collaborative efforts aim at creating a comprehensive approach to reduce obesity prevalence and enhance population health.

In conclusion, public health aims to prevent disease and promote community well-being by addressing social, environmental, and behavioral factors. While systems in the U.S. support these goals through various programs and policies, persistent challenges such as socioeconomic disparities hinder full achievement. Continued collaboration across government levels and innovative initiatives are essential to effectively tackle complex health issues like obesity, ensuring healthier futures for all populations.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Obesity prevention efforts. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/prevention/index.html
• Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-296, 124 Stat. 3183.
• Institute of Medicine. (2013). Accelerating progress in obesity prevention: Curbing the consumption of high-risk foods. National Academies Press.
• Michaud, P. C., & Ostrem, R. (2020). Public health policy and the social determinants of obesity. American Journal of Public Health, 110(2), 183–185.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Social determinants of health and obesity. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/social-determinants
• Wang, Y., & Lim, H. (2012). The global childhood obesity epidemic and the challenge to prevent and control it. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 3(1), 1–7.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Obesity and overweight. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
• Gordon-Larsen, P., Nelson, M. C., & Popkin, B. M. (2004). Longitudinal physical activity and sedentary behavior trends in US adolescents: Implications for health and policy. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 1(1), 37–52.
• Frieden, T. R. (2010). A framework for public health action: The health impact pyramid. American Journal of Public Health, 100(4), 590–595.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). The health consequences of obesity. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html