By JACLYN ‘JACKIE’ FRANKS, MPH
HHS Extension Educator, Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, Kosciusko County

Jaclyn Franks

WARSAW — Public health touches nearly every aspect of our lives because it promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where we live, learn, work and play. A doctor treats people who are sick, but those of us who work in public health try to prevent people from getting sick or injured in the first place. We also promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors.

Despite what we often hear and read, Americans are not the healthiest people in the world. In the United States, we spend more per capita on health care but live shorter lives and endure more health issues than our counterparts in other high-income countries. To bring light to this issue, the first full week in April is celebrated as National Public Health Week, and the goal is simple: to create the healthiest nation in one generation. In order to get there, we have to ensure conditions that give everyone the opportunity to be healthy:

• Our health is linked to our income. The U.S. is home to greater percentages of people living in poverty, great income inequality, and less economic mobility than other high-income countries.
• Our health is linked to what we eat. Americans consume more calories than people in any other country and two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese.
• Our health is linked to where we live and our communities aren’t always designed with health in mind.
• Our health is linked to transportation. Because our communities were designed to accommodate cars, bicyclists and pedestrians often face risky conditions.
• Our health is linked to nutritious foods. Not everyone has access to fresh produce and nutritious food choices. Some communities, known as food deserts, are typically home to an abundance of fast food and corner convenience stores that do not carry fresh produce.
• Our health is linked to recreation. People with access to safe outdoor spaces to be physically active tend to report better health.
• Our health is linked to environmental health. Nearly half the country’s population lives in communities with hazardous air pollution levels.

Together we can make America the place where everyone has the best opportunity in the world for a long and healthy life. Join me in signing the National Public Health Week pledge to create a healthy “me” and create a healthy “we” at www.nphw.org/2016.

For more information about National Public Health Week, visit www.nphw.org/2016 or www.apha.org or contact Jackie Franks at [email protected] or (574) 372-2340.