This week's blog is on an article that shows ten great achievements by Public Health that improves the daily lives of the American population. From the beginning of the 20th century, public health has managed to greatly improve living conditions and lengthen the average lifespan. The first great achievement mentioned is the vaccine. With the creation of vaccine, smallpox and other potentially deadly diseases such as measles are no longer a threat to citizens. The spread of these infectious diseases can be easily controlled and cured. The next one mentioned is motor vehicle safety. Roads and rules about driving has made it safer to drive and less likely for a person to get in an accident. Rules about seat belts, speed limits, and drinking and driving has changed driving behavior for the safety of drivers and pedestrians. The third one is work related health problems. Safety regulations and safer workplaces have significantly decreased work related health problems. Another achievement is improved sanitation and water. This is important as it stops diseases from spreading and less infections occur. Risk-factor modifications have lessened the number of deaths from coronary heart diseases and strokes. Better nutrition and sanitation has decreased infant mortality and made it safer for mothers giving birth. Family planning and contraceptives has also improved the quality of life by giving people more choice and education. The ninth achievement of Public Health is fluoridation of water improving dental health of people regardless of class or social status. And finally, the tenth achievement of public health is awareness and education of tobacco use. Anti-smoking campaigns has decreased the usage of tobacco and consequently lessening deaths from smoking. These are the top ten achievements of public health during the 20th century benefitting and saving many lives.
I think vaccinations are very important because everyone as a child is required to take the shots. Thankfully most people are not affected by these infectious diseases anymore. We don't have to worry about getting measles or another kind of disease because everyone is vaccinated so the chance of something having an infectious disease is very small. Another achievement that is important to me is the anti-smoking campaign as it has lessened the amount of smokers. Smoking is not only very unhealthy to the smoker, but also to the people around the smoker from secondhand smoking and bad influence. My grandfather passed away from lung cancer due to smoking so it is important to me that people don't smoke. Thankfully the number has greatly decreased and new laws prohibit smoking such as the one in California where smoking is not allowed while driving with a minor or not allowed in most public places.
Another great public health achievement is saving the environment. People are reminded to save energy and better methods of traveling such as walking, biking, or carpooling that are less straining on the environment. Pollution is very unhealthy for the earth and people. Information on global warning and is public and people are more aware. Recycling is enforced and I remember guest speakers came to talk about recycling in elementary school so this shows many people are educated about recycling. The environment's state directly affects people's lives so it is good people are taking measures to conserve it. These show public health is constantly at work to make the nation safer and improve people's quality of life in ways we don't really see or think about.
April, very detailed explanation of some of the most important public health achievements of the past century. I agree that vaccinations represent a major breakthrough in the prevention of certain diseases in childhood, such as measles. As you point out, the struggle against tobacco use is also an important example of a successful Policy intervention.
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