Public health deals with safeguarding the health of individuals in a community. Its primary focus is disease prevention through educating people on preventive methods. Those preventive methods include lifestyle changes such as exercising, eating healthily, sanitation, etc. Moreover, various awareness campaigns, policy-making, and research are held in communities to promote public health.
In addition, public health also deals with natural catastrophes, viral infectious diseases, epidemics, and pandemics. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of addressing public health issues in every country, city, and locality.
Furthermore, public health workers put all their effort into researching, Identifying, and preventing health problems in communities. Their main goals are to build communities that are mentally and physically strong. These workers need to identify common health issues (mental and physical) affecting communities at large.
Moreover, Public health concerns are rapidly growing in the United States of America. It is primarily because more people are getting involved in drug and alcohol abuse daily, leading to severe heart and liver problems as well as depression and anxiety. Also, the growing rate of lifestyles that include a low-nutrition diet and lack of exercise in the United States of America is leading to obesity, cancer, and depression.
Therefore, it is vital to understand the history of public health to combat and prevent these diseases. Furthermore, knowing the history can help public health workers identify and treat the disease more efficiently and effectively.
Awareness is one of the best ways to prevent health issues. Therefore, addressing common public health issues and discussing their prevention methods is essential so you and your family can stay fit and happy.
Obesity
Obesity is considered one of the biggest concerns of public health. Currently, around 36.5% of American adults are obese. States that have obesity rates over 35% are Kentucky, North Dakota, Lowa, Louisiana, and Missouri. It is now also considered a chronic disease by various American medical institutes like the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Causes of obesity
Obesity is a complex disease and is a product of different factors such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, and phycological issues. Research shows that obesity can be inherited. However, a lifestyle with little activity and a high fat and sugar diet can exacerbate your genes and lead to obesity.
Moreover, environmental factors like no access to parks and gyms and lack of affordability to healthy foods lead to obesity. Psychological factors include emotional and stress eating, depression, and lack of sleep. Other health-related problems can also cause obesity, such as an underactive thyroid.
Prevention
The best way to prevent obesity is through diet. A diet high in nutrition is the key to fighting obesity. For optimal results, one should cut out foods like:
- White Processed carbohydrates (packet chips, bread items, biscuits, etc.)
- Refined sugar (soda, packaged juice, candy, chocolates, etc.)
- High-fat foods (processed cheese, deep-fried foods, fast foods, etc.)
- Processed and red meat (sausages, salami, beef, etc.)
Cutting out such foods is necessary as they hold no Nutritional value and add fat and sugar to your diet. Therefore, adding nutritionally dense foods is vital, such as:
- Whole grain foods (brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread &pasta, etc.)
- fruits
- Green vegetables
Other than adding healthy foods, a change of lifestyle is a must. Inclusion of Healthy habits like:
- Limiting screen time
- Walking at least 20 minutes a day,
- Exercising for a minimum of 15 minutes
- Sleeping 7 to 8 hours
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol
Thus, a healthy diet and lifestyle change is the best way to fight obesity.
Type 2 diabetes
In the United States of America, type 2 diabetes is at an all-time high. 11.7%, or 37.3 million Americans, have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose levels increase. You obtain glucose through your diet. Glucose then travels into your cells through a hormone called insulin. However, in this disease, your body doesn’t create enough insulin, making a high amount of glucose stay in your blood.
With the increased glucose in the blood, you will urinate more. As a result, you will have increased thirst and unexplained weight loss. Furthermore, other symptoms include blurred vision, fatigue, and headaches.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
Not every patient with type 2 diabetes is overweight, but obesity and an inactive lifestyle are the two significant reasons for type 2 diabetes. Additionally, genetics can be another reason. If you have a family history of diabetes, then you are at risk of developing the disease
Prevention
Taking early preventive methods is recommended if you have a family history. Taking preventable strategies can significantly lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Preventive methods include:
- Losing weight (experts advise losing a healthy amount of weight, for example, 5 to 7 kgs.)
- Adopting an active lifestyle (Make sure to increase daily activity, walk or exercise at least 15 to 20 minutes daily.)
- A healthy diet
- Minimal alcohol consumption (light consumption of alcohol helps insulin transfer glucose to blood cells. Hence, low consumption of alcohol promotes health)
HIV/AIDS
Another primary public health concern is HIV/AIDS. Around 1.2 million Americans have HIV/AIDS. Moreover, HIV stands for Human immunodeficiency virus; it is a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The immune system becomes weak as the virus destroys your T-cells. As a result, your body cannot fight off any minor illnesses.
Causes of HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS can be caused by having vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected partner. In addition, anal sex has the highest chance of transferring the virus. Furthermore, sharing used needles puts you at risk of HIV. Blood transfusion also spreads HIV. Additionally, infected mothers can pass the virus on to their babies through delivery or breastfeeding.
Prevention
- Have protected sex
- Use clean needles
- Avoid sharing razors
Diarrhea
Lastly, diarrhea is another leading public health concern. In America, 7 million Americans complain of suffering from diarrhea. It is a state in which the body produces loose or watery stools.
Causes of Diarrhea
Many infections can cause diarrhea, such as viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections. It is also caused by drinking contaminated water. Furthermore, food allergies and intolerances like lactose intolerance can cause diarrhea.
Prevention
With the proper methods and techniques, the prevention of diarrhea can be achievable. A few ways to avoid diarrhea include:
- Drinking clean water
- Improved sanitation
- Washing your hands with soap
- Avoiding street food
Applying these tips in daily life can help you easily avoid diarrhea.
Conclusion
The purpose of public health is the prevention of such significant diseases. These diseases can decrease the quality of life and trigger psychological issues like depression and anxiety. Therefore, prevention at an early age is vital in avoiding these diseases. Overall, a healthy diet, good habits, and daily movement can save you from numerous diseases.
