This week is
National Public Health Week. According to the Center for Disease Control, Public Health is credited with adding 25 years to the life expectancy of people living in the United States, yet few people know the role Public Health plays in keeping them safe and healthy. Public Health achievements from the last century help to keep people healthy everyday of their lives. These achievements include vaccinations, motor-vehicle safety, control of infectious disease, decline in deaths from chronic diseases, safer and healthier foods, healthier mothers and babies, fluoridation of drinking water, and recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard.
Sacramento County’s Division of Public Health works to improve the health of our community every day. Sometimes the work is very public, such as hosting annual community flu clinics. More often, the work of public health is done behind the scenes such as the
Public Health Emergency Preparedness team with its continued efforts to prepare and train for potential public health disasters, such as: pandemic flu, floods, and bio-terrorism, or, the
Disease Control and Epidemiology program and its continuous work to monitor and control communicable disease in Sacramento County.
In recognition of National Public Health Week, each day of the week will focus on a different public health topic that are critical to creating a healthy Sacramento. Public Health will use each topic to engage the community and spark new conversations about how the community can get involved and help create a healthier Sacramento.
Monday, April 2: Mental Health & Substance Misuse
Tuesday, April 3: Communicable Diseases
Prevent disease transmission. Wash your hands. Keep yourself and your families immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases — and get your flu shot!
Wednesday, April 4: Chronic Disease Prevention
Make healthy behaviors easier and more convenient. Take a walk during lunch or try a new healthy recipe. Have a conversation with a friend about starting a workout routine; having a partner can help you stay accountable.
Thursday, April 5: Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health
Focus on improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities among Sacramento's women, children, adolescents and families. Assure access to health promotion and health care services that reduce financial, language or cultural barriers, or mental or physical disabilities.
Friday, April 6: Achieving Health Equity
The places where we live, learn, work, worship and play should promote our health. Take some time to learn about walkable communities or maybe start a walking group at your church. Ask your doctor to consider providing materials in multiple languages. Make health equity a priority.
Americans have continued to live healthier and longer lives thanks to the hard work and preventative health measures put in place by Public Health. Just in the last century, Public Health has added 25 years to our lifespan. Imagine how long we will live in the next 100 years. Join us as we celebrate the dedicated people in Public Health who work to improve our health and quality of life every day. Learn more about Public Health Week and how you can get involved by visiting the
Department of Health Services' website.