Everyone should have a safe place to live, to learn, to work and to play. The field that strives to protect that notion is the field of public health.
If you look back 150 years, to the time when the American Public Health Association began, Americans’ lifespans were 35 years shorter, on average, than they are today.
Public health professionals — who include community health workers, scientists and researchers, public health physicians and nurses, social workers, nutritionists, epidemiologists, first responders, restaurant inspectors, health educators and many others — play a critical role in keeping entire populations healthy by taking steps that aim to prevent illnesses and injury before they even occur.
Of course, those public health professionals can’t do it alone. It’s up to every one of us to make decisions on a daily basis that honor and respect the health of our neighbors. In honor of National Public Health Week, which is April 7 to 13, think about some actions you could take to benefit the community around you. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Make your voice heard. Stand up for your values and help advance causes that will build a healthier community. If you’re not registered to vote, do that this week. Then, make note of when your next local election is scheduled and participate.
- Plant a tree. Trees do incredible things for the environment. They help clean the air of toxins, and provide a cool, shady place to stand on a hot day. When you plant a tree or trees—whether in your yard, or as a part of a larger community effort — you’re giving a gift to future generations.
- Meet your neighbors. Are you surrounded by friends, or strangers? If the latter is true, it might be time to get to know the people who live around you. Those social ties have a variety of benefits. Neighbors who know one another can look out for each other’s safety, assist one another in a pinch and even form friendships that can boost mental health.
- Leave the car parked. Environmental health is an important aspect of public health, and you can take action to help improve air quality, including choosing not to drive. When you opt for walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transportation, even on an occasional basis, you’re making a healthy, sustainable choice that benefits the environment.
- Support mental health efforts in your community. A 2022 survey found that an overwhelming majority of people in the United States — a full 90% — believe there’s a mental health crisis in this country. Mental health is another important aspect of public health, and it’s something we can all work to improve. In your community, identify non-profit organizations that work in this area and inquire about volunteering, or make a donation. If someone you know is in crisis, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help.
- Stay up to date on your vaccinations. Vaccines are a public health success story. In just the last 50 years, vaccination has saved an estimated 154 million lives. You and your family can contribute to improved public health by staying up to date on your immunizations. In doing so, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re helping to protect your community by stopping the spread of dangerous diseases.
