Individuals have a number of things they can do to further public health. Given the appropriate circumstances, it is possible for some individuals to be both helpful and detrimental to public health. For example, an individual could develop a drug that cured a disease that had previously been incurable. On the other hand, an individual could go about developing a drug with little regard for its impact on the public or what effects it might have on public health as a whole; perhaps even doing so in a way that was completely unethical or illegal.
know your health risk factors
You may not know that you have a health risk factor until you get sick. But knowing your risk factors can help you prevent illness in the future.
Here are some of the most common health risks:
Smoking. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. If you smoke, quitting can improve your health and lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and many types of cancers. Quitting also reduces any health problems related to smoking, such as emphysema and bronchitis.
Obesity or being overweight. Being obese or overweight increases your risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. You’re considered obese if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. If you’re overweight but don’t meet the definition for obesity, experts consider a BMI between 25 and 29 to be overweight.
Physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle
stay up to date on recommended screening tests
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all adults age 45 and older get a colonoscopy every 10 years. The USPSTF also recommends that adults ages 18 to 39 be screened for colorectal cancer with either flexible sigmoidoscopy or double-contrast barium enema every five years, and that adults ages 40 to 75 have either of these tests plus a fecal occult blood test in addition to annual stool testing.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men over age 50 and women over age 55 get screened for colorectal cancer using either an annual stool test or two-view x-ray screening every year for those at average risk. For those at higher risk, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, the ACS recommends screening with either an annual stool test or double-contrast barium enema every five years starting at age 40.
be vaccinated
Get vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella
The MMR vaccine is a combination of vaccines that protect against these three diseases. The MMR vaccine can be given to children at 12 months old and again at age 4 years. If you are planning to travel abroad with your child between the ages of 6 months to 15 years, they likely will need a dose of MMR vaccine.
Vaccinations are safe and effective
Vaccines have been used safely for more than 50 years. Millions of people have been protected from serious illnesses through vaccination. Some people think that getting a disease like measles is better than getting a shot. However, it’s not true. Vaccines protect us from getting sick, while infectious diseases could kill us or leave us with lifelong complications.
Vaccine-preventable diseases can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, deafness or death.
Some people think that vaccines cause autism. This is not true. The MMR vaccine does not cause autism or other problems that some people think it does.
prevent injuries at work and home
Every year, millions of Americans sustain injuries at work or at home. These injuries can be debilitating and costly, not to mention painful.
Many of these injuries are preventable. A lot of them stem from simple human error — forgetting to use proper safety precautions when on the job, or failing to wear a seatbelt while driving. Here are some tips to help you avoid injury:
Workplace safety tips
– Use hand tools properly; don’t exceed the tool’s capacity.
– Follow manufacturer’s instructions for using power tools.
– Wear eye protection when operating power tools.
– Inspect your workplace for hazards before starting a project; pay attention to warning labels on machinery and equipment.
– Keep all machinery clean; oil moving parts regularly with the correct type and amount of lubricant specified by the manufacturer.
– Don’t overload electrical outlets with too many appliances plugged in at once — if an outlet gets hot during use, unplug it immediately and do not touch it until it cools down completely (at least 30 minutes).
avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Smoking has been proven to be one of the leading causes of preventable death. It’s also a major risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease, stroke and other serious health problems.
Secondhand smoke is smoke that you breathe in from cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke that has been exhaled by the person who is smoking. Secondhand smoke contains 2,500 chemicals that are known to cause cancer, as well as tar and carbon monoxide.
Smoking and secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems for both you and your children. If you want to protect your family from the dangers of smoking, here are some tips:
If you’re a smoker, stop smoking now! You’ll feel better and live longer.
If other people smoke in your home or car, ask them not to do so anymore — this will help protect your family from secondhand smoke.
Don’t allow your kids to be exposed to tobacco smoke at home or anywhere else. If someone smokes around them (or near them), try asking them politely not to do so — but don’t make threats or get angry about it. If they refuse, leave immediately with your children until they’ve stopped smoking completely (this may include leaving
eat a healthy diet, get plenty of physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and drink alcohol only in moderation
The Dietary Guidelines are a set of recommendations that can help you make healthy choices about what you eat.
Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, and drink alcohol only in moderation.
The Dietary Guidelines emphasize the importance of making wise food choices to stay fit and healthy. They give advice on choosing foods that promote good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The guidelines are based on scientific evidence showing that certain dietary patterns can reduce the risk for major chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. This is because the guidelines emphasize eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, seafood and legumes — foods that may be high in fiber and nutrients but low in saturated fats. For example:
Vegetables and Fruits: Eat at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruit each day. Choose a variety from all colors which includes dark green (e.g., broccoli), red (e.g., tomatoes), orange (e.g., carrots), yellow/green (e.g., peppers) and deep blue/purple (e.g., plums). Fruit juice counts as part of your daily intake of fruit servings but should not replace whole fruits in your.
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