National Public Health Week (NPHW) is April 7-13, 2014
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National Public Health Week (NPHW) is April 7-13, 2014. Each year NPHW has a different theme. This year’s theme is “Start Here”, meaning start from the beginning and start at home to remain healthy:
• Be healthy from the start. From maternal health and school nutrition to emergency preparedness, public health starts at home. Make just one positive change a day to improve your health. Small things such as eating healthy foods, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and staying up to date on recommended vaccinations can make a big difference in helping you live a longer, healthier life.
• Don’t panic. Disaster preparedness starts with community-wide commitment and action. Prepare an emergency kit, make sure it includes: water, food- one gallon per person per day for 3 days, at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food, battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, First aid kit, a whistle, dust mask, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and can opener.
• Get out ahead. Prevention is now a nationwide priority.
• Get vaccinated against communicable diseases. Routine childhood immunizations save $9.9 million in direct health care costs, save 33,000 lives and prevent 14 million cases of disease.
• Keep your home safe by doing such things as changing smoke detector batteries yearly, keeping hallways lit, using extension cords that are the appropriate voltage etc. Use your safety belts in your vehicle, use motorcycle helmets and do not drink and drive.
• Eat well. The system that keeps our nation’s food safe and healthy is complex. Since 1900, safer and healthier foods have resulted from decreases in bacterial contamination and increases in nutritional content. Food inspections are done routinely throughout St. Croix County by a licensed sanitarian. For home food storage, refrigerators should be at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and refrigerate food promptly.
• Be the healthiest nation in one generation. A best practice for community health comes from around the globe. It is estimated that investing $10 per person each year in community public health activities could save more than $16 billion within five years. Fluoridation of drinking water began in 1945 and in 1999 reaches an estimated 144 million persons in the United States. Fluoridation safely and inexpensively benefits both children and adults by effectively preventing tooth decay. Healthier mothers and babies are a result of better hygiene and nutrition, availability of antibiotics, greater access to health care and scientific advances in medicine.
By adequately supporting public health and prevention, we can transform a health system that is now focused on treating illness to one focused on preventing disease and promoting wellness. And we all have a role to play. By taking small actions, we can help our community, friends and families see the much larger benefit of prevention.
St. Croix County Public Health celebrates healthier lives as we move into the future. JOIN THE MOVEMENT-Get Involved Today. Check this website http://www.nphw.org/