What’s the goal of public health? Quite simply, 카지노사이트 it’s to protect and improve the well-being of individuals and communities. How? By fighting disease and promoting healthy lifestyles. Public health addresses chronic conditions and emergency health threats ranging from heart disease and depression to infectious diseases and violent injuries.
Public health workers are vital to safeguarding a population’s health. These individuals investigate, monitor, prevent, and treat health conditions that impact society. They conduct tasks such as disease research and response, community education and outreach, and injury prevention to meet specific health-related goals.
Public health programs vary in scope. A community-based program might seek to improve diabetes care services in a town experiencing high rates of obesity, while a state or national public health program might focus on a mental health condition disproportionately impacting a certain demographic group.
The need for robust public health programs and trained health professionals becomes evident when considering the scope and scale of these common public health issues:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Clinical depression
- Borderline personality disorders
- Opioid addiction
- CNS depressant abuse
- Prescription stimulant abuse
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety
- Phobias
Truncal Obesity Issues: The Wide Impact They Have on Health
The prevalence of obesity in the U.S. population is skyrocketing, jumping from about 30% in 2000 to more than 40% in 2018, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obesity contributes to numerous health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. 바카라사이트
More than half of obese individuals store excess fat around the abdomen, according to the ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal article “Targeting Abdominal Obesity Through Diet.” Truncal obesity, or abdominal obesity, is considered extremely harmful due to the proximity of vital organs to fatty tissue in the truncal area.
Abdominal obesity is related to environmental conditions, such as diet and exercise, and genetic factors. Rates of abdominal obesity are higher in women and older adults.
A community health program looking to lower obesity rates might work to:
- Educate residents about healthy eating
- Improve access to healthy foods
- Facilitate access to affordable healthcare resources
Meanwhile, a state public health agency might investigate rates of obesity among different ethnic groups to discover why cases are higher among certain populations, exploring factors such as income levels, living situations, and crime rates.
Public Health Issue #1: Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases — primarily heart disease and stroke — are the leading global cause of death, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Common heart diseases include coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and cerebrovascular disease.
Health factors that contribute to heart disease include:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated glucose levels
- Raised lipid levels
The concentration of fat in the truncal area is connected to the buildup of plaque in arteries, which creates increased risks for cardiovascular disease. One recent study found that heart attack patients with abdominal obesity were more likely to have recurring atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
The instance of heart disease in obese patients can be addressed through public health programs that aim to improve diet and exercise habits and promote weight loss. These programs educate community members on risks such as: 온라인카지
- Dangers of eating energy-dense foods with high fat and sugar contents
- Health impacts of physical inactivity
- Cardiovascular risks related to smoking
Public health programs may also identify high-risk members of the community. They connect these clients with healthcare resources, including treatment, medication, and counseling.
Public Health Issue #2: Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is another top cause of death worldwide. The condition occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or when the body cannot process insulin (Type 2 diabetes).
Of the 34 million U.S. residents with diabetes, more than 90% have Type 2 diabetes, according to the CDC. One in five diabetes patients don’t know they have the disease.
Over time, diabetes may cause damage to the:
- Heart
- Eyes
- Kidneys
- Nerves
- Blood vessels
Abdominal obesity is connected to a number of metabolic disorders including insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance, two key factors in the development of diabetes. Obesity can also increase the risk of complications from diabetes such as diabetic neuropathy.
In addition to advising populations on the benefits of consuming nutrient-rich foods and getting regular exercise, public health programs can help reduce instances of diabetes and diabetes-related conditions through regular health screenings. Early diagnosis is key to preventing and treating diabetes.
Public Health Issue #3: Hypertension
Another symptom of obesity is hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a key contributor to heart disease. Screenings for high blood pressure are part of routine preventive care protocols.
However, some populations don’t have proper access to routine medical care or can’t afford care services. Millions of adults have uncontrolled hypertension, which can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication.
When conducting obesity prevention programs, public health officials:
- Collect research on health trends in communities and demographic groups
- Monitor the outcomes of specific intervention programs to determine which efforts are most effective
- Share data to form best practices, and develop training programs and support resources for partnering groups
National and global organizations, such as the CDC and WHO, act as catalysts for improving population health outcomes.
Truncal Obesity Resource Guide
The following articles and websites provide insight on abdominal obesity and related recurring health conditions:
Abdominal Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Exercise as Medicine?: A review of metabolic syndrome and how it may be treated with exercise from BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Diabetes: Facts on diabetes and how to prevent the disease from the CDC
Experimental Weight Gain Increases Ambulatory Blood Pressure: A study showing the relationship between obesity and hypertension from Mayo Clinic
High Blood Pressure Symptoms and Causes: Statistics and facts on hypertension from the CDC
Obesity and Overweight: Statistics and facts on obesity from the World Health Organization
The Health Risks of Abdominal Obesity: Definition and risks of truncal obesity from Verywell Health
The Link Between Abdominal Fat and Repeat Heart Attacks: A summary of research on abdominal fat and cardiovascular conditions from Medical News Today
2020 Topics & Objectives: Heart Disease and Stroke: Risk factors and preventive measures for cardiovascular conditions from the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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Senior Mental Health and Public Health Response
The senior population in the U.S. is growing rapidly, with the portion of residents age 65 and older expected to increase from 17% to 20% of the population between 2020 and 2030, according to the latest population projections from the Census Bureau.
The increasing number of seniors is straining public health systems in the U.S. and other nations around the globe.
Senior citizens are experiencing rising rates of conditions including:
- Obesity
- Economic disparity
- Isolation
- Alzheimer’s disease
This results in an increased demand for nursing home care and other services.
The aging population is also experiencing rising rates of mental illness. An estimated 1 out of 5 older adults has a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).