During the 20th century, the health and life expectancy of persons living in the United States has improved dramatically! Since 1900, the average lifespan of persons in the United States has lengthened by greater than 30 years and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 25 years of this gain are attributable to advances in public health!
Vaccinations have resulted in the elimination of smallpox and the control of polio, measles, tetanus, and many other diseases. Improved sanitation and public health measures to ensure clean water have dramatically reduced cases of typhoid and cholera. Health education to reduce smoking and encourage other healthy habits, like exercise and reduction of high fat diets, has resulted in a decline in deaths due to heart disease. Heart disease deaths have decreased 51% since 1972!
Access to family planning services has resulted in health benefits like smaller family sizes, longer intervals between births, and fewer infant, child, and maternal deaths. Healthier moms and babies have resulted from better access to health care and good nutrition. Since 1900 infant mortality has decreased by 90%!
Fluoridation of drinking water has played an important part in the reduction of tooth decay (40%-70% in children) and of tooth loss in adults. Public health antismoking campaigns have resulted in reduced exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and prevented thousands of smoking-related deaths. Successful educational efforts have increased seat belt, child safety seat, and bicycle helmet use and contributed to huge reductions in motor-vehicle-related deaths.
Public Health workers, including nurses, sanitarians, health educators, and more, have been busy during the last century! And we continue to work hard to improve the health of our communities!
Top 5 Nash County Public Health Priority Areas for 2009 - 2012
Priorities were decided upon based on a community needs assessment process which included resident surveys, focus groups, health statistics evaluation, and staff discussion about the magnitude, seriousness of consequences, and feasibility of correcting each problem. Our community assessment team has also developed an action plan to address each of these priorities over the next four years. Your suggestions or comments about this plan will be appreciated and can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the following:
Nash County Health Department Health Education/Community Assessment PO Box 849 Nashville, NC 27856 Fax: (252) 459-9834 Karen.Ramsey@nashcountync.gov
Every year Nash County Health Department develops a 'State of the County' report to update you on our work to address leading health issues. Please enjoy our 'Calendar' (report) for 2008!