National Public Health Week – how we all can help change America’s health

Happy National Public Health Week!!

Yesterday (Monday, April 5th) marked the beginning of the American Health Association’s (APHA) celebration of NPHW.  Every year since 1995, this event has taken place during the first week in April.  I know you all have been waiting in eager anticipation of this year’s event.

So what exactly does NPHW mean? It means it’s time to put away all that Easter candy and start eating healthy!

Okay, so maybe it’s just a coincidence that NPHW starts the day after Easter this year.  Regardless, this week serves as a time to focus on both the positive and the negative things that are impacting our health.   Meaning, the steps that communities and organizations around the country have taken to improve America’s health, and also the things we can do better.  Communities around the country are holding a variety of events for their residents, from health screenings to educational talks to free immunization/vaccination clinics.  And the APHA has organized a national campaign to educate the public about things they can do to improve their health and the health of the nation.

This is especially true this year.  The theme is “A Healthier America: One Community at a Time.”  The communities in which we live can definitely have a huge impact on our health.  While some neighborhoods allow easy access to fresh fruit and veggies, parks, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks for walking, others are severely lacking.  With pollution, lack of green space, poor water quality, and an abundance of fast food restaurants, sometimes it can seem like our community is hurting our health more than it’s helping.

But, the good news is that communities are made up of individuals – and individuals can create change, however big or small.  This week, the main focus is on the things each and every individual (yes, that means you!) can do to improve their health and the health of others – whether it be leading by example, or taking action and writing a letter to Congress about an issue you feel passionate about.

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How can you help? You don’t have to do something big and bold to help out this week.  Even something as simple as committing to living a healthy lifestyle, and sharing this commitment with others can make a difference.  Need some inspiration? Click here to watch a video put together by the APHA that highlights a few things you can do to make a change in your community (complete with cheesy music).

If you already feel like you lead a pretty healthy life, think about what you can do better. Habits can always be improved.  When was the last time you exercised for at least 30 minutes (or at all)?  Ate a meal that consisted primarily of vegetables?  Or what about the last time you went to the doctor for a physical exam?  I know I personally have been bad about this one.  I’m ashamed to admit it, but I haven’t actually had a primary care physician in years (I know, I know, what sort of a public health professional am I? One that doesn’t always practice what she preaches, apparently).  So…in honor of NPHW…one of my goals is to finally call that doctor and schedule that yearly physical I’ve been putting off for…oh, I don’t know…4 or 5 years!  Now seems as good a time as any (and I’ll actually be accountable for it since I’m posting it here!).

I think it would be great if everyone could commit to doing one thing during these next few days to either improve their own health or inspire those around them to take small steps towards a healthy lifestyle.  Getting together with a friend for a walk instead of coffee, organizing a lunch-time walking group at your workplace, bringing in a healthy treat for everyone to enjoy at the office – these are all small things we can do that don’t take a lot of extra time on our part.  It may not seem like much to you at the time, but bit by bit, these small changes do add up.

What healthy commitment can you make in honor of NPHW?