This is Public Health: National Public Health Week
Every year since 1995, public health departments all over the United States celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW) during the first week in April. This year’s theme is “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement.”
With nearly 1 million Americans dying every year from diseases that could be prevented, even small preventive changes and initiatives can make a big difference in living healthier lives. If we take small actions, our communities, homes and families will see the large benefits of preventive care and grow the movement.
These preventive measures can help create a healthier nation and reach our goal of becoming the healthiest nation in just one generation. Everyone has a role to play, and each action, no matter how small, can make a big difference in our community. Consider this week an opportunity to empower our families, friends, neighbors and, perhaps most importantly, ourselves to live healthier lives.
According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) 2009 Montana County Health Profiles, the leading causes of death in Lake County are cancer, heart disease, and accidents. Many of the risk factors for developing these diseases and conditions are preventable.
Lake County Public Health is encouraging all members of our community to work together, make small lifestyle changes to help prevent chronic diseases and communicable diseases in order to create a healthier Lake County and Flathead Reservation.
One such example of health promotion and disease prevention efforts is demonstrated in the action of the Lake County Board of Commissioners to promote workplace wellness among county employees. In July 2011, the commissioners hired a part-time Wellness Coordinator to raise awareness of the wellness benefits available to county employees through its health insurance plan.
Working with Joint Powers Trust, EBMS, Two Medicine, and several local vendors, Lake County held its Third Annual Employee Health and Wellness Fair on March 6, where employees were given the opportunity to take advantage of several free health screenings including serology screens, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, body composition, and vision screenings.
Throughout the day, Bruce Colton, from Two Medicine, presented on the benefits of healthy eating and introduced the new USDA “My Plate” guidelines. All of these activities contribute to keeping county health care costs down. So far, it seems to be working. Health insurance premiums for county employees have remained level this past year, and commissioners just received confirmation that there will be no increase in the health insurance premiums for the next fiscal year as well. Workplace wellness activities have had a positive impact on the county’s budget and health, and efforts will continue throughout the year to keep the momentum going forward.
Please join Lake County and Lake County Public Health in working to make our community a healthier place to live, work and raise a family. Take a moment and make just one positive change a day that will help you live a healthier life. These seemingly small actions can have a big impact when they’re spread throughout an entire family, community and nation. For more information about the changes you can make, visit http://www.nphw.org