The role of public health is to promote and protect the health and safety of individuals and communities by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing disease, identifying and minimizing environmental and other health risks, regulating healthcare practitioners, and providing healthcare to those with limited access. Ensuring that communities are informed about health issues and available health services is a large part of this challenge.
Public HealthNurses, doctors, and many other health professionals teach,
practice, and help create policy in public health settings. Public health boasts
career fields such as the following:
Health educators provide accurate information on health issues and concerns
to individuals and targeted groups, along with motivation to make informed decisions
about personal health behaviors. Emphasis on preventable behavioral health risks
such as disease transmission, drug and alcohol use, tobacco use, exercise, and nutrition
is growing. Health educators assess community needs, coordinate resources, identify
ways to accomplish the health objectives, plan meetings and conferences, and
train other health professionals and volunteers.
Environmental specialists are involved in the overall environmental quality of a community. They are concerned with enforcement of local, state and federal laws, regulations and standards related to sanitation of food, milk, sewage and waste disposal, housing, and institutional environments. They inspect facilities at recreational areas, nursing homes, schools, restaurants, homes, apartments, and other community and public locations.
Statisticians collect, analyze, and present numerical data. Biostatisticians design studies and process data from surveys and experiments in the health field via extensive use of computers. They work closely with other health professionals as they plan and conduct research. Results of such research are often crucial to reducing illness and preventable deaths.
