General10 Biggest Public Health Challenges

What do we mean by “public health,” and how can we define public health concerns? Public health deals with improving a community’s well-being and creating policies that benefit the health of a group of people. It’s about protecting populations and eliminating diseases threatening multitudes’ well-being. Therefore, a public health challenge involves something that endangers the health of our society. For instance, you can consider diabetes, depression, and similar health concerns and public health emergencies in 2022. Another example would be COVID-19, the most significant public health problem in recent years. However, this article deals with some other public health concerns that have lingered longer than the coronavirus:

1. Heart diseases

As you may have guessed, our leading public health challenge involves heart disease. No disease kills more people in the world than a cardiovascular one! Public health officials can educate people about how their lifestyles can affect the strength of their hearts. For instance, a sedentary lifestyle is lethal for your cardiovascular well-being. Eating healthily, sleeping properly, and exercising regularly can strengthen your heart. That’s how you can prevent heart disease and live longer.

2. Mental health conditions

Nearly 20% of adults had a mental disease before the pandemic. There has been a global increase in mental health issues such as suicide, mental illness in children and adolescents, and anxiety and depression, with some estimates increasing to 25%.

Moreover, the epidemic has exacerbated an already severe mental health problem by increasing the number of people who feel alone and isolated. There is a correlation between being socially isolated and higher rates of cardiovascular illness, depression, and dementia. Isolation is a serious problem, but it is especially dangerous for the elderly. With a career in public health, you can work towards finding solutions for this serious problem.

3. Smoking

The passion for smoking has arguably declined in the 21^st century, mainly because of the mass availability of its several alternatives. However, it doesn’t mean that nicotine has ceased to threaten the well-being of the masses today. It’s estimated that around 40 million Americans smoke and hurt their lungs because of this risky habit. It harms you more when it becomes an addiction. So, public health officials create policies to discourage smoking and help folks quit this unsafe habit.

4. Food safety issues

Studies have shown that 1 in 6 Americans annually get sick from eating infected meals. These food safety issues have, deplorably, become common in the United States, as apparent from the facts. So, public health food inspectors have grown in demand because of this major concern.

Another similar problem involves the growing addiction to junk food among teenagers in the country. Public health officials discourage the popularity of fast food and encourage everyone to eat nutritious meals.

5. HAIs

Hospitals seek to treat diseases, but sadly, many people acquire other ailments. Daily – it’s estimated – some 1 in 31 patients pick up these HAIs. Public health officials must tackle this problem and make hospitals safer for patients. Reducing these hospital-acquired infections will automatically increase the efficiency of healthcare in the United States. Moreover, eradicating HAIs can hone a patient’s trust in the health sector.

6. AIDS

Some public health issues used to be taboo, such as HIV/AIDS. This problem disproportionately impacts many demographics (POC, LGBTQ, and teenagers). It affects over a million Americans, and 14% of AIDS patients in the United States don’t even know they have it. Public health officials can reduce these statistics and help AIDS patients access treatment properly. They can spread awareness to stop the spread of HIV by promoting sexual education among people and educating the youth.

7. Traffic accidents

Just like AIDS, this one affects teenagers disproportionately. Statistics have revealed that more than 2,500 teenagers lost their lives in vehicular collisions in 2020. These mishaps are mainly caused by a driver not following the laws and being neglectful while driving.

But these accidents can be reduced by public health officials educating people about the importance of wearing seatbelts. These simple awareness campaigns will help teenagers learn properly about the dangers of driving carelessly.

8. Climate change

Climate change has become a healthcare emergency in the 21^st century as it, directly and indirectly, leads to medical issues worldwide. For instance, the world’s increasing temperature can make heat waves more common. Pollution brings people closer to several diseases, and asthma also becomes more common. Public health professionals work with policymakers to lessen the impact of climate change. They educate people about sustainability and make sure these policies are acted upon.

9. Poverty

Not all public health issues emerge from medical reasons. For instance, poverty prevents millions of Americans from accessing necessary healthcare services, harming their well-being. So, that’s where public health experts join hands with social workers to uplift the downtrodden, educate folks, and make healthcare more accessible publicly. Eradicating poverty will directly influence the health of the masses and help poor people avoid issues, e.g., by learning more about STDs.

10. Gun violence

Gun violence has become a severe issue recently; statistics indicate that over 100 people die yearly because of it. Public health officials may respond to these accidents and shootings by spreading awareness regarding the correct method of handling weapons. People must be educated about how to use weapons to avoid accidents. Moreover, they can collaborate with policymakers today to make buying weapons safer via background checks and other methods.

Conclusion

This article covers some of the most significant public health problems invading the well-being of Americans right now. We talked about everything from mental health issues to alcoholism’s disastrous effects. A mention was also made of poverty, gun violence, and traffic accidents, as these are some significant issues in public health. Many people become ill after eating unsafe meals, while others are incapacitated because of the harmful impact of climate change on their well-being. That’s why a career in public health may be lucrative to students who can get their degrees and work to boost the well-being of society.