Community Health
Community Health Status Indicators | Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity | Tobacco Use Prevention and Control | Oral Health
Chronic diseases
have a dramatic effect on our nation, profoundly impacting our economic
resources, our health care system, and our overall quality of life. Currently,
seven of every ten Americans who every year die from a chronic disease. The
most prevalent (cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes) are preventable
health problems. The medical care costs due to people with chronic diseases
are immense, accounting for more than 75% of the nation’s $1.4 trillion
health care expenses. What is more, the social implications of a chronic
disease negatively impact the quality of life of the suffering individual,
as well as the lives of their caregivers and other family members. For
this reason, it is crucial that local boards of health have the necessary resources
to educate their community members about preventative measures and the importance of partnering with other local
agencies.
Chronic disease
and tobacco use prevention is an extremely important issue for local boards
of health and the communities they serve. NALBOH, the voice for public
health governance, translates public health interventions and initiatives
into governance practices to ensure that boards of health understand the
impact of policy on health outcomes. As volunteer leaders and public health
trustees, board members not only make necessary policy and regulatory changes
to introduce or institutionalize best practices for chronic disease and
tobacco use prevention into their local public health agency, but also
serve as advocates and liaisons to their neighbors, peers, partners, and
stakeholders. Because board members speak with authority in their communities,
they are a familiar and trusted resource for the community and a motivating
force for change.
New! In the News
Focus on Increasing Physical Activity, Preventing Smoking, and Improving Nutrition Could Save the U.S. $16 Billion in 5 Years
CDC Says: AIDS Prevention Efforts Are Working
Skin Cancer Rates Climbing Among Young Females
Study Shows Risk of Stroke Can Decrease with Five Lifestyle Changes
CDC Addressess the Topic of Teen Violence Through the Broadcast, "Break the Silence: Stop the Violence"
New! September SPOTLIGHT on Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
Check back often for future editions of the "Community Health Spotlight".
For questions or more information about NALBOH's community health programs, please contact Tricia Valasek.