The first week of April is National Public Health Week!

Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health

NPHW focuses on a different health-related topic each day. These topics are critical to ensuring our success as a community and fostering the health of our nation and the incredible, unique individuals that comprise it. (Hey, that’s you!)

Monday’s focus is on Civic Engagement.

Civic Engagement emphasizes voting and exercising our right to participate in the democratic process that allows us to make decisions on local, state and federal levels. This affects our lives every day because we vote on things like whether our neighborhoods have walkable sidewalks, safe routes to school for kids, how much funding goes to reproductive health clinics in our states and how prepared the nation’s infrastructure is for the future.

Civic engagement also includes volunteering in your community, whether that’s through neighborhood cleanups, walking dogs at an animal shelter, or serving meals to those experiencing homelessness. Engaging with others leads to better outcomes in public health and strengthens community cohesion.

Tuesday is about Healthy Neighborhoods.

Healthy neighborhoods are all about having safe places to live, work, play, eat, sleep and grow. Neighborhoods are healthier when residents have access to fresh, healthy foods that are affordable and culturally appropriate. Living in an area free from hazards and pollution creates the building blocks for other healthy lifestyle choices. Safe sidewalks allow for exercise and pedestrian travel by walking or cycling to school or work. Green spaces, like trees and parks, help reduce pollution and rising heat, as well as offering areas to connect with our neighbors and strengthen our community bonds.

Wednesday we’re talking about Climate Change.

Climate change impacts us all, but some folks get hit harder than others. Lower-income communities, and communities of color are often disproportionately affected by climate change.

One of the ways individuals can fight climate change is by simply buying less. Be wary of fast fashion that may seem like a good deal for its low purchase price, but lacks in quality and longevity and thus contributes to increased post-consumer as well as production waste. Look for refurbished, repaired or more durable goods as well as the option to repair items rather than replace them when things get worn.

Opt for climate-friendly transportation when possible. Walk, bike, or take public transit to lessen the use of fossil fuels, and reduce the pollution caused by them. Pollution has been linked to such health concerns as heart and lung disease. Climate-forward city planning can accommodate the need for pedestrian travel, green spaces, tree canopy, cool roofing and pavement that absorbs less heat and collects less water.

Thursday’s focus is on New tools and innovations.

New innovations include such things as wearable fitness trackers and smart watches, as well as telehealth medical appointments, increased availability of vaccinations and disease testing and screenings. Recent examples of how new technologies have improved public health include the availability of at-home Covid-19 testing, pop-up vaccination sites and early detection screenings for some types of cancers.

Adults need an average of 150 minutes of physical activity each week to support mental health and help reduce the risk of physical illness, such as heart disease and diabetes. Walking is a great form of exercise that’s easily accessible to many individuals (especially if we vote for safe sidewalks and more green spaces in our neighborhoods) and new tools in fitness tracking, step counting and wellness apps make it even easier, and more fun, to get and stay active!

Friday features Emergency Preparedness.

Emergencies, such as natural disasters like fires, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis can happen without much warning. Be better prepared for these events by having an emergency supply kit, including items like clean water, non-perishable foods, clothing and first-aid supplies. Emergency preparedness involves having a plan in place, including an evacuation route and an alternate route, as well as determining where to meet if your family gets separated. Educating younger folks on preparedness can help lessen the stress and fear associated with an emergency if one happens. Routinely testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as getting comfortable with practice drills can help make an emergency situation more manageable.

National Public Health week exists because we want everyone to know they can make their communities healthier, safer and stronger by supporting and staying engaged with one another. When we connect with each other, with everyone from our neighbors to our lawmakers, we can build relationships that protect our health and enrich our lives. We’re encouraging everyone — public health professionals, students, elected leaders, activists and the public — to step in and do what they can to make our world a more equitable, safe, healthy and just place. We hope you’ll join us so we all can thrive together.