There are several ways to assess and evaluate the progress of a community. Still, the health of the public remains to be the primary measure. To be attentive towards community health, medical practices in a region need to focus on the health and wellbeing of its people. The public health sector ensures that effective programs and campaigns inform and assist neighborhood residents in improving their health. The public health sector is also responsible for protecting the people, limiting the spread of infectious diseases, and preparing them for natural disasters.
However, some community health issues are so persistent that even after certain safety steps, they still linger as a threat to the environment. In such situations, professionals need sturdy plans and program management to address the community and take steps to ensure their safety. Here are a few long-lasting community health issues and some tips on how to address them:
1. Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is an ongoing issue among the youth of many countries, being a cause behind 11.8 million deaths every year. Commonly, the reasons are peer pressure, mental illness, lack of supervision, and family history. However, there has been an increase in the number of senior citizens impacted by substance abuse. They often self-medicate, with legal and illegal drugs, or overdose on alcohol, leading to serious health problems. The community needs more health workers to give awareness to these people. This increase in demand attracts more individuals to join the public health sector. Individuals who want to join public health as a career can opt for MPH online programs to help their community well. Online education allows them to study and work simultaneously.
However, you can address this issue by collaborating with law enforcement teams to set up random checkpoints to test drivers under the influence. You can also help run public service announcements in images and videos consisting of real-life incidents due to overdose. Additionally, create informative posters for schools and colleges, informing about the proper disposal of prescription drugs. And send a proposal to the city council about making liquor license compulsory for server trainees and alcohol dealers.
2. Obesity
A shorter lifespan and an increase in heart diseases are all aided by the commonly prevalent issue of obesity. According to WHO, the obesity rate in the US has risen to 40% in the last few years. Being overweight increases the chances of death due to type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, respiratory problems, coronary heart illnesses, stroke, colon, prostate and breast cancer, and osteoarthritis. Not only are these ailments reasons of early mortality but also painful and slow death.
It is essential to address these issues adequately and make the community aware of dealing with the weight of obese people in their families. Organize events with physical activities like adult co-ed basketball and volleyball, as they are more likely to attract people. You can also access your community in school fitness centers and government gyms with available cardio equipment. You can also try and promote fitness opportunities through television, schools and churches, and hospital websites. In addition to all this, promote limiting the use of vehicles to travel and allow community walking areas for public’s ease.
3. Mental Health
With the world becoming a home to uncertainties due to rising socio-political and health issues, there has been an increase in mental health patients. However, they are still outnumbered by individuals who have mental illness and not seeking help. Unfortunately, this prevalent issue is not limited to only youth anymore. Elderlies are increasingly becoming a target of diseases like dementia, diabetes, and HBP due to deteriorating mental health. The suicide rate is higher in mature and older men than in any other age span. Additionally, lack of awareness has made young children and women common victims of depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorder.
Some tried and tested methods of addressing this community health issue promote a national suicide hotline on social forums and text messages. You can also try developmental health screenings in school. Still, they should be effective and thorough, as education counselors are different from mental health therapists. There should also be a more common and open discussion about mental illnesses, promoting low-cost and effective therapy, especially for youth who can’t afford it. In addition to this, there should be a widespread and communicative network for runaways and victims of domestic violence.
Conclusion
There is a long list of continuous and constantly increasing health issues in a community that is your duty to address as a public health professional. A lot of these issues arise because the common public is not aware of their access to healthcare. Hence, it is essential to inform them of their rights as community members and guide them about their duty towards fellow members. Lastly, it is essential to collaborate with the law and order professionals of your region. As, issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, suicide prevention are under their control as well.
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