The Public Health Crisis in America - 1062 Words

The public health crisis in the United States has reached a critical point that demands action. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory diseases and diabetes are the leading causes of disability and premature death in America. While chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also preventable. Three health-damaging behaviors at the center of the issue are tobacco use, lack of physical activity and poor eating habits. Public health campaigns aimed at these behaviors have been in place for many years. However, these pervasive habits continue in America. The best way to address the problem is through government policies that use incentives or penalties to bring about the†¦show more content†¦Fierro says, â€Å"1.7 million deaths or 70 percent of all deaths in the U.S. annually are due to chronic diseases with another 25 million Americans living with a chronic disease that significantly limits their daily activit y† (10).With such startling figures and since so many chronic disease cases are preventable, it is imperative that lawmakers address tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and poor eating habits with proper legislation to encourage immediate adoption of healthier behaviors. History has proven that government penalties, in the form of taxes, deter smoking. The 2000 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, Reducing Tobacco Use, found that raising tobacco-product prices decreases the prevalence of tobacco use, and tobacco tax increases produce significant long-term improvements in health. From its review of existing research, the report concluded that raising tobacco taxes is one of the most effective tobacco prevention and control strategies (7). Along with price increases, mass-media campaigns and smoking bans have made cigarette smoking pretty much unacceptable in today’s society. â€Å"Today, approximately 22 percent of adults age twenty-two and older are smokers, compared with 33 percent in 1979† (Thorpe 1440). It is clear, from these examples, the use of penalties to deter the unhealthy behavior of smoking is a successful intervention. While this is impressiveShow MoreRelatedHealthcare Systems And The Healthcare System1554 Words   |  7 PagesThe predominant healthcare system problems in America should be conceptualized from the perspectives of the healthcare organization administrators inclusive of the people with business skills as well as healthcare providers. The issue of crisis in healthcare organizations is highly complex, and the researcher is mainly focused on unearthing the use of public relations in addressing the complex health crisis events in the United States’ current healthcare system and to offer recommendations for theRead MoreEveryone has the Right to Have Health insurance in the US Essay1313 Words   |  6 Pageshad great difficulty fitting into the new environment in America. She was unable to work because she had to take care of her 10- month-old daughter. Her husband, who was a lawyer in India, was now working at Forman Mills for minimum wage. Recently, Rachel was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. Her doctors said her tumor is almost seven years old and if she has routine check ups, her survival rate will be higher. Rachel did not have a health insurance and because of this, she postponed necessaryRead MoreObesity : The Fight Against Obesity1425 Words   |  6 Pagesbig problem here in my America and it has to be a matter of public discussion. This fight can be done through a lot of places, churches, physician offices, dietary and nutrition offices this fight cannot be done by individual, people that are obesity need the public to pitch and help them in how to lose weight and start a healthy life style. This paper will address why and why not obesity is considered an epidemic, and address why the fight against obesity should be a public discussion and concernedRead MoreThe Concepts Of Public Health Nursing Essay1745 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States of America is composed of people from different parts of the world. These people chose to leave their own country and migrate to the United States (U.S) wanting a better life for themselves and their fa milies. Many of them see this country as a land of opportunity. According to the 2013 American Community survey (ACS) published by the United States Census Bureau, there are 1.4 million legal and illegal immigrant population residing in the country. The illegal immigrants who comeRead MoreHealth Care1342 Words   |  6 PagesAboul-Enien April 7, 2014 University Health care The United States is having major problems with crisis in health care such as high insurance cost, Medicaid and Medicare recipients, and uninsured people in America. The United States focus on Universal Health care or coverage. â€Å"The goal of universal health coverage is to ensure that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship when paying for them (WHO, 2014)†. The cost of health care is continuing to rise and millionsRead MoreThe Patient Protection Affordable Care Act Essay1648 Words   |  7 PagesJune of 2010 by the Supreme Court (Doyle 1). Georges C. Benjamin, MD, the executive director of the Public Health Association says: The new law will guarantee millions of Americans access to quality, affordable care regardless of health status; decrease rates of the nation’s leading chronic diseases; control soaring health spending; and strengthen our battered public health infrastructure†¦ Health reform and its historic investment in prevention will help us achieve the promise we made to give ourRead MoreObesity : A Controversial And Big Medical Issue Within Today s Society991 Words   |  4 Pagesthe new trend among children and adults. What you will see has become a big problem and it will continue to grow each year. Is obesity the fastest growing condition in the United States. After researching this topic and based on my health class last semester obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years. One of the keys to living a long and happy life is being physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. Obesity in the United States isRead MoreThe Debt Crisis Of The American Nation And All Around The World1476 Words   |  6 Pagesanother reason for the â€Å"debt crisis† is because of the federal spending which is projected to increase at a father rather than the rate at which the revenues are generated. Hence it was stated by The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) that if the deficits keep on increasing at this pace, they are projected to be increased to about 90 percent in the year 2020. If this occurs, it will be a major setback for America and for the whole world. Another reason for the â€Å"debt crisis† is the increasing expansesRead MoreA Brief Note On Environmental And Emergency Preparedness1385 Words   |  6 PagesMPH, MS, BA, AAS Environmental health hazards refer to any threats to human health; an example of these hazards is disease-causing agents and chemical exposure. These hazards are closely associated with disasters and emergencies in a variety of ways (WHO, 2015). The environmental and emergency preparedness is one of the main core duties of the department of public health (WHO, 2015). Emergency preparedness refers to people’s preparation for emerging health threats that will protect people fromRead MoreNicaragua And Its Monetary Policy Analysis Essay1348 Words   |  6 Pagesthe report by Consultative Group of the Reconstruction and Transformation of Central America) focussing on the financial sector reforms and on the development of electricity and health sector (Monetary Policy easing). As a result, adopting the structural adjustment measures, a successful privatization of 300 out of 350 existing non-financial public sector companies took place. Along with the educational and health reforms, superintendence was created to supervise the banking sector, which now includes