HEALTH DAILY NEWS

There are a number of attributes in our communities central to achieving Healthiest Nation goals. The creation of adequate housing, open space, safe outdoor play areas and accessible public transportation is essential. We need to insure an improved high school graduation rate, which is a reliable benchmark for individuals achieving better housing, jobs and access to healthcare. Keeping an eye on income disparity, we need to appreciate how poverty and poor health are integrally related and work toward creating more economic equality. We must advocate for a more just allocation of our federal, state and local resources and to work against the institutional racism that negatively impacts us all. We must work toward the creation of healthy food options and nutrition education that starts early and is ongoing and pointed for particular populations and regions. Noting the connections between our environment and health, we need to support efforts that protect our air, water and food sources. And perhaps most importantly, we need to shift our efforts toward prevention rather than treatment, as prevention is imminently cost effective and improves quality of life. To read more about National Public Health Week or to get involved see here.