April 5-11, 2010 has been designated as National Public Health Week.  The goal of Public Health Week is to create "A Healthier America:  One Community at a Time".  All Americans are encouraged to do what they can to make America the "healthiest nation in one generation".

Take just a moment to appreciate all that Public Health does for everyone on a daily basis.  Americans enjoy clean air, clean water, immunizations, communicable disease control, restaurant inspections, tobacco control to name just some of the issues addressed by Public Health officials.

Public Health is not something to be taken for granted and it is up to all Americans to promote good  health in their communities.  Work with your friends and public officials to create access to clean and safe parks, safe routes to school so children can walk, creation of bike and walking trails, ready access to fresh fruits and vegetables either through community gardens or farmers markets.  All of these initiatives promote improved health.

And, don't forget, Americans as individuals can encourage good health by example.  Engage in healthy family activity and invite your friends (Turn off the TV!).  Eat more fruits and vegetables (French fries don't count!).  Maintain a healthy weight and don't use tobacco products.  Take advantage of immunization opportunities to protect yourself and the community from communicable disease.

Step-by-step and bit-by-bit, we can all contribute to a healthier America and accomplish it sooner rather than later.  Visit the following website to learn more about National Public Health Week:  www.nphw.org/nphw10/home1.htm

Health Department staff reminds you that Mother’s Day is May 9 and the start of National Women’s Health Week. This weeklong health observance empowers women to make their health a top priority. The theme is “It’s Your Time” which is meant to encourage women to take the simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. Research has shown that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves. 

Here are some simple steps women can take to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:

• Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings
• Avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

Mother’s Day is just the kickoff. Monday, May 10, is National Women’s Checkup Day and women are encouraged to schedule recommended checkups and screenings. There is also the Woman Challenge which is part of a year long Woman Activity Tracker program. 

Visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw to learn more about Women’s Health Week, take the Women’s Checkup Day Pledge, and register for the Woman Activity Tracker. That would be just the first step to a healthier, happier you.

Happy Mother's Day!