A health program aims to improve the general health of the population through education, awareness, and community involvement. The goal is to help people take control of their own health and well-being, reduce disease and disability, and prevent injury and death. In addition, it focuses on the underlying determinants of poor health such as poverty and inadequate housing. It also addresses issues such as tobacco, alcohol, diet, and exercise, as well as mental health, drug abuse control, and sexual health.
A comprehensive public health program usually includes the following: Innovation to develop an evidence base for action; a technical package of a limited number of high-priority, evidence-based interventions that can achieve significant and sometimes synergistic improvements in a specific risk factor or disease outcome; effective performance management through rigorous monitoring and evaluation; partnerships and coalitions; communication of accurate and timely information to influence individual and public behavior, and to engage civil society; and political commitment to obtain resources and support for effective action. This approach has been used successfully to achieve large gains in the prevention of major diseases including smallpox eradication, tuberculosis control, smoking cessation, and polio eradication.
Workplace health programs aim to enhance employees’ health and happiness in the office by providing a variety of activities, services, and resources that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Examples of these include offering free nutritional and exercise classes, supplying the breakroom with healthier snacks and beverages, and hosting walking meetings or other outdoor activities. Some workplaces also offer incentives for employees to participate in their wellness programs, such as gift cards or a raffle.
Educators use a range of methods to deliver health education, such as distributing leaflets and posters, providing printed or audiovisual materials for self-education, and delivering face-to-face sessions with groups or individuals. They may work in a health care setting or in community settings, and their duties are to educate individuals about medical procedures, operations, and services; provide consultation on behavioral and social health risks; write and administer grants; and conduct research.
Allied health professionals are critical for the delivery of healthcare and ensuring that patients receive the best possible outcomes from their treatments. Allied health workers play an important role in patient education, counseling, and assisting with physical or occupational therapy. Many allied health programs are offered at colleges and universities that offer certificate, associates, and bachelor’s degrees. There are even fast-track programs that can get students into the workforce in as little as a year. As a result, health aides and assistants are in high demand in many areas of the country.