Health programs are designed to address specific issues, such as the promotion of healthy lifestyles or the research and prevention of disease. Some are intended to have a broad impact, reaching an entire community or a country. Others focus on a specific population, such as children or the elderly, to prevent serious diseases that affect their quality of life.
A wide range of health sciences degrees are available, from bachelor’s to doctoral level. A degree in health sciences offers students the opportunity to work with other professionals in healthcare administration, marketing, and education while focusing on the welfare of communities.
The field of public health encompasses the study of all factors that influence the health and well-being of populations. This includes educating people about healthy lifestyles, researching and preventing disease and responding to outbreaks of infectious diseases. The field of health sciences is distinct from the medical profession, which focuses on diagnosing and treating individual patients.
In addition to disease and infection prevention, the field of health science is concerned with other aspects of public health, such as consumer, environmental, emotional and sexual health; first aid, safety and disaster preparedness; human growth and development; nutrition and eating issues; and tobacco and substance abuse. Public health is also concerned with societal factors that can contribute to the health of an entire population, such as economic conditions and policies that influence health behaviors.
There are many challenges to successful implementation of public health programs. There may be limited or unstable funding, a lack of automatic means to track and improve program performance, workforce limitations, and other limitations. However, a program can succeed and survive if it is implemented with 6 key elements: innovation, a rigorously established technical package, management, partnerships, communication and political commitment.
In a workplace, you can implement a health program to help employees stay healthy and productive by providing free flu shots or encouraging them to smoke cessation classes. A healthy workplace can also reduce employee absence due to illness or injuries.
A health program can help you and your family live longer, happier lives. CDC programs help make sure you receive the vaccines, prescription drugs and health screenings you need to be protected from diseases like the flu, cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Health programs can have a profound effect on the world’s most vulnerable citizens, particularly in developing countries. Vaccination, clean water and sanitation, improved food security, and access to quality, affordable health care are just a few of the many ways HHS is working around the world to ensure that all Americans have what they need for good health. Find out more about how you can support these efforts by visiting our websites. You can also learn about the latest research on issues affecting the nation’s health and wellbeing, such as emerging illnesses, safe food and medicine, violence and bullying in schools, and HIV/AIDS.