by Barb Boose, DMU Magazine editor
As a nation, we are sick. And I’m not talking about the lingering cold you’re nursing. Life expectancy in America ranks 46th in the world, behind Japan, most of Europe and countries like South Korea and Jordan. A baby born today in the U.S. is more likely to die before its first birthday than in almost any other developed country. Two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, an epidemic that every year kills 300,000 people and costs $117 billion. Yes, that’s with a “b.”
These and other facts about America’s poor health make it a perfect time to celebrate National Public Health Week. We can thank public health for a wide range of efforts that do make us healthier, from vaccinations and fluoridated water to free clinics, school nutrition programs, seat belt and traffic laws and much more.
Learn more about public health and ways you can reverse our nation’s health in one generation by viewing this video by the American Public Health Association:
https://www.generationpublichealth.org/
