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Personal view on public health

To the editor:
Iíve written articles, letters to the editor, guest opinions before related to Public Health Week which will be celebrated this year April 7-13. I write today from a personal viewpoint as a nurse practicing in the public health profession, a public health nurse, and not as a member of an organization or agency.
It took my children many years (actually it took me a while too) to figure out exactly what does a public health nurse do. My children would say I was a nurse but not really a nurse and then try to explain. At least I gave shots periodically which helped them find some nursing activity I did and that was about the only one they could identify. Finally, after a number of years and numerous discussions, my wise youngest daughter looked at me and said, ìI think I get it mom. You donít care about just one person. You care about everyone.î She was right. The crux of public health practice and public health nursing is the caring about the whole, everyone. I work with other public health staff each day who share that same commitment to ìeveryone.î
Today, with discussion about bioterrorism each day in the news, we can become focused on one arm of what public health is involved in. I work with people every day who are involved in numerous other public health activities. They are health educators who educate regarding environmental health concerns such as radon or who promote the health of adolescents by working to decrease tobacco or alcohol use and access. They are nurses who provide comprehensive screenings to families, give families needed nutrition information through WIC clinics and do home visits to promote the health and well-being of families. They are nurses, social workers and home health aides who assure that people have a choice about remaining in their homes with other supportive services. They are outreach staff who bridge gaps between providers and families. They are support staff who know the resources and share that information in a friendly non-threatening way with people who may be confused or unsure of resources.
You may not have heard much about them or all of these activities (which are only a few of the many) because we often do them with others. Public health is woven into the communityís fabric. Sometimes we are involved independent of others but very rarely does that occur. Usually we are involved with many others in the community in promoting the health for all of us. I celebrate and am thankful each year that I am a part of this facet of our community and I applaud others that I work with for their efforts and contributions. It is together weíve made a difference.
I look at the accomplishments of the things that we do in a time where we face unparalleled strains on our capabilities through budget cuts and demands to focus in on things like bioterrorism. Budget cuts pose challenges to us not only in the work that we do but also to the community as more people may not have access to health care or be able to find meaningful employment that will sustain their family. If we become too focused on one arm of public health, we neglect the others and the infrastructure that supports the communityís health as a whole is not strengthened.
I would be remiss as a public health nurse to not mention that this yearís theme for Public Health Week is overweight and obesity. We are becoming a nation that faces issues related to obesity. I encourage all of you to become active by turning off the T.V., walking with your children or a friend, joining a health program, working out in the yard, etc. When you try one of those activities or another activity, you will be joining our celebration of Public Health Week and working to increase the health of our community.
Mary Jo Chippendale
North Branch

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