Ph chapter one

Public Health

The science of protecting and improving the health of families and communities through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, research for disease and injury prevention, and detection and control of infectious diseases.

Population Health

The health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group.

World Health Organization (WHO)

A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.

Public Health Achievements of the 20th Century

Key milestones include: control of infectious diseases, decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke, family planning, fluoridation of drinking water, healthier mothers and babies, motor vehicle safety, recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard, safer and healthier foods, safer workplaces, and vaccination.

Vaccine-preventable diseases

Diseases that can be prevented through vaccination, such as smallpox and polio.

Causal relationship

A relationship where one event (the cause) directly affects another event (the effect).

Quarantine

A public health practice used to prevent the spread of disease by restricting the movement of people who may have been exposed to a communicable disease.

Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS)

A program within the CDC that comprises trained epidemiologists who investigate outbreaks of disease.

Public Health Act of 1848

Legislation that created the General Board of Health in England to address public health issues.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The national public health agency in the United States that focuses on disease control and prevention.

Health Equity

The principle that everyone should have a fair opportunity to attain their full health potential.

Social Determinants of Health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health outcomes.

Preventive Care

Healthcare services aimed at disease prevention and health promotion.

Health Disparities

Differences in health outcomes among groups that are closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantage.

Community Health

The health status of a defined group of people and the actions and conditions to promote, protect, and improve their health.

Behavioral Health

A term that covers mental health and substance use conditions.

Health Promotion

The process of enabling people to increase control over their health and its determinants.

Chronic Diseases

Long-lasting conditions that can be controlled but not cured, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Public Health Surveillance

The systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health-related data to improve public health practices.

Environmental Health

The branch of public health that focuses on the interactions between people and their environment.