Health programs are designed to improve the health and safety of people in a variety of ways. These health programs can include everything from providing access to healthy food to teaching people how to avoid smoking. They also can help with mental health issues, including stress and anxiety. Health programs can be found in a variety of settings, from schools to workplaces.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the largest cabinet-level department in the United States. Its mission is to advance medical research, develop health care policies, protect public health and provide social welfare services. HHS is comprised of multiple agencies, each with its own specific goals and functions. Examples of these agencies include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Medicare, Medicaid, the National Institutes of Health, and the Office of Minority Health.
Public health is the field of study that aims to protect entire populations from diseases and other risks through prevention, detection, treatment and control. This involves promoting healthy lifestyles, researching and preventing disease, detecting and responding to infectious diseases, and educating the public. This work can be as small as a single neighborhood or as large as an entire country or region.
Workplace health and wellness programs are a great way for employers to promote the health of their employees. These types of programs can help employees live a healthier lifestyle, and may even reduce absenteeism and turnover rates. These programs can include things like weight loss competitions, healthy food cook-offs, and fitness challenges. Many of these programs can be cost-effective, and can often be provided by the employer.
There are a wide range of health program activities that are targeted at specific communities, such as helping homeless people find housing, making sure people in rural areas have access to healthcare, and supporting the health workforce. Other programs focus on specific conditions or health behaviors, such as reducing tobacco use, treating depression, and improving the outcomes of older adult falls.
A Health Educator is a person who designs, implements and evaluates health education programs in school and community settings. This includes the following:
Health educators are trained to teach individuals and groups about health behavior, medical procedures and conditions. They use a variety of methods to reach their audience, and they often consult with others in the community to promote, support or coordinate health education efforts. They are also known as Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES). Health educators must be re-certified every five years. This is accomplished by participating in 75 hours of continuing education. These credits can be obtained through various methods, such as workshops, seminars, and lectures. They can also be earned through online continuing education courses. Health educators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, community organizations, workplaces, and private practice. They can also teach courses at the postsecondary level.