FCHD celebrates Public Health Week

Every year in the United States, seven out of 10 deaths are due to preventable chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
In fact, chronic diseases account for 75 percent of the national health care spending, yet only 3 percent of the country’s health care dollars go toward prevention.
In Fayette County, many residents are living with a costly and potentially life-threatening chronic illness. But there are steps that can be taken to help turn these statistics around.
To celebrate National Public Health Week, the Fayette County Health Department will be doing several activities throughout the county.
Local mayors will be signing a proclamation declaring National Public Health Week, and there will be an essay contest for Fayette County High School freshman and sophomores centered around a public health theme.
Also, FCHD staff will be available at the Vandalia Walmart April 7-11 for information distribution, free give-aways and a drawing.
Each day of National Public Health Week is centered around a theme.
• Monday, April 7 – Be healthy from the start. From the very beginning of life from material and infant health, public health starts at home.
• Tuesday, April 8 – Don’t panic. Disaster preparedness starts with community-wide commitment. The FCHD helps residents weather the storm.
• Wednesday, April 9 – Get out ahead. Prevention is now a nationwide priority. Home care is now more prevalent than ever. The FCHD wants residents to know about it home health and hospice programs.
• Thursday, April 10 – Eat well. The system that keeps the nation’s food safe is complex. The health department can show you how the health department prevents foodborne illness.
• Friday, April 11 – Be the healthiest nation in one generation. Best practices for community health begin with affordable access to care. The FCHD can help you find a solution that fits your needs.
For more information call the Fayette County Health Department at 618-283-1044.