BE THE HEALTHIEST NATION IN ONE GENERATION

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK (April 7-13, 2014)

DOVER, DE (April 2, 2014) -- The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds us that public health is everywhere, every day as National Public Health Week is celebrated April 7-13. DPH protects our public drinking water, ensures a safe and sanitary dining experience, educates people on screenings for cancer and other diseases, works to reduce the incidence of diabetes, infant mortality, and smoking, and does much more.

"Public health is the foundation of a healthy society," said Dr. Karyl T. Rattay, DPH director. "Delaware's public health system extends far beyond the Division of Public Health. It includes our hospitals, our clinics, our health professionals, emergency responders, pharmacists, veterinarians and many others. All work cooperatively to protect Delawareans from disease and injuries, provide needed health services, and improve access to services."

For the past 30 years, America has experienced surges in obesity and diabetes rates, two rates that can go down by adopting healthier lifestyles such as getting more physical activity, eating fewer calories and eating more fruits and vegetables. If increases continue, public health officials warn that for the first time, this generation of children could die sooner than their parents.

"Public Health touches every Delawarean every day in many ways," said Rita Landgraf, DHSS Cabinet Secretary. "As it evolves from a direct service agency to a catalyst for change, we must focus on healthy lifestyles, smarter health choices and growing opportunities for people to improve their own health where they live, work, and play."

Become the healthiest nation in one generation by embracing the American Public Health Association's theme, "Public Health: Start Here." DPH will issue daily press releases that explain how each family can take steps to better health:

• Monday, April 7: Be healthy from the start. From maternal health to emergency preparedness, public health starts at home. Families can plan healthier meals, upgrade homes for safety, and prepare for emergencies.
• Tuesday, April 8: Don't panic. Face emergencies calmly by preparing households and communities.
• Wednesday, April 9: Get out ahead. Preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and HIV improves the quality of life.
• Thursday, April 10: Eat wisely. People are consuming high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, leading to overweight and obesity. Adding nutritional labels to restaurant-served and self-service foods is one intervention. Revamping school breakfast and lunch menus is another.
• Friday, April 11: Public health prevention initiatives have a high return on investment. The APHA says investing $10 per person each year in proven, community-based health efforts could save the nation more than $16 billion within five years. The Affordable Care Act will significantly impact public health by increasing Americans' access to health coverage, offering better coverage and lowering costs.

For more information and advocacy ideas for each special day, visit the National Public Health Week website: www.nphw.org.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

The American Public Health Association champions the health of all people and communities. For nearly 20 years, APHA has served as the organizer of NPHW. Learn more at www.apha.org.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.