SAVE LIVES, SAVE MONEY DURING AND BEYOND NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK (APRIL 1-7)

Creating safe and healthy environments to save lives and money is the goal of National Public Health Week (April 1-7, 2013). The commemoration recognizes the work of thousands of public health professionals. National Public Health Week reminds citizens of the peace of mind and return on investment they receive by making their homes, workplaces, schools and communities safer.

The daily themes of National Public Health Week are:

• Monday, April 1 - Ensuring a Safe, Healthy Home for Your Family: Health and Safety begin at home.
• Tuesday, April 2 - Providing a Safe Environment for Children at School: Schools are the perfect setting for improving child health.
• Wednesday, April 3 - Creating a Healthy Workplace: Wellness and safety in the workplace are good for health and for business.
• Thursday, April 4 - Protecting You While You're on the Move: Safety on the go is often in our own hands, but it's also tied to community design.
• Friday, April 5 - Empowering a Healthy Community: Support of public health efforts that create healthy opportunities for all.

Parents, school officials, employers, public safety officials, city planners and others can view helpful tips on activating these themes at: www.nphw.org.

Additionally, Sunday, April 7 is World Health Day, the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. This year's theme is high blood pressure (hypertension), which is preventable and treatable. Reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure by: reducing salt intake, eating a balanced diet, avoiding harmful alcohol use; having regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco use. Adults should check their blood pressure at a health provider's or pharmacist's office.

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.