“A Healthier America:  One Community at a Time” is the theme for this year’s observance of National Public Health Week (April 5-11) designed to raise awareness of the critical role public health plays in  ensuring a healthy America.

“We want to continue to work within our communities to improve the health of our nation as a whole,” said Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH, Dutchess County Commissioner of Health.  “Small changes within our own lives can affect our health as a nation, helping the United States to become the healthiest country in the world within one generation.”

The Dutchess County Department of Health will celebrate Public Health Week with daily health messages that address key issues for public health including:

Monday:  A Healthier America and YOU – The impact your health has on your community.
Tuesday:  Your Community – The impact your community’s health has on the nation.
Wednesday:  Your School – How education and school policies can improve students’ health.
Thursday:  Your Workplace – How healthy employees and businesses can affect real change.
Friday:  Your Nation – How the nation’s health is dependent upon all individuals and communities.

From the food that we eat, to the water that we drink, access to safe playgrounds and trails where we can exercise, access to defibrillators, immunizations to prevent disease, home care nursing programs, and communicable disease control and prevention activities; public health affects our community, and maintaining a strong foundation is crucial for meeting the demands and challenges of our nation’s health.