National Public Health Week April 1-7

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) is doing its part for National Public Health Week, April 1-7. Officials say 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 a whopping 75 percent of national health care spending, yet only 3 percent of our health care dollars go toward prevention, according to a NET Health news release. “But there are steps we can take to help turn these statistics around,” says NET Health CEO George Roberts. “Research shows that investing just $10 per person each year in proven, community-based public health efforts can save the nation more than $16 billion within five years. That’s a $5.60 return for every $1 invested.”

Roberts says this year’s National Public Health Week theme, “Save Lives, Save Money,” focuses on raising awareness on the roles of public health and prevention, and its benefits to the community. “We all have a role to play in making our communities healthier places and Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) is excited to help lead the way,” adds Roberts. “Many small preventive steps can add up to make a big difference in transforming a health care system focused on treatment to one that equally values prevention.”

The week-long event has set daily themes for the community to observe and adapt within their daily lifestyles.
Monday, April 1: “Ensuring a Safe, Healthy Home for Your Family”
Tuesday, April 2: “Providing a Safe Environment for Children at School”
Wednesday, April 3: “Creating a Healthy Workplace”
Thursday, April 4: “Protecting You While You’re On The Move”
Friday, April 5: “Empowering a Healthy Community”

Visit http://www.nphw.org or http://www.healthyeasttx.org for more information about National Public health week.