LAKE COUNTY – Lake County Public Health, along with health departments across the country, recognizes April 6-12 as “National Public Health Week.”

This year’s theme of “Building the Foundation for a Healthy America” calls attention the importance of Public Health in building healthy communities.

Although huge strides have been made over the last century to improve overall health, there is still much to be done, according to a statement from the office of Dr. Karen Tait, the county's public health officer.

Just a few examples of successful public health measures are vaccinations, sanitation and clean water programs, reduction of tobacco use, and improved dental health.

Despite these successes, many challenges remain.

Although the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, it has one of the lowest life expectancy rates among developed nations.

Babies born in America are three times more likely to die than those born in some developing countries.

Obesity rates are up 36 percent in the past 20 years. Despite some successes in reducing tobacco use, one of two young people who start and continue to smoke will be killed by tobacco-related illness.

Statistics for the period of 2004-08 show that Lake County falls short of national objectives and behind the majority of other California counties in a number of areas.

Out of 58 counties in California, Lake County ranks between 53 and 57 in a variety of categories, including death from all causes, all cancers, chronic lower respiratory disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, unintentional injuries, motor vehicle crashes, suicide and drug-induced deaths.

On the positive side, Lake County statistics rank much better in comparison with many other California counties in the categories of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, influenza/pneumonia and infant mortality.

Officials report that Public Health is everywhere you look, but often goes unrecognized. Its work is done quietly and often confidentially.

Communicable disease investigators work to prevent the spread of tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, meningitis, and other serious infections.

Public Health nurses and health educators work with health professionals and the community to assure that vaccinations are completed on schedule, to promote sound nutrition practices, and assist with prevention of dental decay.

Public Health promotes a lifetime of age-appropriate health screenings for anemia, cancer, heart disease, and other health conditions.

Environmental health inspectors work to keep retail food safe, maintain good sanitation systems, and prevent hazardous exposures.

Public health professionals plan together with hospitals, emergency responders, and community members to prepare for an influenza pandemic and other public health emergencies.

These activities and more are the core of Public Health. They are essential to keeping the community safe and healthy.

Moving ahead, the country faces continuing and changing health challenges. Public Health officials want to build communities in a way that promotes healthy lifestyles and is in balance with the environment. The goal is to help people avoid preventable disease, be emotionally well, and live full and productive lives.

National Public Health Week is an opportunity to appreciate the important foundation that Public Health services provide and to recognize the continuing and new health challenges that we face in the future.