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April 8, 2008
GOVERNOR DEJONGH PROCLAIMS PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of April 7-13, 2008, as "Public Health Week" in the United States Virgin Islands. Public Health Week provides an opportunity to highlight and commend the efforts of public health professionals to protect, promote and enhance the health of all citizens in communities in these United States Virgin Islands. This week also seeks to educate Americans about the health risks associated with being overweight and obese, and thus provides Americans with viable recommendations on healthy eating and active living. This year’s theme, "Climate Change: Our Health in Balance," focuses on the effects of climate change on our health and lifestyles. Over the pass 55 years, United States citizens have achieved significant increases in life expectancy and reduction in the incidence of injury, disability and disease. Of the 30 additional years of life expectancy we have gained since the turn of the 21st century, the public health approach is credited with the majority – approximately 25 years – of our improvements in our health status and expanded life expectancy. Public health succeeds by identifying and addressing patterns of disease, illness and injury in populations. It’s also about ensuring healthy living and working environments. With the use of population-based strategies for disease and injury prevention, public health has contributed to the decline in illness and injury, including heart disease and stroke, tobacco-related diseases, infectious disease, and motor vehicle and workplace injuries. |
