History of Public Health Flashcards
Ounce of Prevention is an Ounce of Cure
Benjamin Franklin; Investing in prevention of disease will help in the long run.
Public Health
Science of protecting and improving the health of families and communities through promotion of healthy lifestyles
Greatest Public Health Achievements?
Vaccination, Motor Vehicle Safety, Workplace safety, Healthier foods
Why was cancer becoming one of the main causes of death in women?
It was lifespan; if nothing else would kill them, then eventually their lifespan would cause the cancer to spread and kill.
How has public health explained increase in life expectancy?
Not the medical advancements that have increased it, but spending money on public health (vaccines, motor safety) has increased life expectancy.
Why has life expectancy gone down in the recent years?
Covid and other sanitary diseases were the causes for low life expectancy.
What led to infectious disease increase?
Increasing urbanization
How do natural disasters affect diseases?
Natural disasters allows for diseases to spread which will decrease life expectancy.
What brought down the spread of viruses?
Vaccines, Hygiene and clean water
What would happen if we stopped getting vaccines?
The viruses that used to run this world would come back.
First Vaccine ever developed for?
Small Pox; killed 1/2 billion ppl.
What came with smallpox to those who survived
Disfigurement and blindness
Diphtheria - How is spread and the mortality rate
Spread through respiratory droplets; 10% mortality rate
Symptoms
Airway Blockage, myocarditis, Kidney Failure
Rubella
Low fever, respiratory problems, light rashes spreading through skin.
Polio
Affects nervous system, weakening of leg muscles, vaccination
Tetanus
Causes jaw cramps, muscle spasms, painful muscle stiffness; no cure but vaccine exists.
Measles
Highly contagious; close contact
Symptoms of Measles
Cough, Pinkeye, runny nose, and fever followed by rash
What cause of death went down from the 50’s to 2012 and why?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) peaked in the 50’s because of saturated foods, but a change in diet allowed for a decline of the disease.
How did the health care system fight back against Covid?
Public health shifted towards giving personal protection equipment (PPE’s) to front line workers. Having lockdowns and vaccines too.
How has the Canadian Food Guide changed?
Not only preventing nutrient deficiencies, but lowering chronic diseases like heart disease.
What is the problem with the Canadian Food Guide?
It’s very expensive as a public health initiative
How can you promote public health initiatives for Anti Smoking?
If you were to tax the unhealthy products; there would be a decline in usage.
