Public Health Issues free essay sample

I chose the articles regarding smoking and flu deaths to focus on and believe that both of these articles were addressing public health issues. According to â€Å"Healthy People 2020 (2012, November 20), â€Å"Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States† (Tobacco Use). With regard to a possible flu pandemic in the article regarding a possible rise in flu deaths, according to the â€Å"Center for Disease Control and Prevention† (2012, November 8), â€Å"CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses† (Prevention-Flu Vaccine). In the banning of smoking breaks article, employers are becoming increasingly aware of the severe health issues related to smoking and the impact of smoking on job performance, absenteeism, and the rising cost of insurance health care benefits. It is not uncommon to see an employer refuse to offer a job to a candidate that admits to smoking. We will write a custom essay sample on Public Health Issues or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Those employees whom smoke are given the opportunity to seek nicotine replacement therapy for quitting and this is routinely covered by most health insurance. There are also numerous public health organizations assisting with smoking cessation. In the flu deaths article, public health was threatened by the emergence of influence A (H1N). As I previously quoted, the CDC’s first recommendation of preventing influenza outbreaks is obtaining the yearly flu vaccine. The article states that the most at risk are the elderly, those with chronic disease, and infants. The flu vaccine is presently available at most local grocery stores, pharmacies, or physician offices for a greatly reduced price or free. Currently, according to the â€Å"Center for Disease Control and Prevention† (2012, November 8), â€Å"The 2012-2013 seasonal influenza vaccine protects against three influenza viruses – one influenza A (H3N2) virus, one influenza A (H1N1) virus, and one influenza B virus† (Prevention-Flu Vaccine). The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus is still being seen circulating in the United States. In addition to the vaccine, good hand washing technique and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is still recommended. Those that do not wish to obtain the flu vaccine should be educated to understand that for the last 50 years the CDC and FDA have monitored the vaccines and most reactions are mild. There are also some employers requiring their employees to obtain the vaccine or face being erminated, taking unpaid leave, or they must wear a face mask through the flu season. In both of the chosen article scenarios, I felt the focus was on improving the larger populations’ health versus individual. In committing to a smoke free environment, the employers were not only working to improve the health of their smoking workforce but also those of the non-smoking and any who may come in contact with the smokers. I do not feel as though this is an infringement on the employeeâ€℠¢s rights. Just as the employee has the right to leave, the employer has the right to choose if the unhealthy lifestyle of the employee is putting the business, other employees, and profits at risk. In the flu article, it states that the health care community had health fairs in an attempt to reach people. I feel as though offering mobile vaccinations and partnering with local churches, social groups, and family groups may also have helped. â€Å"Public health is what we, as a society, do collectively to ensure the conditions in which people can be healthy†.