Studying Public Health at BCU equips you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to carry out important public health work. But what actually is Public Health, and why is it so important? Student Naima shares why it's crucial to our society, as well as rewarding to be part of.
Firstly, what is Public Health?
Put simply, public health focuses on helping individuals and the community stay healthy, and preventing them from threats to their health. It involves both the prevention and improvement of peoples' health. Whilst public health is a clinical medical specialism, you do not need to be a doctor or nurse to work in public health.
Below, find out Naima's eight reasons to why it's so important, and why we constantly need more people working within the public health sector.
1. Fighting diseases
Public Health studies plays a major role in fighting off the biggest killers of humans. Public Health professionals, who have either studied a Public Health degree or Health Studies related course, are constantly battling against diabetes, cancer, heart disease and dementia to maintain the health and well-being of the population.
2. Prevention before cure
Another fundamental quality of Public Health is its preventative nature. Prevention is far more effective and far less expensive than cure. Public Health helps detect health issues as early as possible and responds appropriately to avoid the development of disease.
3. Longer lives
Public Health is important due to aiding and prolonging life. Through the prevention of health issues, individuals can spend more of their years in good health.
4. Diversity and equality
Public Health is important because its constantly striving to close the inequality gap between people and encourage equal opportunities for children, all ethnicities and genders. It also takes into account the health of the whole population, rather than focusing on health at an individual level.
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5. Hazard awareness
Public Health is important as it ensures everyone is aware of health hazards through educational programmes, campaigns and through influencing government policies. An example of this is the nationwide Stop Smoking campaigns, which provides resources for individuals to learn about the effects of smoking as well as plans for them to stop smoking.
6. Health is a human right
Health is a human right and Public Health professionals ensure no one is disadvantaged, regardless of their socio-economic background.
7. A voice for the people
Public Health is important because you become the voice for individuals who have no voice and simply put, your influence on the improvement of someone’s health can be a great satisfaction.