Public Health and Podiatry: Walking Keeps us Healthy

With the recent headlines of swine flu outbreaks and the ongoing battle against obesity and related chronic health conditions, public health has been getting more attention lately. Public health, as defined by the American Public Health Association (APHA), is “the practice of preventing disease and promoting good health within groups of people, from small communities to entire countries”. The emphasis of public health as a discipline is the prevention of disease through public awareness and education, health policy development, and surveillance of disease in populations. Some examples of public health include vaccination programs, such as flu vaccine campaigns, as well as regulation of prescription drugs, educational programs to prevent childhood obesity, safety standards for workers, and school nutrition programs to ensure nutritious foods for children.

The American Public Health Association is the largest group of allied health professionals working in public health. This includes physicians, nurses, health educators, researchers, emergency responders, safety inspectors, community planners and organizers, and many more. The main goal of all of these allied professionals is to ensure the health, safety, and access to healthcare for all. It is vital to a successful population to be a healthy population, and public health addresses this head on.

The emphasis of podiatry as being a key aspect of public health is rapidly expanding. The American Podiatric Medical Association’s Public Health and Preventive Podiatric Medicine Committee (PHPPMC) has played an active role in promoting podiatry within the public health community, and has made great strides towards the health of the people. Last month the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) developed and released a very user-friendly Walking Guide in celebration of National Public Health Week. This walking guide helps people understand some of the benefits of walking for health on a regular basis, including the prevention of chronic diseases like obesity and peripheral arterial disease. The guide also helps by giving tips on how to exercise, and some precautions like picking out the right shoes and staying hydrated.

The PHPPMC will work to focus on chronic diseases that affect the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. These diseases include diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, and obesity. Through education and programs like Podiatrists Keep America Walking, an informational campaign that also stresses the importance of a healthy lifestyle through exercise, the PHPPMC is keeping pace with the goals of the American Public Health Association. Through the work of both of these groups, as well as many others, a healthier, more active population is possible.

If you would like more information on public health, check out the APHA’s website. To view the APMA’s Walking Guide, you can click here, or talk to your podiatrist at Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center for a copy and for more information about walking healthy.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com