Healthy People Policies and Comparison Between Healthy People 2010 and 2020

Healthy People 2020
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February 27, 2023
Public health initiatives like Healthy People 2010 and 2020 have gained prominence in the US, with state and county health departments adopting them to improve health outcomes. However, there is a debate on whether these health departments should be able to set their own objectives that do not align with CDC's Healthy People 2020. This essay explores this debate, alongside the role of Healthier US and policy changes needed for a healthier lifestyle. The essay also compares Healthy People 2010 and 2020, identifies the most important health priority for Healthy People 2020 and discusses the impact of a commitment to these initiatives on public policy.
Healthy People Policies
Reasonability of Healthy People 2020
Healthy People 2020 is a national initiative in the United States that sets health objectives and goals for the country over a ten-year period. The mission of Healthy People 2020 is to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the nation by addressing the major health concerns facing our communities.
Overall, the mission and goals for Healthy People 2020 are reasonable given the major health concerns facing our communities. The initiative is designed to promote prevention and health promotion efforts, which are essential for reducing the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, addressing health disparities, and promoting health equity.
One of the topics of Healthy People 2020 is "Nutrition and Weight Status," which aims to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity to reduce the incidence of overweight and obesity. The impact of overweight and obesity on public health is significant, as these conditions are major risk factors for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
Adeniyi et al (2015), conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the determinants of obesity among rural South African type 2 diabetics. They found that poverty, globalization, and female sex were significant determinants of obesity in this population. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that address the social determinants of health, such as poverty and gender, to reduce the burden of overweight and obesity.
Hardy et al (2013), proposed a model that integrates evidence-based strategies and community-engaged research to address social determinants of health. This approach is critical for promoting health equity and reducing health disparities related to nutrition and weight status. By engaging communities in the development and implementation of interventions, this model can help to address the underlying causes of obesity and promote sustainable, long-term changes in eating habits and physical activity levels.
Comparison of Healthy People 2010 and 2020
Healthy People 2010 and Healthy People 2020 are national initiatives in the United States that set health objectives and goals for the country over a ten-year period. While there are some similarities between the focus areas of Healthy People 2010 and the topics for Healthy People 2020, there are also some differences.
Both initiatives focus on promoting health and preventing disease through evidence-based interventions. They emphasize the importance of addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, as well as increasing access to healthcare services and improving the quality of care. However, Healthy People 2020 has 42 topics, compared to Healthy People 2010's 28 focus areas. The additional topics in Healthy People 2020 reflect new and emerging public health concerns, such as social determinants of health and environmental quality. Moreover, Healthy People 2010 had a separate focus area on disability and secondary conditions, while Healthy People 2020 integrates disability into all of its topics.
Given the current health trends, one of the most important health priorities or topics for Healthy People 2020 is "Mental Health," which aims to improve mental health and well-being, prevent mental illness, and reduce the burden of mental illness on individuals, families, and communities. Mental illness is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of individuals in the United States each year .
Potvin et al (2005), discuss the importance of integrating social theory into public health practice, including the social determinants of mental health. They argue that addressing the social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, discrimination, and social isolation, is critical for improving mental health and reducing health disparities. For example, Valenti et al (2007), examine the impact of armed violence on public health, including mental health. They argue that armed violence is a public health problem that requires a public health approach, including interventions that address the underlying causes of violence and promote mental health and well-being.
State and Local Departments
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