Across the nation, the 2012 National Public Health Week theme of 'A Healthier America Begins Today. Join the Movement!' rang loud and clear through hula-hoop demonstrations, lunchtime walks, health fairs and an array of other public health events.
In Little Rock, Ark., National Public Health Week events kicked off Monday, April 2, with a news conference and planting demonstrations at Oak Forest Conway-Curren Park. The following day at the Butterball Health Fair in Madison County, a brown bag luncheon featured a discussion of cigarettes as part of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Awareness Day. Wednesday's events included an evening broadcast on teen pregnancy by the Arkansas Educational Television Network and a National
Start Walking Day event in Little Rock and North Little Rock featuring an appearance by mayors from both municipalities on the Clinton Park Bridge.
On Thursday in the Arkansas Department of Health auditorium, a grand rounds focused on 'Chronic Disease, A New Approach.' The group Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap issued a report on Friday outlining the status of substance abuse treatment in Arkansas as well as recom- mendations for future out-reach and response.
In Irvine, Calif., the 18th Annual Peace Day attracted hundreds of participants on the first day of National Public Health Week. The event, sponsored by the International Health & Epidemiology Research Center in Sherman Oaks, Calif., gave children the opportunity to voluntarily turn in toy guns and violent video games in exchange for certificates and awards. Children who did not own a toy gun were encouraged to draw or write something about healthy attitudes, non-violence and peace and also received certificates. The goal of Peace Day is to educate, raise awareness and inform children and youth about violence, especially gun violence.
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'We believe strongly that we can be healthy physically, mentally and emotionally and in a good state of well-being only if we live in an environment with no violence, no injury and no fear,' said APHA member Farideh Kioumehr, DrPH, DVM, founder and executive director of the center. The center works to reduce and eventually eliminate gun deaths and gun-related injuries, promote safety awareness and create a healthier, safer, violence-free and injury-free America and world.
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Sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Health in Los Angeles, Calif., and the City of Los Angeles, National Public Health Week came alive with musical entertainment, demonstrations, free health screenings, information booths and giveaways at an expo in El Pueblo de Los Angeles on April 5.
Mariachi musicians played festive music for the crowd, and the stage also featured a self-defense demonstration and a puppet show on earthquake safety. The event also included a kids' cook-off, blood drive, child fingerprinting and handouts of free recipe books. Health workers offered free screenings for allergy, asthma, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index and HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Attendees were given a 'Passport Card' with a list of the more than 40 exhibitors providing information on important public health topics such as tuberculosis, immunization, injury and violence prevention, physical activity and emergency preparedness. Attendees who obtained all the required stamps on their cards claimed two prizes: a 'Be a Germbuster' activity book and an individual-sized container of hand sanitizer.
The Health Expo 2012 drew almost 1,000 people, which health officials said was the best turnout yet for the annual celebration. The expo demonstrated the wide range of services and information available to the Los Angeles community and gave attendees the chance to meet public health experts who could answer questions or refer them to services.
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The San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health Student Council in San Diego, Calif., set up an information table at the center of campus during National Public Health Week. Staffed from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each day when foot traffic was highest, the focus was to promote National Public Health Week and educate students, faculty, staff and visitors about healthy living and disease prevention.
Putting a creative twist to each day's theme, graduate students engaged the audience through incentives. For example, Monday's theme of 'Promoting Healthy Eating and an Active Lifestyle' kicked into gear with the distribution of healthy recipe cards and student-led exercises such as a jump rope session in front of the table. Participants were awarded with their choice of a mandarin orange or bottle of water.
The students put Tuesday's theme of 'Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs' into action by educating passersby about the adverse health effects of secondhand smoke and the environmental toxicity of tobacco from cigarette butts. Students also were encouraged to sign up for San Diego State University's third annual Toxic Butt Clean-up later in April.
Students staffing the table on Wednesday high-lighted the 'Preventing Communicable Diseases' theme by handing out brochures, pamphlets and workplace posters on healthy behaviors to prevent seasonal influenza and by demonstrating how to properly cover your sneeze or cough.
Thursday's theme of 'Reproductive and Sexual Health' gave the students a chance to talk about safer sex via information on sexually transmitted diseases and distribution of free condoms sculpted into a rose. Attendees at a Graduate School of Public Health Student Council-hosted fundraiser received day passes to the campus recreation center to spotlight Friday's theme of 'Mental and Emotional Well-Being.'
On April 4 of National Public Health Week, Jefferson County Public Health staff in Lake-wood, Colo., joined in a walk with U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, at the Colorado Center for Health and Wellness. A '10 Winnable Battles' poster created by the Jefferson County Public Health's Health Communications Office and adopted as the Colorado Public Health Week poster was popular at the event. The poster pictured a bowling ball knocking down pins that represented public health topics such as clean air, safe food and obesity.
At a Public Health Champions Luncheon on April 5, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Jefferson County Board of Health honored the 2011 Public Health Champions of the Year. Jefferson County Public Health's Communications Program created the event 15 years ago, and it continues to promote and educate about public health initiatives while also celebrating the people who have contributed to public health in the county. The initiatives touched on topics such as pool safety, health in schools, injury prevention, improving the built environment and protecting citizens against the dangers of tobacco and secondhand smoke. Also promoting the 'winnable battles' theme, the Jefferson County Public Health annual report was released during National Public Health Week and included as an insert in the local community paper.
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The Ledge Light Health District in New London, Conn., celebrated National Public Health Week by partnering with local libraries to promote public health. The Ledge Light Health District is the local health department for the towns of East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, New London and Waterford. Staff members spent time at each town's library during National Public Health Week talking to residents about public health. Display boards included basic public health information and descriptions of the services provided by the health department. Staff also distributed fliers and other materials that covered public health issues such as lead poisoning, substance abuse and prevention.
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Some New London residents told health district staff they did not know what makes public health different from medical health. Others said they only associated restaurant inspections with public health and did not know what else public health professionals do. Many said they were surprised to learn how much public health affects their everyday lives.
At Florida International University in Miami, Fla., National Public Health Week activities began early with a campaign called the 'Economics of Good Health.' A team with the Stempel Public Health Association, which is part of the Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, aimed to educate students about the importance and cost-effectiveness of prevention.
'We not only created a greater sense of awareness on campus about public health, but we also managed to bring together different on-campus organizations, including FIU's University Health Services,' said student Karen Iglesias, who is president of the Stempel Public Health Association. 'We also brought together undergraduate students, master's students, PhD students and event alumni to make this event successful. As a result of our campaign, we have had more students interested in public health and our program at FIU.'
The Stempel Public Health Association organized an event for each day of National Public Health Week, beginning with a kickoff event on Monday carrying the theme of 'Active Living and Healthy Eating.' The goal of the event, which included hula-hoop games healthy food, music and prizes, was to encourage students to ask questions and learn about the importance of public health and healthy eating. Tuesday's event was co-hosted by University Health Services and focused on alcohol awareness. Students put on goggles that simulated the effects of intoxication and were asked to attempt walking a straight line to understand how alcohol impairs a person. The event highlighted statistics on the cost of alcohol- related crashes.
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On Wednesday, the Stempel Public Health Association partnered with the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health to tackle the importance of hand-washing to prevent communicable diseases. At the university farmers market, students and alumni handed out statistics and pamphlets and spoke to fellow students about public health. On Thursday, the association partnered with undergraduates from Vox, a Planned Par-enthood-associated organization at the university, to host a game of sex jeopardy. Students asked questions and became involved with public health issues. The event also included free condoms and the promotion of university services for HIV and STD testing. At Friday's Student Day, students, faculty and the public health dean joined to hear guest speakers talk about mental health. Food, prizes and music added a celebratory air to the gathering.
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The University of South Florida College of Public Health in Tampa, Fla., collaborated with university and community partners to offer a variety of National Public Health Week events, kicking off with a celebration of 'A Healthier America Begins With You.' Students led the campus community in fitness activities, distributed information on healthy habits and registered participants for the community-wide initiative 'Walk to the Moon,' designed to encourage physical activity. Attendees also enjoyed playing the College of Public Health's 'Public Health is Your Health' game, with prizes and healthy snacks.
Student research and academic success were showcased at the college's annual National Public Health Week Awards Ceremony, which included the 2012 Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health inductees, Outstanding Professor of the Year and the Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health. More than 70 students attended a networking fair and met with a variety of public and private health organizations in search of research ideas, internship possibilities, employment and volunteer posts and general information on career options in public health. Graduate students also presented their research posters during a campus-wide research symposium organized by the University of South Florida Graduate School.
Throughout National Public Health Week, the University of South Florida Health Service Corps organized volunteer activities for public health students to enjoy while making a positive difference in the community. Events included a community health fair for migrant farmworkers and their families, where public health students contributed with health education and fitness activities for children and adults. During a middle school health education fair, public health students partnered with other University of South Florida students and community experts to introduce youth to safety, fitness, nutrition, smoking prevention and health career topics through a variety of interactive learning stations.
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'Give Life Day' offered members of the campus community the opportunity to donate blood and to register for the National Marrow Donor and Donate Life Florida programs. Public health, nursing and medical students treated residents of the American Cancer Society's Benjamin Mendick Hope Lodge to a Spring Fling Dessert Party topped off with a game of Chinese checkers.
The Hawai'i Public Health Association in Honolulu, Hawaii, held two National Public Health Week events to honor local public health professionals, volunteers and students. On April 2, more than 50 people attended the first National Public Health Week Mixer at a local Thai restaurant, yielding more than 20 new memberships and providing a relaxed and fun atmosphere to bring Maui's public health workforce together. On April 4, more than 100 people attended the Hawai'i Public Health Association's annual Oahu National Public Health Week Mixer. The event featured giveaways, information on the Hawaii State Health Department's new strategic plan and an announcement of the University of Hawaii's plan to rebuild the School of Global and Community Health. The mixers were co-sponsored by Hawaii Pacific Health, United Healthcare, Oahu Medical Reserve Corps and the University of Hawaii's School of Public Health Alumni Association.
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On April 3, the Gamma Chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health presented the second annual Distin-guished Lecture and Induction Ceremony with a talk on 'War and Public Health: Untold Consequences of the 2003 War with Iraq.'
'Healthy People 2020: Meeting the Challenge' was the theme for the 2012 Robert D. Russell Symposium held April 4 at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Carbon-dale, Ill. The Department of Health Education and Recreation and the student-led Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Health Education Honorary Eta Sigma Gamma hosted the event, which included faculty presentations, a student poster session, a social, campus tour and the Russell Scholar Address. Presentations touched on topics such as health literacy among youth, barriers to physical activity for college students and influences on health status of urban youth. The keynote address included a historical overview of the infamous U.S. Public Health Service syphilis study conducted in Tuskegee, Ala., and the broad concepts surrounding bioethics in public health research. The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired in Chicago, Ill., a social service agency, celebrated National Public Health Week with a series of special events, including a community walk, stretching exercises and motivational talks.
The organization participates in National Public Health Week every year to promote healthy lifestyles for its staff and program participants.
Maria Cuevas, a former intern who is visually impaired, gave a talk on her successful run in the Chicago Marathon and shared her plans to run in the event again in October. Also during the week, the organization hosted an American Red Cross emergency preparedness session to build awareness of public safety and acknowledge the work being done by occupational therapists as part of Occupational Therapy Month, which was also observed in April.
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The University of Illinois at Springfield Campus Health Service in Spring-field, Ill., hosted Health Awareness Day on April 4 of National Public Health Week. The event at the school's new Athletic and Recreation center high-lighted many areas of health, including mental, spiritual, physical, nutritional and financial health. Maps gave attendees a guide to each vendor's name, location and testing or health information provided. Free screenings included measurements of cholesterol, glucose, bone density, body mass index and blood pressure. Exercise demonstrations kicked off in the gym every 30 minutes, and other attractions included a dance team performance and Aikido demonstration.
A lunchtime speaker from the university's Information Technology Department spoke about health apps that can be used in smart phones or tablets to help people reach their health-related goals. Most of the highlighted apps were free or cost 99 cents, and program attendees were offered free fruit, vegetables, cheese and crackers. A campus blood drive garnered more than 70 donations, including 19 from new donors. Health fair attendees were asked to complete an electronic evaluation and by doing so could win a pedometer, tote bag, gift cards from local stores, cookbook and other prizes.
The Riley County Health Department in Manhattan, Kan., held a weeklong health fair to commemorate National Public Health Week. The health fair offered many opportunities for people to find out about their health and discover fun and reasonable ways to improve health. From April 10-13, the health department clinic was open each morning from 7 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. for health testing. No appointment was necessary, and tests included cholesterol, thyroid, hemoglobin and white cell count, prostate cancer, cardiovascular inflammation, body mass index and diabetes monitoring. On themorning of Saturday, April 14, participants picked up their blood test results, enjoyed a free, heart-healthy break-fast and learned about healthy opportunities available in the community. Saturday's fair also included a farmers market and displays of emergency vehicles.
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In Wichita, Kan., the Sedgwick County Health Department and Sedgwick County Human Resources co-hosted a Diversity Brown Bag event on Wednesday of National Public Health Week. Employees from various departments viewed episode five of the acclaimed 'Unnatural Causes' documentary. The post-film discussion shed light on health policy, social determinants of health and the root causes of inequities that exist in the health outcomes of certain subgroups among the population.
The Sedgwick County Health Department awarded the 2012 Dr. Doren Frederickson Commitment to Public Health Award to health leader Ed Dismuke at the county commissioners meeting.
As part of the Anne Arundel County Department of Health's National Public Health Week celebration in Annapolis, Md., the department hosted a nature walk for employees and the public. More than 75 participants laced up their sneakers and walked the trails surrounding the Health Services Building.
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At the Port Discovery Children's Museum in Baltimore, Md., students enrolled in the Health Administration and Policy Program at University of Maryland-Baltimore County participated in 'Healthy Saturdays' during National Public Health Week. The April 7 health fair was designed to inform and entertain children ages 2-10.
The students were assigned to groups and asked to choose from health topics such as nutrition, dental hygiene and flu prevention. To prepare for the schoolchildren, the students conducted research on their chosen topic and assembled table-top displays with relevant, age-appropriate information. The college students also worked to make the displays interactive. For example, the physical activity table offered hula-hoops and jump ropes to demonstrate how being physically active can be fun.
'One could tell from the expressions on kids' faces that they really enjoyed themselves and learned important health information during the process,' said Andre Stanley, MPH, instructor of the course and adjunct lecturer in the Health Administration and Policy Program at the University of Maryland- Baltimore County. 'By the same token, the students enjoyed working with the kids and really appreciated how receptive they were to the information.'
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In College Park, Md., the University of Maryland School of Public Health's Center for Health Literacy and Health Center partnered to celebrate National Public Health Week by raising public health awareness in the university community.
With the help of the student marketing organization known as the Stamp Street Team, the school relayed dozens of public health messages throughout the campus community. All of the messages were written in chalk on sidewalks, driveways and other outdoor areas. The messages included facts, statistics and general public health messages such as 'Did you floss today?'
On April 3, the centers staffed a table at the University of Maryland Stamp Student Union. Many students, faculty and staff visited the table and played 'Spin the Wheel' to earn a prize. Questions ranged from health literacy facts to the importance of brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Prizes and giveaways included toothbrushes, water bottles, granola bars and tissues.
Tufts Public Health in Boston, Mass., celebrated National Public Health Week by sponsoring a public health research and education program as well as a global health symposium. 'Celebrating Public Health at Tufts University: Working Across Disciplines and Global Boundaries' featured a panel discussion on aging and health presented by faculty from the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, the schools of medicine, dentistry, engineering and arts and sciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts.
To recognize both National Public Health Week and World Health Day, the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine sponsored 'Pain: A Global Health Issue.' The symposium included several speakers who highlighted the global public health challenge of pain treatment, assessment of pain and effective pain management.
Food justice, healthy eating, hand-washing and cough etiquette for kids were just a few of the public health issues high-lighted at events in Brookline, Mass., during National Public Health Week. Undergraduate community health students from Pine Manor College in Brookline went to multiple preschools and day care centers to teach young children to 'Be a Germ Buster: Learn to Wash Your Hands and Cover Your Cough.'
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On April 3, the ninth annual Hunger Banquet at Brookline High School focused on food justice. The previous day, questions about the relationship between diet and diseases were explored at the Brookline Senior Center with a talk on the role of diet in Alzheimer's disease, cancer and heart disease. Attendees also learned how to integrate healthier eating into their daily lives.
Brookline residents were offered a free workshop on emergency preparedness that explained when to 'shelter in place' and how to create an emergency family communication plan. Brookline High School peer leaders organized Kick Butts Day on April 5, with a school-wide event promoting freedom from tobacco among teens. High school students, teachers and staff had the opportunity to taste healthy foods when Brookline's School Food Services featured 'Expand Your Palate' during lunch at the school. Some of the culinary delights offered that day included wheat berry salad, roasted fennel with cheese and spicy quinoa with red beans.
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As in previous years, the Brookline Health Department's Environmental Health Section offered its popular online public health quiz. This year the quiz examined public health myths. The health department also held a rabies clinic during National Public Health Week to vaccinate dogs and cats.
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The Cambridge Public Health Department in Cambridge, Mass., kicked off National Public Health Week early with a visit from U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, in late March. Ben- jamin's advocacy for the National Prevention Strategy set the tone for the city's National Public Health Week activities.
On March 22, health department staff and 250 others joined Benjamin for a walk through the technology hub of Cambridge and heard her speak about how walking and physical activity are being integrated into urban environments. The following day, Benjamin spoke at a ceremony celebrating the award of a federal Community Transformation Grant to Middlesex County municipalities, including Cambridge.
On April 4, the Cambridge Public Health Department and Institute for Community Health hosted the ninth annual 'Real World Public Health' symposium designed to educate and excite the next generation of public health professionals about governmental public health. More than 50 public health graduate students studying in the Boston area attended the forum, which featured interactive workshops on head injury, health disparities and cultural competency as well as a career panel and networking lunch. The Cambridge Public Health Department also created its annual National Public Health Week poster gallery, which was on display through April 20 at Cambridge City Hall, Cambridge Hospital and the public health department. This year's exhibit focused on achieving better health through effective policies, excellent programs, strong partnerships and citizen empowerment. Poster topics included smoke-free housing and the Cambridge Food and Fitness Policy Council.
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Public Health Nursing Day was held at the Public Health Museum in Tewksbury, Mass., during National Public Health Week, high-lighting health successes such as immunization. The Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses presented '100 Years of Public Health Nursing in Massachusetts,' and public health nurses invited their partners from the Massachusetts Association of Occupational Health Nurses and Massachusetts School Nurse Organization. The overall program during Nursing Day examined the role of public health nurses in vaccine preventable diseases.
The following day, the Massachusetts Association of Occupational Health Nurses celebrated at the museum with a program on 'TB: A New Look at an Old Bug' and took a tour of the museum, including 'iron lung' machines, or full-body respirators used by polio and tuberculosis patients unable to breathe without assistance. In conjunction with 'Operation Stand Down,' the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses collected donations of socks, travel size shampoo, nail clippers, soap, other toiletries and cash to be given to military veterans. Nurse and author Terri Arthur signed copies of her book 'Fatal Decision: Edith Cavell, WWI Nurse,' a fact-based novel about a British nurse whose duties as a healer clashed with the military demands of an occupying regime during World War I. Sue Etkind, MS, RN, director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health TB Division, was recognized on Monday of National Public Health Week at a museum-hosted event.
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The museum also promoted National Public Health Week on its web-site. Learn more about the museum, a nonprofit educational and cultural museum dedicated to preserving artifacts and records of the United States' history in public health, at www.publichealthmuseum.org.
Public health advocates in Michigan celebrated National Public Health Week with an awards ceremony in the rotunda of Michigan's state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. Sponsored by the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, the annual event culminated with the presentation of Hometown Health Hero and Health Policy Champion awards.
Nominations for the awards are solicited each year in February and March 'from people all across the state,' said James Koval, MDiv, MPA, coordinator of the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership. 'The partnership then determines winners from the nominations received. Awardees demonstrate significant accomplishments in the light of the National Public Health Week theme each year.'
During the April 25 event, 10 Health Policy Champion awards were presented to individuals, groups and organizations at the state and local level who work to maintain and improve the health of their local communities and the residents of Michigan in areas that impact public health policy.
In addition, 13 Hometown Health Hero awards were presented. The award recognizes individuals and organizations across the state that go above and beyond their normal work to maintain and improve the health of their local communities.
'Michigan has many people who are making a difference--one community at a time,' said Michigan Department of Community Health Director Olga Dazzo, MBA, as she opened the event.
A coalition of University of Missouri public health students from various health organizations across the campus in Columbia, Mo., hosted National Public Health Week events in coordination with campus resources. Monday, representatives from the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center provided information about sexual assault awareness. Tuesday's focus was health literacy, with members of the Student Health Literacy Coalition, Health Professionals for Quality Care and other groups conducting patient simulations, an Easter egg hunt with facts and myths and an evening panel with practitioners and researchers. The importance of mental health was featured on Wednesday with a yoga lesson, breathing and stress management classes, a Qigong demonstration and suicide awareness and prevention tips. Thursday's activities high-lighted nutrition and physical activity. Wellness Center representatives, a dietitian and public health students engaged students during the day, and a group of Public Health Graduate Student Association members and public health students volunteered at the local food bank that evening, where they assembled packs of food. A food drive was held on campus all week. On Friday, peer educators from the Wellness Resource Center taught students about substance abuse, students distributed condoms with the Columbia Health Department's Youth Advisory Committee at downtown bars and the inaugural members of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health, Gamma Eta Chapter, were inducted.
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The Loup Basin Public Health Department in Bur-well, Neb., promoted a health fair, poster contest and a 'Walk @ Lunch' event to celebrate National Public Health Week.
The health department's sixth annual 'Spring Into Good Health' fair featured 25 health booths and free screenings such as glucose, hemoglobin, blood pressure and grip strength. Burwell Medical Clinic, Burwell Dental and Bur-well Pharmacy served as fair co-sponsors.
All third-graders in the department's health district were asked to make a poster about hand-washing. A winner from each school was awarded a Subway gift card, and the grand prize for the overall winner out of 127 posters was a 24-inch bike and $100 for the student's school to purchase health education products. Later in April, the health department hosted a site for the Nebraska Blue Cross and Blue Shield's 'Walk @ Lunch' event. Participants, who received an LED flashlight, signed in at the Burwell pool and walked a designated route established around the park for approximately 30 minutes. Local businesses and schools joined in to help promote a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.
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The second annual MINK, or Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas, Conference rounded out National Public Health Week in Omaha, Neb. Held in cooperation with the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Public Health and the Great Plains Public Health Training Center, the conference brought representatives from all four states together to attend presentations and panel discussions about advocacy, workforce development, membership recruitment, Public Health Accreditation Board certification and substance abuse and mental health.
Staff and volunteers with the Alliance Center for Independence in Edison, N.J., participated in a 'Let's Get Healthy Community Walk' during National Public Health Week. The center is one of 12 centers for independent living in New Jersey and assists people with disabilities in the counties of Middlesex, Somerset and Union. In addition to walking through the town of Edison while displaying National Public Health Week signs, center staff also posted valuable health tips on a Facebook page during the week. The staff and volunteers who participated in the walk during National Public Health Week have worked on continuing their good health by forming a walking group aimed at encouraging regular physical activity.
The University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions in Buffalo, N.Y., observed National Public Health Week with seminars offering new insights about two key global health issues.
The first, 'Radiation Disasters: From Hiroshima to Fukushima,' looked at the fact that at least 100 disasters have occurred at nuclear power plants worldwide since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945. Many of those disasters have caused public health problems. The second seminar was titled 'Why Don't People Wash their Hands? Underestimating the Challenges to Motivating a 'Simple Behavior.'' About 7.6 million children younger than age 5 die annually around the world, with pneumonia and diarrhea as the leading causes of death. The vast majority of those deaths are preventable, especially considering hand-washing with soap has been proven to decrease the prevalence of pneumonia and diar-rhea by up to 50 percent in low-income areas, according to the seminar.
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The Public Health Association of New York City, N.Y., celebrated National Public Health Week with a public health career forum. The forum addressed issues such as the types of public health careers and the best preparation for starting a career in public health. The forum, which featured a range of speakers, was held at the City University New York School of Public Health in East Harlem, N.Y.
Roger Hayes, who started his career as a community organizer in the 1960s and ended up as assistant commissioner for the East and Central Harlem District Public Health Office of the New York City Department of Health, noted that 'many health conditions have deep roots in social inequities.' Succeeding in public health hinges on being a 'flexible problem-solver,' being able to communicate well with different audiences and 'having a good grasp of science, data and evaluation.'
Forum speaker Nicole Hollingsworth, president-elect of the Public Health Association of New York City, senior director of community and population health at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, was another of the speakers at the career forum told attendess that 'if this is the work you want to do, the Bronx is the place to do it.'
She told forum attendees one way to land a job with a nonprofit health organization might be to volunteer to write a grant application for the prospective employer. She said public health professionals need to be talkative, inventive and to like people and the community they serve.
Speakers participated in two breakout sessions during which public health students and new professionals had an opportunity to ask questions.
In Syracuse, N.Y., the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at State University of New York Upstate Medical University organized several National Public Health Week events and activities focused on the themes of active living and healthy eating and mental and emotional well-being.
The university's Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion hosted a free yoga class, a one-mile walk-run and a lunch-and-learn nutrition lecture. The Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine continued the lunchtime lecture series each day for the remainder of National Public Health Week, with topics designed to promote healthy lifestyles such as exercise, healthy eating, yoga and learning to be at peace.
On Wednesday, students in the Central New York Master of Public Health Program organized a children's health carnival at Mary Nelson Youth Center. The event included activities and games to promote healthy living such as fruit and vegetable taste testing, nutrition education, yoga instruction and an obstacle course. A special weeklong menu was developed for the cafeteria at University Hospital and highlighted various aspects of nutrition such as a gluten-free day and a low-salt, low-sugar day. Vegetable Identifica- tion Day was designed to increase exposure to less-common healthy foods. Also, to improve mental and emotional well-being, a small dining area at the hospital--open to all employees, students and visitors--was transformed into a relaxation room for the week. The area had puzzles and board games as well as supplies for writing notes of thanks to veterans for distribution at the local Veterans Administration hospital and cards for patients at Golisano Children's Hospital.
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Throughout National Public Health Week, two displays containing information on public health were set up in high traffic areas of the SUNY Upstate Medical University campus. Participants said the combined efforts of faculty, staff and students made the department's first comprehensive National Public Health Week celebration a success.
Members of Student Healthcare Executives managed a series of National Public Health Week events at the New York Medical College School of Health Sciences and Practice in Valhalla, N.Y. All events were located in the School of Health Sciences and Practice Center for Interactive Learning.
A lecture on 'The Asthma Epidemic: Think Globally, Act Locally' high-lighted the epidemiology of asthma, its increased incidence, risk factors and effective preventive measures. The second event introduced participants to the holistic theory and practice of Taiji and Qigong during a demonstration that also included meditative techniques. By the end of the night, participants tried 'free-styling' Taiji and Qigong movements to Michael Jackson's hit song 'Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough.'
On day three of the National Public Health Week celebration, the New York Medical College Physical Therapy Department invited attendees to 'look good and feel great' by stopping by one of five stations to receive free services and recommendations. Services included a posture screening, information on workplace ergonomics, a pulmonary function test and measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and body mass index.
The following day, public health professionals in different fields led a panel discussion on public health careers. Panelists included a deputy health commissioner, an international public health advisor, a safety manager, an emergency preparedness manager and a director of physician practice management.
Students and administrators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, N.C., organized and led a series of National Public Health Week events.
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Throughout National Public Health Week, the Minority Student Caucus and Delta Omega Honorary Society for Public Health sponsored a 'Minority Health is ...' interactive bulletin board encouraging students, faculty and staff to share their ideas and ideals of public health through images and words. On Monday, the Nutrition Coalition, a student organization that plans and carries out volunteer, social and educational health activities, held a farmers market at the Armfield Atrium.
Bringing a modern twist to Wednesday's events, a flash mob of about 40 students danced at noon to Beyonce's 'Move Your Body' in support of first lady Michelle Obama's campaign to combat childhood obesity. Anne Fitzgerald, a graduate student in health behavior, organized the flash mob.
'Mostly, I planned this so students could have some fun during a stressful time,' Fitzgerald said. 'While many public health students are focused on getting populations to be more physically active, they often struggle with finding time to exercise, so this was a reminder that it's something you can do spontaneously and with friends. It's also just a great way to celebrate all those who practice, teach and study public health. '
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Also on Wednesday, the Minority Student Caucus sponsored a 'Taste of Gillings' healthy food fair and recipe exchange, where students prepared healthy dishes and shared them potluck style. Health behavior students then hosted a bone marrow registry conducted by 'Be the Match.' More than 50 students registered and were entered into a database that connects volunteers with people in need of bone marrow transplants.
The University of North Carolina Department of Public Health Sciences in Charlotte, N.C., celebrated National Public Health Week with a range of activities.
The week kicked off April 2 with a keynote address delivered by Leandris Liburd, PhD, MPH, MA, director of the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Liburd also participated in a radio show that day, and met with faculty and students in small groups to discuss CDC's goals. In the evening, Liburd served as keynote speaker at an event hosted jointly by the university's College of Health and Human Services and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. The discussion focused on 'Saving lives, protecting people. Saving money through prevention.'
On Tuesday, the university's Department of Public Health Sciences hosted Kerry Burch, MPH, who coordinates Healthy Carolinians for North Car-olina's Mecklenburg County. Burch met with students for a 'Lunch and Learn.' On Tuesday evening, the university's Graduate Public Health Association hosted a public health sciences networking event at a local restaurant.
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On Wednesday, the university's Beta Phi Chapter of Delta Omega--the national public health honorary society--held its membership induction.
On Thursday, the Department of Public Health Sciences sponsored a panel discussion that featured students and community partners. The week's events culminated Thursday evening with the membership induction ceremony of the Health Services Administration honor society Upsilon Phi Delta.
National Public Health Week kicked off early at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh, N.C. Starting with the college's open house on March 31, dog lovers of all ages visiting the William Rand Kenan Jr. Library of Veterinary Medicine encountered an interactive display on the importance of walking for the well-being of both people and pets. Library Director Kris Alpi helped kids and their parents use a body condition score visual tool to assess whether Buddy, a stuffed bulldog, was dangerously overweight. Children guessed what their own pets' scores might be and shared their ideas about what advice they as future veterinarians would give Buddy's owners about exercise and diet to help Buddy become healthier.
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More than 100 local children and their families interacted at the open house event with Buddy and browsed books on dog walking for health such as 'Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound: How You and Your Dog Can Lose Weight, Stay Fit and Have Fun Together' and 'The Health Benefits of Dog Walking for People and Pets: Evidence and Case Studies.'
Fargo Cass Public Health in Fargo, N.D., celebrated National Public Health Week with a leader-ship breakfast on Tuesday, April 3. Local city, county and congressional leaders enjoyed a healthy fruit and yogurt breakfast while visiting booths highlighting the health department's programs and services. Fargo Cass Public Health Director Ruth Bachmeier, RN, gave a brief presentation on the past, present and future of public health in the community.
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At the Grand Forks Public Health Department in Grand Forks, N.D., the importance of prevention and wellness to improve the community's health was highlighted during National Public Health Week with walk breaks. Nearly 750 city and county employees were encouraged to attend walk breaks offered each day, which started at various locations within the city. Participants were quizzed on health-related trivia and awarded incentives. The 15-minute walk breaks were designed to give walkers an idea of how good it feels to get up and move, even for a relatively short time.
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In Bowling Green, Ohio, the National Association of Local Boards of Health celebrated National Public Health Week with the 13th annual Ned E. Baker Lecture in Public Health, hosted by the Bowling Green State University College of Health and Human Services. The lecture was named in honor of National Association of Local Boards of Health founder and first president Ned Baker. This year's topic was 'Telling the Public Health Story--How to Affect Policy, Engage Elected Officials and Inspire Citizens.' The lecture is online at www.nalboh.org.
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The College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University in Corvallis, ORE., celebrated National Public Health Week in large part due to hard work by students in the Oregon State University Public Health Club. Events focused on the preventive measures students and faculty can take to improve their lives and were split between participatory and awareness building.
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For example, on the participatory side, 'Eat the Rainbow' encouraged people to track their healthy eating and incorporate more vegetables into their diet during the week. A free yoga class emphasized the strong connection between the physical body and mental and emotional well-being. A volleyball tournament and 5K run allowed participants not only to increase their level of physical activity but also to do so in a social and casual way.
Awareness was the focus of Oregon State University's Healthy Habits Day. The school's Public Health Club partnered with the OSU Center for Civic Engagement to bring together 18 organizations from the campus and community that support the health and well-being of everyone on campus. Groups included Counseling and Psychological Services, the Oregon State University Healthy Campus Initiative, OSU Recreation Sports, Student Health Services Health Promotion, the Student Dietetic Association and the OSU Craft Center. Each of the National Public Health Week daily themes was represented by at least one of the groups. The primary goal was to make the 25,000-member student body aware of the large variety of resources available to them on campus, allowing them to take small steps toward a lifetime of health and wellness.
Drexel University School of Public Health in Philadelphia, Pa., reflected the National Public Health Week theme of a healthier America through a series of events. On Monday, a webinar on 'Careers in Health Disparities' featured a panel of experts from the university, community organizations and government. The goal was to connect public health undergraduate students with public health professionals. Tuesday featured the Philadelphia Global Water Initiative Conference: Performance Indicators for Sustainable Water and Sanitation Projects in Developing Countries. Also on Tuesday, Drexel students organized 'Research and Policy in Reproductive Health: A View from the Trenches.' Two leaders in the field spoke on the history of women's health and reproductive rights in the United States and current challenges as well as new areas requiring advocacy and research. A discussion following the presentation touched on how to make those issues more central in mainstream public health and what steps the Society for Family Planning and Women's Law Project are taking to protect and further women's and reproductive health.
A Health and Wellness Fair open to all students, faculty and staff on Wednesday featured free health screenings, massage therapy, fitness demonstrations and prizes and giveaways. The Drexel University School of Public Health staffed six tables run by the school's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Program; the Drexel chapter of Hep B Free Philadelphia; the Peer Preconception Group; Student Government Organization; Center for Public Health Readiness and Communication; and the School of Public Health.
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Throughout National Public Health Week, full-time and executive master's in public health students, as well as one doctoral candidate, blogged in accordance with each day's topic. An associate professor and doctoral student also blogged about National Public Health Week for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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The Anderson County Health Department in Clinton, Tenn., kicked off its National Public Health Week events by handing out gardening kits to the first 100 children who visited the department. The kits contained vegetable seeds, a peat pellet for starting and growing a seedling and a health message about the importance of yearly medical checkups and eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Commissioner of Health John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, encouraged all employees to walk during National Walking Day on April 4. Health department staff organized a healthy potluck lunch and provided upbeat music, encouragement and water to encourage all staff to get out and walk during the lunch hour.
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Later in April, the health department co-sponsored a bike rodeo with the Knox Area Regional Bike Program to commemorate Earth Day. The event supported the National Public Health Week Theme of 'A Healthier America Begins Today. Join the Movement!' by providing free helmet fittings, free children's bike helmets provided by the Epilepsy Foundation, a safety talk, free bike checks and seat adjustments as well as a fun obstacle course and other bike activities at Bissell Park.
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The Tennessee Public Health Association in Nashville, Tenn., marked National Public Health Week with Visionary Awards recognizing three public health leaders that make a difference in their communities' health. For East Tennessee, the award went to Blount Benefits, a 30-member collaboration including Blount Memorial Hospital, Blount County Health Department, school health coordinators from three school systems and Blount Chamber Partnership which addresses childhood obesity in the region. The middle Tennessee award went to Sheila Bates for her 'Cancer Queens' program that combines education and entertainment encouraging participants to treat themselves like queens and take charge of their health. For West Tennessee, the award went to Tony Geraci, executive director of Memphis City Schools Nutrition Program, for revamping the school lunch program to provide healthier options, including locally grown produce. He was the catalyst for the first farm-to-school meeting with growers and buyers in Tennessee and is a champion for healthy food service.
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Texas Public Health, the University of Texas at Austin's student organization for public health in Austin, Texas, celebrated National Public Health Week from Monday through Thursday with events such as a public health fair, a race, nation celebration and carnival, all designed to highlight the theme 'A Healthier America Begins Today. Join the Movement!'
Monday's Public Health Fair featured 35 organizations from on and off campus and reached more than 500 students with the public health message. Tuesday was a challenge based on the 'Amazing Race' television show, where the public health concentrations of environmental health, behavioral and social sciences, nutrition, infectious disease and microbiology and health law and policy took center stage. Prizes were awarded and nearly 200 participants finished the race.
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Wednesday's public health celebration included live music, abundant cultural foods, performances and global health presentations. Thursday's carnival, the most popular event, drew more than 600 participants and gave students a chance to play healthoriented games to win prizes. Texas Public Health worked throughout National Public Health Week to meet its mission to pique an interest in public health and encourage students through volunteering, networking with health professionals and leading health initiatives.
The Utah Public Health Association and its Student Caucus held an Amazing Public Health Race for public health students on April 3 of National Public Health Week in Salt Lake City, Utah. Teams of two raced around a Salt Lake City neighborhood using clues to find seven public health items and concepts and mark those with 'This is Public Health' stickers. Items and concepts photographed with stickers included temperature-controlled salad bar food, warning signs about underage drinking, vaccination and swim diapers. Prizes were awarded to the teams gathering photo evidence the fastest, and several of the sites allowed the stickers to remain in place after the event, spreading the public health message beyond National Public Health Week.
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In Norfolk, Va., the local bicycle advocacy group Bike Norfolk organized Norfolk Bike Month to celebrate biking as an economical, environmentally friendly form of recreation that enhances productivity and overall health. The celebration had a physical activity theme and included a series of community bike rides, Bike to Work Week and Bike Fest. Bike-Fest, a free event held on Norfolk's waterfront, featured music, bike repairs, games, clinics and giveaways. Bike Month events were planned in collaboration with the Norfolk Department of Recreation and Department of Public Works, Seven Venues and the Norfolk Police Department.
American University in Washington, D.C., worked to raise awareness about public health and spread the word about the school's new undergraduate public health program during National Public Health Week.
Nearly 150 students, faculty and staff built on the 'A Healthier America Begins Today. Join the Movement!' theme by kicking off the week with free Zumba classes offered by the on-campus fitness center. On Tuesday, students interested in public health careers learned about public health work-force needs and opportunities as part of a 'meet and greet' led by the assistant director of the university's public health program. The Center on Health, Risk and Society hosted a debate the following day led by the associate director of the Health Law and Justice Program of the American University Washington College of Law on the role of stigma in public health efforts.
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The Student Health Advisory Committee of the Student Government organized a Thursday Health Forum featuring a panel of campus representatives. Students raised issues and asked questions about health and public health. Students staffed a public health information table in the campus center lobby throughout National Public Health Week and distributed public health materials and answered questions. Public health messages also were posted throughout campus to highlight the variety of ways public health affects lives each day.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee in Milwaukee, Wis., celebrated National Public Health Week with a series of wellness activities focusing on stress management, physical activity and nutrition. The days were named Make it, Don't Fake it Monday, Take a Break Tuesday, Walk the Block Wednesday, and Thirsty Thursday, with Friday featuring a healthy recipe contest lunch social. On Monday, employees were encouraged to pack their own lunches instead of ordering fast food to avoid extra calories, fat and salt. Tuesday included a 30-minute work break to De-stress with relaxation exercises. Wednesday, employees were invited to join their co-workers in an afternoon walk as part of the American Heart Association's National Walking Day. Thursday, employees could swap their soda for a healthier alternative and sample various healthy beverages during their lunch hours. Friday's healthy lunch social included a salad bar and potluck dish exchange.
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National Public Health Week went viral at the University of Wisconsin-Mil-waukee's Zilber School of Public Health. In conjunction with the Milwaukee, Wis., Health Department and the Wisconsin Public Health Association, a daily email called 'Your Daily Dose' went out each day of National Public Health Week featuring information on the daily theme, a link to a 'What is Public Health?' video, an invitation to forward the email or link to the video on Facebook and a 'teaser' highlighting the student video contest that appeared in the Friday installment of Your Daily Dose. The student video contest, an initiative of the Wisconsin Public Health Association, awarded a free registration to the APHA Affiliate's annual meeting for the video that best answers the question, 'What is public health?'
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At the City of West Allis Health Department in West Allis, Wis., the Marketing Committee prepared a week of activities for the community. Health department visitors were greeted by a large bulletin board with five daily themes color-coded with a different color assigned to each day and a daily door prize drawing. Monday's prize pack, reflecting active living and healthy eating, was a pedometer, healthy cookbook, health department flashlight and pamphlets and samples of spices. For Tuesday's theme of 'Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs,' the prize pack included a carbon monoxide detector, stuffed puppy and information on asthma and the smoking quitline. Communicable disease awareness was the theme of Wednesday's prize pack including a cold and flu kit, coffee mug and herbal tea, hand sanitizer, tissues and throat lozenges. Reproductive and sexual health was the focus of Thursday's prize pack, which was represented as a candle, a bag of dark chocolates, sexually transmitted disease information and a health department flashlight. On Friday, the mental and emotional well-being prize pack included a journal, meditation book and stress-management booklet.
