April 6-10 is National Public Health Week. What is public health? According to the CDC, public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases.
Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Director of Health
To understand what public health is about, we have only to look as far as our Director of Health, Dr. Amy Acton. Dr. Acton is the face of public health in Ohio. Dr. Acton is a medical doctor, but she also has a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) degree from The Ohio State University. Today Dr. Amy described public health as “that secret thing you never see until you need it.”
Every day during the 2:00pm Ohio press briefings, Dr. Acton reminds us that even though it is hard, when we stay home, we save lives. With her clear explanations, encouraging words, calming manner, and genuine care for others, Dr. Amy has become a role model for many.
What is a role model? A role model is a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. A role model is someone who we want to be like, either in the now or in the future. They can show us how to act in difficult situations. A role model may someone who you know or may be someone who you’ve never met. Many people never know they are a role model to someone (unless you tell them).
Today’s 4-H Journal Page helps you think about who your role models are, and also how you can be a role model too. Click the following link to download the pdf. Careers in Public Health and Role Models
If you want to explore more about public health, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health 101 website. There are many careers in public health. Is a career in public health for you? People with a public health degree can work in government, education, nonprofit organizations, or for private companies.
This post was authored by Theresa M. Ferrari, PhD Professor and Extension Specialist for Healthy Living and Ohio Military Kids
