Which of the following is a function of public health policy? Public health defines a group of laws and principles designed to promote healthy living and maintain the quality of life. These principles are essential to everyone but especially to those who may benefit from a strong public health system. They include basic research and development of medical practices, development and implementation of community health programs, protection of human health and resources, improvement of quality of life through prevention and education of the disease, and regulation of health-care practices and standards. These programs promote social welfare by addressing the various issues affecting the community at large.
Prevention and education are one such element of public health policy: The goal of public health is to identify and reduce the risks of illness and disease in the community. The key elements of prevention include promoting general education about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, developing and maintaining good relationships among people, making public health efforts aware to the population at large, and disseminating preventive information. Community organizations and individuals are also encouraged to participate in the prevention programs. For example, many cities and states offer reward programs for those who provide information about preventable illnesses.
Public organizations play an important role in the promotion of public health: Examples include local universities and colleges, which conduct research and disseminate information to the public on matters concerning public health. Some groups may even operate as nonprofit entities to carry out public health projects and activities. Other organizations may engage in political action, lobby, and write policy papers on issues related to public health. The majority of organizations that work on public health issues focus on prevention of diseases. They try to avoid causing disease by limiting the risk factors and educating the public about these factors.
The laws regulating public health are set into place to prioritize: the goals and objectives of the program. All levels of government must work together to make a powerful public health policy. Prevention methods may include educational campaigns targeting younger generations and populations that are prone to contracting communicable diseases. They may also include quarantine methods, which are often used in controlling infectious diseases carried by humans.
It is important to note that a public health policy will differ from country to country: For example, in the United States, most school systems require parents to submit birth certificates for students. In other countries, birth certificate applications are not necessary. Similarly, the ways in which a public health program is implemented will differ depending on which country you live in.
Hopefully, this article has given you some food for thought: Although the debate over which of the following is a function of public health policy has been going on for years, the topic still remains somewhat ambiguous. By deciding what your particular goals and objectives are, you will be able to determine which of the following is a function of public health policy for you.
