Prominent Public Health Leaders, Essay Example

Dr. Carmen Rita Nevarez is currently the president of the American Public Health Association and is therefore committed to addressing a variety of issues in the field, including scientific program content, occupational health and safety, and career development and mentoring. Dr. Nevarez shares many similarities with Dr. Stephen Smith, who founded the Association in 1872 (Glasser et al., 2001). Just as Dr. Smith was concerned with the most prevalent diseases plaguing the United States during his time leading the APHA, Dr. Nevarez focuses on some of the diseases that are the most widespread and lead to the highest rates of mortality. A major different between these two physicians is that Dr. Smith focused his efforts on the health of New York City, while Dr. Nevarez studies the epidemiology of disease in the whole country.

Two top health priorities that the APHA has currently undertaken include physical activity and HIV/AIDS. Obesity and this sexually transmitted disease are currently two of the nation’s greatest health threats, as the numbers that suffer complications from both are on the rise. Thus, there is a need to increase patient awareness about obesity and determine education programs that can effectively reduce the amount of obesity in the United States. There is also a great need for laboratory researchers to develop more effective treatments and work towards a cure for HIV/AIDS.

Obesity has been an issue both in the country’s past and in the modern era, even though it is more prevalent today. This remains a health problem today and is difficult to eradicate because reducing the prevalence of obesity requires a changed lifestyle. Individuals who wish to lose weight must make many daily compromises, including consuming a healthier diet and engaging in physical activity. Many people prefer a sedentary lifestyle and are therefore less willing to remain consistent with these habits. The advent of FDA approved weight loss pills have not helped reduce obesity significantly because their effects are more apparent when combined with diet and exercise.

References

Glasser JH, Fee E, Brown TM. (2011). Stephen Smith (1823–1922): Founder of the American Public Health Association. Am J Public Health., 101(11): 2058.