The remarkable changes witnessed in the health sector have highly elongated the lifespan of significant proportion of individuals globally. Statistics postulate a boost in life span for individuals in the United States by 30 years. These years relate to enhanced health for the community.
Greater parts of these advancements in the health sector occurred in the course of the 20th century. In an endeavor to illustrate the key revolutions in fitness that led to these enhancements, I will focus on how family planning, vaccination, and recognition of tobacco as a health hazard have vastly influenced my own health and the community’s health in general (CDC, 1999).
Vaccination
The invention of vaccination for diverse dreadful diseases in varied places of the world significantly reduces the proportion of illnesses and death, which were highly prevalent two centuries ago. Prior to the introduction of vaccines, there existed numerous diseases (Institute of medicine, 2004). These incorporate small pox, which is almost eliminated due to the immunization for children worldwide. Furthermore, inoculation against pneumonia results in elongated life span attributed to diminution in death.
Since I was vaccinated against tuberculosis at a tender age, the chances of infection has significantly reduced despite its risky transmission medium. The TB vaccination eliminates the fear of contracting such a disease thus good health. Additionally, TB is transmitted through air; therefore, failure to get vaccinated would have posed threats to persons in the surrounding. This means that vaccination against the major vital infections enhances the longevity of the community members (Institute of medicine, 2004).
In an effort to illustrate the value of vaccinations in our lives, it is imperative to refer to vital statistics in the United States. This indicated an escalation in death cases before inventing vaccine for Pneumonia. Before the introduction of immunization, the United States recorded 20,000 death cases annually (Spoolman & Miller, 2011).
Family planning
Family planning has brought innumerable positive effects in my life. Since the inception of family planning programs, I came to comprehend the essence of having a family that I can easily raise (Spoolman& Miller, 2011). After acquiring knowledge from these programs, I decided to have two children who I can easily raise. Additionally, my small family makes it simple to provide nutritious meals that result in improved health s. My small family also allows me save for other pertinent concerns in the society.
Almost every individual in the community puts the benefits of family planning into thought; thus poverty level has tremendously dropped (CDC, 1999). It is apparent that correlation exists amid poverty and deprived health.
The utilization of contraceptives such as condom greatly decreases transmission of “Sexually Transmitted Infections” (STI’s) to other community members thus reducing costs of treatment (Spoolman & Miller, 2011). In addition, it is easier for the government to provide these services to a small population, which finally results in equity during services acquisition.
“Tobacco as a health hazard”
Finally, achievement in identifying smoking as a health hazard has greatly influenced my health and the health of the society members positively. Since the commencement of the programs on smoking dangers, I started taking precautions thus keeping myself away from these dangers (CDC, 1999).
I learnt that smoking leads to lung cancer; a disease that affect the normal working of the lungs. Additionally, my family health tremendously improved because of the education I acquired from a seminar focusing on avoiding contact with smokers. Additionally, the government has endorsed laws hampering smoking thus extensively transforming a huge proportion of smokers in the community. This has resulted in enhanced health for people in my community.
References
CDC. (1999).Ten great public health achievements United States, 1900-1999. MMWR weekly, 48 (12), 141-143.
Institute of medicine. (2004). financing vaccines in the 21st century: assuring access and availability. Washington, WA: National academies press.
Spoolman, S. & Miller, G. (2011). Cengage advantage books: Living in the environment. Boston, MA: Cengage learning.