Today marks the beginning of National Public Health Week (April 2-8), when communities across the United States recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving the public’s health. Each day of NPHW features a different theme, beginning today with "Active Living and Healthy Eating." The American Public Health Association offers ideas and resources for celebrating NPHW, in addition to tips for eating healthy, such as consuming more fruits and vegetables and less sugar and fat; eating healthier snacks; watching portion size and eating together as a family.
The themes for the entire week are:
- Monday: A healthier America begins with active living and healthy eating — Promote healthy choices in your communities, such as bike lanes and farmer’s markets.
- Tuesday: A healthier America begins with living tobacco- and drug-free and preventing alcohol abuse — Identify alcohol and drug use disorders early to reduce high-risk alcohol and drug consumption.
- Wednesday: A healthier America begins with preventing communicable diseases — Encourage proper hand-washing and food preparation habits.
- Thursday: A healthier America begins with reproductive and sexual health — Practice safe sex, encourage responsible contraception behavior and promote access to preventive health services.
- Friday: A healthier America begins with mental and emotional well-being — Refer people with signs of depression and suicidal thinking to appropriate resources and help centers.
