Last Updated on April 2, 2015 by

In an effort to bring light to public health issues and policies, the American Public Health Association began a week-long initiative to create public awareness and encourage community groups, organizations and businesses to take an active role in creating healthy and safe environments. During the first full week of April, everyone is encouraged to participate in National Public Health week. Whether you take part by taking care of your own health or host a health and wellness event in your community, there are several ways individuals and groups can get involved, including:

• Eat healthy and exercise. Taking care of your physical health is the first way you can actively participate in the care of other around you.
• Host a public health event in your workplace or community. Set up a table at your work place with handouts and brochures to educate your employees and coworkers about public health and safety. Submit your event to the National Public Health Week website as well as other public forums to get the word out.
• Attend an event in your community. Show your support by attending a local event. To see what events are happening in your area, visit the National Public Health Week website at » NPHW.org.
• Share news about National Public Health Week on social media or hand out flyers. The NPHW site has flyers, visual content, and lots of tips for spreading the word. (Click Here for Resources)
• Sign the Creating A Healthier Nation pledge (Click here to take the pledge)

How Does North Carolina Compare Nationally?

Published by the American Public Health Association in partnership with United Health Foundation, the America’s Health Rankings: A Call to Action for Individuals and their Communities publication shows the health factors and outcomes for each state. In its latest publication, the study shows Hawaii as the healthiest state, where as Mississippi is the least healthy state as of 2014. While not surprising, the report still shows smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

Here’s how North Carolina compares to other states in our nation.

What is not shown in the infographic above a few more stats and highlights that also contributed to North Carolina’s overall health ranking.

• From 2012 – 2104, physical activity across the state increased by 1.6 percent from 73.3 percent to 74.9 percent of adults.
• Since 2009, high school graduation increased by 10 percent from 71.8 percent to 79.0 percent.
• Since 2009, air pollution in North Carolina decreased by 29 percent from 12.6 to 9.0 micrograms of fine particles per cubic meter.

Click Here to See North Carolina’s Health Rankings Report

In Our Own Backyard

Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties Rank #5 and #7 In Overall Health Compared to Other Counties in North Carolina

Did you know your zip code can tell a lot about your health? It’s true. Your environment – where you live, where you work and the quality of your surroundings – has a major external influence on your health. Using the same model as the America’s Health Ranking study, the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, publishes a similar report on the health of counties within each state. Weighing factors such as clinical care, social and economic conditions, health behaviors, and physical environment, the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps publication explores state and national trends that impact the health of individuals in every county in the United States.

The two counties closest to the Charlotte, North Carolina area are Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties. Here is a snapshot of the rankings for these two counties.

Click Here to See Health Rankings of Counties in North Carolina

Substance Abuse And Your Health

Alcohol and tobacco continue to be the #1 most abused substances in the United States. And as both national and state reports indicate, smoking and alcohol use are common factors that have a significant impact on public health. When you consider all factors of health including a lifestyle and social conditions, the states that rank higher in reports like these have fewer people who smoke, less people who report excessive drinking and as a result, fewer deaths and illness related to the use of these substances. Cutting out or reducing the use of alcohol and tobacco can improve not just your physical health, but also your mental and emotional well being.

How does your state or county compare to national results? We challenge you to get active and participate in making your area as healthy as possible. Your life and quality of life depend on it!