National Public Health Awareness Week Kicks Off

Encourages Americans to take preventative measures

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: Apr 2, 2012 at 8:46 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 2, 2012 at 8:46 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - National Public Health Awareness Week began Monday, and KTVA Channel 11 is taking part by raising awareness on some of the issues important to improving health.

This year's theme is one to encourage all Americans to take preventative measures to help improve your life, starting with small steps that can make a huge difference.

"So this is National Public Health Week… and the theme this year is a healthier America begins today, and the basic theme is that everybody can make a big difference in their life by making small steps towards being healthier,” said Gregory Wilkinson of the Department of Health and Social Services. “So a little more exercise, a little less tobacco, vaccinations protecting yourself against sexual transmitted diseases and developing a healthy mental attitude; these are all small steps you can take towards becoming healthier these are the things we will be focusing on this week."

Public health experts say chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer are responsible for nearly one million premature deaths each year.

Many of these deaths can be prevented by living healthier lives.
 

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