Public Health and Safety Awareness in the 20th Century While there are few who doubt the power of public health and safety awareness to improve the overall health of a community, there are many who don't understand the full extent to which public health has transformed all our lives. In the 20th century infant mortality rates declined, several once-deadly diseases disappeared, and the average life expectancy increased by 30 years. Public health and safety awareness alone accounts for more than 25 of these 30 years. So what's the secret of the public health field's success?  For students seeking challenging and rewarding careers in public health, the following list of top public health achievements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is both informative and encouraging: Vaccination – Before vaccination became common, thousands of children died or suffered life-altering effects from childhood diseases such as polio, diphtheria and the measles. Today, many of these diseases have virtually disappeared. Motor vehicle safety – Not only are car companies manufacturing safer vehicles, but drivers are more aware of how to increase their own safety on the roads by always wearing seatbelts and not driving when drunk, two of the most significant vehicular safety measures practiced today. Both these things have contributed to an improvement in motor vehicle safety in the 20th century. Workplace safety – Because of public health initiatives, companies and workers are much more aware of risks and safety measures than ever. Occupational injuries resulting in death decreased about 40 percent between 1980 and 1999. Control of infectious diseases – Today, we know much more about preventing the spread of disease than we did at the beginning of the 20th century. Sanitation improvements, cleaner water and antimicrobial therapy have all been successful contributors in protecting society against widespread outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis. Decline in deaths from heart disease and stroke – Both public awareness of risk factors for heart disease and stroke (such as smoking) and better detection and treatment methods led to a 51 percent drop in heart disease-related deaths between 1972 and 1999. Safer and healthier foods – Decreasing food contamination and boosting nutritional content have led to healthier communities with fewer instances of diseases such as rickets and goiter that stem from nutritional deficiencies. Healthier mothers and babies – A better understanding of both prenatal and postnatal care, better access to health care, and advances in medical technology reduced the infant mortality rate by 90 percent and the maternal mortality rate by 99 percent in the 1900s. Family planning – When women have access to contraception and family planning, not only are mothers and babies generally healthier, but women see improvement in their socioeconomic status. Drinking water fluoridation – In children, tooth decay has decreased 40 to 70 percent. In adults, tooth loss has decreased 40 to 60 percent. Both of these improvements in dental health are attributable to drinking water fluoridation, which began in 1945. Recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard – Since the Surgeon General's warning first appeared on cigarette cartons in 1964, the number of adults who smoke has gone down. This has lead to better overall health and a decrease in smoking-related diseases and deaths. Make Your Mark on Public Health and Safety While many of these public health and safety accomplishments now seem like obvious answers to society's problems, perhaps it is a sign of the effectiveness of public health professionals that we now accept these things as common sense. If you're ready to make your mark on public health and safety awareness in the 21st century, find out more about public health degrees and training. Search our public health school directory, and get the information you need to get started.
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