Top 5 Public Health and Safety Achievements

 1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Control of infectious diseases – 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.

5. 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.

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.