Have you heard of Healthy People 2010? This is a government initiated program launched last January 2000 and is still supported by States, communities and health organizations in an effort to improve quality of life and years through healthy life and eliminate other health disparities; Healthy People 2010’s two main goals.
Healthy People 2010 has 467 objectives which serve as a guide for improving health status of all people living in the US. It is closely managed and monitored by Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program targets all breathing, living people ages 0-beyond although most of the issues focus on older subjects. These health objectives are designed to identify and pinpoint health threats which can otherwise be prevented. After careful deliberation from key members, Healthy People 2010 set out guidelines on how to reduce these “preventable” diseases for people to stay healthy and live longer lives.
Although the allotted time seemed short to see results, Healthy People 2010 is definitely getting there through active participation and great community response. There is noted acknowledgement from people making healthy choices in their lifestyle likewise with their eating habits. Wellness program goes way beyond the simple eat, exercise and live healthy rule, it also implements public health infrastructures, and overall local and national health management.
Healthy People 2010 offers seniors better facilities and assistance in managing their health. Some health issues focusing on seniors are cancer, heart diseases, food safety, infectious diseases, tobacco smoking, vision and hearing, physical activity and fitness, nutrition and weight management and mental health disorders among others. These are all included in the Healthy People 2010 agenda.
For seniors, it promotes healthy aging even in later years of life when chronic diseases are not anymore preventable. Healthy People 2010 closely monitors seniors’ health status such as their mental and emotional being, daily activity, oral health and mobility. It also evaluates seniors’ health behaviors for better understanding of common health problems which make seniors’ life uncomfortable. Preventive measures are applied such as vaccines, screening and laboratory test; all essential in studying seniors’ health patterns.
If Healthy People 2010 succeed in making all of us healthy then seniors will greatly benefit from it. A good health guideline is beneficial for all of us struggling to maintain great health to achieve longer life.
