Safety Is Focus of National Public Health Week

Since 1995, communities around the country have celebrated National Public Health Week (NPHW) each April to draw attention to the need to help protect and improve the nation’s health. NPHW helps educate Americans about ways to live healthier lives. The events that take place around the countryare designed to raise awareness about preventing injuries and violence.

This week’s events at the Greenwich Town Hall are a part of the American Public Health Association’s annual celebration of the role of public health. First Selectman Peter Tesei has issued a proclamation naming the week of April 4 – April 10 as National Public Health Week 2011. In his proclamation, he called upon residents “to observe this week by helping our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and leaders to better understand the importance of personal health and safety.”

On April 4 – 6, the Greenwich Department of Health will hold a series of events to demonstrating how to live safer lives and help reverse the bleak national health statistics.

Monday, April 4: Fall Prevention
Tuesday, April 5: Emergency Preparedness
Wednesday, April 6: Staying Safe

All events will take place in the Town Hall lobby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It only takes a moment for an injury to happen—a fall on a stair, a moment’s glance away from the road, a biking or sports related injury, a medication mix-up. But it also takes just a moment to protect against injuries and make communities safer.  Injury is the most expensive medical problem in the United States. In a single year, $69 billion will be spent on medical care; another $326 billion on lost productivity; and an untold amount on social support for the individuals and families caring for the severely injured.  In many cases, these costs are increasing because preventative measures are not being taken to prevent injuries and violence.  Each year, nearly 150,000 people die from injuries and almost 30 million people have injuries serious enough to visit the emergency room. Also, every day in the US, about 75 people die as a result of unintentional poisoning, and another 2,000 are treated in emergency departments.

“Our residents can make a real difference in our community by committing to safer behaviors for themselves, their children and families,” said Caroline Calderone Baisley, town health director. “Many injuries are preventable.  These events help citizens realize what they can do to improve their lives.”

For more information about National Public Health Week, call the health department at (203) 622-7857.