Public health is the science and art of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and research for disease and injury prevention. Public health helps improve the health and well-being of people in local communities and around the globe. Public health works to prevent health problems before they occur.
Core areas of public health
While public health is defined in many different ways, the following is a list of core areas that are often associated with public health. For more information, visit What is Public Health?
Biostatistics
Statistical science applied to health and biomedical data
Environmental Health
The impact of air, water and the built environment on health
Epidemiology
The study of the frequency, distribution and determinants of disease
Health Administration and Management
Managing human and fiscal resources to deliver public health services
Global Health
Addressing health challenges across the world
Maternal and Child Health
Improving the health of women, children and their families
Nutrition
How food and nutrients impact the health of populations
Public Health Laboratory Practice
Diagnose, prevent, treat and control infectious disease
Public Health Policy
The role of policy and policy decisions on public health
Public Health Practice
Incorporating public health principles into clinical practice
Social and Behavioral Science
The study of social and behavioral determinants of health