National Public Health Week: Generation Public Health, 1 Billion Steps Challenge, and Walk the Talk

According to the American Public Health Association, “Public Health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play.” This means public health is a part of our daily lives whether we realize it or not. From the first responders to sanitarians, most people have been affected by works of Public Health. Here at GNR Health Departments, we are proud to observe National Public Health Week (NPHW)!

NPHW celebrates all areas of public health through the power of prevention, advocating for health and fair policies, and sharing strategies for successful partnerships. Some of the ways NPHW encourages communities to get involved is through the Generation Public Health Movement, the 1 Billion Steps challenge, and local activities.

This year NPHW promotes the Generation Public Health movement, where people who are passionate about better health in their communities can come together to create the healthiest nation in one generation!  Building a nation of safe communities, helping all Americans achieve at least a high school education, and providing quality of health care for everyone are just a few things that the Generation Public Health movement has been working on in the past year. Click on the Generation Pubic Health link below to learn more about their work, movement, partners and how you can get involved.

Another way to create a healthy nation is to take steps…literally. NPHW encourages communities to walk together and achieve 1 billion steps together by the end of this week.  This 1 Billion Steps Challenge started back in January as a way to encourage communities from all walks of life to come together and take a walk. Be sure to check out the American Public Health Association’s webpage to get involved in this easy and fun challenge. If you need more steps for the challenge or simply want to enjoy a nice walk, be sure to register for the Walk the Talk event on Saturday April 8^th, 2017 from 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM at George Pierce Park located at 55 Buford Hwy NE, Suwanee, GA 30024. During this walk, you can chat and exercise with healthcare professionals from Salude and learn more about staying active, eating healthy, and being positive.

Helpful Links

• National Public Health Week Brochure
• What is Public Health?
• Generation Public Health
• 1 Billion Steps Challenge
• Live Healthy Gwinnett

Information provided by American Public Health Association, National Public Health Week Organization, and Live Healthy Gwinnett