By Dr. Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS
For three decades the US Department of Health and Human services has set goals to guide individuals in making informed health choices. They hope people use this information to create personal wellness plans that assist them in achieving optimal health. On December 2, 2010 they launched the most recent agenda to improve our nation’s health, Healthy People 2020. Compared to the ambitious 2010 goals, the 2020 goals are more realistic.
In addition to identifying priorities for improving the nation’s wellness, Healthy People 2020 strives to increase public awareness about factors impacting health. They also hope to improve policies and practices affecting health and wellness. They envision a society where all people live long, optimally healthy lives.
Though Healthy People 2020 addresses many health areas, it has four primary goals:
1) Attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death.
2) Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups.
3) Create social and physical environments that promote good health for all.
4) Promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages.
In addition to addressing common health issues like diabetes, physical activity, and tobacco use, the 2020 goals include new topics such as:
- Adolescent Health
- Blood Disorders and Blood Safety
- Dementias, including Alzheimer’s Disease
- Early and Middle Childhood Health
- Health Related Quality of Life and Well-Being
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health
- Older Adults
- Sleep Health
- Social Determinants of Health
To see the complete list of topics and to find related health resources visit www.HealthyPeople.gov . In addition to general consumer resources, the website lists agencies and organizations committed to achieving the 2020 goals.
Holistic Wellness Speaker Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP, is a former board-certified pediatrician residing in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She is Chief Wellness Officer and co-owner of Manifest Excellence, LLC. Dr. Hamilton specializes in holistic wellness promotion and speaks nationally on this topic. Her company Manifest Excellence teaches a comprehensive approach to health and wellness by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical wellbeing. For more information visit www.ManifestExcellence.com
A wellness thought leader, she champions a comprehensive approach to health by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual & physical well-being with a simple and potent message. Her book Wellness Your Way offers a practical strategy to assist readers in creating a happier, healthier life. For more information or to book Dr. Hamilton for speaking engagements visit www.ManifestExcellence.com or www.DonnaHamiltonMD.com
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