The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on public health and the labor market. For job seekers in the public health sector, it is essential to be aware of health trends to inform their job search. Whether you are already living in the United States or considering moving there, understanding the most serious public health problems today can be a key factor in advancing your career. Diabetes is one of the most prevalent medical conditions in the US.
It can be present from birth (type 2) or develop later in life (type 1). In some cases, type 2 diabetes appears suddenly, while in others it is linked to lifestyle factors such as weight gain. Diabetes affects how the body uses glucose (sugar), and long-term complications can develop over time. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they are to experience long-term health consequences, such as kidney disease, nerve damage, eye damage, cardiovascular disease, skin conditions, depression and more. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBS) has compiled a comprehensive data set that sheds light on the conditions affecting many communities in the US.
The BCBS Health Index rates “optimal health” of populations at the national, state and county levels on a scale of 0 to 1.A score of 0.8 means that a group of Americans is living with 80% of their optimal health. By focusing resources on addressing the major conditions affecting their county or state, that group of people could be 20% healthier. In people with diabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and is caused by obesity and lack of physical activity in around 90% of cases in the US. Heart disease, strokes and respiratory infections are among the leading causes of death each year worldwide.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent these deadly diseases. For more information on health issues affecting your county or state, check out the BCBS interactive health index map. To expand, train and standardize high-quality medical and public health care, it will be necessary to build on existing partnerships and create new ones. Working in direct patient care is not the only way to make a positive impact on public health; other industries can also play an important role in changing public health. We must also work with our partners at One Health (the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), as well as stakeholders from all sectors, to preserve antimicrobials. The pandemic threatens to reverse global health advances made over the last two decades in fighting infectious diseases and improving maternal and child health.
The 10 Most Common Health Conditions in the United States
The ten most common health issues in America are: heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, obesity, Alzheimer's, diabetes, substance use disorders, flu, kidney disease and mental health conditions.It is essential for job seekers in the public health sector to be aware of these conditions so they can make informed decisions about their career path. By understanding which diseases are most prevalent in their area or state, they can focus their efforts on addressing those issues first. Additionally, by working with partners from all sectors – including medical professionals, government officials and industry leaders – we can make progress towards improving public health outcomes.
