Public Health Issue #3: Hypertension
Another symptom of obesity is hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a key contributor to heart disease. Screenings for high blood pressure are part of routine preventive care protocols.
However, some populations don’t have proper access to routine medical care or can’t afford care services. Millions of adults have uncontrolled hypertension, which can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication.
When conducting obesity prevention programs, public health officials:
- Collect research on health trends in communities and demographic groups
- Monitor the outcomes of specific intervention programs to determine which efforts are most effective
- Share data to form best practices, and develop training programs and support resources for partnering groups
National and global organizations, such as the CDC and WHO, act as catalysts for improving population health outcomes.
Public Health Issue #4: Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by symptoms of both schizophrenia (such as delusions or hallucinations) and mood disorders (such as depression or mania). The condition is also marked by disorganized thinking and depressed mood.
The condition can be caused by:
- Stress
- Genetics
- Brain chemistry
Public health organizations looking to address senior mental health issues such as schizoaffective disorder will typically work to connect seniors with counseling services, including teletherapy (virtual counseling), and psychiatrists who can prescribe helpful medications.