MOH 101 Dr Eilish Cleary January 31, 2005

Session Outline  Overview of “ Health and Public Health”  What is a Medical Officer of Health?  What do Medical Officers of Health DO….?  “Lets try to figure it out!”

Objectives To understand the concepts of Public Health To understand what makes a population healthy To become aware of the scope of public health To become aware of the role of Medical Officers of Health in Manitoba

What is Health?

DEFINITION OF HEALTH Health is a dynamic process involving the harmony of physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. Health enables individuals, families and communities to function to the best of their ability within their environment. This definition incorporates a very broad understanding of health, that goes beyond the "absence of disease," incorporating the idea of positive health or well-being in all dimensions.

What makes a person or population healthy?

Determinants of Health It has been recognized for some time that health is determined by a number of factors, that are interrelated and in interaction with one another. These factors are called the determinants of health. Beginning with the Lalonde Report of 1974, and subsequently influenced by the work of federal/provincial/territorial initiatives, these determinants are identified as:

Income and social status Social support networks Education Employment and working conditions Social environments Physical environments Personal health practices and coping skills Healthy child development Biology and genetic endowment Health services Gender Culture

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH Public health is commonly defined as the promotion of health and prevention and control of disease and injury through the organized efforts of society.

Core Functions of Public Health population health assessment health surveillance disease and injury prevention health promotion health protection

Who does Public Health? We all do!

–Assessment of health status and health risks –Ongoing tracking and monitoring of disease and injury –Undertaking analysis of assessment and surveillance information to determine priorities and focus for action and interventions –Assuring appropriates standards for public health practice –Advocating for the preservation and improvement of health –Working with others to improve, promote and protect health –Establishing the appropriate processes and structures to support public health practice

Medical Officers of Health Regional/Provincial Provincial Provincial/National

……. So what do we do ?

The regional Medical Officer of Health (MOH) is appointed by the Minister of Health to provide expertise and leadership and to exercise authority at the regional level with regard to: Assessing the health status and health threats of the region Assuring appropriate planning, monitoring and evaluation of health issues and appropriate communication and response to such issues Advocating for the preservation and improvement of health Assisting individuals, families and communities to preserve, protect and promote health

Old MacDonald’s Farm Old MacDonald had a farm…. And on that farm he had a cow…. …some mosquitoes….(ouch) MOO!

and a few chickens…

…and pigs

Contaminated well water????

… and what’s that white powder over there???