The city has provided designated bright red bicycles for public use in the city in order to promote public transportation instead of driving. The rules are that they are not to go outside of certain street limits but can be picked up at any time, anywhere (means that if you leave it outside the barbershop, it may be gone when you return!). This direct support by government is not only a message but an action that can provide true results for the Healthy People 2010 goals.
Other local, public expectations of the program would be with a plethora of printed, visual, and audio messages. People need to be constantly reminded about something in order for it to be meaningful, especially if it requires such a drastic change of lifestyle. However, this also requires a serious effort at public and private industry to reach out to patients to show their dedication to the program. The more localized the message becomes, the more personal it becomes, and the more impact it can have on each affected individual. Patients need to know that not only are the ability and resources available to make any and all necessary changes to put one's life in line with a healthy person, but that there are no longer traditional barriers to access these services and resources. The envisioned effect of an impacted community would result in lower injury, depression, suicide, addiction, obesity, and sickness and a higher collegiality, emphasis on physical activity, and support from all angles within society. In short, a successful implementation of Healthy People 2010 would result in Happy Land!
Henry G. Taylor, Commissioner for the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, issued an introductory statement of the program with great enthusiasm and encouragement (Taylor, 2001). Through his presentation of the program, he pointed out all of the efforts already undertaken by the state. West Virginia created some additional provisions in their own version of the 2010 program by adding an end-of-life provision for improvement of care during these times. In addition,...
Now, the seeds need constant water, sun, and care to be sure to grow into a thriving organism. Even once the organism is blooming and healthy, one must not become complacent with the success and begin to slow down the efforts. Even healthy people need reinforcement to continue such optimal being. Healthy People 2010 are the seeds, governmental support is the water, private industry endorsement and change is the sun, and the trust and participation of the citizens is the care needed to help the program grow into a successful venture. Break down the barriers and the people will come.
Sources Used
Bill Cosby Public Service Announcements. 2010 Healthy People Website. United States Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed from the World Wide Web at http://www.healthypeople.gov/Implementation/billcosby.htm. On December 12, 2006.
Healthy People 2010 and Steps to a Healthier U.S.: Leading Prevention. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. United States Department of Health and Human Services Website. Accessed from the World Wide Web at http://www.healthypeople.gov/Implementation/slides/HP_Steps_03262004_files/frame.htm. On December 12, 2006.
Healthy People 2010 Homepage. United States Department of Health and Human Services Website. Accessed from the World Wide Web at http://www.healthypeople.gov/default.htm. On December 12, 2006.
Taylor, Henry G. "Message from the Commissioner of the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health," West Virginia Healthy People 2010 Objectives, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services Website. Accessed from the World Wide Web at http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hp2010/objective/i.htm. On December 12, 2006.
