Despite what we often hear and read, Americans are not the healthiest people in the world. In the U.S. we spend more on health care but live shorter lives and suffer more health issues than our peers in other high-income countries.

So during the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association (APHA) brings together communities across the U.S. to observe National Public Health Week (NPHW) as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation. This year marks the 20th anniversary of National Public Health Week.

The overall theme of 2015 National Public Health Week is “Healthiest Nation 2030.” During the week, each day will carry its own unique theme that relates to the overarching initiative to make America the healthiest nation by the year 2030.

Qsource is doing our part to help reach that goal by working in the areas of disease prevention and population health. In alignment with the DHHS Million Hearts® goal to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017, we focus on improving the ABCS of cardiac risk reduction (Aspirin therapy when appropriate, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management, and Smoking screening and cessation). We are targeting blood pressure measurement and control as essential to preventing heart attacks and strokes and decreasing the number of Americans who die unnecessarily as a result of untreated hypertension.

The Alliance also works with familiar and trusted people and organizations within communities to provide diabetes self-management education where it is convenient; for example, holding classes at a local senior center. By working with healthcare providers, practitioners, certified diabetes educators, and community health workers, people with diabetes can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the quality of their lives, by preventing or lessening the severity of complications resulting from diabetes.

It’s important to eat well, exercise and get regular checkups. atom encourages everyone to sign and share the APHA’s pledge to help create the healthiest nation by 2030: www.apha.org/2030

More information is available at: http://www.nphw.org/tools-and-tips/themes