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Public health is one of the leading sectors of the healthcare industry. The problems the sector deals with are unique and expose the dark reality of the health care sector. Unless these issues get addressed, the industry may spiral more out of control. There’s a chance that the population’s health will take a massive plunge. It is essential to note the outcomes public health leaders achieve will redefine the health sector. So here are some top challenges these professionals might face:
1. Curbing Substance Abuse
Substance abuse isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Unfortunately, following the pandemic, it only seems to have gotten worse. According to recent findings, approximately 88,000 deaths per year in the United States occur from substances. The short-term health risks of excessive alcohol use include devious results. Some of which are injuries such as motor vehicle crashes, even accidental ones that are unintentional.
Too many substances start wreaking havoc and lead to alcohol poisoning as women engage in risky sexual behavior and miscarriage and stillbirth. In some cases, there is substance-induced violence such as homicide, suicide, and sexual assault. These two can take a toll on a woman’s health and prevent future pregnancies. Long-term health risks can also develop, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Therefore it is crucial to maintain a firm boundary. If public health entices you, go for a public health career outlook to find a path that can help bridge these issues.
2. Eating Safe Food
There is a chance of contracting a disease from contaminated food and drink. Humans may have acid in their stomachs, but we can’t fend off all the pathogens. According to another survey, foodborne illness sickens one in six Americans each year and results in 3,000 deaths. Unhealthy food and drinks walk down a dangerous path. In a community, when unhealthy food and beverages circulate, it impacts everyone. The diseases of contaminated food and water being are hard to bounce back from. There are cases of diarrhea, vomiting, and even weakness. Issues of unhygienic food are persistent during calamities. Therefore it is essential to ensure the public is safe and protected during these times.
3. Healthcare-Associated Infections
Not everyone who goes to a hospital comes back alive and well. Hospitals also can cause many unwanted diseases. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) happen when patients receive treatment in a healthcare facility. These can include contracting an illness during surgery—blood-borne conditions from the treatment of wounds. There are also cases of urinary tract infections from using catheters. Unless these issues get challenged and solved, they can lead to severe problems such as blood poisoning. By far, one of the unique challenges the healthcare sector faces is all these associated risks. Not only do they discourage patients from seeking help, but it also scares them from the healthcare sector. In some worst cases, vaccines can damage a person’s health the most
4. Lack Of Physical Activity
No matter how many gyms have appeared on the scene, it’s still not enough to get people moving. Obesity and heart problems have taken over completely. With so, any people getting strokes and heart attacks per year. Obesity is also a silent killer. It takes a massive toll on your body and your limbs. You soon start getting bedridden and can’t move without assistance. The human body can only handle so much weight. If proper care is not administered, there can be organ failure and even death right away. It doesn’t help that the food available widely throughout society all happens to be junk. Deep-fried and junk food keep health goals from getting achieved. For public health workers curbing obesity also means cutting off junk. Neither of which is easy or feasible in the long run.
5. Teen Pregnancies
Teenagers engage in sex that’s not unheard of. However, safe sex and having sex are two different options. While contraceptives are not a hundred percent effective, they’re still instrumental. They prevent teenage pregnancies and also ensure no STD get transferred around. Teenagers who get pregnant have a hard time sustaining their pregnancies. Their bodies are unable to cope, and they can collapse under the weight of the growing baby. Miscarriage, stillbirth, and post-birth complications are family common. So while you can’t stop teens from having sex, educate them. Tell them how to engage in intercourses without endangering their health safely. If they’re shy from telling their parents, take them to a doctor. In any case, they need help in managing their life.
6. Workforce Shortage
Currently, the healthcare industry is facing a growing shortage of skilled and qualified workers. The public health sector is no different. The lack of facilities are resources are making more people quit than join. When there is a shortage of skilled labor, it takes a toll on the population. Public health leaders will have to rise and help their teams effectively navigate the challenging times. There’s no one to guide and help people through drastically changing times and care for the community. As a result, there will be a regression in the healthcare outcomes that were carefully cultivated. A society that plunges into poor healthcare outcomes only suffers
7. Healthcare Gaps In Massive Ridges
Public Health leaders have the challenging task of managing teams and facilities in a high-stakes industry. They have to adapt to the increasing expenses, job vacancies, and increasing uncertainty. However, most leaders do not have formal or adequate leadership training. Additionally, their busy schedules do not allow them to pursue leadership training; they would rather spend time with families than work. Most traditional leadership and professional development programs do not address the unique challenges within the healthcare industry.
Today’s healthcare professionals have the burden of stepping up and assuming leadership roles. But there is a massive gap in leadership skills and training. Most healthcare leaders have to learn on the job and sharpen their skills with limited resources. Unfortunately, jobs are more micromanaging than training leaving these leaders with little to nothing to gain.
Wrap Up
The public health sector is one of the most critical sectors in the industry. The tools and resources we get from these industries make a difference to the population. Unfortunately, the challenges the sector is facing are making it hard to have clear-cut goals. There is too much work on health care professionals with a lack of resources. Unless addressed soon, our healthcare outcomes will sink deeper into turmoil. We have issues such as a lack of food and water or unprotected sex, and even problems stem from obesity. The healthcare sector and the public health sector are intertwined.
