National Health Education Week

National Health Education Week is October 15^th to 19^th this year and the Ocean County Health Department is pleased to recognize the importance of health education for healthy lifestyles in our own community. “The recognition this year is focused on increasing awareness on major public health issues and promoting a better understanding of the role of health education,” according to Daniel E. Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator. Ocean County Freeholder Director and Ocean County Health Department Liaison Gerry P. Little added: “Health education specialists and public health advocates enhance awareness of many vital health issues and how health education specialists work to solve them to create healthier lives in schools, worksites and communities throughout Ocean County.”

“Key public health topics include alcohol and drug education as we strive to deter addiction and abuse through our prevention efforts,” added Regenye. “Other topics in health education include chronic health conditions, communicable diseases, emergency preparedness, environmental health and maternal and child health,” continued Regenye. Freeholder Joseph Vicari, Liaison for Senior Services in Ocean County also referenced the value of the many Senior Health Education programs offered by the Ocean County Health Department which include Chronic Disease Self-Management, Diabetes Self-Management, Medication Management, Fall Prevention and Quality of Life Improvement and coming soon, a Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE). “The value of health education for our seniors is incalculable and remains vital as we enjoy having among the highest senior concentrations in the nation,” remarked Freeholder Vicari.

“Public health issues arise every day and may be simple or complex but we have an obligation to provide education to insure our community is able to take action to secure a healthy lifestyle,” Freeholder Director Little summarized. “We commemorate the value of the health education initiatives which have improved the lives of all residents in Ocean County and support the continued robust efforts of the Ocean County Health Department in its continued mission to enhance public health education,” concluded Freeholder Director Little.

Brian E. Rumpf, Director of Administration and Program Development, advises to please visit the Ocean County Health Department’s website at www.ochd.org or check out our new website at www.phu2.org, to access and learn more about our Public Health is You Too! campaign to help equip you to take simple steps to improve your health.