Impact 3: Behaviors that Maintain or Improve Health

Breast milk has health benefits for both infants and mothers. Breastfeeding improves the relationship between babies and mothers, and also improves the infant's immune system, resulting in fewer episodes of infectious illness. 

Timely immunizations protect children from contracting and spreading communicable diseases such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough. These diseases can result in extended school absences, hospitalizations, and death.

Access to fresh, healthy and affordable food is essential for the proper nutrition that promotes optimal growth and development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy eating helps prevent the risk for developing chronic disease, obesity, and dental caries.

 

Regular physical activity has a wide array of health benefits including weight control, muscle and bone strengthening, improved mental health and mood, and improved life expectancy. Furthermore, exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and some cancers.

 

Regular HbA1c screening among diabetics helps assess whether or not the patient is properly managing their disease and is considered the gold standard of care. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 25 million people have diabetes, including both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases.

 

Tobacco is the agent most responsible for avoidable illness and death in America today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use brings premature death to almost half a million Americans each year, and it contributes to profound disability and pain in many others.