Healthy People and Healthy Communities, Building a Culture of Change in New Jersey

Students at NJPHA Annual Conference

When I first was invited to attend the public health seminar Healthy People and Healthy Communities, Building a Culture of Change in New Jersey, I was totally excited. I took the information regarding the seminar to my place of practice and requested the day off; they were approved right away. Although my major is Bachelorette degree in nursing, public health plays a vital part in what we do in communities.

Image of Healthy People Healthy Community courtesy of LBUCCWhen I initially thought of public health, I thought public and their health, public health extends far beyond that. Public health consists of cultural, behavior, environment and social; all these shape our environment. If prioritizing our health was ingrained in our culture to sustain health; building a culture of change here in New Jersey wouldn’t be so difficult to achieve, everyone would be on board and the expectations would already be ingrained in our minds and everyday living. Everyone’s perception of culture is different and how you live it, encouraging each other to live a “healthier lifestyle” and utilizing the resources that we have is all a part of Healthy People and Healthy Communities, Building a Culture of change. Public Health brings a great deal of challenges and commitment. I will be accessing the website for updated information regarding Public health issues and seminars, and to maintain awareness of Public Health.

Tonya Swindle
Student Kean University
Introduction to Public Health