Reference no: EM132858567

An historical event that have influenced the field of public health is also one my favorite one, Polio vaccine. This is such a major turning point in the mid-1900s. It can be seen and documented as to why vaccinations are important for us a society. Whereas families were having to tell their children to stay inside at one point because of polio, it is not even a thought on parent's minds now. It has helped prevent over 700,000 deaths and saved almost $200 billion in medical cost in the last 20 years alone.

Another one would be the decline in tobacco use. As a respiratory therapist this one is important for me. Smoking can cause lung cancer, COPD and help lead to heart failure. Even though the field has pushed for harder laws and restriction (tax increases and higher age limits to buy) with smoothing there is still a ways to go. Epidemiologist used control studies to link smoking with lung cancer. This was a huge blow for team tobacco and would eventually lead to national campaigns against smoking.

Discussion 1: Research and Describe the American Public Health Association's purpose and influence on the field of public health. Describe one public health topic supported by the APHA.