Public health is about protecting and improving the health of the entire community as a whole. Public health achievements during the last century have dramatically improved our quality of life. The following are considered the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century:
- Vaccinations
- Motor-vehicle safety
- Safer workplaces
- Control of infectious diseases
- Decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke
- Safer and healthier foods
- Healthier mothers and babies
- Family planning
- Fluoridation of drinking water
- Recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard
Thanks to these public health efforts, life expectancy has increased, infant and child mortality has been reduced, and many communicable diseases have either been reduced or eliminated.