Public Health in Ontario
Programs and Services
Public health units deliver its programs and services using a population health approach. This means that programs are targeted at either the public as a whole such as:
Did you know that:
- Approximately 21,000 Ontarians aged 20 and older were diagnosed with a heart attack in 2010. Smoking also raises the risk of cancer, lung disease, stroke, pregnancy and other complication. It kills more than 13,000 Ontarians each year and is the number one cause of premature death.
- Eating less than five servings of vegetables and fruits every day raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and some types of cancer
- 56% of Ontarians do not eat enough vegetables and fruits
- Not being physically active raises the risk of cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and sleep disturbances
- more than 50% of Ontarians do not get enough physical activity
- physical activity
- dangers of second-hand smoke or,
are targeted at sub-groups of the population such as:
- expectant mothers (pre-natal health)
- high school students (drinking and driving), or
- women between the ages of 50-70 (breast cancer screening).
Health promotion programs and services include (these may vary by public health unit):
- Pregnancy and pre/postnatal care
- Nutrition
- Breastfeeding
- Physical activity/exercise
- Immunization
- Early childhood care
- Healthy eating/Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Child and youth health
- Dental and oral health
- Prevention of chronic illnesses such as: cancer, diabetes and heart disease (includes selected screening services)
- Prevention of alcohol and drug use
- Smoking cessation and tobacco education
- Injury prevention and falls prevention
- Sun safety
