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Public Health
As an advocate for healthy communities, I am a supporter of our County Health Department, whose main facility is within the Second District. I have been very impressed with director Mark Brown and his professional and compassionate staff and with the inventive ideas they have developed to promote public health. It is vital that we maintain adequate funding for the many important programs run by our Health Department.
I am a supporter of the FluMist program in our schools. Since its implementation, we have not had a single school closing due to flu, even when surrounding counties have. I am concerned that the FluMist program is not yet fully funded for next year and as commissioner, I recommend pursuing private-public partnerships with area health care facilities to make up the one million dollar shortfall.
Heart disease and lung cancer are the leading causes of death in Knox County. We must do more to encourage healthy lifestyles among our county's residents. We need to do more to make our community pedestrian-friendly and create more opportunities to reap the health benefits of walking. We must do more to prevent nicotine addiction in our teens and young adults, and to help those who want to kick the habit.
Childhood obesity rates are rising. We need to increase the amount of physical activity our children get during the school day, to encourage after-school and weekend activities that allow our kids to be active, and to educate our children about healthy food choices. I support the removal of vending machines and sugary, high-fat foods from our schools. I commend our school's nutritionist, who has made it possible for our kids to get 5 full servings of fruits and vegetables during the school day. This is especially important in the Second District, where so many of our children are on the free and reduced meal plan, and may not receive balanced, nutritious meals at home.
I also support expanded health screenings and services in our schools. If our children are hungry or sick, they cannot learn.
Other public health issues that should continue to be addressed for our kids include childhood vaccinations, suicide, eating disorders, and teen pregnancy. I also would like to see a campaign to raise awareness of the vaccinations that are now available for meningitis and HPV for our teens.
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PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF AMY BROYLES
Patrick Christian, Treasurer, 316 East Scott Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917 |
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