Health is a condition of total well-being where infirmity and disease are either absent or disorder are not experienced. In the United States, there are about 100 million adults who do not have complete health coverage. These adults are categorized as unhealthy by the National Institute of Health (NIH). According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the majority of adults who do not have any health insurance have poor dietary habits and engage in hazardous behaviors such as smoking.

There are many types of health conditions. The National Institute of Health classifies them into four levels of severity. Serious physical problems include cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. Other serious but treatable health problems are: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, bone mass disorders, kidney and bowel diseases, and cognitive dysfunction, including memory loss and hyperactivity.

One main article of interest that pertains to occupational safety and health is “Stress, Illness, and Fatigue.” This article discusses the relationship between work and stress. The author contends that work related stress can lead to an increased risk for depression, cardiac arrest, and injury to the skeletal system. Specifically, he discusses the effects of stress on physical and mental health.

According to the author, “stress causes the body to adapt by releasing hormones that cause the heart to beat faster and raise blood pressure. Over time, these elevated blood pressures cause the brain to perceive pain and trauma when there is no real physical damage.” He goes on to state, “Stress can increase your vulnerability to infections, immune system disorders, and other health conditions.” This has been shown to apply not only to physical health conditions but mental health conditions as well.

One of the main articles of interest that pertains to occupational safety and health issues is “Work-Related Sleep Deprivation.” This discusses how long working hours affect a person’s physical and mental health. This also discusses how mental health can affect work performance and productivity. The author contends that the effects of long hours of work can lead to poor work quality, absenteeism, and poor morale. In addition, physical health can be affected by prolonged exposure to poor lighting, noise, and low temperatures. Other articles of interest pertain to the relationship between physical and mental health, and the ways in which they can be positively impacted through proper work practices.

The fourth main article of interest covers the issue of tobacco use and health. The author contends that tobacco use negatively impacts overall health through the reduction of life expectancy and increase in morbidity. These are just some of the many population health services articles of interest that pertain to the state of health in our society today. Any reader who is interested in learning more about population health services is encouraged to review the resource box below.