Unit 4: Health Care Helpers.

Background Bonus

Promoting good health nationwide has been a major goal for Americans since the beginning of this century. To move toward this goal, the federal government formed the Department of Health and Human Services in 1953 to oversee health care. In addition, the Clean Air Act of 1970 has been expanded several times to provide stricter environmental standards, helping to make our air safer to breathe.

On the local level, most towns and cities have a community health office. This office provides a wide variety of health services. More than 60 percent of U.S. towns and cities put fluoride in drinking water to promote dental health. The safety of the drinking water is monitored by public health officials. Many health offices offer free or inexpensive immunizations. Their staff may administer vision and hearing tests in schools and give educational presentations on health-related topics. Other tasks performed by community health officials may include inspecting day-care facilities, restaurants, and public swimming pools. Community health officials work with other public and private health care providers. All are an important part of America's health care system.

Unit Objectives

Students learn to

* understand how doctors and dentists help them remain healthy;

* know about health professionals who help at times of accidents and other emergencies;