9.19: Summary
While public health certainly has its hands full just focusing on communicable and non-communicable diseases alone, it would be futile to ignore the many other community health concerns that affect populations across the lifespan. In this chapter we covered some of the more pressing concerns at different stages of life; from maternal and infant health, to childhood. We examined an example of a comprehensive approach to health in childhood with the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model, which has the potential to positively impact more than just children in schools, but families, school employees, and entire communities as well. The WSCC model provides an example of using an evidence-based framework to address community health concerns in a holistic way. Communities can provide environments (like schools, parks, and healthcare facilities) and encourage behaviors (like physical activity and healthy nutrition) that will improve health and quality of life for all - and across every life stage.