1. What are the three core functions of public health? How do they relate to the essential public health services? - The three core functions of public health are assessment, policy development, and assurance. Assessment involves collecting and analyzing data on the health status and needs of the population. Policy development involves creating and implementing evidence-based interventions to address the identified health problems. Assurance involves ensuring that the public health system has the capacity and quality to deliver the essential public health services effectively and equitably. - The essential public health services are a set of 10 activities that operationalize the core functions of public health. They include monitoring, diagnosing, informing, mobilizing, developing, enforcing, linking, assuring, evaluating, and researching. 2. What are the main determinants of health? Give an example of each and explain how they influence health outcomes. - The main determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. They include biological factors, such as genetics and age; behavioral factors, such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use; social factors, such as income, education, occupation, social support, and culture; environmental factors, such as air quality, water quality, sanitation, and climate change; and health system factors, such as access, affordability, quality, and efficiency of health care services. - For example, a person who has a genetic predisposition to diabetes may develop the disease if they have a poor diet and physical inactivity. A person who lives in a low-income neighborhood may have limited access to healthy food options, safe recreational spaces, and quality health care services. A person who works in a stressful occupation may experience chronic stress and mental health problems. A person who lives in a polluted area may be exposed to harmful chemicals and pathogens that affect their respiratory and immune systems. A person who receives timely and appropriate health care services may prevent or manage their health conditions better than a person who does not.