Final answer:
Public health measures include hygienic practices, public health education, vaccinations, and regular medical check-ups. Funded often by government entities, these measures aim to reduce disease spread and promote health, constituting public goods with positive externalities for the population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of Public Health
Public health involves a wide range of activities and initiatives aimed at improving the general health and well-being of populations. Examples of public health measures include preventing waterborne diseases through measures such as hygienic practices like washing hands, providing public health education, administering vaccinations, and conducting regular visits to the doctor. These approaches help in reducing the incidence of diseases and promote health among the population.
Many public health initiatives have historically been funded by government entities because they provide positive externalities and qualify as public goods. For instance, in the early 1900s, public health officials educated mothers on hygienic practices, and later in the century, campaigns were launched to encourage less smoking. The government has also invested in sanitation systems and storm sewers, recognizing their essential role in maintaining public health. Moreover, immunizations have been a critical public health measure as they not only protect the individual receiving the vaccine but also prevent the spread of illness to others, reducing spillovers of diseases.
Furthermore, numerous medical discoveries in the twentieth century resulted from research funded by governments or universities, with patents and intellectual property rights serving as incentives for private invention. Likewise, other services provided by governments, such as fire and police protection, exemplify public goods because protecting some members of the community inherently provides protection to others as well.