Final answer:
Public health is the profession and science focused on protecting and improving community health through disease prevention, policy making, and environmental health measures. Epidemiologists contribute significantly to this field by tracking disease spread and informing public health strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The science and profession involved in protecting and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities is public health. The focus of public health is broad, covering the prevention and management of diseases, injuries, and other health conditions that threaten human health. By utilizing data on health-related conditions, public health professionals guide interventions, influence research funding, and shape public health policy. Their efforts are not only towards prevention but also to understanding disease spread and its effects on populations.
Epidemiologists play a crucial role in public health by studying disease frequency and distribution in human populations. Their research is foundational in containing disease outbreaks and informing public health approaches. Moreover, environmental health is a facet of public health concentrating on reducing exposure to harmful environmental conditions and promoting behaviors to improve health outcomes. These are all integral parts of a broader, interrelated system working towards enhancing community and global health.