Health screening is valuable for health and human services at all levels. It offers statistical data for preventative opportunities within a community and provides individual awareness that enhances the best outcomes for people across the country. Health screening tests help healthcare providers identify and diagnose illnesses before people have symptoms. This resource is beneficial during the early stage of a disease when a person is asymptomatic but early treatment would notably boost long-term outcomes. Health screening programs not only work to discover a disease at an early stage when treatment can be beneficial but identify and reduce risk factors that may increase the chance of developing an illness.
An online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Educational Leadership – Health and Human Services program from Youngstown State University (YSU) can prepare graduates for real-world applications to improve and strengthen the efficacy of health screening on all levels.
Why Health Screening Is Important
With regular health screenings, people can find health problems early and discover if they have any diseases — or if they’re at high risk — before they start experiencing symptoms. Preventative care allows people to receive medical treatments as early as possible to lower the possibility of complications and achieve better outcomes. When professionals conduct health screenings per the recommendations of medical associations and organizations, they can reduce the need for later treatment of advanced diseases. Screenings and early treatment for heart disease, diabetes and cancer can help many people live longer and avoid treatment for a disease in its later stages.
Although many people want to advocate for their health, it’s difficult for some communities to access healthcare screenings. For example, some people do not have medical insurance or a primary care physician. These issues result in large populations of people spending money out of pocket for medical care or avoiding doctor’s visits or health screening altogether. The lower health screening rates negatively impact the health of underserved communities, especially those who can’t take time off from work or access reliable transportation. While mobile health screening units can make up for some transportation issues and other programs that provide transportation to and from doctor appointments can help, many deeply distrust the medical system. Culturally competent care in underserved communities can address the lack of trust and diversity and actively address institutionalized racism and prejudices against certain populations.
A person’s personal and family medical history, age, health and gender make health screenings for high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, different types of cancer, weak bones or osteoporosis, mental health conditions or sexually transmitted diseases critical in reducing the risk of expensive treatment or dying if administered correctly.
Next Steps
Students in YSU’s Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership – Health and Human Services online program can prepare for careers in public, private and charter schools or public or private organizations. Graduates will be able to engage the community to develop and maintain a supportive, culturally responsive, equitable and inclusive culture to promote the public’s well-being. With multiple start dates per year and 100% online coursework, this flexible online Ed.D. degree program is designed for working health and human services professionals. Program graduates are prepared for many possible roles, such as curriculum instructor, regional leader, school superintendent or associate superintendent, health commissioner, professional development director and director or executive director of human resources.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership – Health and Human Services program.
