Public Health Trends Josh Pittman

I decided to do my report on Juno county in Alaska. It is an area further south from where I lived in Alaska. I contacted the Juno health department, and I spoke briefly with
Clay Butcher about 5 health concerns for this.


Sexually Transmitted disease. A lot of people are having unprotected sex, and the system needs to improve the education aspect. With more education people will know the dangers and will take the proper precautions.

Teen suicide rates. Alaska has the highest rates of suicide in the untied states. This can be brought on by bullying, insecurities, as well as depression. Due to seasonal depression most suicides occur within the winter months.


Alcoholism/Substance Abuse. There are many areas that have started drug trafficking. Alaska is a big place and there are many well hidden places to cultivate drugs, and illicit substances. Depression also pushes many people into this sort of thing, and many people looking for something to do can get into this kind of thing. People are using these substances more and more.

Depression. This can also mean seasonal depression. People in Alaska can suffer from depression during the winter when it is coldest, and darkest for long periods of time. It can stay dark for about 75% of the day with only a couple of hours of sunlight during certain times of the year. This can cause people to feel depressed, and tired. Depression is bad for the publics health because production can be dramatically reduced and it can have many negative effects in family life, and aspects of social life.  People don’t really speak out on this kind of problem so it can be usually hard to monitor. Depression can cause many negative outcomes in a persons life.


Chronic Disease. As in many parts of the U.S. chronic disease rates are steadily climbing. This is to do with people living longer and can be contributed to the increased intake of processed foods and sugars, as well as lack of exercises. This is one contributing factor that helps such chronic disease develop such as diabetes. Increased Alcohol and substance rates contribute to cancer. People are taking less care of themselves, and as a result must pay the price.