Why is Epidemiology important?

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Why is Epidemiology important?

Epidemiology is technically defined as one study of identifying patterns and factors associated to health and illness states contained in a certain population. The term epidemiology comes from the Greek terms of epi, demos and logos which literally translate into the study of what is upon the people. Epidemiology therefore, can only be applied to human beings. However today, the term is also appropriately applied in the study of animals as well as plants. Tracing its origin, epidemiology can be well attributed to the Greek physician Hippocrates. As the first recognized person to study the relationships between occurrences of diseases in consideration of environmental influences, Hippocrates was somehow labeled to be the father of epidemiology. Years thereafter, several personalities emerged in having interest in such particular study. The names of Girolamo Fracastoro, John Graunt, Dr. John Snow, P. A. Schleisner and Ignaz Semmelweis are just few of the many physicians who pioneered in the field of epidemiology.
Until this time, epidemiology is one type of study that is considered to be most useful in research, especially in the field of health related issues. Epidemiology is one tool of modifying and improving the lives of many people, especially those who belong to the low socio-economic sector of the society. Epidemiology is one important study that primarily identifies factors that pose one’s health at risk for certain diseases. This field of study also aids in determining approaches that can help treat and prevent onset of diseases at an optimal level. More so, epidemiology is part of advocating personal and public measures that communicates and encourages changes that is deemed to have positive effects. In addition to that, epidemiology is one important tool that constitutes to the health management frameworks, of which is primarily concerned if the population’s welfare.

Author: plaza

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