Each year, Americans spend more than $2 trillion on health care, and a large part of this spending is due to preventable illnesses and diseases, reports the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of this problem, health advocates work to limit the financial, physical and emotional costs of preventable illnesses.
Function
Health advocates serve as educators, providing information about lead a healthy life style and limit risk for developing disease. Advocates also spot potential health risks in workplaces or communities and work with officials to address these hazards.
Types of Employers
Health advocates work for universities, large companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies.
Features
Health advocates assess the needs of the students, employees or other populations they serve, studying statistics to determine their largest health risks. Advocates then design awareness programs, trainings, free health screenings and other projects to help mitigate these risks.
Education
Health advocates typically require a minimum of a bachelors degree in public health or a scientific field like biology or chemistry. Some health advocates continue their schooling, earning masters or PhD degrees in public health.
Compensation
In December 2009, health advocates averaged annual salaries of $63,000, according to Indeed.com.
Tags: advocates work, health advocates, Health advocates, Health advocates, health risks, preventable illnesses