major health education/promotion/public health events

The Egyptians were known for their personal hygiene and cleanliness. This was evident among the priest/priestess.

The Hebrews outlines codes for cleanliness in the Hebrew bible in the book of Leviticus.

The Greeks were the first to emphasize disease prevention. The Greek Gods and philosophers emphasized health and disease prevention.

The Romans developed an extensive system of underground sewers along with public and private baths. They were the 1st to build hospitals, develop a system of private medical practice and increase the study of anatomy and the practice of surgery.

With the collapse of the Roman Empire there was little emphasis on cleanliness or hygiene.

Although a time of rebirth and focus on the liberal arts, this period like the middle ages saw a decline in cleanliness with disease and plague still remnant in Europe.

The Age of Enlightenment shifted the focus to an age of science, intellect, and philosophy. Scientific inquiry and research would become more in demand. Disease and cleanliness were still an issue due to population growth and Industry.

Overcrowding in cities still caused many public health problems such as smallpox, cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis reached high endemic levels. Advancements in microbiology and bacteriology grew during this time. State Boards of Health - were first established in 1869.

From 1900-1920, the reform phase of public health. Progressive Era led to a major reform in many areas in politics, social and health. Some reforms that took shape during this period are:
Vaccines
Safer workplaces
Control of infectious diseases
Decline in deaths from coronary disease and stroke
Safer and healthier foods
Healthier mothers and babies