Educate policy-makers now to make an impact on public health.

PUBLIC health; UNITED States legislators; FORUMS; HEALTH care industry; CHILDHOOD obesity; EMERGING infectious diseases; CLIMATE change; MEDICAL care

In this article, the author looks at the role of policy-makers in improving public health in the U.S. According to the author, the health care industry can use forums to educate policy-makers and politicians about what is important to ensure the public's health. She argues that policy-makers should address health issues as the country faces threats to health, such as childhood obesity, emerging infectious diseases and climate change. She asserts the need to let policymakers know what happens when public health does not work, when there is no funding for school nurses, prevention programs, mental health services, improving the environment, worker safety or sanitarians.