Healthy People 2010: implications for orthopaedic nurses

Healthy People 2010 is the latest publication developed by the United States Public Health Service (USDHSS, 2000) to identify the most significant and preventable threats to health and to establish national goals to reduce these threats. This document contains two major goals, 467 objectives, 28 focus areas, and 10 leading indicators. Orthopaedic nurses are in ideal positions to assume leadership roles in promoting healthier behaviors in neighborhoods and communities as individuals, groups, and organizations begin to incorporate Healthy People 2010 into health promotion planning. Healthy People 2010 is designed to be a valuable resource for participating most effectively in improving the nation's health. By using this document to plan health promotion and disease prevention programs, orthopaedic nurses, regardless of practice setting, can impact the health of future generations of Americans.