PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSOR: THIS Is the No. 1 Public Health Challenge in America

Dr. Mike Perko, PhD, is the Founder of 500 Fist Bumps, an initiative that promotes trust, connection, and well-being among youth. He is also a Professor of Public Health Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). In 1994, Dr. Perko developed the Survey to Predict Adolescent Athlete Dietary Supplement Use, which is used by researchers worldwide. As a highly rated speaker and authority figure in public health, he has authored over 200 articles on health and fitness and written three books.

In this episode…

Many people underestimate how early-life habits and social environments influence their health, mobility, and mental well-being in later years. Declining physical activity, limited community connection, and preventable chronic conditions are increasing healthcare costs and diminishing quality of life. How can we build healthier, more connected communities that improve longevity and daily function?

According to public health educator and researcher Dr. Mike Perko, preventative healthcare must start before adulthood. Low-cost, accessible actions like daily walks and groundwork for bone strength can sustain physical health, while fostering social connections can improve mental well-being. Dr. Perko urges community leaders to reintroduce physical education in schools, address social determinants of health, and encourage corporate investments in community health.

In this episode of What The Teck?, Rolando Rosas and Dave Kelly welcome Dr. Mike Perko, Founder of 500 Fist Bumps, back to discuss building healthier communities and preventing chronic illness. Dr. Perko discusses the value of early intervention in developing healthy habits, the impact of walking and physical movement on longevity, and the role of social determinants in shaping overall well-being.