M3.2 Vulnerable Populations

Why are we still ONLY focused on sedentary lifestyles and diets when addressing obesity in the US?  Why are we not also looking at ways to decrease exposures to those chemicals that may be contributing to the epidemic?

 One of the main reasons we focus on sedentary lifestyles and diets when addressing obesity in the US is because both pieces are tangible and identifiable. For example, many people know if they eat foods with high amounts of fat, they are more likely to gain weight. Many people also understand that being sedentary typically means retaining and gaining weight at a faster rate when compared to someone who is active. Both of these items are easy to identify. The main difference is that exposures to chemicals seem like the least likely agent to cause weight gain and eventually obesity. Another aspect to consider is the way the our communities have made certain behaviors socially acceptable. For example, if you go to a gym it is often encouraged to use some type of protein powder, or thermogenic, etc to take your workout to the next level. But oftentimes there is no further explanation as to why using such substances are beneficial. Additionally, many people do not talk about our environmental impact and the impact the environment has on us. Specifically when considering toxins and where they come from. If the topic were to become a part of the conversation, I    think it would help us all realize that there are so many other pieces we have yet to consider. 

Comments

  1. Chris DeatrasOctober 29, 2018 at 11:17 AM

    I agree with your point on sedentary lifestyles and diets the easiest to discuss among people because of they have the most tangible information available. In support of your point on the lack of explanation on supplementary workout substances, I think it will be a good idea to practice sharing their benefits. As someone who tries to frequent the gym, I think this information would help me reach my goals more efficiently. I also agree that we should be talking more about the impact of the environment. The environment is bigger than we are, and yet we continue to neglect the role it plays.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 19, 2018 at 9:35 AM

    I definitely agree that both diet and lifestyles take priority when discussing obesity because they are something that we can measure. By having the measurables, we can encourage someone to do things such as walk daily for 30 minutes or eat less carbs and we would usually see immediate changes in weight. However, when talking about the environment or toxins we still, as a society, do not really understand the full impact of these things. For example, we are barely starting to discuss obsenogens.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

M10.2 Blog about MSDS and ToxNet

Obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from your workplace or from the workplace of a family member or friend.   Material Safety Data Sheets are chemical information sheets created by chemical manufacturers that all employers are required to obtain and keep for any potentially hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Look up  the chemical using the ToxNet databases you mastered while viewing the enviRN-EVIDENCE program. Were there any discrepancies regarding the potential health effects  noted in the MSDS? In your  BLOG , write about your findings - about the potential dangers associated with the chemical/product you looked up. Was the MSDS an adequate tool for a worker to use to gain an understanding of the potential health risks and how to protect him/herself? My friend works for Texas Gateway and I looked at the MSDS for their organization. You can find it  here.   Review  the MSDS and answer the following questions: What are...
Read more

M12.9 Blog: Climate Change

You've learned a lot about climate change this week. BLOG about the following: 1. What do you personally find most troubling about climate change? To me the most troubling thing about climate change is the idea that people in our society do not believe that it is happening and that it is a real thing. It is really crazy, currently that people in power do not want to recognize the huge changes happening to our environments. I also find it sad that future generations will not know many of the amazing natural beauties that are around today.  2.  As a public health professional, what do you think needs the greatest attention right now? I think the biggest thing we need to pay attention to right now are our water systems and the way we treat our water. This issue affects every aspect of life and if a better solution is found then I believe we will see improved health outcomes moving forward. 3. If you were visiting with a long-lost relative who had never hea...
Read more

M10.5 Blog about an occupational safety and health organization

CHOOSE ONE of the following organizations/agencies: OSHA, CAL/OSHA, NIOSH, ILO, WHO, AFL-CIO Go to their website. Each of these occupational safety and health or labor organizations support a range of occupational health and safety programs. Select a health and safety program sponsored by one of these organizations, read about it. Provide a short summary on your BLOG and how it might relate to your health and safety. I chose to examine NIOSH and the occupational health and safety programs they offer. Looking at the  website  the programs organized by the NIOSH primarily focus on making a difference through research. An offshoot of NIOSH is NORA, established in 1996, NORA is a partnership program to stimulate innovative research and improved workplace practices. I believe the creation of NORA has drastically helped the ways in which occupational health and safety programs function. I think our occupational sectors are better for it since the founding of the organizatio...
Read more