Health Issues: Professor Gave Me 60% On This Assignment ✓ Solved

Health Issues 2 Professor gave me and 60% on this assignment due to lack of detail and lack of critical thinking. Please when using this to guide assignment 2 be mindful of what the first assignment lacked and to implement that into assignment 2. Thank you. HGMT 310 Assignment #1 Student Name: Latoya Jones Assignment #1 Title: Tobacco dependency threatens many Americans' health, and it poses a preventable burden to the healthcare system. Health Problem: The united states can be categorized among the most significant countries across the globe with a thriving economy.

The following is a comprehensive analysis of tobacco dependency as a major public health issue in the United States, including its impact, policy responses, and social determinants of health. This paper aims to provide a detailed, critically engaged discussion that addresses previous shortcomings regarding depth and critical thinking.

Introduction: Overview of Tobacco Dependency as a Public Health Threat

Tobacco dependency remains one of the most persistent and preventable causes of death and illness globally, with significant implications for the health and economic stability of the United States. Despite widespread awareness and substantial policy efforts, tobacco use continues to pose a threat, especially among vulnerable populations such as youth and underserved communities. Addressing this issue requires a nuanced understanding of its health impacts, policy responses, and the social factors that influence tobacco use behaviors.

The Magnitude of Tobacco-Related Health Issues

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco-related illnesses are responsible for approximately 500,000 deaths annually in the U.S., representing nearly one in every five deaths (CDC, 2019). This burden extends beyond mortality, contributing to myriad chronic health conditions including cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, reproductive health problems, and various cancers. The economic impact is substantial, with direct and indirect costs estimated at over $300 billion each year, encompassing healthcare expenses and productivity losses (CDC, 2019).

Notably, tobacco dependency often begins during adolescence, with many youths initiating use before age 18 (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021). Early initiation increases the likelihood of long-term dependence and health consequences. Furthermore, secondhand smoke exposure affects non-smokers, particularly children and pregnant women, causing respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome, and other health issues (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2014).

Health Risks and Chronic Conditions Associated with Tobacco Use

Chronic illnesses linked to tobacco include cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and stroke, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and various cancers, notably lung, throat, and esophageal cancers. Reproductive health problems, including reduced fertility, pregnancy complications, and neonatal health issues, are also associated with tobacco use (Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2019).

Nicotine addiction is a critical factor, leading to sustained use and difficulty quitting, which perpetuates health risks. The symptoms of dependence, including cravings and withdrawal, create a cycle that reinforces tobacco consumption. Studies indicate that many individuals who attempt to quit relapse due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine (National Cancer Institute, 2020).

Early and continued tobacco use results in a significantly increased risk of premature death, reinforcing the need for targeted interventions that address not only cessation but prevention of initiation among youth.

Public Health Initiatives and Policy Responses

In response to the tobacco epidemic, numerous public health policies have been implemented. The Healthy People 2020 initiative set ambitious goals to reduce tobacco use, including decreasing cigarette smoking prevalence and exposure to secondhand smoke (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020). Policies include taxation, bans on advertising targeting youth, and restrictions on sales of tobacco products to minors.

Specifically, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (2010) empowered the FDA to regulate tobacco products, requiring health warnings and restrictions on flavorings that appeal to youth (FDA, 2019). No-smoking laws in public spaces, increased taxes on tobacco products, and public education campaigns have also contributed to reductions in smoking rates.

However, challenges persist, particularly with the rise of alternative nicotine delivery systems such as e-cigarettes, which face regulatory opposition and pose new health risks (American Lung Association, 2021). Countering industry marketing, especially targeting youth, remains a key focus of policy responses.

Social Determinants of Tobacco Use and Their Influence on Health Outcomes

Social determinants play a critical role in shaping tobacco use patterns. Socioeconomic status, education level, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and social environments influence exposure, access to cessation resources, and susceptibility to marketing influences (Braveman & Gottlieb, 2014).

Individuals with lower income and education levels are more likely to smoke and less likely to access cessation supports, exacerbating health disparities (Hiscock et al., 2012). Cultural norms and social acceptance also influence initiation, especially in marginalized communities where tobacco use may be normalized or less stigmatized.

Understanding these social determinants is essential for designing equitable and effective interventions, including community-based programs, targeted messaging, and policy measures that address structural inequities.

Critical Analysis: Strengths, Limitations, and Future Directions

Current policies have successfully reduced overall smoking prevalence; however, gaps remain. Most notably, youth vaping and alternative tobacco products threaten to reverse gains made in tobacco control. The tobacco industry's marketing strategies adapt quickly, complicating regulation efforts. Moreover, social disparities hinder equitable progress, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches (Baker et al., 2018).

To enhance effectiveness, future strategies should integrate technological innovations, including mobile health interventions, and strengthen policy enforcement. Greater investments in education, especially in underserved communities, are vital. Furthermore, comprehensive approaches that combine policy, community engagement, and health promotion are necessary to overcome persistent barriers (Giskes et al., 2017).

Conclusion

Tobacco dependency remains a major preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, with far-reaching health and economic consequences. While considerable policy measures have been implemented, ongoing challenges—especially targeting youth and addressing social inequalities—must be prioritized. Critical, multi-layered interventions that incorporate regulatory, educational, and community-based approaches are essential for progressing toward a smoke-free society. Continued vigilance, innovation, and commitment are needed to overcome the tobacco epidemic and protect public health.

Resources for Updates

Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2019). Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Current Cigarette Smoking Among U.S. Adults Aged 18 Years and Older. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov

Hiscock, B., et al. (2012). Socioeconomic inequalities in smoking: Causal mechanisms and policy implications. Drug and Alcohol Review, 31(3), 259-267.

Giskes, K., et al. (2017). Policy approaches to reducing tobacco use: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(11), 1276.

National Cancer Institute. (2020). Harms of Tobacco Use. NIH Publication No. 20-7701.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Teen Tobacco Use: Understanding Underage Nicotine Addiction. Retrieved from https://drugabuse.gov

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020). Healthy People 2020 Objectives: Tobacco Use. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2014). The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General.

Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the structural determinants. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19–31.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Current Cigarette Smoking Among U.S. Adults Aged 18 Years and Older. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
• Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act - An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
• Hiscock, B., et al. (2012). Socioeconomic inequalities in smoking: Causal mechanisms and policy implications. Drug and Alcohol Review, 31(3), 259-267.
• Giskes, K., et al. (2017). Policy approaches to reducing tobacco use: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(11), 1276.
• National Cancer Institute. (2020). Harms of Tobacco Use. NIH Publication No. 20-7701.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Teen Tobacco Use: Understanding Underage Nicotine Addiction. Retrieved from https://drugabuse.gov
• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020). Healthy People 2020 Objectives: Tobacco Use. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2014). The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General.
• Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the structural determinants. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19–31.