Read About A Public Health Issue Of Your Interest

Read About A Public Health Issue Of Your Interest Based On Your Resea

Read about a public health issue of your interest. Based on your research, express your views on the following: What is the difference between public health and individual health? How does the system of health care delivery in the United States support the goals of public health? Is the health issue identified by you during the research being adequately addressed? Why or why not? What initiatives are in place to address your identified public health issue? Explain at least two such initiatives. What are the risks or social factors associated with your identified health issue? How are the three levels of government (national, state, and local) working together to address your identified health issue? To support your work, use your course and textbook readings and also use the South University Online Library. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format. Your initial posting should be addressed at words.

Paper For Above instruction

The distinction between public health and individual health is foundational to understanding health promotion and disease prevention strategies within society. Public health refers to organized efforts and policies that aim to protect, promote, and restore the health of populations. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including disease surveillance, health education, vaccination programs, sanitation, and regulation of health services (Turnock, 2016). Conversely, individual health pertains to personal health status, behaviors, and access to medical care that impact an individual’s well-being. While individual health is influenced by personal choices and genetics, public health focuses on societal and environmental factors that affect health outcomes across communities.

The United States' healthcare system plays a significant role in supporting public health goals, although it is often critiqued for its fragmentation and uneven access. The system encompasses federal, state, and local agencies that coordinate efforts for disease prevention, health promotion, and emergency responses (Gebbie et al., 2008). For example, programs like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) develop national public health initiatives, while state and local health departments implement targeted interventions based on community needs. The incorporation of primary care, public health infrastructure, and health education within the healthcare system supports the broader goals of health promotion and disease prevention. Nevertheless, challenges such as disparities in access and social determinants of health hinder the overall effectiveness of these efforts.

An example of a pressing public health issue is obesity, which remains a significant concern in the United States. Despite ongoing efforts, obesity rates continue to rise, reflecting persistent social and environmental factors. Obesity is associated with increased risks for heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (Hales et al., 2020). It is not being fully addressed due to multiple barriers, including socioeconomic disparities, food deserts, lack of access to safe recreational spaces, and cultural attitudes toward diet and exercise (Ogden et al., 2015). While initiatives exist to curb obesity, such as national campaigns promoting physical activity and healthy eating, implementation and reach vary across populations.

Two key initiatives aimed at reducing obesity are the CDC’s National Nutrition and Physical Activity Program and the SNAP-Ed program. The CDC’s program promotes community-based interventions such as school-based physical activity programs, improved nutritional standards in schools, and public awareness campaigns (CDC, 2021). Similarly, SNAP-Ed, managed by the USDA, aims to improve the food choices and physical activity behaviors of low-income populations through education and supportive policies (USDA, 2022). These initiatives address social determinants by promoting healthier lifestyles and increasing access to nutritious foods and safe physical activity environments.

Social and environmental risks associated with obesity include socioeconomic inequalities, food insecurity, marketing of unhealthy foods, and built environment factors such as lack of parks and safe sidewalks (Booth et al., 2012). These social determinants disproportionately affect marginalized populations, exacerbating health disparities and hindering efforts to combat obesity effectively.

Addressing complex public health problems requires coordinated efforts among all levels of government. At the federal level, agencies like the CDC and USDA establish national guidelines and allocate funding for obesity prevention programs. State governments develop tailored policies, such as state-specific dietary guidelines and school nutrition laws, while local governments implement community-level interventions including building parks or supporting local farmers' markets (Kantor et al., 2014). Collaboration across jurisdictions enhances resource sharing, policy consistency, and community engagement, making strategies more effective in tackling health issues like obesity.

In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between public and individual health underscores the importance of systemic, community-based approaches to health promotion. The United States’ healthcare infrastructure, despite its challenges, provides a platform for coordinated public health initiatives addressing major issues like obesity. Continued collaboration among federal, state, and local governments is essential to develop sustainable solutions that address social determinants and promote health equity. Future efforts must focus on implementing culturally competent, accessible, and equitable interventions to effectively combat public health challenges.

References

• Booth, K. M., Pinkston, E. M., & Gross, E. (2012). Obesity and the Built Environment. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 112(11), 1735–1740.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Strategies to Improve the Food Environment to Promote Healthy Eating Among US Adults. MMWR, 70(6), 203–209.
• Gebbie, K., Meddings, J., & Glass, R. (2008). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.
• Hales, C. M., Carroll, M. D., Fryar, C. D., & Ogden, C. L. (2020). Prevalence of obesity and severity of obesity among adults: United States, 2017–2018. NCHS Data Brief, (360), 1–8.
• Kantor, S., Winham, D. M., & Wharton, C. M. (2014). Built environment influences on physical activity in overweight and obese adults: A systematic review. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 11(7), 1235–1244.
• Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., Fryar, C. D., & Flegal, K. M. (2015). Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2011–2014. NCHS Data Brief, (219), 1–8.
• Turnock, B. J. (2016). Public health: What it is and how it works. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2022). SNAP-Ed: Nutrition education and obesity prevention services. USDA Food and Nutrition Service.