Role of the model with your identified public health issue

This document discusses the role of the model with the identified public health issue and how policies and legislations affect public health. It also talks about how policies are influencing children's behavioral and dietary choices and the impact of individuals and communities on public health.

Running head: PUBLIC HEALTH
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PUBLIC HEALTH
Role of the model with your identified public health issue
From the Fed Up documentary, the journalist tries to investigate why the food
industry is responsible now more than ever for sickness than previously thought. The lifestyle
diseases have greatly increased due to poor food choices. For example, obesity is an epidemic
currently while heart disease and diabetes are sky rocketing. Top food experts and
nutritionists from the documentary say that the food industry solutions for fighting this
diseases are not only making more problems but also worsening the problems (Baum, 2016).
The government is also involved in this issue as shown in the film as it gives major subsidies
to these companies while also endorsing the marketing and sales of unhealthy foods to
children and adults. Change is warranted to make any substantial sustainable change in diet.
How policies and legislations affect public health
The government has various levers for prevention of disease and promotion of good
health at its disposal. Public policies and legislations like prevention strategies can be used as
intervention to secure better eating and living habits (Watts et al,2015). The government can
set policies to sensitize individual change in behavior, acts as behavior change agents and
improve the environment. Government interventions can be done through incentives,
education or deterrence. For example, can create health communication campaigns through
education and persuading people to make better health choices. It can also set legislations on
taxation and law regulations requiring safer food products.
How policies are influencing children behavioral and dietary choices
The government policies are making it necessary for the children to be aware of what
they are consuming. Through various policies, children have been able to be educated on
importance of having a healthy lifestyle.

PUBLIC HEALTH
Individuals and communities impact on public health
Individual awareness on better lifestyle and eating choices and behaviors are
important. When an individual is making better choices, he or she can influence the
community he is living in Wing, Simon, & Bello-Gomez, 2018).. The community can also be
pro-active in encouraging food industry players to produce better products by boycotting
some products that are harmful. For example, through civil society they can agitate for
restrictions of commercial advertising of hazardous substances, better labelling and regulate
the environment.
Asserations made in the video
I agree with the assertion. Public health should be influenced through policy making
and legislation.

PUBLIC HEALTH
References
Baum, F. (2016). The new public health (No. Ed. 4). Oxford University Press.
Watts, N., Adger, W. N., Agnolucci, P., Blackstock, J., Byass, P., Cai, W., ... & Cox, P. M. (2015).
Health and climate change: policy responses to protect public health. The
Lancet, 386(10006), 1861-1914.
Wing, C., Simon, K., & Bello-Gomez, R. A. (2018). Designing difference in difference studies: best
practices for public health policy research. Annual review of public health, 39.