Discussion: Public Health Issues - Tobacco, Obesity, and Responses

This discussion post addresses two prominent public health issues: the increasing popularity of hookah smoking among youths and the obesity epidemic in the United States. The author highlights the dangers of hookah, emphasizing its potential health risks, including cardiovascular issues and cancer, and contrasts it with the misconception of it being less harmful than cigarettes. The post also details the severity of obesity, its associated health problems like diabetes and heart disease, and the government's efforts to combat it, such as sugar taxes and health initiatives. Additionally, the author responds to two peer posts, one discussing the West Nile virus and the other addressing strong winds and a cardiovascular health pill, seeking further information on government policies and potential side effects. The post provides references to support the discussed public health concerns and peer responses.

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Student’s name:
Student’s id:

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Two public health issues
Smoking tobacco using a water pipe that is hookah, has gained popularity among
youths and it is a great concern in the United States. The article clearly depicts that 1 in 5
college students in the U.S has smoked a water pipe. The use of hookah is growing among
the high school and even in the middle school students. People have a conception that it is
less harmful than a cigarette. However, there is no evidence in support of this statement.
Even, according to researchers, it is as dangerous as cigarette rather, potentially more
dangerous. It consists of toxic formaldehyde and other harmful particles that lead to serious
health hazards including cardiovascular risks, cancer, lung injuries and many others
(Schroeder, 2019).
Obesity has become a serious public health crisis in the United States in recent years.
According to a study published in the American Journal of public Health, 1 in 5 deaths occur
due to obesity related issues. The medical cost for obese people is higher than the people with
normal weight. Researchers say that obesity epidemic begun during 1980’s and increased
over the years. Nearly 40% of the adults over the age of 20 are obese that is approximately
93.3 million people. Obesity leads to many life-threatening health issues, such as type II
diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer and others. However,
government has taken different initiatives including the implementation of sugar tax in order
to reduce the number of obese people in the United States. Comprehensive early childhood
education program also introduces strategies to prevent obesity and live healthy. States have
implemented many laws to improve the access to healthy food and increase physical activity
that can reduce obesity prevalence. In spite of the taxes and laws, 8 out of 10 Americans but
soda and other sugary beverages which are highly alarming (Newman, 2019).

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I have considered both of these articles as a public health concern as these focus on a
global issue which not only affects a single person but the health of a large community.
Excessive tobacco intake is a problem of mass and obesity is also a concern for the people of
United States. Hence, these two articles clearly discuss about two public health concerns.
Response to the post of Chona Limboy
The post is highly informative and it focuses on a serious public health concern that is West
Nile virus infection. You have clearly discussed how the infection is transmitted to humans.
Also, you have mentioned the preventive strategies for this infectious disease as well as the
symptoms of it. It is extremely concerning as no any medication or vaccination has been
found till now. However, I would like to know the Government policies to prevent the
prevalence of West Nile virus infection.
Response to the post of Paulene Le
You have discussed about strong wind in Southern California and also discussed about “daily
combo pill” which helps in boosting cardiovascular health of poor and minority Americans.
Both of these topics reflect serious public health concern as strong wing can cause harm to
many families and also, the second article will be informative as well as helpful for the
people with low income background. However, I would like to know if there is any side
effect of “daily combo pill” that can cause health hazards to the users.

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References
Schroeder, M.O. (2019, Sept 3). What Are the Risks Associated With Hookah? Stuff
Retrieved from https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/hookah-smoking-risks
Newman, K. (2019, Sept 19). Obesity in America: A Public Health Crisis. Stuff Retrieved
from https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-09-19/
obesity-in-america-a-guide-to-the-public-health-crisis