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Final Blog

Overall, I learned a lot about environmental and occupational health. Specifically, I learned a lot more about the chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis.  I had a little bit of an idea of chemical exposure. However, I did not know how extensive it was and how many chemicals we come into contact with. Chemical exposure was definitely the most interesting subject we covered in this course. The blogs and blog groups were a great way to discuss the topics. However, I really disliked blogger.com as a platform. Canvas offers a similar platform that is way less glitching. After several post, I was unable to comment on one of my group members blogs. For a brief period of time, I thought they might have dropped the course because their blog was no longer loading or registering online. Additionally, while the blogs are a great way to discuss topics, I think the number of blogs should be cut down and students should just be required to comment on two of the blogs rather than every si...
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Think About It-Website Exploration

As we begin to think about being active and prepared, explore  the website for The National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health  (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site.  and the links that are specific to your region or area of interest to learn more about health (physical and psychosocial) and environmental impacts or preparedness needs for these disaster precipitators. In California we have the  Disaster Healthcare Volunteers Site  (Links to an external site.) Links to an external site. , where healthcare professionals and those with healthcare experience can express a desire to be a volunteer should a disaster happen. Is there something similar where you live? The website provided several links regarding natural disasters. When looking at this site and the references for natural disasters, I immediately began to think about Hurricane Harvey and the devastation it caused. Specifically, I began to think about the w...
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Climate Change

What do you personally find most troubling about climate change? Overall, the impact of climate change is most troubling. As temperatures continue to rise, water levels and agriculture are directly affected. The devastating impact this has on human kind and the environments we inhabit are troubling. Climate change can cause our agriculture system to collapse; making access to food more difficult. As seen over the last couple of years, climate change can drastically affect the weather and strength of storms. These instances of direct impact climate change and how it threatens the environment and humans is very troubling. Therefore, more research and investments should be made into reducing climate change.   As a public health professional, what do you think needs the greatest attention right now? With regards to climate change, I believe awareness and education are important and need attention. Lack of knowledge on climate change and how to prevent climate change in...
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Blog about a Zero Waste Life

I really enjoyed the posted video and the subject of living zero waste.  I recently saw a writer for Buzzfeed explore this lifestyle and commit to doing it for a month. Over the course of the month she found it to be difficult, but very satisfying. I do not live a zero waste lifestyle, however, over the past few months, I have begun to reduce our waste.  I no longer use bags for my produce.  I try to avoid buying food in bags or containers that cannot be recycled and I make sure to shop in the bulk bin.  Not only does this save some money, it makes you more aware of the foods you put in your body. Overall, I would like to eventually transition to a zero waste life, however, I find it might be a little difficult when it comes to certain aspects of cooking. For example, when you braise meat, you should dry it off. I usually use paper towels. I guess you could use towels, however, I feel like that could be a potential health risk or contamination problem. I really respe...
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Ideal Chemical Policy

After watching the videos provided and completing this module, I am very surprised.  There needs to be a major reform in public policy with regards to regulatory and protection laws regarding workers and communities.  While I knew a brief and surface level amount of information regarding the issue of chemical exposure and policy, I did not know, in depth, the minimal approach companies take in order to protect their employees or the communities they are in close proximity to. Therefore, I believe an ideal chemical policy includes one of strict regulatory laws.  Chemical should be researched and tested before being used. If the chemical being tested poses a significant health, environmental risk, it should not be used.  An alternative ought to be sought. Additionally, if a chemical is found to be dangerous and there are workers or communities who have been exposed, the company should be forced to release the information and provide the services to remedy this issue....
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Take Immediate Action to Protect Communities and Workers-BACKGROUND #6

In the Background Paper #6, Take Immediate Action to Protect Communities and Workers, details the need for chemical policy reform regarding chemical exposures that pose a high-risk to workers and communities. The paper's goal is to reduce and eliminate dangerous chemical exposures to these populations. Currently, the government policy regarding this issue requires that companies provide the minimum in efforts to reduce, eliminate, protect its workers and the surrounding communities. While some companies are making efforts towards a more green and environmentally friendly production, others have continued to put fourth minimal effort.   The paper provides solutions that would reduce and help protect communities and workers.  Additionally, the article discusses the policy and legal gaps surrounding the issue.  The population being addressed is one that is marginalized and often forgotten.  Currently, several house bills and public policy reform have begu...
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Pesticides

I shop organic as much as possible.  I generally have a pretty well-balanced diet.  I primarily eat plant based foods.  Therefore, I get a lot of organic produce and organic options. When the option of organic food is possible, I buy it. My last meal consisted of all organic foods.  I had an organic spinach, sweet potato, onion, and black bean enchilada.  Additionally, the wine that I drink is organic as well.   After reading several articles on the importance of of eating organic foods, I became more interested in shopping for organic produce and food. Being able to afford these organic foods is a privilege and can be expensive. As this relates to public health, organic foods should be accessible to everyone including vulnerable populations. Now more than ever, vulnerable populations are experiencing health issues related to the food they consume or can afford. Therefore, accessibility and affordability should be a priority. 
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