Ryan Beck MPH 632-L1

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....

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...

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. 

A topic of interest I am considering is immunizations. I am specifically interested in conscientious exemptions from immunization.  The State of Texas currently allows 5 exemption affidavits per year for immunization. This effects the overall population of Texas, school environments, and the nation. The Travis County Health Dept, Texas Department of State Health Services, and City of Austin promote immunizing your children and own self. However, the option is available to be exempt based on religious, personal, or medical reasons. By not exempting yourself or your children there is a risk for infection.

The Department of Health and Human Services is a cabinet department of the federal government.  The goal of the agency is to protect the health of the American people.  The department's mission is to " enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans."  The mission is fulfilled by " providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services." The department has a number of programs that provide information and support on Heath Rights, Health Insurance, Prevention and Wellness, Social Services, Research, and much more. The department employs many citizens with roles such as Public Health Specialist, Attorneys, and Research teams. 

Travis County Health Dept. Services  Food Handler Resources Certification Inspections Restaurant Inspections Pool, Spa, and Public Park Inspections Immunizations Sanitation Services Trash and Recycling pick up Street Cleaning Services Smoking Ordinances Rodent and Pest Control Travis County offers numerous environmental health programs to make the county healthy and strong. Travis County is primarily the City of Austin. Austin, Texas is a very progressive city that takes great pride in its surroundings, citizens, and overall environmental impact. 

Utilizing the first article, discuss what is locally grown and what is currently in season in your area. Tomato season is coming to an end.  However, melons, stone fruits, and pomegranates are currently in season. Additionally, zucchini and summer squash, onions, and okra are in season as well.   Discuss your thoughts on seasonal/local foods and hospital menus.  Using seasonal/local foods is a great utilization of the environment around you.  Additionally, I think it is a great challenge to figure out how to prepare them and only use what you are provided. Hospital menus in the area tend to be very boring and not particularly healthy.  Find a Harvest Calendar for your state (or a state you are interested in) utilizing the link in the first article (found underneath the example Harvest Calendar for New York State).  What are your thoughts on the second article? Have you heard of obesogens before? I have never heard of obesogens before. I f...

I found the readings to be very insightful. I am well informed on the subject of antibiotics and the over use of them in farming.  While in high school, I had a friend who was deeply concerned about the use of antibiotics in farming and on multiple accounts would educate me on the subject.  After hearing about this for several years, I became more aware and decided to research the topic myself. Today, I am aware of the issues with using antibiotics on livestock and am concerned about what is doing to our food sources, health, and environment.

Your thoughts about the vanishing of bees (what else have you heard/seen about this issue?) I have heard about the bee population and how it is starting to lessen over the years.  This issue is concerning because the human population relies on the work of bees.  The United States and other countries use pesticides and other chemicals for farming; however, some of these chemicals are harmful to the bee population and should no longer be considered for use because of sustainability issues.  Dirt!: The Movie  I found this video to be informative and insightful.  Dirt is an important part of our environment and it plays a key role in the sustainability of nature.  Were you able to discover if there is a factory farm near you? Were you already aware of farms near you? What do you think about this?  There are several in the surrounding Austin area. I'm not really happy about this. While I understand that they have been beneficial in sustaining the...