M3.2: Vulnerable Populations
Why are we still ONLY focused on sedentary lifestyles and diets when addressing obesity in the US? Why are we not also looking at ways to decrease exposures to those chemicals that may be contributing to the epidemic?
Watching the various videos and reading the articles presented, it is clear that we are not taking a broad approach to healthcare issues. As Rishi Manchada states, our zip code is becoming more important than our genetic code. He emphasizes the importance of asking patients about their living situation, and reveals that most doctors know that it is an important factor and can affect a patient's health. Even so, they are unaware of how to go about it, so they eliminate it in their assessment altogether. It is so important to look at a patient with a "whole person" perspective. Their genetics play a part, yes. However, as the research shows, exposure to chemicals/allergens/toxins can cause issues as well. It is especially important for healthcare providers to know the community that they practice in, as so much of a patient's issues can be caused by multiple factors, including their environment (home, school, or work).
When it comes to sedentary lifestyles and diets when reducing obesity, we focus on exercising and changing to a healthier diet because that is what is easiest. It is what we know. Sometimes health care providers take only one approach to a problem. In her presentation, Elise Miller mentions the ecological health framework; this model exhibits the various factors that influence a person's health, from the environment to biology to the community to social relationships and so on. Taking this standpoint, we can see that there are multiple influences on health. This being said, it is also important to recognize that decreasing exposures to chemicals can help to alleviate devastating health problems such as developmental delays, reproductive issues, deformities, learning disabilities, and much more.
In addition to not being knowledgeable of how chemicals can contribute to the problem of obesity (and other health issues), it is more difficult to change policy rather than lifestyle. While an individual is responsible for his or her actions (like eating a healthy diet and being active), policy changes and intervening at a higher level takes more time and involvement from other entities, not just an individual. It requires input from government and community leaders. As Miller said, the more effective an intervention, the more difficult it is.
Despite the difficulties that may be faced, it is a change that is needed. As noted in the videos and the articles, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the effects of harmful chemicals. It is essential to be weary and advocate for change for the future.
First thousand days: Toxic contributors to neurodevelopment deficits. (2015, 7 August). Presentation by Elise Miller, UC Davis MIND Institute. Retrieved from www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/videos/video_summerinstitute.html
[TED]. (2014, September 15). Rich Manchanda: What makes us get sick? Look upstream [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJEwC4wCM70&feature=youtu.be
Watching the various videos and reading the articles presented, it is clear that we are not taking a broad approach to healthcare issues. As Rishi Manchada states, our zip code is becoming more important than our genetic code. He emphasizes the importance of asking patients about their living situation, and reveals that most doctors know that it is an important factor and can affect a patient's health. Even so, they are unaware of how to go about it, so they eliminate it in their assessment altogether. It is so important to look at a patient with a "whole person" perspective. Their genetics play a part, yes. However, as the research shows, exposure to chemicals/allergens/toxins can cause issues as well. It is especially important for healthcare providers to know the community that they practice in, as so much of a patient's issues can be caused by multiple factors, including their environment (home, school, or work).
When it comes to sedentary lifestyles and diets when reducing obesity, we focus on exercising and changing to a healthier diet because that is what is easiest. It is what we know. Sometimes health care providers take only one approach to a problem. In her presentation, Elise Miller mentions the ecological health framework; this model exhibits the various factors that influence a person's health, from the environment to biology to the community to social relationships and so on. Taking this standpoint, we can see that there are multiple influences on health. This being said, it is also important to recognize that decreasing exposures to chemicals can help to alleviate devastating health problems such as developmental delays, reproductive issues, deformities, learning disabilities, and much more.
In addition to not being knowledgeable of how chemicals can contribute to the problem of obesity (and other health issues), it is more difficult to change policy rather than lifestyle. While an individual is responsible for his or her actions (like eating a healthy diet and being active), policy changes and intervening at a higher level takes more time and involvement from other entities, not just an individual. It requires input from government and community leaders. As Miller said, the more effective an intervention, the more difficult it is.
Despite the difficulties that may be faced, it is a change that is needed. As noted in the videos and the articles, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to the effects of harmful chemicals. It is essential to be weary and advocate for change for the future.
References
First thousand days: Toxic contributors to neurodevelopment deficits. (2015, 7 August). Presentation by Elise Miller, UC Davis MIND Institute. Retrieved from www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/videos/video_summerinstitute.html
[TED]. (2014, September 15). Rich Manchanda: What makes us get sick? Look upstream [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJEwC4wCM70&feature=youtu.be
Hello Loren,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need a better understanding of how chemicals effect obesity. People assume that chemicals only cause illnesses such as cancer or organ failure. But many fail to realize that chemicals can cause many unthought of illnesses just like diabetes.