Public Health
1) Reflection:
Think about the unaltered, altered, and built environment today, compared to when your grandparents or parents were your age. What differences are there? How do these differences affect your health – positively or negatively? What about changes you see now that will affect future generations?
500 words, minimum.
2) Discussion
How did COVID-19 complicate our normal response?
How has our food supply chain been impacted by the pandemic?
You must find, use, and cite two (2) credible sources.
300 words – without the references.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is important to engage students in critical thinking about public health issues. The following answers address questions related to the altered, unaltered, and built environment and the impact of COVID-19 on the food supply chain.
1) Reflection:
When we compare the environment today to that of our grandparents or parents when they were our age, there are significant differences. The built environment has become more urbanized, with increased use of cars and public transportation, and fewer opportunities for physical activity. The unaltered environment has been impacted by climate change, leading to more severe weather events and increased air pollution. The altered environment has brought about changes in food production, leading to a reliance on processed and packaged foods.
These changes have had both negative and positive effects on our health. The easy access to vehicles and transportation has improved our ability to access healthcare services, but has also led to less physical activity and more sedentary lifestyles. Climate change and increased air pollution have contributed to a rise in respiratory diseases such as asthma. The consumption of processed and packaged foods has led to an increase in obesity and other chronic diseases.
Future generations will be impacted by the changes we are currently experiencing. Climate change will continue to impact the environment, leading to more severe weather events, rising sea levels, and increased air pollution. The built environment will continue to become more urbanized, leading to further challenges in accessing healthcare and decreased physical activity. It is important to address these issues now to ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
2) Discussion:
COVID-19 has greatly complicated our normal response to public health crises. The pandemic has highlighted the need for increased access to healthcare services, testing, and vaccines. The pandemic has also highlighted the racial and socioeconomic disparities in accessing these services. COVID-19 has also led to a dramatic increase in mental health disorders due to social isolation, economic hardships, and uncertainties about the future.
The food supply chain has also been impacted by the pandemic. The closure of restaurants and schools has led to less demand for certain foods, while increased demand for others. Farmers and food processing plants have had to adjust to new safety guidelines and regulations, leading to delays and shortages in the supply chain.
Two credible sources include an article from the World Health Organization discussing the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, and a report from the USDA discussing the impact of COVID-19 on the food supply chain.
In conclusion, it is important to continue to address public health issues and adapt to changing environmental and global circumstances. Addressing these issues now will ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
