The impact of an environmental public health issue and make recommendations for policy change.
discuss the impact of an environmental public health issue and make recommendations for policy change.
Research public health issues located on the American Public Health Association (APHA) website, found in the topic Resources. Select a public health issue related to an environmental issue within the U.S. health care delivery system and examine its effect on a specific population.
Based on the public health issue selected, in 750-1,000 words address the following:
Describe the public health issue. Include the following information: (a) what population is affected, (b) at what level does it occur (local, state, or national), and (c) evidence about the issue supported by resources.
Discuss how the public health issue is addressed by the current policies.
Include what changes you would propose to the existing policies. Describe what steps are required to initiate policy change.
Identify the necessary stakeholders required to initiate policy change (government officials, administrator) and explain the importance of their role, such as budgeting or funding.
Discuss the impact on the health care delivery system.
Air pollution is a major environmental public health issue that has a significant impact on the U.S. healthcare delivery system. Air pollution is a mixture of particulate matter, gases, and other pollutants that can come from a variety of sources, such as cars, factories, and power plants.
Air pollution can have a number of negative health effects, including:
- Respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Neurological damage
- Reproductive problems
- Increased risk of asthma and other respiratory problems
- Reduced lung growth and development
- Increased risk of heart disease and stroke later in life
- Neurological damage
- Cognitive impairment
- Investing in renewable energy sources
- Reducing emissions from vehicles and factories
- Improving air quality standards
- Providing financial assistance to low-income families to help them make their homes more energy-efficient
- Educating the public about the health effects of air pollution and how to reduce their exposure
- Develop and implement clinical guidelines for the management of patients with air pollution-related health conditions. This will help to ensure that patients are receiving the most effective care possible.
- Increase funding for research on the health effects of air pollution and the development of new interventions to reduce exposure. This will help to improve our understanding of the impact of air pollution on health and develop more effective ways to protect people from its harmful effects.
- Work with community groups and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the health effects of air pollution and advocate for policies to reduce air pollution. This will help to create a healthier environment for everyone.