USF This is Public Health: 2012

Thursday, September 20, 2012

EMS and Public Health

Public Health is a field that simultaneously incorporates art and science by advocating a healthy style of living, discovering innovative ways to prevent health problems, and increasing awareness of public health. After given the task of selecting a location that best symbolizes the sector of public health, it was then decided that an ambulance offered the most comprehensible depiction of the field. An ambulance represents the preservation of life and provides individuals a sense of protection.

Emergency medical services are often at the forefront of treating patients. Ambulances are part of a working machine that coincides with health care providers. These vehicles provide advanced or basic life support that act in prolonging an individual’s life until a physician is present. EMS ensures that communities have trained emergency medical responders who are always available to respond to emergencies. While extensive medical treatment may be given at the hospital, ambulances deliver rapid and proficient treatment. Emergency medical services are an essential part of the public health system.

This particular field of Public Health includes the state licensing of Emergency Medical Technicians and the quality control, disaster readiness and further regulation of competent emergency medical care for all. EMS Public Health specialists ensure a harmonized EMS system that works smoothly to provide fast, emergency care to all citizens. We thought that this was an important aspect of the Public Health World and that it might be overlooked by many because of its association with hospitals, however, ambulances and EMS are extremely important to the well-being of the population.

- Melissa Thammavongsa, Elizabeth Horning, Niharika Yerrapragada

Ambulances in the Emergency Bay at Florida Hospital, Tampa location.

Babies for Public Health!

Babies For Public Health!

Our group chose International Mall’s bathroom in the food court as our location because it is an area that is used frequently by employees and customers. Being a big mall in Tampa, it attracts many different kinds of people and is the perfect example of a place that needs to take public health precautions.

We decided to put our public health sticker on the baby diaper dispenser. The baby diaper dispenser holds a disposable changing mat, a diaper, wipes, and a little bag to throw it all in before putting in the trash. This is a quick and effective way to make sure that sanitary needs are met for everyone. The diaper is important to contain the baby’s mess to decrease exposure of fecal matter. The wipes are to clean the changing table (and can be used as baby wipes) which prevents Ecoli,

Conjunctivitis and other things from being transmitted by touch. The changing mat protects the baby from possible germs that are present on the changing table, not only to protect the baby from what is on the table but to prevent his/her germs from staying on the table to infect another. The little bag provided for all the unsanitary items that need to be thrown away can prevent exposing more germs or possible feces from being flung around that can spread to walls, doors, or floors on the way to the trash can.

We feel that this dispenser constitutes public health because everything in it is provided to help decrease the spread of germs. Our public health sticker represents public health in a way that promotes using the tools provided in order to prevent germs being exposed to the baby and from getting people sick in public places. This issue is important because the spreading of any germs in a public area can quickly lead to a large amount of people getting sick. This means a large amount of people going to doctors and the hospital, and is especially dangerous with young babies whose immune systems are not as strong yet. Public health precautions are needed here to keep public places and people free and clean of germs and bacteria.

Our Group: Kara Finney, Lynea Castillo, Jillian Ginnetti, and Cassandra Cole.

motor vehicle safety by: dalia, kyra, marty, mayj and tracy

According to researchers, “motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among those ages 5-34 in the U.S.,” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). The CDC also states that more than 2.3 million were treated in emergency departments as the result of being injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009. For this purpose, our group decided to do a blog on seatbelts. Though motor vehicle safety seems relatively negligible compared to other controversial issues in public health, it is important that people understand the risks involved with not wearing a seatbelt. Seat belts are designed to keep passengers safe. According to the CDC seat belts reduce the risk of being killed or injured by 50 percent. In addition to the serious health factors associated with not wearing a seatbelt, Florida drivers receive citations for failing to wear seatbelts. Again, this relates to public health because passengers may be more inclined to wear a seatbelt because of the legal consequences. Consequently, this helps prevent the severity of motor vehicle accidents. As public health majors it is important that we bring awareness to the risks involve of not wearing a seatbelt. We chose the Public Health parking lot to showcase our issue. The Public Health parking lot was fitting because many students drive in that area determined to find a parking spot. It is important that a seatbelt is always worn in a vehicle, even if it is right before class! While holding a seatbelt, we all decided to take a picture to express the simplicity associated with wearing a seatbelt. This simple decision can prevent a casualty and promote positive health.

Fast Food and Public Health

Most of us can agree that fast food is not the healthiest option available when it comes to eating, but occasionally we all stop in to our favorite fast food restaurant when we are hungry, or in a rush. In 2010, President Obama passed a law that required every major fast food chain and many restaurants to display or inform their customers about the calories and contents in the items on their menus. So, we decided to go to Burger King and see if they had nutritional information posted about their menu items. Turns out they did, but unfortunately the information was hidden in a corner near the bathroom. We all agreed that the poster should have been placed somewhere in the restaurant where everyone could see it, and also in a big enough font so that it could be read while waiting in line. Also, it is important to have nutritional information posted in the drive through area as well. However, this new requirement is a step in the right direction, because people need to be more aware of the choices they are making when it comes to eating. It is important to know what is in the food we are consuming, the calorie count, and the healthier options that are available. So many of our health issues today are the result of poor diet and a lack of exercise. For example, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in America, and obesity is directly linked to it. This new requirement that restaurants actually display nutritional information is important to Public Health because it allows consumers to make smarter and healthier choices when it comes to eating.

Seatbelts...wear them!

Left to right: Tracey, Kyra, Martin, Mj, Dalia

Tracey Noelzinord

Mj Pereyra

Kyra Battle

Martin Bell

Dalia Odeh

Speed Safety

Public health is the focus on the population's health through the prevention of disease/accidents and the promotion of health for all. Our group decided to use speed limit as an example of public health. We chose a 30mph speed limit sign on 42^nd street, just off of campus. We chose this spot because it is relevant to public health and students especially. This speed limit sign on 42^nd street is right down the road from both campus and some of the most popular off campus student housing. Many USF drivers will see this sign and have to obey the limit, reducing amount of motor vehicle accidents and helping to protect pedestrians. Since this area has many walkers going to and from campus, they are being protected as well by the restriction on speed. It is a great measure of public health because it is in a very popular area and it is important to reduce the opportunity for accidents. We think that this an excellent example because it is a preventive measure taken to effect all people. Almost everyone in the United has either drove a car, rode a car/bus, or will at some point in the future. It is important that these vehicles have limits and regualtions. Without any limits, people could drive as fast as they want and accidents would be much more likely to occur. With too fast of driving, especially in populated areas with many walkers, it would be easy to hit someone crossing to the street if one was driving too fast. With speed limits in place, people on and off the roads can feel much safer.

You Are What You Eat

One of the leading causes of health issues in America is heart disease and stroke, primarily caused by poor diet. In The United States in 2010 alone, nearly 600,000 individuals passed away due to heart problems. To bring awareness of this rising health issue, we placed the public health sticker on Chuck’s Natural Food Marketplace a grocery that advocates healthy and organic food. Public health prevents diseases and promotes healthy lifestyle. Similarly, Chuck’s Marketplace supports the essence of public health. The grocery store has a vast majority of healthy products that ranges from: healthy organic spices to organic fruits. So many Americans consume a large amount of processed, fat and sodium filled foods. Across Chuck’s marketplace, is a vast majority of fast food restaurants (McDonalds, Burger King). It is very easy for people to choose a meal that is fast and cheap, in comparison, to making a meal that will have a greater benefit on their life, as well as, their family. Unfortunately, those well-known restaurants over shadow Chuck’s Marketplace and the many healthy options it has to offer. The vitamin section of Chuck’s Marketplace is very important to public health. We bump into many cases where vitamins can become an important factor in our life because we may not consume all of the vitamins we need. If we take vitamin supplements that we do not consume throughout our day we are able to avoid many health problems compared to, not having this vitamin intake. This beneficial marketplace is overlooked by many people in our community and with heart disease being the leading cause of death within the U.S., eating healthy is a step towards beating the battle of obesity in America and is important to provide people access to healthier food choices.

Marketa Knight

Louis Go

Sarah Graham

Jenifer Torres

Javaris

Preventative Health with Walgreens

The goal of public health is to promote overall health in the community. A big part of promoting health is providing preventative care that is accessible to the public. We chose to put up our sticker at the Walgreens on the corner of Bruce B Downs and Fletcher. This location is currently offering vaccinations for many illnesses including influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and whooping cough to name a few. These vaccinations are not free, but there are various methods people can use to pay. One option is that people can use their insurance to cover the price of the vaccination. If a person does not have insurance it is possible for them to still receive the vaccination at a relatively low price. For example, the influenza vaccination is available for just $31.99. Outbreaks of influenza are a big public health issue and Walgreens is part of the solution by offering these vaccinations. The vaccinations are the primary prevention in stopping an outbreak of the flu. Walgreens represents public health because they are advocates for overall health. They not only offer vaccinations, but they also offer contraceptive products, first-aid, vitamins and supplements, hygiene products and pharmaceuticals. The products they offer cover all aspects of prevention. There are products such as the vaccines which stop the spread of disease, thus preventing people from ever getting sick. They also carry various medicines to lessen the symptoms that people who have already contracted a disease my experience. These medicines can be considered secondary prevention. It is easy to take having a store like Walgreens for granted. At any given time we can drive a short distance and have access to hundreds of important health products. The accessibility and prices at Walgreens make it a great ally towards the goals of public health.

Kayla Robinson
Claudia Pinera- Rodriguez
Sherica Phillips
Asleigh Hall
Claire Dorcent

Seat Belts: An Positive Factor in Motor-Vehicle Safety

Our group went on a trip to Publix -- all wearing our seat belts, of course!

In the 20^th century, motor vehicle safety was one of the top 10 public health achievements. Our group intended to demonstrate one of the ways in which public health has influenced motor vehicle safety. We placed the “This is Public Health” sticker on a car seatbelt. The objective of public health is the promotion of awareness and prevention at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. The encouragement and enforcement of seat belt usage would be an example of secondary prevention, which minimizes the severity of injury.

The concept of seat belts is a relevant issue because according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “motor-vehicle crashes were the 11th leading cause of death in 2009.” Furthermore, several accidents occur in the Tampa area, especially in the university area around USF.

Additionally, motor vehicle safety is a reoccurring issue: People drive every day and everywhere, and adolescents in Florida may begin driving with a permit as young as 15. Thus, the issue of motor vehicle safety affects a large population. Since public health is concerned with the health of the whole community, rather than focused on the health of the individual, this matter is definitely a public health issue. Simple regulations and amendments such as speed limits and seat belts may reduce injury and save lives. While our project cannot prevent aggressive or reckless driving accidents, we can advocate the simple decision to wear a seatbelt to prevent severe injury in the event of an accident.

[Prima Alonzo, Rajesh Melarum, Hollie French]

Free Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy for women should not be a stressful time in her life. Prenatal care is one of the highest priorities of public health because it deals with the well being of our children who are the future. As a group, we took an adventure to the university mall in search for a public health issue. After a short period of walking we came across a stand that said pregnancy care center. We believe this was a big public health issue because of the epidemic of teen pregnancy and for the complications of pregnant women. Many women do not get adequate prenatal care because it is ether too expensive or services are not available. It was surprising to come across something that is free and at the same time it could change someone life very drastically. The services offered from here include free pregnancy test, counseling, and information on how to have a safe pregnancy. Money causes stress and it should not be the reason to have an unsafe pregnancy. This correlates to the problem of infant mortality rate in the U.S. being so high because of socioeconomic status. As we found in our public health book, our country is ranked 30^th in mortally rates with 6.9 deaths per thousand live births. Those in the lower status are not as educated and don’t have the proper funds for prenatal care. The services offered here help take the burden off the poor and uneducated pregnant women. On the stand it said, “you had plans…pregnancy wasn’t one of them… talk to us” and that illustrates how easy it can be to get help.

Emilio Bosque
Semir Hamzic
Krista Roberts
Nikki Dortch

Limiting Alcohol Use is Public Health

We visited a local convenient store (just blocks from USF) to take a picture in front of public health policy in action. “We I.D.” signs are abundant in convenient stores, restaurants, bars, and liquor stores to remind everyone that alcohol is not legally available to anyone under the age of 21. Alcohol use contributes to more than 4,700 fatalities among youth (under 21) in the US each year (CDC). Excessive alcohol use, especially at an age when the decision and judgment making areas of the brain are not fully developed, is associated with a number of negative health and social impacts including increased rates of violence, suicide, criminal activity, poor school performance, risky sexual behavior, and motor-vehicle crashes. The adoption of the minimum legal drinking age has been one of the United State's efforts to reduce the negative outcomes associated with underage alcohol use. Other alcohol policies impacting youth drinking in the US include increasing alcohol excise taxes, a zero tolerance BAC level among those under 21, nighttime driving restrictions among those under 18, and restrictions on alcohol outlet hours and densities (NIAAA). Many college campuses have attempted to implement additional policies to control the impacts of underage drinking among students including restrictions on alcohol in dorm rooms, requirements to complete alcohol-awareness training before registration, and increasing nighttime bus routes and designated driver services to discourage driving under the influence (Dejong, Towvim, & Schneider, 2007). The widespread negative impacts of excessive alcohol use are clearly a public health issue, and hopefully the next time you see a “We I.D.” sign in your favorite local bar or restaurant, you will be reminded of how serious underage drinking can be!

-Tasneem, Chris, Erin, Zachary, and Nichole

References:

CDC. Alcohol Related Disease Impact (ARDI). Retrieved September 20, 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/ardi.htm.

Dejong, W., Towvim, L.G., & Schneider, S.K. (2007) Support for alcohol-control policies and enforcement strategies among US college students at 4-year institutions. Journal of American College Health, 46(3), 231-236

NIAAA. Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS) Retrieved September 20, 2012, from

http://www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/.

What's Really Clean

Blogs are supposed to be easy to create and the topics are supposed to be easy to think of, not this one. This Public Health idea took forever to come to existence and honestly it came to us accidental. You see our original ideal was to go to the meat section in Publix and take a picture with the men behind the scenes with their “gloves”. Because we all know they wear gloves when they handle our meat… WRONG!! They don’t use gloves nor are they required by the state to do so, as long as they wash their hands every hour. The logic behind that is that we are supposed to cook our raw meat anyway so we’re good. After being disgusted with that we were redirected to the deli section, the place where we get our subs, sides and already cooked meat from. We chose to put the sticker on the deli manager’s apron while we stood in front of the deli itself.

We thought what better way to show the public where it all takes place. No one understands that they stand in a Public Health area while they wait on a sub or go pick a meal. Public Health is the focus on population health through the prevention of disease and the promotion of health. Publix is focused on keeping the public free from food illnesses and germs by taking safety precautions while preparing their food. Using gloves helps minimize food contamination and should be worn whenever preparing or serving food. Gloves are so important that they have their own guidelines: Always wear gloves, always change gloves when you change from one type of food preparation to another (ready to eat food), wear gloves when serving a customer and change them before serving another. Always wear clean gloves to cover up an open hand and always change gloves if you're working with chemicals. People walk in and out of Publix everyday not realizing “This is Public Health”.

Left to Right: Zoe Jenkins, Erika Manon, Michelle Taylor