The focus of this module was on vulnerable populations including low income individuals, minority populations, pregnant women and children.
The TED talk was inspiring me to be an "upstreamist." I am learning to focus on root causes of health issues and how to collaborate with communities in order to find solutions. I also feel inspired by my MPH cohort because I think we are learning how to become upstreamists together!
The video on "Little Things Matter" shocked me in showing how chemical exposures and toxins such as lead significantly influence IQ. Ultimately, low exposure matters because there are measurable, harmful cumulative impacts (and not just on IQ!). The narrator mentions how some things are in our control, such as the food we buy (i.e. canned foods vs fresh foods) but this was a controversial statement to me- thinking about food justice and affordability- sometimes people have to purchase less healthier options bc that is less expensive. I did agree with the need for much more increased regulation in production!
Hey Angela,
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of the word "upstreamist", but I really like it because that is the perspective I want to take to improve the health of communities, getting at the source of problems most likely due to social determinants. I completely agree with you that food can be out of our control such as in food deserts.
Angela!!!
ReplyDeleteI too thought that the TED talk was inspiring to be an upstreamist! I know I have heard about it before but for the life of me I can not remember where!! it was an awesome talk. Im glad you liked it too! we are all definitely learning how to become upstreamists together. good bonding times! :)