1Assignment 7.2 Extra Credit: Your Worldview
Cosette Hodges
University of Texas at Arlington
KINE2350: Public Health: Principles and Populations
Professor Rebecca Garner
February 20, 2024
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Assignment 7.2 Extra Credit: Your Worldview
LHI Chosen
Exposure to Unhealthy Air (All Ages) – Assessment of Realistic Achievement
Believe the nation has a realistic chance of meeting the LHI:
1. Advancements in Environmental Regulations: With increasing awareness of the
detrimental effects of unhealthy air on public health, there is a growing emphasis on
environmental regulations and policies. Improved regulations can lead to reduced air
pollution levels, contributing to achieving the LHI. Stricter controls on emissions
from industries, vehicles, and other sources can significantly impact air quality.
2. Technological Innovations and Clean Energy: Technological advancements and a
shift toward clean energy sources can play a crucial role in achieving the LHI. The
development and widespread adoption of cleaner technologies, renewable energy
sources, and sustainable practices can lead to a substantial decrease in air pollution.
Continued investment in clean energy solutions can positively impact air quality
nationwide.
Socio-Ecological Model for Exposure to Unhealthy Air (All Ages)
INDIVIDUAL:
Health Knowledge and Behavior: Individual awareness of air quality issues and adopting
behaviors such as reducing personal emissions and using protective measures like masks.
Respiratory Health: Personal health conditions and vulnerabilities, such as pre-existing
respiratory diseases, influencing susceptibility to the effects of unhealthy air.
Advocacy and Civic Engagement: Individuals advocating for clean air policies, participating
in community initiatives, and engaging in environmental activism.
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RELATIONSHIPS:
Community Support Systems: Building social networks that promote awareness, share
information on air quality, and collectively work towards cleaner environments.
Family Influence: Encouraging healthy habits within families, promoting environmentally
friendly practices, and influencing community engagement.
Peer Influence: Peer interactions shaping behaviors related to air quality awareness, such as
carpooling or supporting local initiatives.
ORGANIZATIONS:
1. Workplace Policies: Companies implementing environmentally friendly practices,
providing incentives for eco-friendly commuting, and reducing emissions from
industrial processes.
2. Environmental Organizations: NGOs and advocacy groups working towards policies
that reduce air pollution, promoting sustainable practices, and holding industries
accountable.
3. Educational Institutions: Schools and universities incorporating environmental
education, fostering research on air quality, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
COMMUNITIES:
1. Urban Planning: City planning that prioritizes green spaces, pedestrian-friendly
environments, and regulations to control industrial emissions.
2. Community Health Programs: Local initiatives addressing air quality issues,
organizing awareness campaigns, and promoting community involvement in pollution
reduction efforts.
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3. Access to Green Spaces: Availability of parks and recreational areas, contributing to
community well-being and providing a respite from urban pollution.
POLICY:
1. Environmental Regulations: Government policies and regulations enforcing emission
controls, setting air quality standards, and incentivizing industries to adopt cleaner
technologies.
2. Transportation Policies: Policies promoting public transportation, incentivizing
electric vehicles, and implementing measures to reduce vehicular emissions.
3. Research and Monitoring: Funding and support for research on air quality,
establishing monitoring systems, and using data to inform policy decisions.
SOCIETY:
1. Media and Public Awareness: Media playing a role in disseminating information on
air quality, influencing public perception, and shaping attitudes towards
environmental issues.
2. Economic Incentives: Economic policies that encourage businesses to adopt
sustainable practices, invest in clean technologies, and penalize environmental
violations.
3. Climate Change Mitigation: Efforts to address broader climate change issues, as
climate change can exacerbate air quality problems, making it important to consider a
holistic approach.
This socio-ecological model provides a comprehensive framework for
understanding the various factors influencing exposure to unhealthy air at different
levels of society, helping to devise effective strategies for achieving the LHI.