This report aims to describe the role and responsibility of public health dieticians/nutritionists and how they contribute to a more integrated health system. A current health problem for public dieticians/nutritionists in New Zealand (NZ) is an increase in obesity and this report will also discuss this further.
Public dieticians and public nutritionists share many of the same roles within a community with both focusing on the health and well being of a population. They work to make people aware of healthy food choices and lifestyles by sending clear and constant messages into the community (Ministry of Health, 2007). In order for this to happen public dieticians/nutritionists work to reduce nutritional misinformation published by the media. They also advise other health professionals such as General Practitioners to ensure they are sending the correct nutritional messages to their patients (Ministry of Health, 2007). Public dieticians/nutritionists treat and educate individuals and small groups to prevent health problems at a personal level. However their main focus is that of populations and so they plan community-based campaigns to target larger groups of people and work to change health and nutrition policies to prevent large onsets of dis-ease. Winterfeldt, Bogle & Ebro, 2013). They do this by working in schools to educate the youth and by holding conferences and educational talks for adults in the wider community (Ministry of Health, 2007).
Glouberman & Mintzberg (2007) discusses the traditional roles within the health sector by separating them into four quadrants – care, control, community and cure. Although they work collectively for the wellbeing of patients, the roles discussed in the report also have individual focuse...
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...ease in integration and the quality of care patients received. This solidifies the fact that when public health dieticians/nutritionists utilize other health professional’s expertise, they are doing it for the well being of the patient and the greatest quality of care is being achieved. This comprehensive and integrative approach provides efficient care that meets the need of the patient and in turn improves health outcomes. In many cases, increasing efficiency within the health sector also helps control costs (Ministry of Health, 2011).
Public health dieticians/nutritionists utilize prevention, promotion and management strategies to encourage communities to make healthy food and lifestyle choices. It is this broad role of public dieticians/nutritionists that allow them to take an integrated approach to their work and to contribute to an integrated health system.
Michael Pollan, an American author, journalist, activist, and professor of journalism at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism (Michael Pollan), writes in his book In Defense of Food, the dangers of nutritionism and how to escape the Western diet and subsequently most of the chronic diseases the diet imparts. In the chapter “Nutritionism Defined” Pollan defines the term nutritionism. Pollan’s main assertion being how the ideology of nutritionism defines food as the sum of its nutrients, and from this viewpoint Pollan goes on to write how nutritionism divides food into two categories, with each macronutrient divided against each other as either bad or good nutrients, in a bid for focus of our food fears and enthusiasms. Finally, Pollan concludes that with the relentless focus nutritionism places on nutrients and their interplay distinctions between foods become irrelevant and abandoned.
Nutritionism is the ideology that the nutritional value of a food is the sum of all its individual nutrients, vitamins, and other components. In the book, “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan, he critiques scientists and government recommendations about their nutritional advice. Pollan presents a strong case pointing out the many flaws and problems that have risen over the years of following scientific studies and government related warnings on the proper amount of nutrients needed for a healthy diet. Pollan’s main point is introducing science into our food system has had more of a negative impact than a positive one, we should go back to eating more of a traditional diet. I believe food science has given us
This Neighbourhood Study aims to examine the demographics of Hillingdon Primary Care Trust (HPCT) such as age, gender, ethnicity, social groups in relation to the prevention of obesity. An insight into the prevalence of obesity as well as the causes and its effects shall be evaluated. Public health strategies regarding the prevention of obesity and its effects in comparison to Government strategies shall be addressed. The nurse’s role as an educator in relation to this public health issue, strategies formulated by HPCT to prevent obesity and how it focuses on other diseases associated with obesity shall be discussed. The following section gives a definition of obesity, health education and health prevention.
Obesity is a hot topic these days and everyone has a thought on how to solve this. “We didn’t end up with an obesity problem because of a single fatal flaw, and we’re not going to solve it with a magic bullet” (McMillan 3). I believe it’s not so much obesity that is a problem but malnutrition. Malnutrition comes in all forms from starvation to overeating. “Obese people, who consume more calories than they need, may suffer from the sub-nutrition aspect of malnutrition…” (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com). Our focus shouldn’t be entirely on obesity, rather on the access by all classes to healthful and affordable food. Although, personal choice plays an important role, supermarkets effect our nutrition as well.
Dietitian meeting the needs if the patients’ needs as ordered from a nutritional point of view.
"Treating Obesity Vital For Public Health, Physicians Say." Science Daily. 2006. Web. 10 May 2014. .
It also offers physical, psychological and social environment. Health Promotion is considered as a philosophy, multispectral and socio-cultural technique that purpose to promote the health and wellbeing of persons and communities through health education, supportive environments and so on. (Kozier et al., 2014, p.143). As a nurse, a first recommendation to Jessica is to select low calories and highly nutritious food. Jessica used to smoke packets of cigarettes, eat unhealthy, junk foods and drink alcohol. To prevent from illness, Jessica she has to eat healthy foods and reduce to drink alcohol in order to get healthy lifestyle. Another problem Jessica is getting stress when her boyfriend left her alone and she take care of her child alone. To get good life style, Jessica has to do physical activities such as meditation and involve in some exercise program. Meditation can reduce from getting illness. Secondly, health promotion of health is for Jessica’s sister Jenna. Jenna is not much age but she is overweight. Overweight is more likely to get disease easily. Jenna also eats junk foods and pop. Due to her overweight, she feels uncomfortable to do exercise. To prevent from diseases and get safe and healthy lifestyle Jenna has to change her unsafe habits. Jessica’s family has to involve the programs that are provided by health care services It aims to prevent disease before it occurs. This is
Putting the person at the heart of care is one of the essential roles in developing person centred care. (Department of health, 2005)
Wardlaw, G.M. and Smith. Contemporary Nutrition: Issues and Insights. 5th Edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill, pp 85, 2004.
The government plays an important part in our safety, but many people think they take it too far. Recently, people have thought more and more about how much involvement the government should have when it comes to food regulations. Some people think the government's involvement in regulating food would greatly help obesity rates, and others think the country's obesity rates would show little to no improvement. Although no one cause of obesity exists, and no government regulations will likely alter someone’s lifestyle choices, the government should implement some regulations by implementing programs to educate and encourage citizens to lead a healthier life and by requiring companies to list a full disclosure of ingredients on their products.
...arable interaction between nutrition and exercise, and I appreciate a program that challenges students to see how different areas of health intersect and connect. In addition to this solid foundation of public health knowledge, George Washington’s one-on-one mentorship opportunities and customizable field and research experiences allows students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in their specific area of interest. The university’s location also provides access to a wide range of organizations, agencies, and policymakers, and the chance to work with these groups would give me unparalleled insight into public health policy. George Washington’s public health program strives to fully prepare students for successful careers in public health, and I hope to use the knowledge and experience from the program to reduce the impact of eating disorders on public health.
The practice is population concentrated with the aims of promoting health and preventing disease and disability for all persons through the creation of good environments
- Organisation and Management of Health Care, April 2002, Version 2.0 , Main Contributor: Katie Enock, Public Health Specialist, Harrow Primary Care Trust www.healthknowledge.org.uk
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally with at least 2.8 million people dying annually as a result (World Health Organization). Among others, the food industry, governments and the private sector, all have vital roles to play in contributing to obesity prevention or more controversially, obesity continuation. These groups have the power to govern the constitutional elements of consumption, distribution, inspection, regulation, control and production of food. Competition within the industry is inevitable as it strives to supply food in a staggering abundance, at such a low-cost and without regard to geography or season. These high production rates have spawned powerful conglomerates as companies have merged to increase overall influence and reduce competition. In order to safeguard these positions, issues of regulation and conflict of interests manifest themselves in questionable industry funded food research centered on potential health benefits of their products (Sharma); these are conducted by government organizations responsible for promoting healthy eating habits but are funded by food manufacturers. They attempt to provide scientific proof in order to lobby the government to ensure a sympathetic legal framework to influence the implementation of nutritional policies. This repeatedly indicates that business interests are winning out over health concerns. Innumerable resources have been expended to develop and market products that are guaranteed to sell regardless of the global “eat less” message. In this essay I will explore how the food industry is promoting an environment in which the net result is an increase in body weight.
Public Health is the science of preventing disease and promoting health through many different ideas and functions by informing society and different community-based organizations. The idea behind Public Health is to protect and serve; it helps improve the lives of countless individuals through promoting a healthier lifestyle, education, research, prevention, detection, and response management. From the beginning, the idea of Public Health has become a stepping-stone that is essential to the longevity of humans and the environment. As society progresses and new advents are created or modified, Public Health