Author: Matthew Mongeau

Project Overview

What I am trying to figure out is how air and water quality affect the health of individuals and society. I chose this topic because it is a relatively non-controversial issue. I cannot think of a single person who does not want clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. It is an issue we can all get behind, regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, region, or ideology.

There are noticeable health differences between individuals who grew up in a geographic area with high quality water and air and those who did not. I am going to attempt to show those differences (all other factors controlled for), outline why they exist, and propose solutions. My primary audience is both federal and local government. The federal government is in the strongest position to implement change. However, given the political dysfunction in Washington these past few years, I think it is important for state governments to act upon my solutions as well. While the federal government argues about taxes, spending, debt, and the role of government, states and city governments should overcompensate if they wish for their citizens to have access to clean air and water. In fact, one could argue that it is more of a local government imperative given the geographic disparities.

Blog Post assignment for 2/24

I am very much interested in researching the root causes and solutions to obesity. I want to know why it is more prevalent in the United States than in other developed countries. Is it cultural? Is it related to how our healthcare system operates? Is it what or how we eat/drink? Some useful search terms I have used are “causes of American obesity” “leading cause of obesity” “when did obesity epidemic began.” An interesting article I came across was “Epidemic of Obesity in U.S. Kids Began in Late 90s” from U.S. News and World Report written by Ellin Holohan. This text does a good job of authorizing. The author cites a study done by independent researchers. She directly quotes that researcher to help the reader understand the context. Throughout the entire text, there are quotes from the various researchers. She also gives a fairly lengthy description of the researchers background to add credibility to the author’s argument.

 

Here is the link: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2011/07/21/epidemic-of-obesity-in-us-kids-began-in-late-90s

Class notes from 2/17

  • Use Library databases for a much more refined search

 

Theory of Summary

 

  • Capture main points
  • Usually are summarizing because there is a purpose for it
  • “An art”
  • Many ways to do it
  • What is the point? What is the big picture? Do not get bogged down in play by play details
  • Looks back (to original) and ahead (to your work; where you are going)
  • Look to intro and conclusion for main points
  • Sometimes you just want a piece of the text, not the whole

 

Keep in mind

 

  • Be aware of the point of the original source (text)
  • Avoid research as a “scavenger hunt”
  • Be conversant with text – read the whole source!!
  • Read the source until you get it and define the source
  • Articulate main ideas of the text; where does piece come from?
  • What matters to you/your project?
  • Bias: intrinsic prejudice/opinion towards a subject
  • Bias does not mean a source is unusable
  • Bias can be a problem if it fights against evidence or gets in the way of clear judgment

 

Why public health matters

 

  • She makes a claim; an opinion piece
  • The Atlantic is one of the oldest magazines. Mark Twain published in it
  • Slightly older College Educated audience: middle and upper middle class
  • Tend to have a Liberal bias
  • Author is a Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at NYU: expert in her field
  • She is writing to her respondents who want a definition of public health
  • “Democracy” – a healthy life should be available for all

 

They say I say

 

  • Templates for various sources
  • How do I use sources for my text?

 

HW

 

  • Write summary for “Why public health matters”
  • Read until you get it (be conversant)
  • Define the source
  • Articulate main ideas
  • 1 page or less
  • Submit in dropbox in blackboard
  • Read chapter 2 or Joe Harris
  • 2nd service reflection due on Friday 2/26

 

Public Health Issues in Syracuse, NY

http://www.ongov.net/health/heroin/

This article is from the Onondaga County website. It talks about the causes of heroin use, addiction, and overdoses. It credits the growth of heroin addiction to being closely tied to the spread of opioid prescription painkillers. People who are prescribed painkillers to help heal from surgeries, injuries, and/or accidents can oftentimes become addicted because of the strength of these drugs. When the prescription runs out, patients can be left with an addiction problem. Acquiring these drugs on the black market can be expensive, so patients will switch to a much cheaper, stronger, and readily available drug; heroin. This is a problem that affects not only the poor or residents of Central New York area but the rest of the United States as well.

http://www.syracuse.com/state/index.ssf/2016/01/new_york_offering_1700_free_cribs_to_poor_parents.html#incart_river_index

This article is from Syracuse.com. It discusses how New York State is giving out 1,700 free baby cribs to those receiving public assistance. The goal is to provide babies from poor families with a safe place to sleep. Every year 90 babies die in New York from poor sleeping conditions. The program’s goal is to educate and provide parents with the means to help their babies sleep properly as such a fragile and crucial age.