Skip to main content

M6.7 Blog: Obesogens

M6.7 Blog: Obesogens


  • Some of the locally grown produce that is available in California in early October include: apples, artichokes, arugula, asian pears, avocados, basil, beets, bok choy, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts. As you can see, there is a lot of produce. There is an alphabetical list located here: https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org. As one pediatrician was quoted, "serving healthy and sustainably grown food is as essential to the health of our community as the medical care we provide." It seems like there is a plethora of produce being produced during any given season, thus I think it is very smart that hospitals utilize seasonal local foods that are available. This will lead to economic benefits for the community as well as health benefits for the patients. A harvest calendar for California can be found here: http://www.pickyourown.org/CAharvestcalendar.htm#northerncal. 
  • The second article takes an environmental look at obesity. It suggests that chemical “obesogens” are contributing to the obesity epidemic. This includes dietary, pharmaceutical, and industrial compounds that can affect metabolic processes and predispose some people to gain weight. I had not heard of obesogens before, but it is scary that chemicals in our environment could contribute to obesity epidemic! One chemical pesticide found in food and water is atrazine. This has been shown to  increase BMI in children and insulin resistance in rodents. Toxnet lists atrazine as a contributor to mammary tumors, hormonal, and reproductive complications.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blog: Watch M10.1 Video!

Blog: Watch M10.1 Video! 1) Consider your workplace or a workplace of one of your family members.Are there chemical, biological, radiological or ergonomic issues? Using the industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls how might you address the issues? How are they being addressed in reality? One of my family members owns a martial arts gym. There is no question that there are germs and bacteria everywhere from the amount of human skin to skin contact with gym machinery. In particular, air quality in gyms is a cause for concern. There are elevated levels of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and other VOC's. This can lead to asthma, abnormal heart beat, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases. Using the industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls, I would try using elimination to physically remove the hazard. This could be done by raising the standards on gym ventilation. The more people you cram into a windowless space, the worse off the air quality will be. Requiring fresh air...
Post a Comment
Read more

M3.2 Vulnerable Populations

M3.2 Vulnerable Populations One reason we may not be looking at ways to decrease exposures to chemicals that contribute to the obesity epidemic, is because the food and beverage industry is great at marketing products to its customers. By focusing on sedentary lifestyles and diets, it puts the fault on the consumer, not the producer. Looking at BPA's in products would may raise awareness around the chemicals put in our food and beverage products, however federal regulation is lacking, most likely due to the pay out from large food and beverage companies.
Post a Comment
Read more

M4.6 Radon

M4.6 Blog Assignment: Radon I would create a digital national awareness campaign that would be broadcasted on youtube, in commercials, and on paid programming websites such as Netflix and Hulu. I would try and create something similar to the "dumb ways to die" campaign created by the Melbourne Metro Train System. This would include using a catchy tune, simple language, and captivating cartoon animation. Some potential collaborators/ stakeholders would include the Department of Public Health and the American Lung Association. 
Post a Comment
Read more