In-Class Discussion #1 Guidance_HLT 3300_Fall 2023 (1)

HLT 3300 In-Class Discussion #1 Guidance: It is essential for health professionals to recognize that an individual’s health is a reflection of personal choices, as well as a diverse range of social and environmental factors. It is also essential to understand that these social and environmental factors influence individuals differently, with low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately experiencing poor health outcomes as a result of such factors. Obesity serves as an ideal example of a health issue that results from individual choices, as well as outside factors that make it extremely difficult for individuals to live a healthy lifestyle. Reducing obesity requires changing what we eat and drink, as well as making it easier for individuals to make healthier choices. This level of social change has the potential to reverse the obesity epidemic; however, it also requires comprehensively addressing the diverse range of factors that support and maintain unhealthy behaviors. This activity has been designed to explore the individual, social, environmental, and public policy factors driving the obesity epidemic in the United States. This discussion activity will take place in multiple phases: • Part 1 – Due Tuesday, September 5th by 9:00 PM. Please follow the directions below for guidance regarding this activity. o Please note - You must submit this assignment by the deadline as the purpose is to ensure you are prepared for the in-class discussion. There is no option to submit Part 1 of in-class discussions for partial credit. • Part 2 – Attend Class In-Person on Wednesday, September 6th and actively participate in group discussions. • Part 3 – Due Sunday, September 10th by 9:00 PM. Specific instruction regarding this submission will be provided during class on September 6th. o Please note - You must attend class and participate in the discussion to receive points for Part 3 of this assignment. PHASE 1 Guidance: • Watch Weight of the Nation – Part 3, Challenges (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmcZRgWBdwQ) o Please Note – I know this documentary is long, 1 hr. 8 min. Like layers of an onion, it takes time to reveal and understand the complex relationship of factors contributing to a health issue as significant as obesity. I want to encourage you to watch this film with an open and curious mind and without other distractions. While a decade old, this documentary does an excellent job of identifying factors both within and outside of an individual’s control that contribute to obesity. Factors at the individual, social, environmental, and policy level are discussed, and examples of successful initiatives to reduce obesity are provided. • Respond to the questions in Appendix A . I recommend completing this activity as you watch the documentary. • Submit your responses to Appendix A by 9:00 PM on Tuesday, September 5 th . • Bring your responses to Appendix A (print or electronic) to class on Wednesday, September 6th. You will be referring to this document during the in-class discussion. Recommended Resources : • Power Point Presentation from Week 2. Available within the Week 2 Module in Canvas (after week 2 class). • McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15 , 351-377. Article available as PDF within the Week 3 Module in Canvas.