http://www.mcspotlight.org/media/reports/campbell_china2.html
After reading this article, I would like you to think about what we discussed today in regards to reformist epidemiologists and materialist epidemiologists. Remember, reformists tend to look at the individual, while materialists look at the broader, culture picture, with special emphasis on social class. Outline a solution for the problem highlighted in the China Study as a reformist epidemiologist and then as a materialist epidemiologist. Be creative and good luck!
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As a reformist epidemiologist, we look at the individual specifically. As discussed in class, some preventable ways to solve the spread of diseases across China are education and advertisement. I know throughout high school and college, there have been public health outreach for those who may need information about diseases and the multiple factors/causes of disease. Cancer, tuberculosis, and MIs seemed to be creating the most mortality rates in China. As said before, there would need to be education on why/what can be done to lower the mortality rates. There needs to be a willingness to change, and if individuals do not have it in them to prevent diseases, then it is not possible to lower morbidity/mortality. As a materialist epidemiologist, we tend to focus on societal groups. As said in the article, mortality rates were distributed around China that formed unique geographic patterns for each disease. Location may be key here and there may be individuals living in specific areas that have different resources or values that cause this pattern. It also said that it could be related to the consumption of locally grown foods, so as a group, the rich may be able to afford healthier foods compared to that of the middle/lower class. Through that, with a healthier lifestyle, specific diseases can be prevented. China is indeed taking action on decreasing the mortality rate. In the article, it talked about having a system that incorporated trade and agriculture to obtain essential nutrients from specific foods. Each social group could help one another and easily help with disease of poverty.
ReplyDeleteMy advice, being the reformist epidemiologist that I am, I would have to completely agree with with Caroline. Education is a key form of the prevention of not only communicable disease but mostly in this case chronic disease. As we know is one is has overall awareness of health and wellness they will often realize that it is important to maintain good hygiene. Therefore, maintain proper hygiene will lower the rates of communicable diseases due to lower bacteria levels. As Caroline Stated, it is up to the individual to take advantage of this knowledge. Since the population so tightly condensed throughout chinese cities it is important that those in high populated communities take responsibility for the health of their self and to others. For instance, smoking may have harmful affects in others within your home. From the standpoint of a materialist epidemiologist, China must be careful of the status of their economy. For instance, as stated in the article, increasing the share of consumption of animal products presents technological difficulties and considerable risk on feedgrain imports. For instance, the search for low grain prices but this search may lead to political and economic obstacles such as increasing food prices. If the price of the food increases, the diets of families with low economic status may change. Therefore, altering there exposure or influence to other chronic diseases. China must take a look at every factor to avoid causing major swings in the health their people China must work within its boarders as well as out to maintain a consistent price of food and other products in order to keep the health status of their people generally healthy.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_China_Study
ReplyDeleteI realized that this site is kind of confusing and doesn't show clearly the implications discovered in the China study...so feel free to read this to get a better feel.
A reformist epidemiologist would say that education would be one of the key tools in helping China reform and re-develop their many issues with health, especially chronic diseases. People would need to be educated about new diets and ways of decreasing meat intake and substituting it with more grains and vegetables. People would also need to be educated about the best ways to quit smoking, possibly by forming support groups. As for people who are already experiencing issues with chronic disease they would need guidance in dealing with their health problems and possibly educating other people about different methods that can be used to prevent these diseases from developing. As stated by Caroline and Brian, people would have to use these education outlets on their own time and take charge of their health, so chronic disease and other health problems could be reduced. A materialist epidemiologist would try and understand the issues with the upper and lower classes. If more grains and vegetables were going to become the main food sources, the article said that there would be a possibility of increase in food costs. This new “diet” plan would work for the upper classes but could create major issues for the lower classes who couldn’t afford it. So each class would need to be looked at and there would need to be ways to keep food costs down or ways of sharing foods. There would need to be an analysis of the social groups who are experiencing conditions of poverty and the more developed regions. Maybe these areas could work together in order to reduce the extreme class separation. Overall China would have to form social networks and as individuals in order to change the issues with health and nutrition.
ReplyDeleteA reformist epidemiologist would try to use education and advertising as their main method for promoting reform in China with their intake of food. There had been studies that showed the comparison of American and Chinese cholesterol levels, and the results were dramatically different. In America all levels are severely higher than in China and they believe the main reason behind this is the amount of animal product being ingested by the population. They linked the causes of chronic disease and high cholesterol directly to consumption of animal-based products. A reformist would approach this by educating the public on new ways to reduce cholesterol by reducing the intake of animal products. Advertisement might be made, but it would be the responsibility of the public to take the information given to them to improve their health. Comparingly, a materialist epidemiologist would approach the situation with a social perspective. They would focus on the groups being affected by this issue and the economic state that the country would be placed in if people started to only eat plant-based products. The price of food would increase, which would directly affect the health of the different classes in China. The upper class would benefit, but the lower class would be struggling to get good food and nutrition. With this in mind, it would be nearly impossible to increase the overall health of the population if the prices increased as well because most of the population would not be able to afford good food. Therefore, the materialist epidemiologist would suggest another way of promoting healthier living styles without causing strain for the lower class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the comments above, that the reformist would be looking to education the individuals, but like in America, the government also stepped in and made seatbelt laws, increased the taxed on cigarettes, and supplemented farmers so that the price of food would not increase to the point of making the disparities of the rich and poor a bigger gap. Education is important and we all need to want to do what is better for us, but due to our culture, class and believes, it is not always a decision that we can make. Society needs to help us, so as a reformist, education is a great start, but changing the society we live in would be more effective. As a materialist, the point that Nia made about the food cost is something we can not ignore, but as I mentioned above, the government can help society change its culture by subsidizing farms in order to grow more plant and vegatables so that the cost does not go out of control and the more people who get better due to the changes will help other people realize that a change in inevitable. Something else, that the materialist can look at is how the animals are being fed, treated and what is being put into the meat for preservatives. It may not be just the meat that is the problem, it could be the fact that farmers are feed the animals some sort of steroid or altering the animals normal reproduction in order to make sure this is enough meat available to feed the vast population. No matter how you look at it, you need the reformist who will try to reach the individuals and try to change them and you need the materialist who look at the entire picture to see what the correlation is between the illness and the environment. The two parties, even though the approach things in a very different light, compliment one another and feed off one another to try to improve the current issues.
ReplyDeleteReformist epidemiologists look specifically at individuals and their biological makeup to tackle problems such as chronic degenerative disease and elimination of communicative viruses. As reformists, tactics such as advertisement, education via classroom and ads, and the development of new medications is priority. Since illnesses such as cancers, TB and pregnancy related diseases are seemingly more affluent in China, reformists would take steps to educate and inform civilians about ways to prevent such illnesses and, if already infected, how to receive help to deter side effects, usually via medicine administration.
ReplyDeleteMaterialist epidemiologists, on the other hand, look to pinpoint society as a whole, investigating factors such as social class and poor hygiene. Materialists would state that improvements in sanitation, personal and social hygiene, and better dietary habits, rather than technology, has decreased mortality and morbidity rates due to infectious diseases. In the China study, it seems as though people in poverty suffer more greatly from illnesses than do those of the upper class. Materialists would seek to change this by attempting to keep healthy food costs low and improve the poor conditions of impoverished housing. Like every industrialized nation, however, the elimination of one health problem will always open a door to another, provoking both reformists and materialists to develop new and improved tactical methods.
A reformist epidemiologist would use methods like education and advertisement. Education is the vital form of prevention of chronic and communicable disease. Someone who has a good awareness of overall health and wellness will understand how important having good hygiene is. Pregnancy related disease, TB, and cancers are more prevalent in China, so taking strides to inform and educate the population on ways to try and avoid these illnesses, or how to receive help or administer medication would be some goals of a reformist. It is up to the individual to make improvements by taking advantage of the given knowledge.
ReplyDeleteA materialist epidemiologist would use methods like improving sanitation, diet habits, social and personal hygiene personal, would have impact on decreasing levels of morbidity and mortality because of infectious disease. The economy and social class play huge roles in infectious disease. They present obstacles which make the lower class more susceptible to disease, especially through food prices. As food prices change, lower socioeconomic status group’s diets will change accordingly. In the study, people of this lower class seemed to be more affected by illness than others in a higher class. Materialists would try to help by making healthier foods more available and at lower costs.
As stated by many above, reformist epidemiologists should utilize education as the primary way to address the issues in the article. Knowledge needs to be spread about optimal diet habits by eating more plant foods rather than animal by-products can reduce the risk of 'affluent diseases' such as type two diabetes and many forms of cancer. Also, the increase in prevalence of smoking is another issue. Regardless whether the cigarettes are homemade or store bought, they are bad for your health. Although homemade cigarettes may be worse, all types of cigarette smoking can have poor effects on health. Free education classes targeting all different societies may be the best solution from a reformist epidemiological view.
ReplyDeleteOn the contrary, a materialist epidemiologist would probably think about reviewing social implications for these diseases. Targeting this information to social class in their eyes will be the most effective way to make a difference. One example of this would be requiring every household must own a refrigerator, for if a family could not afford it the goverment would provide them with one. This could contribute to a decrease in prevalence of mold toxins seeping into preserved foods and improve overall sanitation. Another option is to make sure that food prices are low enough for impoverished families to afford healthy food especially grains and other plant based products. In addition, the discouragement from over grazing Chinese farmland may decrease the amount of animal by-products consumed in China. These are just some methods a materialist epidemiologist may consider.
A reformist epidemiologist, as said above, will be trying to identify the cause and a solution for each individual. For example the small group of Chinese women that had an average blood cholesterol level of 80 mg/dl. This is a great thing for these women so the reformist may study how they have accomplished it and try to use the same diet/lifestyle on another person. This information can be used to make a change to another person's life in the hopes of altering their cholesterol levels. If those people who have elevated cholesterol levels are unable to lower on their own then a reformist may be able to help with the assistance of research that they have done through this study.
ReplyDeleteA materialist epidemiologist will look at a society as a whole to determine how a positive or negative event occurs. This information will then be used to help modify a groups negative event with help from a group with a positive event. For example Americans who have an average cholesterol level of around 215 mg/dl consume a very different diet and live a different life than the Chinese who have an average blood cholesterol of around 130 mg/dl. In this situation the lifestyles of the Chinese can be used to help modify and alter the American lifestyle. As a materialist epidemiologist, the goal is to look from one group and compare to another.
As stated above, a Reformist epidemiologist would focus on the reasons behind why these people are getting these diseases. By educating these people they will start to have a better understanding. Whether the education is through adds on TV or classes that students have to take in school, it is a good way to get the information out. Information needs to be spread about how scientists have found a link between meet diets and an increase in disease. Also in China everyone is in close proximity. The chances of disease getting spread are high. These people need to increase their own hygiene to decrease their chances of morbidity/mortality and to decrease the chances of everyone else morbidity and mortality.
ReplyDeleteMaterialists would like at the problem as a whole. They might look at social class. They might look to see if the lower class does is not getting enough nutritious foods. Some people might have better access to getting these proper foods. China is trying to increase its trade and agriculture to help increase the health of its country.
Being a reformist epidemiologist, I would attempt to target and solve this problem on the individual level. Since this problem of chronic diseases is one that is linked to diet, it is completely within each individual’s power to solve or at least improve their own situation. Regardless of what actions are taken on a societal level, as long as the individual has the choice it is ultimately up to them to make any changes or improvements to their diet. What we can do to help them with this however, is provide them with as much information as possible so that they are able to make informed decisions. This could be done in a variety of ways whether it be in schools, with public service announcements, or the formation of groups that could help and advise dietary changes. This information should not only include what needs to be done to change, but how it can be done. By this I mean there must be information about where people can shop to obtain better foods, or possibly what places to avoid. In the end it is ultimately up to each person though, and we can only provide them with the proper tools. As a material epidemiologist however, I understand that this is not a problem that can simply be fixed with education and individual willpower. This issue must be addressed on a much broader, societal level for there to be any chance of real change. The information is indicating that geographic patterns were emerging for each disease, which means there are clearly factors unique to each region that are contributing to the illness. The best way to proceed would be for more involved studies in each specific region, so that the variables can be identified and compared. It is very likely that there are environmental conditions, resources, or local foods that could be contributing to the higher incidence of specific diseases. It could also be tied to values or practices unique to that region, or possibly the answer lies within the differences in disease rates among the social classes. If there is any significant difference in the daily diets or available products between the classes, their behaviors could hold the clue to an easy solution. It is entirely possible to take action against this situation, but first we must take a closer look at the societal structures and behaviors to uncover the best plan of attack. If sweeping reforms are made without this information, it may only serve to mask or even change the problem to something new.
ReplyDeleteAs previously stated as a reformist epidiomologist I would concentrate mainly on the education of the people. After that it is up to the people to be responsible for themselves and lower the rate of disease. As a materialist epidemiologist I would concentrate on creating better sanitation systems, make sure that the people are getting proper nutrition, and also see the breakdown of the classes to make sure that all socioeconomic groups are getting the same oppurtunities.
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ReplyDeleteI think everyone has done a great job coming up with both the problems reformist and materialist epidemiologists face, case examples, and ways to make positive changes. Again, reformist epidemiologists look at the individual person. They look at factors about that person that make them the same or different as another person, such as food decisions they make, occupations they choose, etc. If a person has the resources to eat healthy, but chooses not to or is not equipped with the tools to know how to, then he or she cannot be successful. It is up to a person to decide whether to smoke, have a desk job vs. a physical job, whether he or she exercises, practices safe sex practices, etc. By educating people via the media, classrooms, etc. people can have tools to help them make good life choices. I find this part of the health problem, however, the second contributor to health problems. For example, those living in rural China do not have the tools to be healthy. Links are made with the decreased money and decreased education. Usually people who are in rural areas will work a trade rather than seek an education (help the family survive). We can say it is based on the individual's choice, but sometimes people do not have choices and have no way to move up and down the "class ladder". Therefore (I believe) it is up to the material epidemiologist to help make the biggest changes.
ReplyDeleteThey look at society and how it is grouped as race, class, gender, occupation, income, etc. In the article, Chinese in the rural areas were suffering from illnesses,and the wealthy are healthier. They do not have great sanitation, such as the ability to wash their clothes often or keep food from perishing, therefore, they are susceptible to disease. By the higher powers creating better sanitation and distributing some of the wealth to the whole country, everyone can try to prevent communicable disease.
They may compare the economic systems of the U.S. and China and the distribution of money amongst the population. They may look at trade, and how food is distributed and consumed. In China, those in rural areas could not afford healthy fruits and vegetables. Those types of food are expensive and hard to get because in those areas a lot of the land was used for meat production, which has been shown to be unhealthy. An example of how culture influences health is that even though the US has a surplus of food, their cholesterol levels are much higher than those in China and Japan because the food choices are much different. Perhaps in order to decrease health issues and increase healthy food consumption we need to not only educate about food but change how food is subsidized. Those who grow healthier foods should be rewarded over those who make unhealthy ones because, in-the-end, health issues become the more expensive trade-off to the entire population. It will probably cost the government more money to give people insurance coverage, disability payment, early retirement, etc. than it would if they made healthier foods cheaper than unhealthy ones. If countries also started to make their own food and other supplies (we buy a lot from China) rather than import so much, local people can make profit rather than other countries. Slowly distributing wealth will help decrease the gap between rich and poor and those who are poorer can be better fit to receive an education, have sanitation, and eat/live healthier.
After reading the artcile and thinking about the views of reformist epidemiologists and materialist epidemiologists I think that the greastest health changes can be made my materialist point of view. If you look at certain people and the cultural and environmental situations that they are in and contribute these factors to their possible health issues there will be a greater variety of treatment options. I think that this study shows how outside factors effect an indivuald's health and how if not taken into consideration there are not many treatment options. I think that materialist epidemiologists take a good stand on looking at the entire culture surrounding an individual and this is what most physicians should look at during a diagnosis and at helping prevent certain health issues. As a way to help fix these problems I think that people need to be aware. They need to be aware of the harms of eating particular food and in some cases not allowed to eat foods. There should be a greater focus on eating healthy, organic, naturally gorwn foods and a push to get these foods into workplaces, schools and populated places such as shopping centers, airports and sporting arenas. By cutting out the bad habits that people have of eating poor, fatty diets, then a move towards a healthier culture can begin.
ReplyDeleteA reformist epidemiologist would focus on the individual, and comparing/contrasting those factors with other individuals to look at patterns within the population. The individual has the choice of their diet, their occupation, their housing conditions. Some may say that these are sometimes not chosen but rather results of other choices, I believe that the individual has the choice to alter their lifestyle. If the individual is educated on diseases and illnesses at hand, they can make educated decisions on how to prevent further disease within themselves as well as their surrounding area. I believe that individuals within a population live in areas that have people that are within the same situations as they themselves are. If all the people of that area are educated, the disease rate in the area should decline. As the area gets larger, the diseases should decline significantly.
ReplyDeleteThe increase in chronic disease throughout society is due to the way we as individuals live in our surroundings. Many people are unaware of how to better their health because they have simply not educated. Therefore as a reformist epidemiologist I would focus on educating and informing society about these diseases and how they can take action to prevent them. People know that eat unhealthy and not exercising has consequences on their body but they are unware of what exactly it can lead to (obesity, heart disease, cancer, etc.)
ReplyDeleteAss a materalist epidemiologist I would take action in society to improve sanitation and offer healthier foods at an affordable price. Many people will follow a trend but not start one. By offering healthier ways of living and assisting society in ways to decrease these diseases, people ill take action and control over their health. The best solution to the increase in chronic diseases is a combination of a reformist and materalist approach. Society must be educated and given opportunities for health because many are either unmotivated to make a change, or are just unaware on how to do so. There is only so much information which can be given to people until they decide to live healthier lives. It is the responsibility of each individual to benefit themselves and prevent their bodies from disease and illness.
Looking at the individual through the eyes of a reformist epidemiologist, they would say that the best way to fix the problem with the China study is through education. Since the correlation between animal-based foods and disease is so apparent, the easiest way for people to change is for them to know the facts and the consequences.
ReplyDeleteA materialist reformist looks more at society as a whole and focus on cultural and social cues to disease. I think this is the best way to look at China because as stated in the article there were patterns of diseases specific to certain areas. By looking further at these areas, one might find specific diseases or reasons for diseases. By fixing problems like sanitation or smoking habits specific to certain areas or genders, diseases will decrease as a whole.
As a reformist, to help the diseases in china people would have too look within themselves. One of the authors, McKowen, sugggested that a better diet, hygeine, and other factors were a major contribution for decreasing trends of illness. he also said that nutrition contributed 3/4 of it. again, this is something people will have to do themselves, because it takes initiative to eat healthy. Especially in the poorer areas of china where farmers eat what they grow, they don't necessarily have the means to eat everything from the food groups, which makes them susceptible to different diseases. these people are less likely to suffer from chronic diseases.
ReplyDeleteas a materialist, to improve peoples health, society needs to improve itself. by improving sanitation, health can be improved. society needs to vary the types of foods they eat, and vitamins and minerals have to be pushed instead of just eating healthy. according to the article, certain brain diseases are linked to high cholesterol and free radicals in the air. by improving air quality, which is something that society has to do, it can help decrease the incidence of brain diseases. people can improve their society little by little, but as a whole everyone has to work together to do this before there is any great decrease in disease incidence.
A reformist epidemiologist would focus on the biomedical aspect, prevention, and individual behavior related to the china study. From this perspective the solution would be to educate the people, so that the individual is able to be informed and able to make positive changes in their diet, storage, and preparation of their food. Once individuals become more educated on the subject of healthy eating, and the link betweens the foods one consumes and the prevelance of diseases, then individuals will be able to lead healthier lives.
ReplyDeleteA materialist epidemiologist would look for a solution to the results presented in this study, by looking at the different social categories in society. The materialist epidemiologist would look at the different social classes and how they impact these results. Some solutions that would arise from this perspective would be to ensure that everyone has a refrigerator, or adequate appliance to keep their meat and other foods fresh instead of contaminated. Another solution may be to lower the cost of nutritious foods, allowing people of all social classes to have them available to them.
I believe that the best way to alleviate the problem presented by the china study would be to combine both the reformist and the materialist ideas.
After reading this article, I have become aware of all the health issues that are going along worldwide. It isn’t just us Americans who are affected by our environment and social standings. The article basically ends up saying that a lot of the diseases that occur are correlated with the large amount of animal-based diets. As a reformist epidemiologist, I would work to educate the people on different lifestyle choices that they are making. I would inform them about healthy lifestyle choices and preventative actions, as well as the consequences on the body to keep up the unhealthy lifestyle they have. I would assume that it is the individual’s responsibility to reform things not anyone else. I like the author would recommend that they start eating more whole foods, and start eating more plant based diets, while avoiding beef, poultry, and milk. I would also recommend to them to take vitamin supplements and to get a lot of sunshine whenever possible.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand as a materialist epidemiologist I would look at the broader culture picture with specific emphasis on social class. I would deal with the material reality of people’s lives. I would think of ways to improve hygiene and the cost of food in society. I would attempt to set in place a healthier food system, free of toxins and preservatives. I would compare societies against other societies in order to figure out the best way of life possible. For example in rural China animal protein intake averages only 7.1 grams per day whereas Americans average roughly 70 grams per day. Therefore the people of America end up suffering more often from diseases like obesity, heart disease, cancer, and many other health issues.
I agree with what other's have said above. I think that it would take a combination of the two epidemiological approaches to help suppress this problem.
ReplyDeleteA Reformist Epidemiologist solution would involve education on a smaller scale for everyone's part. Institutions such as hospitals, schools, churches, and local centers can do their part by teaching about proper nutrition, and based on this study,the education should focus on increasing the plant-based sources of protein and decreasing the animal-based sources of protein. (or rather maintain the levels of consumption and steer away from what western societies intake)
The Material Epidemiologist solution would be to decrease the amounts of animal production thats used just for consumption, and limit the amount of mass production in animal sources. Material Epidemiologists should work to increase political policies involving local markets and local farming so that local business owners have an increase in sales from their immediate community members. (This could help to make local fresh products more accessable, affordable and hopefully more nutritious for community members).
The authors of this article tied many of the prevalent causes of death in China to diet. This means that changes need to be made to the Chinese diet in order to decrease the rate of these diseases. Reformist epidemiologists look at individual’s decisions and how they impact their life. One of the main ways they try to increase health is through education. They would try to educate people to eat foods that would decrease their risk of disease. For example, they should try to decrease their intake of animal products while increasing their intake of vegetables. Another habit that increases their risk of developing disease is the high rate of smoking. Reformist epidemiologists would try to educate people about the risks associated with smoking and would suggest ways to quit.
ReplyDeleteMaterialist epidemiologists look at the forces that shape society. For example, in China they may see that rates for some diseases are higher in certain areas. This may be because their diet does not include the foods that help decrease their risk of disease. They would try to help these people change their diet to a more vegetable-based diet instead of animal-based. They would realize that it would be difficult to change their diet using the same income. They would also look at specific groups and decide what is the most important to change. For example, if one group of people have a high rate of diabetes, a materialist epidemiologist would try to help these people switch their diet to a high-fiber, low-fat, plant-based diet. They may focus on something different in another group where diabetes was not the main issue. People need to look at themselves both individually and in a group to decrease their risks for these diseases.
The China Study found that increased levels of animal proteins being consumed in ones diet increases blood cholesterol levels by a significant amount. This increase in blood cholesterol levels, directly increases a human's chances of many diseases and illnesses including many cancers, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and more. This is a common issue in the Western societies and is slowly being incorporated into certain counties in China and increasing their prevalence of "Western" disease.
ReplyDeleteReformist epidemiologists focus on treating and helping the individual directly. As patients see their physician and are seen to have increased blood cholesterol due to high animal protein diets, the reformist will simply treat the single patient. They will choose to focus on changing the individual's diet and lowering their cholesterol levels by educating them why these changes occurred in their system.
Material epidemiologists look at things on a broader spectrum. They base their focus on the entity of the culture and find patterns in social classes and how to solve the issues from their root. They will look into where these problems are more of an issue and try to create a preventative approach for the whole community. They would notice which level of the social stratification these issues are most prevalent and work on ways to educate the entire class into how they can lower the increasing levels of disease from the base.
A reformist epidemiologist would want to educate the population how to better their lifestyles. this would come after great research on the patterns of which things show up and why things are occurring.after educating the population it is up to each and every individual to change for their own self betterment. however this is not always going to be an effective way to go about things because changing ones lifestyle just because some statistics say to is not going to be very easy. up and changing a lifestyle is not a very normative thing to do.
ReplyDeletewhere as a materialist epidemiologist would do almost the opposite approach. this would consist of fixing things. helping out the sanitation and nutrition issues as well as all other things they can possibly help. by fixing the tangible it works as if a domino effect that the lifestyle changes will follow closely behind. another important aspect of the materialist epidemiologists approach is that, they would make certain that each socioeconomic class is treat equally and fairly in their bout of trying to "fix things".
Knowing that a reformist epidemiologist focuses primarily on an individual basis, in terms of the China Study, one would have a great deal of work to do when trying to advocate for healthier lifestyles on an individually oriented network. A reformist epidemiologist would try and persuade the public one by one the effects of smoking, bad health habits, and the dangers of high animal-based food diets. The reformist would want to isolate the problem and then find a solution to the problem, much like the form of a doctor-patient relationship. This gives rise to the more 'individualized' outlook, where a reformist epidemiologist could begin taking small steps in the advocation of better diets in China. The findings illustrated in the China Study demonstrate, simply, that a healthier diet is the most powerful weapon we have against both sicknesses and chronic diseases. A sheer comprehension of this scientific evidence is not only important for improving health but additionally, it also yields profound implications for our society as a whole. A materialist epidemiologist, conversely, would want to take a look at the whole picture in essence of targeting multiple populations at a time, or trying to group people together in a struggling society such as China. Materialists hone in on such ideals as social class, culture and gender, and utilize these factors to try and etch a solution to the problem over a wider view. After reading the China Study, it is evident that China is beginning to fall under the same curse plaguing Western societies. If I were to provide a solution to this, I would suggest utilizing both the reformist and materialist points of view. This way, not only are people gaining individual attention, but the society as a whole can work together to fight the health epidemic. This allows for a framework for understanding health and nutrition, eliminating confusion and advocating the prevention and treatment of disease. In the study it was noted that animal-based foods were responsible for evolution of chronic diseases in humans. So a simple solution: Let's take animal-based foods out of our diets. Well, unfortunately we are stubborn people and enjoy eating foods that are of course bad for us. In China, they are being significantly influenced by our choices here in America as we continue to resort to more convenience-based fast food chains and unhealthy food choices. Not only would we need to strongly educate the people of China, but also, we would need to propose new subsidization laws across the world. In order to be proactive in something as serious as this, I believe both the materialist and reformist aspects need to be put into action as a culminated effort in decreasing such disease and sickness.
ReplyDeleteTo help China avoid the same mistakes that the Western cultures have made in terms of public health a reformist epidemiologist would recommend an approach that looked at the individuals within the society. One method a reformist may use to spread awareness about health and disease would be requiring all children to take a health class in which they are educated about health and disease with regard to their diet, hygiene, and use of alcohol and tobacco. A reformist might also use television or magazine ad's to educate the people about healthy habits. The doctor's of the people in China can also act as a link in the health campaign, being able to have that one on one, patient-doctor interaction.
ReplyDeleteAs a materialist epidemiologist they would use an approach that looked at the society as a group focusing in on the different social classes within China and the countries. In areas and classes that good plant based foods are not as accessible they might help to make them more accessible by offering the farmers incentive to grow certain crops. A materialist might also set up work shops for the less advantage people or free clinics for those that dont have access to health care.
I think a combined approach of both the reformist and the materialist would be useful for the people of China to see the negative effects that diet, hygiene and personal practices like smoking or drinking can have on the body. I think even just reading the China Study in itself would be a useful method in spreading awareness to the people of China about health and disease.
Reformist epidemiologists would find a solution that focused on changing behavior at the individual level. This could be done principally through education, both in schools and for the public. Students could be taught in school about the reality of how consuming animal protein affects their health. Also, a better nutritional "food pyramid" could be used to teach students what a healthy diet really consists of: sufficient nutrients and calories. Public service campaigns could be used to spread the information learned in the study as well.
ReplyDeleteA materialist epidemiologist would focus on a solution to the problem at a higher level. They would focus on why government subsidies are provided to the meat and dairy industries when these products are actually harmful to people and cause the so called "diseases of affluence" noted in the study. They would also focus on making this information available to medical professionals, so that they are not miseducating patients on what they should be consuming. A materialist epidemiologist would look try to get the food pyramid reorganized, so that it reflected what a healthy diet truly is. They would also aim to have government subsidies redistributed to the fruit and vegetable industries and organic farmers.
My advice as a reformist would be education. Education is a key form of the prevention of not only communicable disease but mostly in this case chronic disease such as the many listed for the China study. As we know is one is has overall awareness of health and wellness they will often realize that it is important to maintain good eating habits. Although this study shows that animal based diets are related to many diseases, maybe the solution is in education. If the people of China are educated maybe they will not OVERCONSUME animal products. If they eat in moderation the levels of disease could possibly lower. So if the society members of China were informed that over consumption of animal products could cause disease perhaps the morbidity and mortality rates from such diseases would be much lower.
ReplyDeleteMy advice as a materialistic would be to take a look at the social classes who were eating large amounts of of animal based diets. If you can pin point the social class then perhaps you can pin point the problem. Maybe its not the fact that the social group is eating this way on purpose, perhaps it is all they can afford. If prices were different on animal based diet foods or plant based diets perhaps certain social classes could eat healthier. Therefore, my advice would be to pin point the social class and find ways to produce or alter the cost of the healthier foods in order to decrease morbidity and mortality rates such as causes listed by this study.
Reformist epidemiologists look at the individual. Based on biological factors, we find ways of figuring out how different diseases work and how to cure them and what causes them. The biggest thing, as every one has pretty much mentioned is the fact that education is really important and getting the word out about different diseases and how to prevent them or in the case a person already has the disease then to cure it. Educating students and even people not in school maybe even in the workforce on how to remain healthy. Based on diet, exercise, and lifestyles in general people could be much healthier. With a little knowledge on how to properly do this, I feel that each person individually could be that much healthier.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the materialistic epidemiologists they look at the society as a whole. These people look at lowering the cost of healthy foods so that more people will buy healthier foods. Being a college student, money can be very tight and usually is very tight so I try to save money by buying the cheaper foods while I am at school. I know that I am not the only one. There are people out there that work their butt off to get one meal on the table for the entire family. Usually this meal would be what is cheaper. This mainly consists of the fast food or frozen stuff that isn't healthy at all. In the end this can cause obesity amongst a ton of other issues down the road. I know that if the healthier food was cheaper, I would buy that over what I currently buy and I am sure that other people would as well.
As a reformist epidemiologist the focus would be on the individual. The suggestion would be to change the behavior and lifestyle of the individual.Education and advertisment will allow people to know that there is a correaltion between health diseases and a high animal protein diet. By knowing this people will then hopefully be aware of what they are consuming. A physican could suggest to an individual to bring a homemade lunch to work or school. By knowing what and how the food is prepared could be benefical to our health. By being educated that a healthy lifestyle can be lead by diet and excersice we can then begin to see a decrease in chronic illnesses.
ReplyDeleteAs a materalist epidemiologist I would focus on the society as a whole and the individual social classes. They would look to see which class is recieving the highest rates of chronic disease. Also to find a way to provide healthier foods at a decent price to all social classes. Less advertisment of fast food chains could help society make better food choices. China has shown an effort as they are following the japanese or european model of consumption. By lowering the intake of animal products and increasing intake of fish.The envrioment causes a road block for some people. Not everyone lives near the ocean/water how will they be able to consume more fish then animal product. In the end most importantly the focus should be on food cost. By lowering prices of healthy food will allow the society to be healthier
We can look at this article through the eyes of a a reformist or a materialist epidemiologist. A reformist looks at a particular issue on an individual basis looking at what is causing the problem and figuring out a solution to that problem, while a materialist will look at it at a cultural standpoint. They would look at different social classes and how to put everyone on an equal playing field to help everyone out.
ReplyDeleteAs most of the people before me have stated I feel as though a good solution for the reformist epidemiologist would be in Education. In the classroom or in a school system is a great place to start giving young people the information they need to know about a certain disease or illness and how they can go about preventing them. Not only would this solution have to include curriculum for those students but the teachers would have to role model different prevention ideas. Teaching the young people in a society about what you want them to know is one of the best things, I believe, that a community could do. I feel that this could not only help people now but people in the future too.
As for the materialist epidemiologist looking at social class and culture they would try and figure out a solution as a whole. These epidemiologist could look at the different social classes within China. They could figure out what each social class needs or doesn't have and make it available to them. Like people have stated above making things available for all social classes with help prevent these problems. Allowing there to be healthier options for food that is affordable, recreation, and clinics to provide a healthier lifestyle would help prevent illness.
Promoting knowledge and education across China would be how a reformist epidemiologist would approach the situation. Children could be taught not only about diseases and infections but also how to prevent them (i.e. hygiene, sanitation, vaccines, etc). If the children were informed, it would spread knowledge to the household and future generations. In America we spend mass amounts of money each year into educatiing children into making healthy decisions however we are still overwhelmed with early onset diabetes and obesity.
ReplyDeleteA materialistic epidemiolist would look at the geography of where the diseases were most prevelant, the social classes it affected and even gender in order to find preventative measures. At the time, China would probably have more luck with the later approach due to the amount of time, research and funding needed to be done in order to follow through with the reformist epidemiologist approach. It could atleast serve as a "band aid" and slow down the progression on the problem until the reformists' plan of action was solidified.
A reformist epidemiologist would say that education would be the best way to prevent communicable diseases. The more a population knows about personal hygiene the better. If China would start teaching children about how to prevent such diseases then hopefully China will start to see lower rates of disease among the next generation. The best way to get the portion of the Chinese people that aren't in school anymore would be to advertise. Using advertisements in tv or newspapers could help spread the knowledge of how diseases are spread and what contributes to a chronic illness to the older populations who may not be in school anymore.
ReplyDeleteA materialistic epidemiologist would rather try to pinpoint which sections of the population are the ones who are facing the illnesses. Once they find a trend they will turn their focus to this portion of the population to try and work to solutions for the problem on a smaller scale first before attacking the big picture.
Chronic diseases can be prevented if people simply make changes to their habits and ways of living. Things like smoking, drinking, activity levels and nutrition have a large impact on our health and are all things that can be changed to improve someone's health.
ReplyDeleteReformist epidemiologists would choose to approach the issues in China by focusing on the behavior of 'the individual' by choosing to educate and advertise better ways of living. People may be making detrimental life choices simply because they are not informed or educated on the matters of their health and what they can do to improve their health. I think that choosing to educate children can be very beneficial because it is good to make these life changes early in life to make healthy habits. Changing the nutritional habits of individuals in China should be a top focus.
Materialist epidemiologists will approach the problem in China differently. They will be more concerned with changing the behaviors and habits of the entire population. Encouraging people to eat healthier would be easier if it took some of the individual choices/options out of the picture and replaced them with changes being made all over the country. Diets that are lower in animal fats would be much healthier for the people of China. Materialists also have the ability to focus on groups of the population that may need more attention and help, such as those living in poverty. Helping to make healthy foods more affordable and more available to people living in poverty would make the changes easier and more attainable.
Any changes made in China must start off small and eventually grow to incorporate more health issues. I also think that both reformist and materialist ideals are necessary to see any improvements in health. All forward progress is going to begin first with education and promotion... followed by action and people making changes.
As this study shows, chronic diseases can be influenced by what we eat, where we live, and our activities. A reformist epidemiologist and and materialist epidemiologist would look at trying to solve this in different ways.
ReplyDeleteA reformist would look at changing lifestyle by education. They would want to change the behavior of the individual through better educational programs and hope that people have a willingness and desire to change. They would focus on teaching people what to eat, not to smoke or drink excessively, and to to decrease the risks of certain chronic diseases.
A materialist more focuses on the group changing, not the individual changing like reformists. They believe that social class is very important, and focuses on the group. This study talks about how higher levels of nicotine was found in poorer areas. They would focus on changing the whole groups behavior.
The China Study specifically noted how poor food consumption and living conditions have led to a number of diseases and disorders. As a way to prevent disease and increase the overall health of the population a reformist epidemiologist would utilize education as the primary framework to helping people in China to reform. By providing people with information and facts on the dangers of certain foods, like eating excessive amounts of animal protein, and the benefits of eating healthier foods such as plant and fruit products it gives them an opportunity to change their lives around. Having the chance to learn what is healthy and not healthy, the individuals now how the choice to change their eating patterns and to possibly avoid disease. For those individuals who are dealing with chronic illnesses it would be smart to advise them on how to increase their quality of life.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, the materialist epidemiologist feels that education alone is not enough. There has to be a wider impact made on society for people to care about the issue and make changes. Sometimes individuals may have the knowledge to change their behavior/etc… but they don’t have the means or funds to make it happen. I’m sure nobody really wants to eat food that they know is going to contribute to an early demise. The materialist would focus primarily on social implications and the larger picture. One way to ensure everybody has an ability to purchase quality food would to decrease the cost of plant products. As well to discourage people from eating too much animal protein which has been linked to many diseases more sanctions or taxes could be placed on the production of meat. This might increase the costs of the meat and make the healthier choice the more affordable one for individuals.
As previously stated as a reformist epidiomologist, my main concern would be the education of the people and have the people then be able to choose their lifes from there. this would mean they would control everything for themselves as well as lowering the rate of disease that they come across. my main goal would be in creating better sanitation systems, making sure that their is proper nutrition, and also seeing that all socioeconomic groups are getting the same opportunities.
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