Monday, March 29, 2010

No Free Lunch

Okay everyone...finally the blog post you have all been dying to respond to! Check this out....

http://nofreelunch.org/aboutus.htm

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Study Questions

Short Answer Questions

1. Social epidemiologists aim to identify patterns of morbidity and mortality, define morbidity and mortality.


2. Epidemiological studies have shown dramatic increases in life span worldwide. List 3 other patterns of morbidity and mortality indicated through epidemiological studies.


3. Outline the main difference between reformist and materialist epidemiology


4. How do socio-economic factors shape the distribution and consumption of food, and what are some of the consequences of this patterned distribution/consumption?

5. Our social position (within the socially structured hierarchy) affects our access to material resources for health and wellness. How does access to transportation affect our health?

6. What do we mean by the ‘feminization of poverty’?

7. List three socio-cultural variables which shape how food is used.

8. How have macro political and economic factors shaped transportation in the US?

9. How are environmental harms socially distributed?

10. What do placebo studies suggest about the mind/body relationship?

11. What social groups are most at risk from dramaturgical stress?

12. List and outline/define the three factors which determine how susceptible one is to stress.

Extended Essays

Medical sociologists claim that people’s choices are constrained and enabled by their material surroundings and their social standing in society. Consider this notion by exploring specific material and environmental factors which lead to differential outcomes in regard to mortality and morbidity.


How does social status affect health? Consider both the physical and environmental factors impacting health, as well as the research examining social-relationships, cultural symbolism, and so on.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Forks over Knives

Hey guys,

When you get a chance take a look at this video. It's a trailer that coincides with the China Study.

http://forksoverknives.com/trailer/

obesity

Here are some interesting articles regarding the obesity myth...

http://www.thinkmuscle.com/articles/gaesser/obesity.htm#HEALTH%20HAZARDS%20OF%20OBESITY%20EXAGGERATED

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2008/08/11/2008-08-11_study_shows_obesity_often_not_linked_to_.html

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The China Study

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!

Essay 1

Anyone have any questions on the essay?

Monday, February 1, 2010

York County, Maine

Check this out! This is a link to a pdf of the Maine Dept of Health and Human Services District Health Profile for York County, Maine. Scroll down to page 13 and you will find a few graphs regarding income level, education level and health. Keep in mind what we discussed last week and let me know what you think. Are you surprised by the results?

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/districts/york.pdf