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Final Blog!

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When I initially thought about public health, I did not immediately think about how important the environment was in determining our health outcomes. When thinking about prolonging life, disease and disability prevention, and protecting people's health, we often forget the influential of the environment on our well being. Normally, we think more along the lines of what can be medically done to improve and protect our health, how we can prevent disease and educate the public on how to not become ill or injured. In terms of the environment, we often see it as separate from us and do not realize how much of an impact that it has on our lives. Protecting the environment is not just solely about protecting nature and animals, it is also about protecting ourselves. We cannon see nature or the environment as separate from ourselves. What happens to the environment, happens to us, this class made me realize how contingent our health is on the health of the environment around us. Learning a...
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M14.4 Blog: Think About It - Website Exploration

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I had no idea this NCDMPH resource existed! In general, I have always felt very uneducated when it comes to disaster preparedness. Having access to online trainings and educational materials for different kinds of disasters makes me feel very relieved. Since this is quake country, I definitely will look into the materials and trainings on earthquakes. I will be doing this with special attention to the San Andreas and Hayward Faults: I live in California and did not know about the DHV. I did know that there are plenty of volunteer opportunities, but never knew where people could go and sign up.  I hope to continue my education to eventually become an LCSW. Perhaps one day I too can become a qualified volunteer for the California DHV. It is great to know that this is the site to go for people who can put their skillsets to good use to when disaster strikes!
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M12.9 Blog: Climate Change

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There is so much misinformation and denial about global warming and climate change. Industries more than ever are working to spread misinformation in order to prioritize their profits, while shifting blame or supporting ignorance about the issue. Their monetary and social influence along with support from wealthy politicians continue to fuel the denial and lack of collective action to help the Earth. It is frustrating to me that we have the proven research that we are harming the planet and yet all we hear about nowadays is that global warming is all a hoax. People are just not listening to the experts, even less the folks who are currently in charge of this country. Although we can educate and empower communities about global warming such as the ways in which they can help the environment, I feel like things won't change until there is a more united, collective effort from the people, public health officials and scientists to push hard for policy changes that protect the earth. Th...
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M11.5 Blog about a Zero Waste Life

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This module really made me reflect upon my household waste. My family relies a lot on plastic and produces a lot of waste. I definitely would like to find alternatives and learn how to become more self sufficient. After reviewing the Zero Waste Ted Talk, I reviewed my own habits. I do use reusable bags when I go shopping, I compost, go thrift shopping for second hand clothes, and try to reuse containers for food and drinks. I do tend to hold on to things in my home due to sentimental value, not to the extent of hoarding of course but I definitely want to live a more minimalist lifestyle in order to help de-clutter my space and to really take care of belongings that really do matter to me. The Ted Talk really helped me take a step back and realize how much I contribute to the problem, but that I too can be part of the solution. But I can't do it alone, I need to get my family onboard as well.  I need to encourage my family to stop buying water bottles in bulk and actually purchase...
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M10.8 Blog about an occupationally-related disease

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For my disease selection, I chose Byssinosis or "Brown Lung". This is the first time that I heard of this illness, usually we hear more about black lung and white lung in my opinion. According to the American Lung Association, Byssinosis affects people who work in the hemp, cotton, and flax industry. Workers usually develop Byssinosis by inhaling raw cotton, hemp, flax or other textile dust. It causes asthma-like symptoms and can lead to chronic obstructive lung disease. OSHA recognizes cotton dust as a respiratory hazard and the importance of monitoring exposure and the development of Byssinosis. OSHA has several manuals detailing regulations and procedures on recognizing and handling cotton dust exposure. OSHA has also enforced standards of safety in textile mills and inspection protocols to monitor cotton dust safety. In defining exposure to cotton or textile particles, OSHA stated the following, "Cotton dust means dust present in the air during the handling or p...
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M10.5 Blog about an occupational safety and health organization

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For my organization, I chose to do the CAL/OSHA. CAL/OSHA focuses on protecting Californian workers by setting and enforcing standards, approving and issuing permits and licenses, and providing outreach and education services. CAL/OSHA also focuses on passenger and user safety in terms of transportation, elevator use, amusement rides, and pressure vessels. CAL/OSHA strongly emphasizes the importance of developing an injury and illness prevention plan for every organization. While looking through their website, I found the following featured safety programs:  As a person who regularly uses transportation services, elevators, and as someone who runs the risk of workplace violence at her job, I feel that CAL/OSHA is definitely a great resource on helping people prevent illness and injury. CAL/OSHA provides the tools to protect and educate employees as well as their employers to maximize productivity through the creation safe and healthy environments. My type of work could defi...
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M10.2 Blog about MSDS and ToxNet

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Unfortunately, while interviewing my mother on the hazards of the workplace environment internally and externally, she admitted that her school didn't have Material Safety Data Sheets. When she was hired, she never recalled getting any paperwork or meeting on the potential hazards of the workplace. When she asked the principal, her boss, about whether they had one, he had no idea what she was talking about. My mom basically said that her school is too poor to have an MSDS and the OUSD doesn't bother to spend money on developing such a thing. As for my workplace, they also seemed to be at a loss for what an MSDS was. When I was hired, the only talk of safety hazards were outside the office. We had discuss the importance of protecting ourselves against used syringes on the ground, keeping our hands clean, and getting vaccinated to protect ourselves and our homeless clients from exposure. Other than that, my boss and supervisor didn't really say much else about it. If we hap...
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