Table of Contents >
Chapter 25. Changing Policies >
Section 4. Supporting Local Ordinances to Modify Access to Unhealthy Products and Practices >
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| Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz |
Checklist
Here you’ll find a checklist summarizing the important points of the section.
What do we mean by unhealthy products and practices?
__ Unhealthy products and practices are products and practices that can be harmful, in either the long term or the short term, to those who use or engage in them, and/or to others as well.
__ Unhealthy products are often unhealthy only when they’re used to excess or inappropriately.
__ Some unhealthy practices are linked to products, others are not.
__ Unhealthy products and practices are not always directly related to physical health, but may also be related to the social, psychological, economic, and/or political health of individuals and the community.
Why modify access to unhealthy products and practices?
__ To encourage healthy lifestyles and improve health and life expectancy for individuals.
__ To prevent or alleviate social expense.
__ To improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.
__ To improve the chances of healthy child development.
__ To send the right messages to youth.
__ To create and sustain a healthy community.
When should you support efforts to modify access to unhealthy products and practices?
__ When new facilities are opening.
__ When there’s a change in local administration.
__ When a community health problem that can be prevented or reduced by modifying access – obesity, smoking, substance abuse, etc. – is in the news.
__ When a particular community health issue reaches a critical level.
__ When there’s a community health-related campaign already under way.
__ Before something becomes a problem.
Who should support efforts to modify access to unhealthy products and practices?
__ Policy makers in both public and private sectors.
__ Health and other professionals.
__ People affected by the product or practice, or who will be affected by a change in access.
__ Any other interested stakeholders or groups.
How do you support efforts to modify access to unhealthy products and practices?
Modify access to unhealthy products and practices through:
__ Laws and ordinances.
__ Regulations established by government agencies or business and industry.
__ Taxes or other economic measures.
__ Voluntary actions taken by retailers or other businesses and industries because of community pressure or because of corporate civic responsibility.
__ Physical barriers.
__ Enforcement of existing laws and regulations.
__ Public education.
Support existing efforts to modify access through:
__ Advocacy.
__ Research.
__ Support and logistics.
Mount your own initiative:
__ Assemble a diverse group, with representatives of all concerned stakeholders, to plan and spearhead the effort.
__ Determine the readiness of the population and community to change behavior.
__ Decide what kind of modification you’re going to work for.
__ Advocate, Advocate, Advocate!
__ Target local lawmakers to pass laws and ordinances.
__ Approach agencies to institute or change policies or regulations.
__ Negotiate with business or industry for changes in their internal or external policies or practices.
__ Conduct a public education campaign.
__ Conduct a social action campaign.
__ Keep at it.