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 use, 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.
