Final Blog and Reflections

This class was a wonderful experience. The modules that I would like to explicitly highlight are Modules 3.3, Module 6.4, and Module 11.5

Module 3.3
Environmental Justice is such an important issue, especially for public health professionals. Environmental Justice acknowledges the importance of health equity. Environmental justice addresses that environmental policies don't exclude or segregate any individuals, regardless of race, income, etc. Because my MPH concentration is in policy, this specific module was incredibly informative. Specifically, environmental justice addresses a population's social determinants of health. As a result, these unequal social determinants of health may result in the unequal implementation and enforcement of environmental laws within a given community.

Module 6.4
The industrial farming module was a highlight for my learning experience in this class. Specifically the documentary "Dirt! The Movie" was incredibly impactful in my environmental consciousness. It is important to take care of our soil for a healthy and sustainable biosphere. the section on the industrial farms of this module shows how the business of mass food production prioritizes profit at the expense of the environment.

Module 11.5 
This lecture opened my eyes to the meaning of a Zero Waste Lifestyle. For me, I have been making "baby steps" to eliminating all disposable waste. I have eliminated disposable plastics and k-cups from my lifestyle. Pre-packaged foods are hard to eliminate. I still have not had success making my own personal toiletries. I have attempted to make shampoo, but I extremely disliked the smell. This module taught me the importance of creativity of addressing environmental health issues at an individual, health behaviors, level.

I really enjoyed the small group blogging experience. It was really interesting to read my colleague's blogs throughout the semester. The only critique I have for this class is that we were unable to meet everyone in this class. Fortunately, I have had classes with Judy and Nica previously, so I am familiar with their wonderful work and their insightful perspectives on public health. Maybe monthly zoom sessions would be nice to network and communicate with other classmates as well.

Module 14.4 Think about it - Website Exploration

Using the Resilience Through Learning website (https://www.usuhs.edu/ncdmph-learn/KnowledgeLearning/2013-05Oklahoma.htm), I wanted to learn about the natural disaster of Tornadoes. Tornadoes are the most common natural disaster in my hometown of Lubbock, Texas.

Per year, approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. Tornadoes primarily affect the central U.S. in the region known as Tornado Alley. The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH) provides many resources that helps individuals prepare and ready themselves for a natural disaster. A fantastic resource, I found one from this website is the extensive summary written by the Center of Disease Control (CDC). In the CDC website, they list excellent resources for what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Below is a very handy infographic that cover the basics of how to stay prepared for a tornado.
CDC Infographic

A very important fact sheet I found on the NCDMPH website for public health professionals and healthcare providers refers to the importance of psychological first aid. For me, some major takeaways from this factsheet on what NOT to do are:
Don't  

• Force people to share stories with you
• Give simple reassurances like "everything will be OK" or "at least you survived"
• Tell people what you think they should be feeling thinking or doing now
• Make promises that may not be kept
• Criticize existing services or relief activities

In Lubbock, TX there are no such state services like for disaster healthcare volunteers. The closest thing would be volunteering for one of the local hospitals or non-profit, the most prominent related to public health is the Red Cross.

Sources:
https://www.usuhs.edu/ncdmph-learn/KnowledgeLearning/2013-05Oklahoma.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/index.html#injuries
https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CTC_psychological_first_aid.pdf