Photovoice Part 2

Choices, choices, choices. Many milk varieties offered at Fred Meyer!

Nutrition label comparison and ingredient lists on varying fat content, cow’s milk, Fred Meyer brand.

Vanilla flavored oat milk, nutrition label, and ingredients from Planet Oat brand. And strawberry flavored, organic low-fat milk from Horizon. Both at Fred Meyer but the Horizon kid’s milk is often seen at coffee shops as well such as Starbucks.

Focusing on the questions, “What choices do I have,” and “Do I know what I need to make a healthy choice (for my child),” in regards to milk health benefits and disadvantages. As you can see from the pictures, the store I went to, Fred Meyer, had many options. This is clearly not the case for all areas, and access varies for families with different surroundings, socioeconomic status, etc. But for this project, it was eye-opening! Choices ranged from nonfat to whole, organic, and many alternatives, including oat, goat, soy, and almond milk, in addition to a few flavored options. And further, refrigerated or not is another choice!

Comparing nutrition labels and ingredient lists is a start to addressing the knowledge required to make healthy choices. However, without added research, there isn’t much to go on just by the labels at the store. Cow’s milk doesn’t have much marketing going on besides the nutrition facts, which is refreshing but unhelpful for someone not knowing what to look for. Avoiding added sugar is easy enough, but there’s no information about how fat content differences affect your body, recommendations, research backing recommendations, or anything about kids’ needs. A person whose first language isn’t English, is only following WIC allowances, doesn’t have access, or enough security to take the time to consider their options could be disadvantaged here. 

There is some naturally occurring trans fat in dairy products (Dairy Australia, 2021). However, the concern is when it is added to the food unnecessarily (Dairy Australia, 2021). The loophole I suggest buyers be hypervigilant about is that trans fat can be included in food items, such as flavored milk, with a 0 on the nutrition label if it’s below .5 grams per serving (Pearson, 2016). With doctors suggesting we intake less than 2-3 grams per day, it is of concern that we, let alone our kids, can’t even see the amount on the nutrition labels (Pearson, 2016). Therefore, avoiding partially hydrogenated fat (or oil) is of the utmost importance, even if listed under the minimal portion of the ingredients (Dairy Australia, 2021; Pearson, 2016). It’s just not good for our bodies (Dairy Australia, 2021; Pearson, 2016). I didn’t see any signs of hidden trans fat on these labels, however, there are more options out there, as unbelievable as that may be.

Of course, you can’t control what your kids’ pick at the school cafeteria, and given a choice between plain or added fun colors and extra sweetness, it’s obvious what kids are going to go for. Since flavored milk is still an option in schools, it’s best to control what you can at home (USDA, 2018). It’s important to note that the United States government, food assistance programs, and general consumer information sites promote low or non-fat milk recommendations for ages two and up (Altmann, 2016; Beck et al., 2017; White et al., 2020). However, important information coming to light is that consuming whole milk is associated with healthier bodies than low or nonfat alternatives (Beck et al., 2017; White et al., 2020). Since nutrition habits and preferences build upon foundations laid during childhood years, it is imperative to start kids off with the best options available (Altmann, 2016; White et al., 2020). Whole milk is displaying protective factors against obesity in all ages in addition to nonfat and low-fat associations with higher weight (Beck et al., 2017; White et al., 2020). WIC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the United States Department of Agriculture, and more official sectors have yet to update guidelines and parameters which could lower the obesity crisis (Beck et al., 2017; White et al., 2020). Until then, we’re all learning. 

In fact, I learned through this project that low-fat milk was simply mixed nonfat milk and regular milk, it’s there in the ingredients! I was also surprised at the low vitamin D levels of cow’s milk (2.5g) compared to the sweetened oat milk (4g). I also thought it was interesting that skim (nonfat) milk had an extra carbohydrate listed in the nutrition label over low fat and whole milk. So, if someone had never approached the consumer health realm and did a project like this, it would presumably be eye-opening for them as well. They might be surprised how many differences there are in milk choices and see the need to research the best options for them or their children. Finally, seeing this post might open the eyes of those who’ve never considered the possibilities. Perhaps, they still buy what they have always had since childhood. Possibly, they’ll be curious about alternatives to cow milk and why there are so many (another post for another time!). Or maybe, they’ll just be a little more aware of the differences in government recommendations and their actual health. 

References

Altmann, T. (2016). Is nonfat, low-fat, reduced-fat or whole milk best for your children? We asked the author of “What to Feed Your Baby” to weigh in. Today. https://www.today.com/parents/what-kind-milk-should-you-give-your-kids-t84646

Beck, A. L., Heyman, M., Chao, C., & Wojcicki, J. (2017). Full fat milk consumption protects against severe childhood obesity in Latinos. Preventative Medicine Reports, 8, 1-5. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.pmedr.2017.07.005

Dairy Australia. (2021). Is trans fat present in milk? https://www.dairy.com.au/dairy-matters/you-ask-we-answer/is-trans-fat-present-in-milk

Pearson, R. (2016). Overviewnutrition_2016 [PowerPoint]. Consuming Health Matters, WordPress. https://consuminghealthmatters.wordpress.com/about/pubh-209-consumer-health/course-slides/

USDA. (2018). Final Rule: Child Nutrition Program Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements. Food and Nutrition Service, United States Department of Agriculture. https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/fr-121218

White, M. J., Armstrong, S. C., Kay, M. C., Perrin, E. M., & Skinner, A. (2020). Associations between milk fat content and obesity, 1999 to 2016. Pediatric Obesity, 15(5).  https://doi-org.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/10.1111/ijpo.12612

Glossary Building 5

“When are you going to be induced?” “Is the baby here yet?” “Wouldn’t you be safer having the baby at the hospital?” “You’ll have to get that baby out soon!” So many comments I heard as I entered days and weeks past the “due date” of my pregnancies. I birthed my firstborn in a hospital and had two at home with a midwife after that. This glossary addition, therefore, is important for all consumer health readers but me as well. 

Some things to be aware of going into the maternity ward health sector, like antibiotics, overpricing, overuse, and the trickle effect to further interventions with induction, c-sections, and episiotomy, among many others (Pearson, 2021). Those most at risk have below-average conception education before pregnancy, lack access to prenatal care, may participate in poor choices for their own life, or live in an area that makes them susceptible to such. Induction is a way to jumpstart the laboring process and lead to problems for the one being born and the mother. An episiotomy is a cut performed less now than in the 90s that was thought to help the mother prevent the natural tears that can occur during delivery. The cutting, unfortunately, led to worsened pain, problems while healing, increased risk of infections, and occasionally devastating outcomes for both mother and child. A cesarean section (c-section) is an alternative to the natural birth process, which in 2007 was at double the recommended rate in the United States. Washington alone is accountable for at least eleven thousand unnecessary c-sections every year. 

It is a good thing, like antibiotics, that we have alternatives, and the health advances of our time do save lives. However, they also have a place and that place is not overselling in vulnerable populations. These terms are just a small glimpse into the world of maternal healthcare that consumers would benefit from understanding.

• Induction: a medical intervention to start labor before naturally occurring
• Cesarean section: a medical alternative to the birth process
• Episiotomy: a medical intervention during the birthing process involving cutting unnecessarily where tearing would naturally occur
  • (Pearson, 2021)

References

Pearson, R. (2021). Birth_slides_pubh209 [PowerPoint]. Consumer Health, WordPress. https://consuminghealthmatters.wordpress.com/about/pubh-209-consumer-health/course-slides/

Early Life and Childhood Prompt 2

There is a whole world of disagreements regarding children and screen time, especially between parents and their kids. Some popular sites say it’s overbearing to limit video games and lead to binge-playing later (Bergman, 2015). Others point out the parental duty to protect their children from their lack of self-control and compare screens to drugs and other addictive outlets (ScreenStrong, 2018). Parents have to be flexible and adjust based on their child handling the screens and acting without them (Henn, 2013). Playing video games is a risk factor for chronic diseases such as obesity (DOH, 2012). Further, they are designed to pull in more use and time from kids (and adults), which is concerning (Henn, 2013).

So, how do we talk to kids about their choices and create a future for healthy consumers? Start with choices. Helping kids take control and boosting their self-control is almost like parenting 101. Preparing them for the big league, adulthood, where you won’t be able to tell them how much screen time they need. Have conversations during non-heated moments about the science (ScreenStrong, 2018). An age-appropriate example with a 10-year old could sound like this, “I see you’ve been playing that video game (insert a name for added cool-parent-points) a bit lately. I was just reading a doctor’s/scientist’s article about how video games have designers studying how kids play to make them play longer (Henn, 2013).” Taking it one step further and involving them in the health process, “What do you think about that (ScreenStrong, 2018)?” And after they answer the typical kid, “I dunno (complete with shoulder shrug)…” “Well, what would you say to try a timer for 30 or 45 minutes to make sure you get enough time in the day to do other things you want, like practicing catch with me?” Making sure to validate and give choices but still be a parent about it all seems to cover all the bases. 

References

Bergman, C. (2015). Don’t limit your teen’s screen time. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/07/16/is-internet-addiction-a-health-threat-for-teenagers/dont-limit-your-teens-screen-time

DOH. (2012). Impact of environmental chemicals on childhood obesity. Washington State Department of Health 334-311. https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/334-311.pdf

Henn, S. (2013). How video games are getting inside your head — and wallet. NPR, Morning Edition. https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2013/10/30/241449067/how-video-games-are-getting-inside-your-head-and-wallet

ScreenStrong. (2018). Does limiting screen use lead to binging later?. Families Managing Media, Inc. https://screenstrong.com/does-limiting-screen-use-lead-to-binging-later/

Glossary building 4

Going over some terms in the nutrition realm, I thought it was interesting how many can be applied in other areas of consumer health, life, etc. Take, for instance, moderation.  Known nd used readily in the diet world but also, do you provide empathy in moderation? Love? Happiness? High expectations? As potential healthcare providers especially, I thought it was something to give a second thought to. 

First, you’ll need to decide how often moderation is because we all have varying degrees of this for ourselves (Ross, 2015). This also leads to the idea behind the next term, moral licensing. This is the idea that we should reward ourselves after doing something or “many” somethings which are good. This idea enhances allowances in our daily lives for things, when looked at objectively, we may not be actually interested in. 

Again, it’s something to think about beyond the realm of nutrition. And, it reminds me a lot of the slogan from the popular phrase, “find your own truth.” But what about when that truth is at odds with someone else’s definition? And what about when that clash isn’t just a cultural, “you do you” type matter, but actually devastatingly different?

Finally, I’d like to add the term culture, which is applicable in many other consumer health areas and overall lives. I struggle with the answer to questions like “what’s your culture?” and that’s because there are many different facets. For example, my diet culture may be vastly different than my spiritual culture. And I think as we dive into health for the individual, we need to allow areas for differences like this and be aware that grouping a person into one category is ill-informed.

• “moderation…: restraint; avoidance of extremes or excesses; temperance (Ross, 2015).”
• Moral licensing: a way of thinking that promotes self-indulging behaviors because the person has earned rewards according to their definition of good deeds and amounts of those (Ross, 2015). 
• Culture: “the ways we believe, act, and think (Pearson, 2016).”

References

Pearson, R. (2016). Overviewnutrition_2016 [PowerPoint Slides]. Consumer Health, WordPress. https://consuminghealthmatters.wordpress.com/about/pubh-209-consumer-health/course-slides/

Ross, J. (2015). Why “everything in moderation” doesn’t work. Greatist. http://greatist.com/eat/everything-in-moderation-doesnt-work

Photovoice Part 1

Hi everyone, I’m working to hone in my subject for the photovoice project. I think I’m going to focus on the health benefits/disadvantages of milk for kids. I was surprised to see that flavored milk is still allowed in schools (USDA, 2018). I also know there are many controversies over milk fat percentages. I’ll at least answer “What choices do I have,” and “Do I know what I need to in order to make a healthy choice (for my child).”

References

USDA. (2018). Final Rule: Child Nutrition Program Flexibilities for Milk, Whole Grains, and Sodium Requirements. Food and Nutrition Service, United States Department of Agriculture. https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/fr-121218

Food Prompt Two

This take on what moderation means in every person’s daily consumption is eye-opening. Immediately, I want to share it with people, but the most crucial change that will come from this is my dietary habits. Further, I don’t want anyone to feel picked on for me sending this them, so I’m telling you about it here, in hopes it makes its way around diet culture (Pearson, 2016).

After reading this article, it all clicked. I felt excited. Someone finally pinpointed why I can say “everything in moderation,” and so can someone with a different BMI, but the ideals don’t match up (Ross, 2016). It is because my moderation and their moderation are defined highly differently. Moderation needs an umbrella approach when the norm is singular. To break that down, a slice of pizza and an ice cream have similar caloric values and create similar reactions within your blood glucose levels, among other issues. Therefore, they should both be considered junk food or low-nutrient food. When given a separate category in the person’s mind, problems arise—foods given the title “reward” when no reward is earned. 

I confess, this is an issue for most Americans, and myself included. I think a lot of marketing promotion goes toward this way of thinking. “Treat yourself,” “You’ve earned it,” “cheat day,” especially when it becomes “cheat meal,” and many more. 

This aspect of consumer health is of extreme importance to me. You can teach nutritional information and labels all day long. You can even exercise to your heart’s content (literally), but if you define moderation as fat or sugar-high treat/snack/meal every day, you will not be meeting the nutritional requirements of your body. Further, anyone around you is following your lead! Children you cook for and any aged person seeing how you eat are likely to be influenced by you (Mollen et al., 2010). 

As chronic diseases rise rapidly across the nation, this is an issue to be seen by all. My next step is to actively cut out the mentality that treats are awarded daily, that one junk food is not like another, and that the phrase “everything in moderation” is working against nutrition goals. Setting goals to weekly lower the amount of junk food is on my to-do list, and keeping a food diary will help me achieve the diet I desire. I hope you take the time to check out the articles referenced, not only for your health but those around you!

References

Mollen, S., Ruiter, R. A. C., & Kok, G. (2010). What are the oughts? The adverse effects of using social norms in health communication. Psychology and Health, 25(3), 265-270. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870440903262812

Pearson, R. (2016). Overviewnutrition_2016 [PowerPoint Slides]. Consumer Health, WordPress. https://consuminghealthmatters.wordpress.com/about/pubh-209-consumer-health/course-slides/

Ross, J. (2016). Why “everything in moderation” doesn’t work. Greatist. http://greatist.com/eat/everything-in-moderation-doesnt-work

Peer-review comment

Learning about salt regulation is essential for consumers, especially from a health standpoint. From reading Consumer Protection & Regulation- Prompt One, by “vanessav87,” I learned that salt intake is high for most Americans. Interestingly, the United States government focuses on reducing salt intake from community sources rather than the individual. It would be suitable for parents to read this insight because salt reduction is aligned with efforts to reduce childhood obesity, diabetes and increase breastfeeding (World Health Organization, 2020). The most helpful portions of the post include the statistics of deaths by overconsumption of salt leading to chronic illnesses and death and the information on a recommendation for salt intake amounts. Something questionable for readers may be the low volume of information on current regulations and support for claims of a lack of confidence in them. The post was easy to read. A minimal amount of punctuation errors stood out, such as a missing period after the abbreviated “U.S.” for the United States in the second paragraph, third sentence. I felt compelled to look into this further at the announcement that the FDA is not solely focusing on limiting all types of salt intake but simply the restaurant and processed foods areas. I think this is a dangerous move on the part of the FDA as the World Health Organization is still promoting a decrease in the home kitchens as well (World Health Organization, 2020). I would rate the reviewed post a four on the scale of 1 to 4, with four being the highest possible because it was informative for those interested or unaware of consumer health. It got the point across, is relevant information, and the author utilized credible sources. Excellent information; thanks for sharing the research, vanessav87!

References

World Health Organization. (2020). Salt reduction. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/salt-reduction

Consumer Protection Prompt 1

Consumer protection and regulation are overall exciting subjects. Beyond the consumer’s knowledge and initiation of having a safety mindset in their shopping, there should be a basis for keeping those consumers safe. In other words, even if we know we need sunscreen or sunblock to protect us from cancer, we may not know the details of what’s in the sunscreen we’re buying or how to effectively use it (Mayo Clinic staff, 2019; Tickner & Torrie, 2018). 

Since summer began, I’ve been focused on which sun protection to buy, as many of us do. This week, reading into regulations makes me think I need to check and check again because the federal government is not regulating what is being absorbed into our skin by sunscreens (Tickner & Torrie, 2018). Some stores initiate bans on harmful chemicals, which the government has yet to catch up on (Koch, 2013). I was surprised stores leaped before the United States officials ban BPA in baby products (Koch, 2013). And that concerns me in other chemical products for my family, such as sunscreen. There is undoubtedly a blind trust with a good amount of products we buy, such as cars. Few, if any, are testing their gas pedals or breaks when they receive a new vehicle (Associated Press staff, 2019). Most of us just drive away on faith (Associated Press staff, 2019). Same, I would guess for sunscreens which are abundant with options (Mayo Clinic staff, 2019). 

So, I do not know which sunscreen chemicals are to be avoided and which are fine, nor do I know much of the regulation statuses. I know sunblock provides a layer outside the skin, whereas sunscreen soaks in first, then blocks the harmful sun rays (Mayo Clinic staff, 2019). Since the toxic substances act is overdue for a severe overhaul, it would be beneficial to look into the Consumer Product Safety Commission webpage (cpsc.gov) since they handle exposures from chemicals in our purchased items (Koch, 2013; Tickner & Torrie, 2018). Finally, it is essential to look into our purchases for safety. We can regulate what we buy even when regulations aren’t going into the makings at the most umbrella level. We can make sure we avoid sunscreens combined with bug spray chemicals (Mayo Clinic staff, 2019). And it would be beneficial to educate ourselves on correct usage for the products we buy, in this case, sunscreen or sunblock (Mayo Clinic staff, 2019). For better consumer protection, we must get involved in our safety and add in our vote or decide not to buy something when we deem it purposeful. 

References

Associated Press staff. (2019). Toyota says new gas pedals are en route to dealers. Cleveland.com https://www.cleveland.com/business/2010/01/us_clears_toyota_gas_pedal_fix.html

Koch, W. (2013). Wal-Mart announces phase-out of hazardous chemicals. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/12/walmart-disclose-phase-out-toxic-chemicals-products-cosmetics/2805567/

Mayo Clinic staff. (2019). Best sunscreen: Understand sunscreen options. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/best-sunscreen/art-20045110

Tickner, J., & Torrie, Y. (2008). Presumption of safety: Limits of federal policies on toxic substances in consumer products [Product Brief]. The Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell. http://www.sustainableproduction.org/downloads/UMassLowellConsumerProductBrief21508_000.pdf

Glossary Building 3

As we get into regulations this week, I found a few more glossary-building terms applicable to growing our community of consumer health. It’s interesting to think about the power companies have over us as consumers and further over our health. Reading that a big company like Wal-Mart can and is changing the way stores supply consumers products is a tangent to make you think (Koch, 2013). Luckily, the health regulations are for our benefit, this time (Koch, 2013). 

However, the concept of market dominance caught my attention. The idea that one or a few big companies can sway our society and culture quickly is something to be aware of (Koch, 2013). In addition, promises to disclose had me thinking of our glossary in a more basic form (Koch, 2013). We certainly need companies telling us the details of what is in the products we buy, but it seems that is a privilege most of us take for granted or even disregard. Unfortunately, there is a long list of chemicals that shouldn’t be going into things we buy and use, but the regulations for those lack at a federal level (Koch, 2013). Finally, the idea of a sustainability consortium, or reductionist pledged companies hoping to diminish harms on the environment due to overbuying, anti-minimalist tendencies of consumers, was news to me, and so, maybe to other health consumers (Koch, 2013). Of course, it’s a consortium to look into more, wonder about if their principles align with ours, and if it’s even beneficial. For now, though, we can add these terms to our knowledge and be on the lookout for more!

• Market Dominance: the influence a large company has over other companies regarding regulations on the market (Koch, 2013).
• Sustainability Consortium: a handful of companies across the globe agreed towards reducing the impacts on the environment from consumerism (Koch, 2013).
• Disclose: To share what would typically be private information (Koch, 2013; Oxford Languages, n.d.).

References

Koch, W. (2013). Wal-Mart announces phase-out of hazardous chemicals. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/12/walmart-disclose-phase-out-toxic-chemicals-products-cosmetics/2805567/

Oxford Languages. (n.d.). Google Dictionary Search: Disclose. Google. https://www.google.com/search?q=disclose&rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS575US579&oq=disclose&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Glossary Building 2

In healthcare, we all have choices to make. Trust tells us that each person is making the best choices they see fit. However, it is more complicated. There are different ways to get your information, and the way news spreads can impact the type of news one receives (Pearson, 2016). A downfall to the freedom of speech includes quackery which pulls in consumers for sole profit and disregards evidence-based practices and materials (Pearson, 2021). The consumer who this promotion strategy targets is generally illiterate (Pearson, 2021). Although more than just unknowing and unable, this practice focuses on persons who specifically may be looking for anything to fill a void, those who are gullible, and who may think they have more insight than the scientific community (Pearson, 2021). 

Further still, social norms and behavior theories show us that there is an influential factor in our actions from those around us (Mollen et al., 2010). This extends to the health consumer even in health promotion messages (Mollen et al., 2010). And while most experiencing behavior influenced by others will be unknowing and illiterate to this effect, it also opens the door for a chance at being aliterate (Mollen et al., 2010; Pearson, 2021). Knowing yet deciding against the given behavior changes moves a person from illiteracy to aliterate (Pearson, 2021). This could be because the influence of others is so ingrained in us it makes it hard for us to swap what feels natural for what we have been provided evidence for, or it could be from another reason yet to be explored (Mollen et al., 2010; Pearson, 2021).

Importantly, no matter the reason, we all experience all three terms listed here and would do well to take each in its place and acknowledge our shortcomings with them before stretching out to others within or outside of consumer health communities (Pearson, 2021).

• Aliterate: Making a choice not to participate 
• Illiterate: the inability to perform a skill due to unintentional consequences of not having the skills.
• Quackery: When something is promoted solely for personal or company gain, the product or methodology in question is without research or blatantly false.

References

Mollen, S., Ruiter, R. A. C., & Kok, G. (2010). Current issues and new directions in psychology and health: What are the oughts? The adverse effects of using social norms in health communication. Psychology and Health, 25(3), 265-270. http://doi.org/10.1080/08870440903262812

Pearson, R. (2016). MoreACA_Slides_Sp2016 [PowerPoint]. Consuming Health Matters, WordPress. https://consuminghealthmatters.wordpress.com/about/pubh-209-consumer-health/course-slides/

Pearson, R. (2021). Conshlthoverv_summer2021 [PowerPoint]. Consuming Health Matters, WordPress. https://consuminghealthmatters.wordpress.com/about/pubh-209-consumer-health/course-slides/