Focused Discussion
Food and Consumer Decision-Making
Focused Discussion Joanna Sax
In the United States, consumers appear to be drawn to dietary supplements and resistant to genetically engineered food, colloquially known as GMOs. Both supplements and GMOs are regulated as food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA mostly only has the authority to remove a supplement from the marketplace based on adverse event reporting. Conversely, the FDA has an extensive pre-market regulatory review for many GMOs. The science of many supplements is unknown, making this a potentially unsafe or non-nutritious food source. Conversely, the scientific community has formed a consensus that GMOs are as safe as conventional food. In other words, the consumers have opinions of these two types of food that are not in line with expert analysis of risk. This paper will discuss an empirical study analyzing consumer perceptions of health, safety and the environment as it relates to our food supply and provide important insight for regulatory policy.
Cultural Factors in the Promotion of Exercise For African American Women
Focused Discussion Sarah Buck
Although obesity crosses demographic lines, there is a disproportionate prevalence in African American communities. Research has shown that despite the level of overweight/obesity in the African American female population, they report lower rates of exercise than White American women. African American females report lower levels of body dissatisfaction compared to their White counterparts, and a wider range of body shapes (including those with higher BMI’s) are acceptable in African American females. Coupled with these issues is the significant promotion of exercise for appearance rather than health in the United States. The purpose of this discussion is to provide an overview of data related to prevalence of disease and exercise habits in African American women; provide a research-based background, including preliminary studies, related to African American women, body ideals, and body satisfaction; discuss cultural factors that may lead to a lack of exercise motivation in African American women; and, provide suggested future research areas. The significance of this work is an understanding of cultural sensitivity as it relates to exercise promotion, of challenges faced by African American women in relation to exercise, and to provide tips on how to promote exercise for health rather than appearance in the African American community.
Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life!
Focused Discussion Lisa Cybaniak
I delve into an introspective look at what drives people to do what they do, to make the decisions they make. I then guide them to choose motivating factors that will better serve them, so they can create the life they truly deserve. This is an intensive 45 minute focused discussion which will challenge the participants to take a hard look at what their gets are, if they serve their higher good, and how to set new, more favourable habits in their place. Participants learn about their mindset and how to shift into a healthy, self-reflective, positive mindset that will serve them in having positive relationships, to handle difficulties in life in stride, and gain the confidence needed to have the courage to step outside their comfort zone to build the life they truly deserve.
Bright "IDEA": An Interprofessional Collaboration in Diabetes Education
Focused Discussion Elizabeth Swann
Nova Southeastern University has developed an interprofessional education and practice initiative designed to prepare emerging health care professionals to participate on interprofessional teams while helping community members prevent and manage diabetes. Consistent with best practices, the Interprofessional Diabetes Education and Awareness (IDEA) Initiative partners with 17 corporate, municipal, non-profit, and academic communities designed to promote diabetes prevention and management through community workshops for children and adults most prone to diabetes. Currently in its fifth year, this collaborative interprofessional diabetes education project includes a variety of relevant topics such as disease overview, nutrition, pharmacy and exercise. 60-70 health professions students and 12 faculty from 10 academic programs provide diabetes education workshops in south Florida and has served nearly 2,500 community members.
