Nutrition programs - Assignment Example

Nutrition Programs Important points to include in a public nutrition program Nutrition education element By definition, public nutrition programs are plans formulated and subsequently implemented with an intention of improving the health and well being of the general population. It is worth noting that public nutrition programs are also aimed at helping individuals make sound and healthy eating habits. For a public nutrition program to be effective, a number of points ought to be considered. One of the points that must be considered as stipulated by Jones, Nobles, and Larke (2006) is a nutrition education element.

According to University of Wisconsin-Extension (2010), "The costs associated with feeding people in poverty, combined with the costs of treating diet-related diseases, speak strongly of the need for nutrition education" (p. 3). The fact that many individuals in the U.S. today are inundated with unhealthy foods also necessitates the need for nutrition education. In other words, nutrition education presents people with the information they need to help them make informed choices in regards to eating habits.

It is not uncommon to find malnourished individuals in the U.S today particularly those from low income backgrounds. As noted by University of Wisconsin (2010), the incidences of malnutrition are as a result of a lesser amount of knowledge on nutrition recommendations and inaccessibility to information among low income families. In this perspective, the nutrition component is imperative in a public nutrition program. Assessment of factors that affect eating practices Secondly, a public nutrition program must include an evaluation of factors that affect eating practices (Jones, Nobles, and Larke, 2006).

Eating practices, according to the World Health Organization (2015) are determined by various factors including level of income, genetics, education level, and social interactions. Understanding these factors is of significance as they form the basis for the formulation of action plans to address the poor eating habits. For instance, evaluating individual level of income can help policy implementers devise relevant or appropriate strategies to improve peoples income level and as a result improve their eating practices correspondingly.

Increased level of income, in other words, improves peoples accessibility to healthy foods. To further explicate the importance of assessing the factors that affect eating practices, the World Health Organization (2015) asserts that holding individuals responsible for poor health is inapt as health status is shaped by other factors. Assessing these other factors is therefore a fundamental factor in achieving program success and conversely averting gratuitous exploitation of resources exclusive of sufficient outcomes (Jones, Nobles, and Larke, 2006).

Consequences of poor eating habits Thirdly, a public nutrition program must outline the consequences of unhealthy eating habits. As elucidated by the Government of South Australia Health () website, poor nutrition affects individuals in numerous ways. For instance, poor nutrition can lead to obesity, hypertension, heart diseases, and anxiety. Outlining these problems associated with poor eating habits presents a starting point for the public to change their feeding practices and behavior. In addition, helping the public understand the consequences of poor nutrition would compel them to seek information relating to healthy eating habits.

It is also worth noting that providing the public with information relating to the consequences of poor nutrition on individual health would also help them adopt healthy eating habits and other practices aimed at preventing lifestyle diseases and other illnesses that could arise from nutrient deficiencies (Center for Disease Control, 2014). Such diseases could impede individual productivity and performance. In a nutshell, including the consequences of poor dieting in a public nutrition program would lead to a healthy and productive population.

ReferencesCenter for Disease Control (2014). Nutrition and the Health of Young People. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/nutrition/facts.htm Government of Australia (2012). The Risks of Poor Nutrition. Retrieved from http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/h ealthy+living/is+your+health+at+risk/the+risks+of+poor+nutrition Jones, W. A., Nobles, C. J., and Larke, A. (2006). The Effectiveness of a Public Nutrition Education and Wellness System Program.

Journal of Extension, 44(3), A4. University of Wisconsin (2010). Family Living Programs: The Public Value of Nutrition Education. Retrieved from http://flp.ces.uwex.edu/files/2012/04/publicvaluefinal.pdf World Health Organization (2015). Health Impact Assessment. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/hia/evidence/doh/en/