Learning Task 3

Public Policy and Prevention

Background

In this assignment students will gain a better understanding of behaviors that prevent chronic disease by researching national or state policies regarding disease prevention. From this assignment students will be able to discuss how certain behavior and attitude changes evolve due to government intervention.

For a local approach, provide students with copies of your school's Wellness Policy. Have students discuss how this policy directly relates to chronic disease prevention.

Included in this lesson:

• Student Fact Sheet
• Suggestions for classroom visitors
• Tips on how to conduct a useful interview
• Student Research Task
• Online resources that will aid students in completing their 2 page research paper

Suggestion for Classroom Visitors

Invite a representative from the Department of Health to discuss the impact of chronic disease in your state and the steps being taken by state legislatures to reduce the risks of disease. Also invite your school nurse to discuss the policies and actions being taken by the school to promote wellness.

Research Task

Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health, describe the recommended ways to reduce the risks of chronic diseases and the policies and programs in place that promote prevention.

In their papers students should:

1. Summarize how public policy can help create attitude and behavior changes
2. Provide examples of public policy that promote chronic disease prevention
3. Explain how methods of prevention are introduced to youth and why
4. Describe what your school is doing to prevent chronic disease

The Online resource for Assignment 3:

Find out more about how the CDC prevents risks in youth at: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/publications/aag/dash.htm