Determinants of health
An upstream health prevention program focuses on developing policies at state and national levels in order to reduce the promotion of unhealthy products and behaviors (Knickman & Kovner, 2015). An example of an effective upstream intervention is the great efforts made in the public-school system to improve the quality of food provided in school lunches, and to eliminate the availability of junk-food to kids. In April 2014, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued new regulations, which took effect in July 2014, banning the sale of all junk-food in schools (Ballaro & Griswold, 2018). The regulations stated that only fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lean-protein foods, and whole-grain items could be sold in cafeterias or vending machines, limiting the maximum calorie count of 200 for snacks and 350 for entrées (Ballaro & Griswold, 2018). Foods containing trans-fats could not be sold, and drinks could contain no more than 35% sugar or fat, and must be limited to water, low- or no-fat milk, and 100% fruit or vegetable juice (Ballaro & Griswold, 2018).
References
Ash, T., Agaronov, A., Young, T., Aftosmes-Tobio, A., & Davison, K. (2017). Family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions: a systematic review and quantitative content analysis. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity, 14(1), 1-12. doi:10.1186/s12966-017-0571-2
Ballaro, B., & Griswold, A. (2018). Junk food in schools. Salem Press Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=89158234&site=eds-live&scope=site
Florida Health. (2017). Healthy weight. Retrieved from http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/healthy-weight/index.html
Knickman, J. R., & Kovner, A. R. (Eds.). (2015). Health care delivery in the united states (11th ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2018). Determinants of health. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Determinants-of-Health
