Introduction
At present, Baltimore is one of the least healthy counties in Maryland, with many of the underlying issues closely related to discriminating practices. Redlining (neighborhood segregation based on racial and socioeconomic factors) and structural racism are relevant problems that continue to have a substantial impact on health outcomes in many regions across the United States. Hence, it is crucial to address both the health issues and the underlying factors of discrimination to improve the health of Baltimore’s residents. The present essay examines the health problems of adult obesity and smoking in Baltimore and proposes several evidence-based solutions.
Adult Obesity and Smoking in Baltimore
The current paper prioritizes adult obesity and smoking since these issues are highly prevalent among the public in Baltimore. Namely, approximately 21% of adults smoke, and 38% of the county’s residents are obese (“Baltimore City,” 2022). These metrics are significantly higher than Maryland’s numbers and the top U.S. performers, which implies relevant underlying problems in Baltimore (“Baltimore City,” 2022). Many experts attribute this development to structural racism since approximately 60% of the population is African-American, and the federal government used to not allocate funding to such areas (Godoy, 2020; “Baltimore, Maryland,” 2022). It led to redlining or “color-coded neighborhoods by credit worthiness,” resulting in the overall degradation of the socioeconomic situation in the city (Godoy, 2020, par. 12). Ultimately, adult obesity and smoking remain relevant health problems, and their impact is particularly noticeable in Baltimore due to the consequences of structural racism.
Problem Solution
The starting point to address these problems is raising public awareness concerning the risks of obesity and smoking. One of the underlying issues in Baltimore is poverty, and insufficient socioeconomic status inevitably leads to unhealthy habits (Hardeman et al., 2022; Yearby, 2022). As Hardeman et al. (2022) point out, “Black communities are bearing the physical burdens of centuries of injustice, toxic exposures, and White supremacist violence” (p. 179). However, it is crucial to present easy-to-understand intervention policies and convey the message that health is important and it is possible to mitigate obesity and smoking without significant monetary investments.
While marketing campaigns can indirectly improve health outcomes, it is vital to implement direct measures as well. Namely, behavioral therapies are effective means to address both adult obesity and smoking (Danielli et al., 2021; Hersi et al., 2019). This approach is an appropriate starting point for managing health problems in Baltimore since it does not require money and might effectively change individuals’ behavioral patterns. Moreover, it is possible to choose health objectives that address both obesity and smoking, such as “adopting a healthy lifestyle.” Hersi et al. (2019) conclude that “behavioral interventions may promote smoking cessation directly <…> or promote other health behavior change” (p. 3). Ultimately, the starting point to address the examined problems encompasses the marketing campaign to increase public awareness and the introduction of behavioral therapy.
Happiness Policies and Conclusion
Considering the blue zones and happiness policies, it is evident that they aim at increasing the health outcomes of people since health and happiness are directly related. One of the regulations that correspond to the chosen approach is the improvement of walkability in urban areas. It helps people maintain a healthy outlook on life, improve their mental health, and address the problems of smoking and obesity (“What can we learn,” 2018). As Dan Buettner mentions, “happy places are highly correlated with healthy food, walkability and lower rates of obesity” (“What can we learn,” 2018, par. 26). Hence, happiness policies that emphasize walkability and improved urban infrastructure might significantly help with obesity, smoking, and might even address some of the structural racism issues. Ultimately, the current paper has suggested raising public awareness, behavioral therapies, and happiness policies that focus on walkability to address the health problems of adult obesity and smoking in Baltimore.
References
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What can we learn from the world’s happiest people? (2018). Knowledge at Wharton. Web.
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