Public Health Policyin New York City

Zachary AdlerChristina ChoCharles ManiegoBonnie RoseJonathan Tepp

QUEENS COLLEGE, SPRING 2013

Taking Care of New YorkA shift in focus: From contagious disease to

chronic

Protecting the public from adverse effects of health problems: Health care expenditures, second hand smoke

Caring for those who may not be able to care for themselves

The natural consequence: A focus on tobacco and obesity

Taking Care of New YorkThe criticism: “Nanny-in-chief” who is babying

voting-aged adults

The praise: It’s worked! Obesity has been reduced by 31% while only 14% of New York City residents smoked in 2010 (lowest percentage in history)

The bottom line: Bloomberg’s policies can lay a promising road for New York City’s future if he will attempt to mollify the public and drum up support

Calorie Labeling Law (2008)Bloomberg’s fight against obesity

Fast food and caloric intake

Opposition?

The law

Source:nyc.gov

ResultsConflicting data

Awareness of the public and restaurant industry

The Calorie Labeling Law – a success? Plans for the future

Sugary Drinks

“Mike Bloomberg: Combating Obesity.” Mikebloomberg.com

Sugary Drinks PoliciesSoda tax (2010)

Food Stamps Soda Ban (2010)

Soda ban (2013)

Sugary Drinks Policies: Any Other Ideas? ALTERNATIVES:

Individual Counseling (limited resources, too expensive)

Social Pressure (immoral, ineffective)

OPINIONS:

Sugary drinks policies mostly efficient and effective

Would be better if reasoning was explained to avoid accusations of autocracy

Trans Fats Ban in NYCHistory

Success

Shortcomings

Decrease in trans fat content in fast food meal purchases, NYC

Source: Angell, S., Cobb, L. K., Curtis, C. J., Konty, K. J., & Silver, L. D. (2012). Change in Trans Fatty Acid Content of Fast-Food Purchases Associated With New York City’s Restaurant Regulation. Annals of Internal Medicine, 157(2), 81-86.

Increase in Other Unhealthy Ingredients?

Source: Angell, S., Cobb, L. K., Curtis, C. J., Konty, K. J., & Silver, L. D. (2012). Change in Trans Fatty Acid Content of Fast-Food Purchases Associated With New York City’s Restaurant Regulation. Annals of Internal Medicine, 157(2), 81-86.

Some Concluding IdeasModify rhetoric

Offer incentives to companies

Actual bans should be on chemicals, not products, with a focus on discouraging use of already-made products

Get the people involved!