Supporting Local Efforts to Modify Access to Unhealthy Products and Practices

What do we mean by unhealthy products and practices? Unhealthy products and practices are products and practices that can be harmful, in either the long term or the short term, to those who use or engage in them, and/or to others as well. Unhealthy products are often unhealthy only when they’re used to excess or inappropriately. Some unhealthy practices are linked to products, others are not. Unhealthy products and practices are not always directly related to physical health, but may also be related to the social, psychological, economic, and/or political health of individuals and the community.

Why modify access to unhealthy products and practices? To encourage healthy lifestyles and improve health and life expectancy for individuals. To prevent or alleviate social expense. To improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. To improve the chances of healthy child development. To send the right messages to youth. To create and sustain a healthy community.

When should you support efforts to modify access to unhealthy products and practices? When new facilities are opening. When there’s a change in local administration. When a community health problem that can be prevented or reduced by modifying access – obesity, smoking, substance abuse, etc. – is in the news. When a particular community health issue reaches a critical level. When there’s a community health-related campaign already under way. Before something becomes a problem.

Who should support efforts to modify access to unhealthy products and practices? Policy makers in both public and private sectors. Health and other professionals. People affected by the product or practice, or who will be affected by a change in access. Any other interested stakeholders or groups.

How do you support efforts to modify access to unhealthy products and practices? Modify access to unhealthy products and practices through: Laws and ordinances. Regulations established by government agencies or business and industry. Taxes or other economic measures. Voluntary actions taken by retailers or other businesses and industries because of community pressure or because of corporate civic responsibility. Physical barriers. Enforcement of existing laws and regulations. Public education.

Support existing efforts to modify access through: Advocacy Research Support and logistics

Mount your own initiative: Assemble a diverse group, with representatives of all concerned. stakeholders, to plan and spearhead the effort. Determine the readiness of the population and community to change behavior. Decide what kind of modification you’re going to work for. Advocate, Advocate, Advocate! Target local lawmakers to pass laws and ordinances. Approach agencies to institute or change policies or regulations. Negotiate with business or industry for changes in their internal or external policies or practices. Conduct a public education campaign. Conduct a social action campaign. Keep at it.