Health

I watched the video posted on health for this blog.  There were some pretty interesting facts and pieces of information in the video regarding health statistics and the power of exercise and the risks associated with being too sedentary.  If I were to propose some type of policy based on this information, it would most likely involve some sort of tax break or benefit for individuals who exhibit a more active lifestyle.  This might come in the form of a tax right off or reimbursement for a gym membership, membership to a community center that offers exercise classes, etc.  Also, there could be a similar benefit for those who walk or use a bike as their form of transportation to work or school.  Lastly, I would also propose a possible tax benefit for individuals who don’t own a TV, or only use their TV 2 hours or less a day in order to promote more physical activity.

I definitely think the government should play a role in promoting healthier eating habits, particularly for children.  The amount of processed food that exists is outrageous, and the fact that it is so accessibly and cheap compared to natural food is even more outrageous.  I think there should be more support for local farmers and businesses who sell local produce and goods.  There needs to be major reform in school lunches, as well.  Working in a school, I’ve seen the kinds of things kids are served in the cafeteria, and it’s no wonder childhood obesity has become such an epidemic.  Pizza is now considered to be a vegetable in order for schools to be permitted to serve it.  I also think there needs to be more responsibility and liability placed on parents of obese children.  Seeing kids come to school with a lunch that consists of a big bag of chips is something that to me, borders on child abuse and neglect.

One of the articles posted about health care raised an issue regarding how reform will affect the workforce.  The article raises the issue regarding the amount of people and personnel that will be needed in order to provide care to all residents and whether or not this increased amount will have a significant impact on health care providers.  Another article detailed the groups who would feel the biggest negative impact from a failed comprehensive healthcare reform.  Among them, those who are self-employed, those with significant health problems, and those who are living below poverty level.  This article definitely reflects issues related to health research and economic factors.  Those who suffer from serious medical conditions are most likely the ones unable to work, and therefore, can’t afford proper healthcare.  Also, how can people living below the poverty line possible be able to afford proper healthcare for themselves and for their family?

Blog 4, Housing

I’m taking on the role of the economic development director for Portland, OR.  Portland has become known as the mecca for conservation, sustainability, and alternative energy research and investment.  The city offers a lot of potential for businesses that are geared towards and focused towards sustainability and green efforts.  An example is given of this in the video with the industry of active wear and how Portland has become a hub for the industry because it banks on the lifestyle, culture, and values of the Portland population.  I don’t think I would put together any proposal to entice new businesses to the Portland area.  Instead, I would focus efforts on bringing in more business to the businesses that already exist.  I would maybe instead propose an idea of making an entire neighborhood, including the homes and surrounding businesses, a sustainable and “green” community in hopes of attracting new residents to not only that area, but to all of Portland.  My hope is that as more and more attention is given to the issue of sustainability, more and more people will make it a priority in regards to where they live and will therefore, see Portland as the sort of center for this kind of lifestyle.  This proposal idea would also instead invest time and money into renewing, upgrading and supporting the small local businesses that already exist and give new life into existing neighborhoods.

I think the HOPE IV Program is a positive program to help revive communities.  Based on the video, the program brings a lot of people together and makes strong residential connections.  People within the community are brought together and joined by a common goal of improving the conditions of their neighborhood and quality of life, which can be a very powerful thing.  Also, it brings in connections among big businesses, corporations and investors who are looking to provide funds and invest in the newly renovated area.  If I felt a majority of my residents would benefit and want the HOPE IV Program to come into their neighborhood, then I would for sure apply for the grant.