Health Psychology

[canadiandudette]

We have had a very interesting discussion in my healthy psychology class.

It was about how our heath care cannot sustain itself at the rate we are going now. Unhealthy  living is turning into such a huge factor in our society. It is proven that these people will become sick, and require much more out of our health care than those who choose a

Comments

[asphaltthenoon]

I agree with enforcing a "fast food tax", and also with the example you mentioned, reimbursing gym memberships. Couldn't you go with both positive and negative reinforcement?

[canadiandudette]

The only problem with the fax food tax was the fact it would become an issue of discrimination against people of lower socioeconomic status. Many of these people rely on these forms of cheap, fast food as nourishment, for it is all they can afford. SES was the huge factor of that tax.
I thought maybe we could implement tax exemptions to people of lower SES, but then that would not be promoting health behaviours, it would be saying “we don’t want rich(er) people eating this if they can afford not to.” As well, how could we distinguish who was deserving of this tax? I suppose it would have to be on disposable income, but I think people would still find this to be an injustice. Just like right now, my parents make too much money for me to get a student loan, yet I am still in debt from school… that kind of injustice

[asphaltthenoon]

Having healthy, affordable alternatives to fast food is important. So far I can only think of Subway (depending on what you get), and various independent shops, and often those aren't close enough to be convenient. I suppose all you can do is encourage people to look for better lifestyle choices. The organization I work for supports all NS food banks, and most of the time we're low on veggies/fresh stuff, and continuing to receive junk food. That DEFINITELY doesn't help.

I'm the same way, re: loan and debt. It's frustrating.

Where working on it

[mr_domino______]

This is currently something im looking into as part of my degree, actually funny story I may be doing a paper on Health tax from the economical side. I wont talk much about it online since i write like crap, but if any one wants to ask me about this stuff in person go for it. Places likes the neitherlands have free gym memberships (but this was because they had high sucide rates and depression so they decided that physical activity releaves depression (known fact), any hoo this stuff is awesome to talk about. I may be geting a second degree at the L word school, Nutrition or dietrition is sounding interesting.

[whitewraith]

Parents can already get at least partialy reimbursed for enrolling their kids in activities in NS. We give out reciets for Scout registation so parents can claim it in their taxes.
Adam