Focus on Public Health, Research Paper Example

In one of the recent results on findings by the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study, there were findings that highlighted the importance and effects of an imbalanced diet on an individual’s health. The findings point to different health complications that arise by either having too little or too much of a given food class within one’s diet. The following is a detailed summary of the findings and their implications to public and my personal health.

Firstly, the study’s findings show that that an increased intake of red meat increases one’s risk of developing premenopausal cancer. This means that the more red meat that a lady consumes the more she exposes herself to the possibility of developing breast cancer before menopause. This finding has a significant on the fight against breast cancer. Proponents of this fight in public health will discourage women from consuming too much red meat, especially those under the age of 45 years. This in turn has helped realize the implications of too much red meat on my health and have adjusted my diet accordingly.

Secondly, the findings show that a Mediterranean diet tends to reduce one’s risk of getting a stroke and CHD. In this category, the intake of fish reduces the risk of getting a strike while the intake of wholegrain and nuts reduces the risk of getting CHD. Trans fats and carbohydrates on the other hand increase one’s risks of getting CHD and/or a stroke. This will significantly impact public health initiatives geared towards reduce incidents of strokes and CHD. This has helped me incorporate nuts, wholegrain and fish into my diet.

Thirdly, the findings show that increased intake of vitamin B6, vitamin D, calcium and folate reduces one’s risk of developing Colon Cancer. On the other hand, increased intake of processed and red meats increase one’s risk of developing colon cancer. Colon cancer is a cancer that is slowly becoming common in the 21^st century, especially in the past decade. This finding is essential in increasing awareness of the disease while providing ways to prevent it through a balanced diet.

Fourthly, the findings show that the risks of getting a hip fracture in women can be reduced significantly through an intake of calciumsupplements and vitamin D. Retinol on the other hand increases the risks of getting a hip fracture. This information has helped me pay attention to the amount of calcium and vitamin D intake as these are essential in the development of a strong bone structure, reducing the risks of getting a hip fracture.

Fifthly, the findings show that the intake of green leafy vegetables such as kales and spinach significantly reduces one’s risk of developing cognitive impairment. This information is vital amid an increase in cognitive impairment cases reported especially for children between the age of 1 and 11. This information is essential for children clinics that aim to provide parents with information essential for a developing child. These cases also apply for adults who do not have vegetables in their diet.

Finally, the findings show that an increased intake in fish reduces the likelihood of one developing cataracts and other eye problems. Some antioxidants have also been found to reduce the risk of AMD. This information is crucial for eye clinics that have seen an increase in the number of cataract cases in the recent past.

References

The Nurses Health Study. (2013, February 01). Findings: Some Highlights. Retrieved from The Nurses Health Study: http://www.channing.harvard.edu/nhs/?page_id=197