PUBH6955: Using Policy to Promote Healthy Eating and Activity

This course assumes the perspective that nutrition and physical activity are important public health issues and interventions addressing eating and activity behaviors are needed to protect the health of populations. Our learning community will focus on U.S. populations in reviewing federal, state, and local policy approaches and national initiatives for promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Specific examples of relevant policies directed at individuals, organizations, and communities will be discussed. We will also extensively discuss evidence for the impact of policies on the health of diverse populations. In particular, this discussion will address ethnic/racial and socioeconomic inequities in health that have resulted from structural racism and disparities in access to food and recreational facilities. The use of evidence in the policy making process will further be explored. Modules 1-7 of this course will provide an introduction to the process of policy making and implementation, and modules 8-14 of this course will highlight specific aspects of nutrition policymaking and examples of key policies relevant to the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity.

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