Public Health Policyin New York City

Zachary AdlerChristina ChoCharles ManiegoBonnie RoseJonathan Tepp

QUEENS COLLEGE, SPRING 2013

Taking Care of New YorkA shift in focus: From contagious disease to

chronicProtecting the public from adverse effects of

health problems: Health care expenditures, second hand smoke

Caring for those who may not be able to care for themselves

The natural consequence: A focus on tobacco and obesity

Taking Care of New YorkThe criticism: “Nanny-in-chief” who is babying

voting-aged adultsThe praise: It’s worked! Obesity has been

reduced by 31% while only 14% of New York City residents smoked in 2010 (lowest percentage in history)

The bottom line: Bloomberg’s policies can lay a promising road for New York City’s future if he will attempt to mollify the public and drum up support

Calorie Labeling Law (2008)Bloomberg’s fight against obesityFast food and caloric intakeOpposition? The law

Source:nyc.gov

ResultsConflicting dataAwareness of the public and restaurant

industryThe Calorie Labeling Law – a success?

Plans for the future

Sugary Drinks

“Mike Bloomberg: Combating Obesity.” Mikebloomberg.com

Sugary Drinks PoliciesSoda tax (2010)Food Stamps Soda Ban (2010) Soda ban (2013)

Sugary Drinks Policies: Any Other Ideas? ALTERNATIVES: Individual Counseling (limited resources, too

expensive) Social Pressure (immoral, ineffective) OPINIONS:Sugary drinks policies mostly efficient and

effectiveWould be better if reasoning was explained to

avoid accusations of autocracy

Trans Fats Ban in NYCHistorySuccessShortcomings

Decrease in trans fat content in fast food meal purchases, NYC

Source: Angell, S., Cobb, L. K., Curtis, C. J., Konty, K. J., & Silver, L. D. (2012). Change in Trans Fatty Acid Content of Fast-Food Purchases Associated With New York City’s Restaurant Regulation. Annals of Internal Medicine, 157(2), 81-86.

Increase in Other Unhealthy Ingredients?

Source: Angell, S., Cobb, L. K., Curtis, C. J., Konty, K. J., & Silver, L. D. (2012). Change in Trans Fatty Acid Content of Fast-Food Purchases Associated With New York City’s Restaurant Regulation. Annals of Internal Medicine, 157(2), 81-86.

Some Concluding IdeasModify rhetoricOffer incentives to companiesActual bans should be on chemicals, not

products, with a focus on discouraging use of already-made products

Get the people involved!