Despite its interdisciplinary nature, public health tends to approach food systems problems in isolation. But occupational exposures, social determinants, personal behaviors, and chronic disease are interdependent, meaning food-systems solutions require deep, broad collaborations.
Across the globe, armed conflicts and natural disasters create severe hunger and malnutrition for millions. In addition to the crisis itself, underlying causes of malnutrition should be front and center—food insecurity, inadequate care for women and children, insufficient health services, and unhealthy environments.
Studies show that shared family meals create health benefits for children and adolescents. The simple act of sharing a healthy meal together not only boosts mental and physical health but helps us create family memories that will stay with us for years.
Interprofessional collaboration, teamwork, communication, and intercultural intelligence are vital skills for a public health practitioner. As IPE is integrated into public health education, learners will interact and learn with peers in other health professions regularly and can bring their insights with them into their professional work life.
In this preview of the University of Michigan School of Public Health's upcoming podcast, "Population Healthy," Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences Katherine Bauer sits down to talk about ways parents can manage effective nutrition for their kids, the day-to-day factors that impact it, and strategies for setting up the home environment for success.
As National Nutrition Month continues, Michigan Public Health student and Nutritional Sciences Student Association member Brittany Durant shares a tasty and healthy recipe.