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Post public health policies that shape our daily lives using links, photos, words, etc.

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On May 31st, 2023 Canada because the first country worldwide to require health warnings on every individual cigarette sold. Since 2001, Canada has placed warnings of cancer risk on cigarette packages as a strategy to protect non-tobacco users, particularly youths, as well as deter current tobacco users. Now, with labels on every cigarette, it makes it almost impossible to avoid these health warnings when smoking cigarettes. With these efforts, Canada is aiming to reduce national tobacco use to less than 5% by 2035.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/05/canada-to-become-first-country-in-the-world-to-require-health-warnings-on-individual-cigarettes.html

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Johanet Acosta

https://policy.nshealth.ca/Site_Published/NSHA/policy_details.aspx?policyDetails.QueryId.Id=104993

Tobacco use is an addiction, not simply a habit or personal choice. It is a health issue that impacts all Nova Scotians. NSHA staff, patients, and visitors have the right to access health care in a safe, tobacco free environment. Tobacco-free medical facilities eliminate powerful triggers for patients who are trying to quit or stay tobacco free. This initiative is about promoting health by reducing exposure to second hand smoke and making people aware of the impact their tobacco use has on others. Having a tobacco reduction policy aims to balance competing safety and autonomy interests in a respectful and pragmatic manner. Modeling a strong organizational commitment to tobacco-free properties demonstrates our commitment to the health and well-being of all Nova Scotians and acknowledges the urgent need to reduce the ever growing burden of chronic disease in our communities. NSHA must be supportive of and receptive to the need for tobacco use in smudging ceremony, with supportive procedures that ensure safety for all. Tobacco reduction policies help create environments that promote healthy behaviour. Supportive and positive tobacco free environments will influence individual behaviour, support health, and create tobacco and smoke-free community expectations.

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Here is NSHA's policy regarding scent awareness. NSHA is dedicated to fostering a healthy, safe, and productive workplace environment by prohibiting the use of scented personal and environmental products. This measure is implemented to safeguard individuals who may be sensitive to scents, ensuring their ability to access healthcare facilities without risk of adverse reactions. While this policy may appear straightforward, its implementation could potentially avert life-threatening reactions for some individuals.

https://policy.nshealth.ca/Site_Published/NSHA/document_render.aspx?documentRender.IdType=6&documentRender.GenericField=&documentRender.Id=87193

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Public health policies on immunization requirements shape our daily lives in several ways, influencing both individual and community health outcomes. These policies are designed to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and promote overall well-being. Here are some key aspects of these policies, as outlined in the article:

1. Childhood Vaccination Requirements: Public health policies mandate certain vaccinations for children as a prerequisite for school entry. These vaccines protect children from diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio, preventing outbreaks within educational settings.

2. Adult Vaccination Recommendations: Adults are also subject to vaccination requirements, including annual influenza vaccines, tetanus-diphtheria boosters every ten years, and vaccinations against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella if not received during childhood.

3. High-Risk Groups: Certain populations, such as healthcare workers, college students living in dormitories, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may have specific vaccination recommendations to reduce their risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases.

4. Passive Immunization: In cases where individuals cannot produce antibodies or when immediate protection is needed, passive immunization may be indicated. This approach involves administering pre-formed antibodies to provide immediate immunity against specific diseases.

5. COVID-19 Vaccination: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccination policies. Recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination apply to individuals aged six months and older, with an emphasis on preventing disease transmission and protecting vulnerable populations.

6. Public Education and Outreach: Interprofessional teams play a crucial role in educating the public about the benefits of immunization and addressing concerns or misinformation related to vaccines. This education is vital for promoting vaccine uptake and maintaining community immunity.

In summary, public health policies on immunization requirements aim to protect individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases through vaccination programs, recommendations, and education. These policies are essential for maintaining public health and preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Reference:

Ginglen, J. G. (2023, February 7). Immunization. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459331/

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Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces in Nova Scotia

Even if you don’t smoke, the unfortunate truth is that just being near someone who is smoking puts you at risk of developing lung, larynx, and pharynx cancers. Smoke-free outdoor spaces can help reduce that risk. Join the movement.

Creating smoke-free outdoor spaces protects people – especially children – from second-hand smoke exposure. Research conducted by Statistics Canada shows that when smoking bans have been implemented, smokers have chosen to quit or cut back. It also helps prevent children from thinking smoking is a normal, social activity. If children don’t see adults smoking, they are less likely to begin themselves.

Under the Nova Scotia Smoke-Free Places Act*, smoking is prohibited in all indoor workplaces and public places, including outdoor public spaces, licensed areas, and patios of all restaurants, lounges, beverage rooms, and cabarets. This applies to all combustibles, including tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes, and waterpipes.

The select outdoor spaces are:

On or within 20 meters of playgrounds located in an outdoor public space

On or within 20 meters of a publicly owned sport and recreation event or venue in an outdoor public space.

On and within nine meters of public trails

In provincial parks and on provincial beaches, except for within the boundaries of a rented campsite

School grounds

*Towns and municipalities may pass by-laws or policies that put additional restrictions in place. The stricter rules apply. For instance, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Halifax Regional Municipality, Town of Shelburne, Town of Berwick, Town of Amherst, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and the Municipality of the County of Cumberland have enacted by-laws or policies that apply in addition to the provincial Smoke-Free Places Act.

https://smokefreens.ca/advocacy/outdoor-spaces/#:~:text=Under%20the%20Nova%20Scotia%20Smoke,lounges%2C%20beverage%20rooms%20and%20cabarets.