Social practices: activities and behaviours of people in groups.

Key sociological question:◦What social practices impact overall health?◦What can society do to solve health impairing

behaviors?

Introduction

Physical Inactivity

SubstanceAbuse

Unhealthy Eating

Smoking

Health Impairing

Smoking remains the most serious threat to public health in Canada with significant links to various types of cancers.

Significant financial costs as smoking related illnesses and death put further strains on cash strapped governments.

Smoking

Governments have undertaken aggressive strategies to discourage cigarette smoking

◦Ads show the destructive consequences of this behaviour.

◦Recent “shock advertising” methods used by the Canadian government are examples of this approach.

Smoking

Statistics Canada reports that 2 of every 3 adults are obese.

Choice to be inactive and to eat poorly has translated into disastrous short and long term health problems - including, diabetes, heart disease, and various forms of cancer.

Physical Inactivity

Problematic behavior for many in society as there are clear links to liver ailments, disease and premature death.

Social consequences and costs can result in serious family tensions, ruined relationships, rehabilitation and treatment for abuse, and death from suicide or accidental overdose.

Substance Abuse

Unhealthy Eating◦ ¼ of Canadians do not eat fruits and vegetables

on a daily basis (CBC News)◦ Diets filled with fat and insufficient fibre and

vitamins.◦ High intake of fast food

Resulting from time constraints, convenience and effective advertising

Unhealthy Eating

Smoking is still a major concern of governments. Numerous steps have been taken at the federal, provincial and municipal level to deter smoking. The federal government has engaged in shock advertising to discourage people from smoking. Are these tactics effective in stopping people from smoking? Why or why not?