IHPL periodically develops briefs on current issues with a special focus on oral health, hunger, and mental/behavioral health. We hope that our “Issue At A Glance” will inform our readers and spark a dialogue among stakeholders to better promote health and prevent disease.
The high cost of prescription drugs is a problem that is unique to the United States. Patients are frequently rationing or skipping essential medications due to cost. The drivers of high prescription drug costs are complex and multi-factorial. In response to this escalating problem, Congressional members are working on federal policy proposals to address this issue.
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Food insecurity affects millions of seniors every day. This brief will cover the issue of food insecurity among seniors in California, with an emphasis on statistics from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
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In the last few decades, the Earth has been experiencing a rapid change in climate driven by human activity, resulting in severe and erratic weather patterns such as extreme heat, drought, and storms. In turn, these changes can lead to direct and indirect adverse health effects. This brief highlights the issue of climate change, its drivers, and its effects on health. Additionally, it provides ways that individuals and systems can help to reverse the current trend.
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Legalization of recreational and medical marijuana has become increasingly common throughout the states. While some studies indicate potential health benefits, others indicate adverse health outcomes and there is still much research to be conducted on the effects of marijuana policy and overall public health outcomes. This brief provides an overview of the recent trends in marijuana usage and its health effects.
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In the last few years, e-cigarette use has spiked among youth because of their flavors and the marketing strategy by tobacco companies. Recently, federal and state policies have begun regulating e-cigarettes to curb youth exposure and use to these substances that pose health risks.
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While most Californians have safe drinking water, many of California’s water sources are contaminated with pollutants that are hazardous to human health. California will need to find solutions to ensure the right to clean water for all.
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Youth firearm-related injuries and death have become a public health epidemic that is unique to American society. Firearm violence can have lasting impacts on youth throughout their lives. The solution calls for prevention and intervention efforts that include federal legislation and community-based solutions.
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While agricultural pesticides contribute to food security, they can also have adverse effects on human health. This brief will explore agricultural use and regulation in California, health effects on Californians, socioeconomic disparities, and recommendations to improve the health and wellbeing of Californians.
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Despite the evidence showing that vaccines are effective in preventing infectious diseases, some choose not to vaccinate their children, resulting in multiple outbreaks of vaccine preventable infections every year.
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ACEs are a prevalent problem with profound effects on the overall health of our society. In 2016, 34 million children suffered from at least one ACE in the United States.
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United States veterans may suffer from poor mental health as a result of dangerous and traumatic events that occurred during their service. Although the Veterans Health Administration provides mental health services, many veterans face barriers to accessing health care.
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Suicidal behavior among youth is increasing over time even though suicide is preventable. This brief explores the state of suicidal behavior among youth in the United States, discusses risk factors, and offers solutions at the government, community, and individual level to overcome this epidemic.
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