Public Health Problem 1 Death caused by drowning.
Public Health Problem 1 Death caused by drowning.
Drowning poses a substantial public health risk, particularly in areas with high water activity, like Australia. Drowning occurs when someone's ability to breathe is compromised due to being submerged or immersed in a liquid environment (World Health Organization, 2024). In the last financial year, a total of 281 people lost their lives to drowning in Australia (National Drowning Report, 2023). Of the 281 deaths that occurred, 10% were aged 0-17, and 90% were aged 18+ (National Drowning Report, 2023). This photograph shows two red and yellow flags and a surf lifesaver at a beach in NSW. The surf lifesaving flags were introduced in 1935, starting on the beaches of Sydney and then spreading around the country (National Museum Australia, ND). The flags at the beaches act as a protective measure to reduce the risk of drowning. Swimming between the red and yellow flags increases our protective factors because we are in the designated safe zone where lifeguards can watch us.
The Royal Life Saving Society has a program called "Swim and Survive" that provides students with essential water safety education and swimming skills. The "Swim and Survive" program partners with schools to teach water safety and swimming skills, prevent drowning incidents, and increase awareness about staying safe in and around water (Royal Life Saving Society, 2022).
Reference
World Health Organization. (2024). Drowning: Overview. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/drowning#tab=tab_1Royal Life Saving. (2023, September 11). National Drowning Report: Key Findings. Royal Life Saving. https://www.drowningprevention.org.au/posts/national-drowning-reportRoyal Life Saving. (2023). National Drowning Report 2023. https://www.rpyallifesaving.com.au/_data/assets/pdf_file/0009/76824/National_Drowning_Report_2023.pdfNational Museum Australia. (ND). Between the Flags: The Birth of Surf Lifesaving. National Museum Australia. https://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/between-the-flags/birth-of-surf-lifesavingRoyal Life Saving Australia. (2022). Swim and Survive: Primary School. Royal Life Saving Australia. https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/educate-participate/swimming/swim-and-survive/primaryThis response shown above was peer-reviewed by Bella Williams on 20/03/2024, I suggested the following changes:
In text referencing has been used, just need to state the date of publication.
Has a good number of references, may need another one to support your school-based strategy?
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Public Health Problem 2 Death and Disease caused by Tobacco.
right75130900Tobacco contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2023). The act of smoking tobacco products, such as cigarettes, results in the absorption of various toxic and carcinogenic chemicals (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024). Almost 20,500 Australians are estimated to die every year from tobacco-related causes; this is around 13% of deaths per year (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022). Children who are living with someone who regularly smokes inside the house have a 20-30% higher risk of developing lung cancer due to passive smoking (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2023). This photo is the front of a cigarette packet that shows smoking causes lung cancer. Cigarette packets in Australia must display a statement and graphic that covers 75% of the packaging, display an information message on one side and display a statement, graphic or explanatory message that covers 90% of the back (Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024). The photo acts as a risk reduction strategy by making the harmful effects of smoking more visible and creating awareness. It serves as a deterrent, making people think twice before lighting a cigarette.
As highlighted in the mandatory requirements by the NSW Department of Education (2023), smoking is strictly prohibited on all school premises. This policy was put in place as smoke-free environments have directly contributed to the significant reduction in smoking prevalence and reduced individual consumption of tobacco products; this also protects children from the dangers of passive smoking (Brooks et al., 2020).
Reference
Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023, December 21). Effects of Smoking and Tobacco: How you become addicted. Department of Health and Aged Care. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-smoking/effectsDepartment of Health and Aged Care. (2024, February 1). Smoking and Tobacco: What is Tobacco. Department of Health and Aged Care. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-smoking/what-is-smoking-and-tobaccoAustralian Bureau of Statistics. (2023, December 15). Smoking and Vaping: Key Statistics. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/smoking-and-vaping/latest-release.
Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023, December 21). Passive Smoking: Effects of Passive Smoking. Department of Health and Aged Care. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-smoking/passive-smokingDepartment of Health and Aged Care. (DATE). Health Warnings on Tobacco Products: What are Health Warnings. Department of Health and Aged Care. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/tobacco-control/health-warningsNSW Government. (2023, March 7). Our Facilities: Smoking and Alcohol. NSW Government. https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/our-facilities/mandatory-requirementsNSW Government. (2024, January 29). Health and Safety: School Rules. NSW Government. https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/mental-health-and-wellbeing/wellbeing/health-and-safety/what-you-need-to-know-about-vaping#School4Brooks, A., Buchanan, T., & Oakes, W. (2020). Smoke-free environments: current status and remaining challenges in Australia. Public Health Research & Practice, 30(3). https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp3032022
This response shown above was peer-reviewed by Bella Williams on 20/03/2024, I suggested the following changes:
Reference list needs to be completed.
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