Public Health artifacts
HLTH 2400: Determinants of Health Behavior
This literature review “The Effects That Binge Drinking Alcohol Has on College Students” was written for my Determinants of Health Behavior class where we focused on factors that influence individuals abilities to maintain or change a habit that is negatively affecting their health. This literature review purpose was to examine the consequences of binge drinking on college students’ health. The literature review discusses how binge drinking negatively impacts brain development, mental health, and organ function. It highlights the role of social influences like peer pressure and Greek life which can encourage binge drinking. It also explores public health interventions, including policies like the minimum legal drinking age and sobriety checkpoints.
Researching this topic deepened my understanding of how alcohol affects the body and public health as a whole. For example, the literature review explained how binge drinking damages the hippocampus which is the brain region responsible for memory leading to long-term cognitive impairments. This project strengthened my ability to analyze research studies and evaluate public health interventions. This knowledge is particularly relevant to my future career in medical device sales because understanding health risks and patient behaviors is crucial. Recognizing how environmental and psychological factors influence health decisions will help me effectively communicate with health care professionals and clients.
HLTH 3030:
Public Health Communication
This graphic was created for my Public Health Communication class which emphasized the importance of making health information accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of health literacy. The course focused on simplifying complex health topics and ensuring they were communicated at a sixth-grade reading level or below for better comprehension. The purpose of this graphic was to educate the public on childhood depression by defining it and explaining its symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies. It highlights that children ages 5-16 are particularly vulnerable due to the significant physical, social, and mental changes they experience during this stage of development. This project deepened my understanding of childhood mental health and reinforced the importance of early intervention. One challenge I faced was ensuring that the information was both accurate and easy to understand while still relying on credible sources like the National Institute of Mental Health and the World Health Organization. To overcome this, I used clear and concise language. Additionally, I had the opportunity to be creative with the design by incorporating colors, icons, and visual elements to make the graphic engaging and easy to navigate.
This experience will be valuable in my future career in medical device sales, where breaking down complex medical information for patients and healthcare professionals is essential. Learning how to present health information in a simple, visually appealing way will help me communicate product benefits clearly and ensure that the information is retained.