Healthier Menu
Slide 1
Jaws Seafood and Chicken is a restaurant that primarily serves seafood and chicken diet to the residents of Valdosta in Lowndes County, Georgia. Seafood is packed with essential nutrients and is necessary for development. A 3-ounce serving of cooked clams provides over 3,500% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin B12, 99% for selenium, and 21% for zinc (Kontominas et al., 2021). Similarly, chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle health and repair. However, while Jaws serves healthy food, it is evident that the diet needs to be balanced as it lacks essential vitamins from vegetables and carbohydrates.
Slide 2
Jaws Seafood and Chicken is located in Lowndes County. Lowndes County is a diverse society led by Democrats Jon Ossoff (senator) and Raphael Warnock (Senator). The county also has a relatively young population, with a median age of 31. Twenty per cent of the population lives in poverty, while about half is employed. However, the median household income has been increasing for the past year, reaching $52,821. The population is largely majority White, but with a significant number of Black population. The demographic variables are important in this discussion as they influence society’s health (Data USA, 2024).
Slide 3
Lowndes County could be healthier, as evidenced by the health indicators, especially diet-related ones. The diabetes prevalence is high and way above the national media. Similarly, the obesity prevalence is on the red alert, affirming that the people in Lowndes are greatly affected by the causes of diabetes and obesity, including lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating behaviours, and genetics, among others. The prevalence of diabetes and obesity is also reflected in the chances of having HBP and cardiovascular diseases. On the positive side, most of the population has a health coverage plan, which is a good determinant of health outcomes.
Slide 4
Lowndes County performs poorly on health rankings but is working towards improvement. The demographic distribution affirms that Blacks are the second majority group and are also the most disproportionately affected by poverty, which translates to poor health outcomes. For example, Blacks are four times as likely to be obese, which also means that they are more likely to be diabetic and have high blood pressure and the resulting cardiovascular issues. Higher obesity among Blacks also reflects their poor access to quality food, exercise, and medical intervention.
Slide 5
Jaws’ menu faithfully follows its theme of providing only white meat from chicken and fish. There needs to be more vegetables to balance the menu. The meals are also affordable because they are served in clusters and large or medium portions. Although the food is nutritious, its consumption should be supplemented with other options that introduce plant-based vitamins necessary for the body. Given the affordability of the food, it can easily lead to obesity and being overweight, as observed in the population it serves. Therefore, The menu is unsuitable if it is targeted t
attoor. people6
The “Jaws Jumbo Burgers” menu features various seafood and chicken options, including crab and shrimp boils with different sizes and add-ons. As stated, the food is nutritious and healthy if consumed balanced. However, the food at Jaws is high in sodium content and calories and can introduce high cholesterol in one’s body. The portions are also large, making them attractive for the price, but potentially dangerous if overconsumed without considering other options.
Slide 7
Potential Protective Factors:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Seafood provides omega-3s, which benefit heart health.
- Lean Protein: Chicken offers lean protein for muscle health.
- Antioxidants: Seafood contains antioxidants (e.g., selenium) that protect cells.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Both seafood and chicken provide essential nutrients.
Slide 8
The health outcomes of the people in Lowndes County depend on various factors. For example, their preferences, beliefs, and attitudes toward food may lead them to prefer some foods. For instance, if they believe the Jaws menu is healthy, they are less likely to object to it or see it as risky. Similarly, the ability of others to cook, their knowledge of food and healthy diets, and the limitations within their schedules are likely to influence their diet choices. If they are busy, they may prefer fast food from Jaws even if they know it is unhealthy if overconsumed. Therefore, all factors, including the cost and culture of the people, influence their health outcomes.
Slide 9
Healthy People 2030 aims to ensure that people are healthy by 2030. Currently, the levels of overweight and obesity in the US are alarming. Children and adults are all vulnerable to health conditions caused by obesity. While diet is a major cause of these issues, other factors such as poverty, lack of access to community facilities that should facilitate exercise, and a sedentary lifestyle are also to blame. Healthy People 2030 works with local programs like ALProHealth to prevent and reduce obesity.
Slide 10
ALProHealth aims to assist community coalitions in planning and implementing healthy foods and active transportation interventions. It encourages increased access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity. It also collaborates with community coalitions to improve spaces for physical activity and enhance access to healthier foods in rural areas. The program runs in 13 counties with adult obesity rates exceeding 40%. It implements research-based interventions to reduce obesity and improve overall health.