Public education initiatives have two apparent aims: serving the government and the people. Some of the promotions are controversial as they are citizen-oriented from one side and sometimes rather negative from an economic outlook. For example, in the YouTube video ”CDS: Tips from Former Smokers,” the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services depicts various effects on health produced by smoking (00:20 – 00:35).
The main goal of those clips is to decelerate the growing cigarette addiction; however, it is well-known that the tobacco industry makes an essential part of the country’s GDP. Such initiatives take place across the United States, as well as in my area. Here, in Redlands, California, meetings on various topics such as COVID, meditation, yoga, and psychological health are performed. On the Redland City Council website, diverse news on health issues can be found; additionally, the greatest attention is obviously paid to the coronavirus and related questions (COVID-19 vaccines, 2021). One of the most promoted activities regarding healthcare is vaccination; on the website, people can find the closest areas or districts to get vaccinated, and the recommendation of wearing masks is present as well.
From my viewpoint, such healthful initiatives are not as beneficial as expected. People usually have their formed opinion on different subjects and topics; therefore, it is hard to convince them to change their viewpoints. Only those whose outlooks and ideas match the suggested ones will take part in the activities; hence, there is no profit in promoting the initiatives to citizens who already have the same opinion. However, I support graphic public health warnings, especially on the Internet, as interesting advertisements often become trends that are followed by the majority of teenagers and pat of adults. In my opinion, the initiatives might take place but in the form of recommendations rather than regulations or assertive advice.
References
COVID-19 vaccines from moderately to severely immunocompromised people. (2021). Web.
CDS. (2020). CDC: Tips from former smokers – Rebecca C.: Unbelievable [Video]. YouTube. Web.