### Directions and Analysis

Task 1: Deciding How to Respond to a Health Risk

In an earlier lesson, you were asked to identify an issue affecting public health that also has the potential to affect you or your community. You conducted initial research on the topic, identified some repercussions of not addressing the issue, and identified existing policies that health organizations are using to address the issue. Now, you may either draw from the research you've already conducted or begin researching a new topic relating to public health. In your research, consider these questions:

- What is the public-health issue you've chosen?
- How does this issue affect communities and individuals, including you? Who's at risk?
- What policies are in place to address this issue?
- How can an individual become an advocate for this health issue?
- In your view, do any of the existing policies need to be modified or improved to reduce the risks associated with this issue?
- Should new policies be put in place to address the risks of this issue? If so, what form should these policies take?