The opportunity that I would like to pursue is within the health and sports medicine industry. Most of the people in this county are victims to unhealthy lifestyle and overall poor health as diseases rise. There is already a very heavy research base on products that cure or fight diseases, after some one falls ill. With current technologies and stem research, we are able to make amazing things happen. Unfortunately, there isn’t much being done about how we are getting sick and where the underlying issues might be coming from. For instance, how are the harmful foods and pesticides that I am consuming treating my body? How is the 4,000 calorie diet helping my mind flourish? Why would I purchase water at $2 a bottle when I can buy a case of soda for that price?
I think the problem lies with three things: the lack of affordable resources to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the lack of support from friends/ family and society (fast food adds all around in society, even at the gym), and the lack of knowledge to help us do it right. If we are able to put efforts and resources into keeping people healthy, we might be able to reduce sickness and disease statics. We can use the resources that were originally allocated to those people to then help continue to understand and cure cancers, birth defects, sexually transmitted diseases, and other illnesses passed on by genetics.
The Who: College students, mid-lower class families, people who struggle with health issues.
The What: They are unknowingly putting harmful chemicals and foods into their bodies because it comes at a cheaper price. Because of this shift in lifestyle and eating habits, people gain weight and are introduced to a new world of medical problems that could of otherwise been avoided.
Why: The over consumption of fast food and snacks have become a socially acceptable trend. The fast food route is usually cheaper and more affordable for parents dying to feed a big family, or even college students. Individuals lose sight of home grown products and homemade meals and start relying on products with modified genetics.
Other people with weight related diseases might contribute to the pool of people with this need. For instance, some one with thyroid issues that stem from genetics. This individual might seek out the knowledge of the company for meal plans and even work out plans/ equipment that fit their dietary needs. Otherwise, they over eat and their thyroid doesn’t process normally. Thus creating more issues like weight gain and obesity or diabetes. As part of my company, i’d have a team of nutritionist who work with people to achieve a healthy lifestyle and still meet their financial needs or even their livest needs.
On the other side of this, their are plenty of diseases that also come from the mass distribution of beef, chicken, and pork. Fast food companies also have a higher rate exposure to Ecoli.
The boundary relates to the number of resources currently available and the jobs that could be potentially lost if revenue is being taken from unhealthy restaurant chains. This could negatively impact our economy.
They here is different for everyone. The why can be for health reasons, which I went into great detail about above. Other reasons might come from the desire to live a healthier lifestyle, the high blood pressure/ cholesterol. Other people can do it for the social stigma (trying to keep up with social standards. Also, single middle aged individuals might be interested in a healthier lifestyle to help further their relationship searches. Honestly, the why here is limitless.
Interview 1:
The first person I interviewed is actually one of my best friends but the results arn’t biased… I don’t think?
For The Who, interviewer 1 chose to focus primarily on college students because thats what she is. As a college student, she has gained 40 lbs and hasn’t eaten a home cook meal since last thanksgiving when she flew to Michigan for the holidays. Apparently, she lacks the time and the funs to shop, cook, and look for great deals. As a college student at the University of Florida, it is easier and more accessible for her to purchase fast food on campus. I recently showed her a few meal prep idea and I shared with her some of my favorite “healthy lunch” options on campus.
The boundaries for her were primarily money. As a college student she relies heavily on her aid to cover tuition, books, and living expenses. After everything has been paid for she has just enough money for a meal expense plan.
Instead of purchasing the meal plan through campus I offered to create a meal plan that would allow her to save money and focus on rebuilding her health. Earlier in the interview she mentioned that since moving to Gainesville she has had run in encounters with anxiety and depression because of her lack of support and improper eating habits.
The why was simple… She wants to recognize herself and get back to a productive lifestyle.
How much does it cost to feed your one person household?
-It usually cost about $1,800 for my meal plan which is good for the semester. The semester is usually four-five months long, so about $450 a month?
How much time have you dedicated to exercise?
-“I honestly don't. As a college student I am traveling and working with various campus organizations. I used to work out and I enjoyed it but I just can't find the time.
-Have you ever followed a meal plan?
-No, I've never really wanted to spend the time dedicated to preparing meals. Plus, wouldn't they get worse progressively?
Austin, 26, real estate
I interviewed Austin from my gym who has been working on staying healthy for many years. The conversation was quick but I was able to get a lot of insight from him. Austin is a business man who works as a real-estate agent. Although he is in decent shape he has never been able to maintain a healthy diet because of how demanding his schedule is. He also has a predisposition to health problems that are to be made worse by unhealthy meals. Austin has a thyroid disease which makes his thyroid under active. Certain foods can effect him and worsen his health state. The Who here is a middle aged business man with thyroid issues. The what is health. He wants to maintain good health to help combat his thyroid issues.
Jessie, 32 female is finishing up her masters degree at the University of Florida. Jessie has a 9 year old daughter and a husband. Jessies lifestyle can be a bit hectic and demanding, especially for someone with Diabetes. Her diabetes is genetic and has always posed for an issue when trying to find quick meal options for the entire family. Jessie has learned what not to eat over the corse of her life but struggles to incorporate her knowledge into healthy choices.
With Jessie I asked these specific questions:
How much does it cost to feed your three person household?
-It cost roughly $700-$900 for food and snacks for the month.
How much time have you dedicated to exercise?
-“I usually walk one hour a day with my dog”t of thought into needing one.
-Have you ever followed a meal plan?
-No, I've never really gave a lo
I was able to find spots within her lifestyle that would allow her to eat healthier and not let her disease control her life style. For instance, on her moving walks she has time to incorporate light to moderate exercises. Her Family sized frozen dinner can be replaced with a Sou Vide or crock pot and the proper knowledge on how to prepare meals.
