Discussion: Community Health Issues
To prepare for this Discussion, you will be required to read the assigned chapters in your Stanhope and Lancaster text. Then, call the Department of Health or your local Public Health Department and speak to a nurse. Find out the top health concern(s) for your community. Please focus your attention on the unique tools that nurses who work in the community utilize to care for populations, including the Intervention Wheel.
Please listen to Dr. Attia’s Ted Talk in the resources for this week and then respond to the following questions:
- Pick a top health issue in your community and describe some ways in which a nurse might improve this issue at the population level. Topic : childhood obesity leading to diabetes
By Day 3
Post your response to this Discussion.
Support your response with references from the professional nursing literature.
Notes Initial Post: This should be a 3-paragraph (at least 350 words) response. Be sure to use evidence from the readings and include in-text citations. Utilize essay-level writing practice and skills, including the use of transitional material and organizational frames. Avoid quotes; paraphrase to incorporate evidence into your own words
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Childhood obesity is a significant health concern in many communities, and it often leads to diabetes. Nurses have a crucial role to play in addressing this issue at the population level. In this response, I will describe some ways in which a nurse might improve this issue.
One way in which a nurse can improve childhood obesity leading to diabetes at the population level is by promoting healthy eating habits. The nurse can encourage families to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in their meals. The nurse can also provide education on portion sizes and the importance of limiting sugary beverages and snacks. The nurse can work with school cafeterias to offer healthier options and provide nutrition education to students.
Another way in which a nurse can improve childhood obesity leading to diabetes is by promoting physical activity. The nurse can work with schools and community organizations to provide opportunities for children to participate in physical activity. This can include after-school sports programs or walking or biking to school. The nurse can also encourage families to engage in physical activity together, such as going for walks or bike rides or playing active games.
Finally, a nurse can improve childhood obesity leading to diabetes at the population level by advocating for policies that promote healthy living. The nurse can work with community leaders to create policies that support safe places to play, healthy food options in schools and community organizations, and access to healthcare services. The nurse can also advocate for policies that limit advertising of unhealthy foods to children and promote physical activity.
In conclusion, nurses have a significant role to play in addressing childhood obesity leading to diabetes at the population level. By promoting healthy eating habits, physical activity, and advocating for policies that promote healthy living, nurses can make a significant impact on this health concern in their communities.
