This week, you will compare and contrast four probiotics.
Prompt 1 : Review this probiotics table
which provides a breakdown between four different popular probiotics. Review the literature and research these probiotics further.
Write a 2- to 3-page paper in which you:
- Define probiotics.
- Compare and contrast the four probiotics. How are they alike? How are they different?
- In your opinion, which of the four is most “valuable” and which is the least? Explain your reasoning.
Your paper must be 2–3 pages in length. Include evidence or information from at least one credible external source and follow APA style for formatting and citation.
Your textbook and supplemental reading material may be used as a reference. The APA format for your text is as follows:
Nelson, K. E. (2014). Infectious disease epidemiology (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Principles of epidemiology in public health practice: Self-study course (3rd ed.). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Prompt 2 :You have been keeping up with the impact of the opioid crisis not just on the users, but on those around them as well.
Children are the most vulnerable victims of this crisis. You need to get the rest of the staff in your office up to speed on the effects of the opioid crisis on children.
In your newsletter:
- Select a state and describe the effects of the opioid crisis on children.
- Determine the ways in which the opioid crisis affects these children. Include the short- and long-term effects on society.
- Describe how the crisis impacts children nationally. Compare this to the global opioid crisis.
- Analyze the global consequences of the opioid crisis on children.
- Connect the information learned to Anytown, and discuss the ways public health officials can help.
Be creative with this assignment. Need an example? Click here.
*Note: This is simply a visual example. The content is not applicable. Your newsletter does not have to look exactly like this example.
See the rubric for specific grading criteria.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In this assignment, students are expected to examine and compare four popular probiotics and present their findings in a 2- to 3-page paper. Additionally, they will need to explore the impact of the opioid crisis on children and suggest ways public health officials can help.
Answer to Prompt 1:
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are believed to offer various health benefits to the host body when consumed. The four probiotics under consideration in this assignment are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
All four probiotics are similar in that they are live bacterial strains that are considered beneficial for the host body. They function by restoring and maintaining the natural balance of microorganisms in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as an unhealthy diet, antibiotics, or infections. Furthermore, all of the probiotics under investigation have been found to promote digestive health and regulate the immune system.
On the other hand, there are some differences between them. For example, Lactobacillus acidophilus is considered the most extensively researched probiotic and has been found to be effective in reducing the frequency and duration of diarrhea caused by antibiotics. On the other hand, Streptococcus thermophilus has been shown to reduce the severity of certain allergic reactions, while Lactobacillus rhamnosus has emerged as a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Bifidobacterium bifidum, on the other hand, has been shown to help treat constipation and prevent infections in infants.
In my opinion, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most valuable probiotic due to its extensive research and proven effectiveness in treating diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Lactobacillus rhamnosus is the second most valuable, followed by Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, respectively.
Answer to Prompt 2:
The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on children in various ways, particularly in states such as Ohio. Children are affected in multiple ways, including exposure to drugs in utero, increased likelihood of being placed in foster care when parents are unable to care for them, and a heightened risk of developing addiction later in life. Furthermore, children whose parents struggle with addiction are more likely to experience neglect, abuse, and emotional trauma.
Short-term effects on society include the increased need for social services, such as foster care and child protective services, as well as rising healthcare costs. In the long term, the opioid crisis may perpetuate cycles of poverty and addiction, ultimately leading to a decrease in workforce productivity, economic instability, and increased health disparities.
The opioid crisis is a significant problem in the United States, but it is also a global phenomenon. In countries such as India and South Africa, for example, opioid addiction is on the rise, particularly among young people. Although the precise impact on children is not well-documented in many countries around the world, it is clear that the opioid crisis is a worldwide public health concern.
The global consequences of the opioid crisis on children are significant and enduring. Children living in areas affected by the opioid crisis are at a higher risk of experiencing trauma, abuse, and neglect. Furthermore, addiction can disrupt and destroy families, leading to long-term physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Ultimately, the opioid crisis threatens the health and well-being of future generations, making it critical for public health officials to take action.
Public health officials in Anytown can play a critical role in addressing the opioid crisis among children. For example, interventions such as drug prevention programs, counseling, and mental health services can help children and families avoid addiction or cope with the challenges of addiction. Furthermore, public health officials can promote safe storage and disposal of opioid medications to minimize children’s accidental exposure. Ultimately, a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach is necessary to address the opioid crisis and support children and families affected by addiction.
