Community Health Assessment Running Head

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Describe the community health assessment problem, including background info, community demographics, health issues, and resources available. Discuss the community’s strengths, limitations, and potential solutions to improve health outcomes, emphasizing communication, community involvement, and culturally relevant interventions.

Paper For Above instruction

The community health assessment undertaken in Miami Lakes reveals a diverse population with specific health challenges and opportunities for intervention. Utilizing Gordon’s health pattern framework, this assessment aims to identify key health issues, community resources, and strategies to promote health and prevent disease among residents.

Miami Lakes is a predominantly Hispanic community, constituting about 81.1% of its population, with African Americans, Whites, and other groups making up smaller percentages. The median household income stands at approximately $67,616, and the community comprises over 10,000 homes valued at an average of $371,926. The majority of residents are homeowners, and the community is characterized by its picturesque homes, wooded streets, and low crime rates—factors contributing to residents' overall quality of life.

In terms of health demographics, children aged 6-17 have high rates of health coverage, but adult health issues are more prevalent among older adults, particularly concerning chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and myocardial infarctions. Public health data indicate Hispanics in this community are more affected by obesity than other ethnic groups, often due to poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. This emphasizes the need for targeted health promotion programs that encourage physical activity and healthy eating habits.

Educational attainment in Miami Lakes shows a focus on healthcare fields like nursing, with Dade Medical College producing the largest number of graduates. Socioeconomic factors also influence health behaviors; for example, most households have multiple cars and drive alone for commuting, which could impact physical activity levels. Despite the community’s tranquility and access to well-maintained parks, traffic congestion in key access roads like I-95 presents stress and safety concerns that may indirectly affect residents' mental health.

The nutritional metabolic pattern assessment revealed that, despite economic stability, many residents have poor dietary habits, often eating only once or twice daily. Lack of time, motivation, and limited access to gym facilities are barriers to regular exercise. The community's parks and recreational centers, including YMCA facilities, offer opportunities for physical activity, but utilization is inconsistent. Enhancing awareness and reducing barriers to exercise could significantly improve health outcomes, particularly in preventing obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Effective communication is crucial for community health initiatives. Currently, there is a gap in understanding and utilizing communication channels that could facilitate health education, promote disease prevention, and enhance community engagement. Health professionals and community leaders should leverage digital communication and community-based strategies to foster better health literacy and collective action.

Leadership plays a vital role in implementing health promotion projects. The community's strengths include a proud history and a high capacity for development, but limitations such as insufficient volunteer participation and funding constraints hinder progress. Engaging community members from the outset and fostering partnerships with local organizations and funders can ensure the sustainability of health initiatives.

Proposed solutions include promoting the use of public parks for family exercise, increasing awareness of chronic disease risks, and fostering community involvement in health decision-making. Overcoming barriers like limited community buy-in requires transparent planning processes and inclusive approaches that value residents' input. Educational campaigns tailored to cultural contexts can help increase participation and adherence to health recommendations.

In conclusion, Miami Lakes faces challenges related to lifestyle-related health issues, but with strategic planning, community engagement, and resource allocation, it can improve health outcomes. Policies supporting active living, healthy eating, and health literacy are vital. Fostering a collaborative environment among residents, health professionals, and local authorities will be key in creating a resilient, health-promoting community environment.

References

  • Tsai, A., Williamson, D., & Glick, H. (2010). Direct medical cost of overweight and obesity in the USA: a quantitative systematic review. Obesity Reviews, 12(1), 50-61.
  • Slattery, M. L., Sweeney, C., Edwards, S., Herrick, J., Murtaugh, M., Baumgartner, K., & Byers, T. (2006). Physical activity patterns and obesity in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(1), 33-41.
  • Florida Department of Health. (2015). Minority Health Profile. Retrieved from https://www.floridahealth.gov
  • Wikipedia. (2017). Miami Lakes, Florida. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Lakes, Florida
  • Wood, N. (2010). Obesity: Update on the prevalence of high BMI and obesity in the USA. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 7(4), 190-191.
  • Development of Community Health Care Networks Utilizing Local Community Centers. (2016). Archives of Community Medicine and Public Health.
  • Town of Miami Lakes. (2017). Miami Lakes. Retrieved from https://www.miamilakes-fl.gov/
  • Gordon, M. (1997). Assessment of community health issues in nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Physical activity and health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/
  • Slattery, M. L., & Wong, L. (2017). Community-based approaches to reducing obesity. American Journal of Public Health, 107(2), 174–181.

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