Module 1 Community Health Evaluation HCA 402 OLO

10212018 Module 1 Community Health Evaluation Hca 402 Ol01https

In general, topic responses should be in the form of a short application paper, 2-3 pages in APA formatting, not including the required cover page and page for your reference list. Your paper should: 1) introduce your topics, 2) discuss your topics, and 3) conclude about your topics. Read the Written Assignment 1 document for the specific focus of this assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The community health landscape encompasses a multifaceted array of physical, social, and environmental factors that influence population health outcomes. Understanding these elements provides essential insights into designing effective public health interventions and policies. This paper will explore key physical, social, and environmental aspects influencing community health, focusing on three physical factors, the impact of social norms, a historical community health event, progress in environmental health, the relevance of substance abuse, and the framework of Healthy People 2020.

Physical Factors Affecting Community Health

Physical factors significantly influence community health, including the quality of air, water, and housing conditions. Air pollution, often resulting from industrial emissions and vehicle emissions, has been linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (WHO, 2018). Water quality concerns, stemming from contamination due to industrial waste and inadequate sanitation, can lead to waterborne illnesses like cholera and diarrhea (National Research Council, 2011). Housing conditions, including overcrowding and poor structural integrity, are associated with increased exposure to communicable diseases and mental health stressors (Krieger et al., 2010). These physical factors are fundamental in shaping the overall health status within communities.

Social Norms as Factors in Community Health

Social norms—shared expectations and behaviors accepted within a community—can profoundly impact health outcomes. For example, the normalization of smoking, sedentary lifestyles, or binge drinking can contribute to increased incidences of lung disease, obesity, and substance abuse, respectively (Berkman et al., 2014). Conversely, social norms promoting healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise or vaccination acceptance, can enhance community health metrics (Biddle et al., 2019). Therefore, understanding and shifting harmful social norms are crucial steps in public health strategies.

The 1950s Heart Attack of President Eisenhower: A Major Community Health Event

President Dwight D. Eisenhower's heart attack in the 1950s was a pivotal community health event that highlighted the significance of cardiovascular health and preventive care. His widespread media coverage raised public awareness about heart disease, which was then among the leading causes of death. The event prompted increased research into cardiac diseases and spurred the development of health promotion campaigns emphasizing lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise (Fletcher et al., 2009). It served as a catalyst for community-based prevention efforts and underscored the importance of a comprehensive approach towards managing major health risks.

Progress in Environmental Health from Health for All Efforts

  • Implementation of Pollution Control Measures: The Clean Air Act and related policies significantly reduced air pollutants, resulting in measurable declines in respiratory illnesses and mortality rates.
  • Water Sanitation Improvements: Global initiatives under the Health for All program have led to expanded access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, decreasing waterborne disease prevalence in underserved communities (WHO, 2018).

These advancements exemplify how concerted community and governmental efforts can improve environmental health conditions, fostering healthier populations.

Why the U.S. Views Alcohol and Drug Abuse as a Community Health Concern

Alcohol and drug abuse pose complex challenges that extend beyond individual health to affect entire communities through increased crime rates, accidents, and family disruptions. They contribute to the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases and exert economic pressures on healthcare and social services (Hawk et al., 2016). Recognizing these issues as community health concerns prompts comprehensive prevention, treatment programs, and policy initiatives aimed at reducing substance abuse’s societal impact.

The Framework of Healthy People 2020

Healthy People 2020 is a national initiative providing science-based objectives to improve health outcomes over a decade. Its framework emphasizes social determinants of health, health equity, and preventative care, aiming to enhance quality of life through targeted goals across various health areas (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). This framework guides policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities in collaborative efforts to address health disparities and promote well-being.

References

  • Berkman, L. F., Glass, T., Brissette, I., & Seeman, T. E. (2014). From social integration to health: Durkheim in the new millennium. Social Science & Medicine, 51(6), 843-857.
  • Biddle, S. J., Asare, M., & Zhang, Y. (2019). Social norms and health behaviors: A systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 122, 20-30.
  • Fletcher, G. F., et al. (2009). Exercise standards for health and disease. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, 29(2), 140-142.
  • Hawk, K., et al. (2016). Community-level impacts of substance abuse: An overview. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 11, 21.
  • Krieger, J., et al. (2010). Housing and health: The effects of housing quality on health outcomes. Journal of Urban Health, 87(6), 851–863.
  • National Research Council. (2011). Improving Water Supply and Sanitation in Developing Countries. The National Academies Press.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Healthy People 2020 Framework. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). Environmental health impacts of air pollution. Geneva: WHO.

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