Week 2 Discussion Question 2 Due July 8, 2023 ✓ Solved

Week 2 Discussion Question 2 Due July 8, 2023

Identify and elaborate on at least two (2) historical figures that became important to the development of Public Health Nursing and explain why. Relate the epidemiological processes to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Identify a negative environmental influence health story (e.g., the water supply in Flint, Michigan—use a different environmental influence such as global warming, extreme heat, extreme weather rains, flooding, etc.). Explain how individuals, families, and/or communities have been affected. Discuss measures needed to foster a health-promoting environment.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Public health nursing has played a pivotal role in shaping health outcomes on a community and global level through history. Its development can be traced back to influential figures whose work laid foundational principles that continue to influence the discipline today. Additionally, understanding epidemiological processes has been crucial in managing pandemics such as COVID-19. Environmental factors, especially extreme weather events driven by climate change, pose significant threats to community health. This paper explores these themes in detail, emphasizing the importance of historical figures, epidemiology, environmental challenges, and proactive measures to foster health-promoting environments.

Historical Figures in Public Health Nursing

One of the most influential figures in the development of public health nursing was Lillian Wald (1867–1940). As a founder of the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, Wald revolutionized urban health care by providing preventive and primary care services directly within impoverished communities. Her work emphasized the importance of social determinants of health and community-based interventions, principles still central to public health nursing today (Allender, Rector, & Warner, 2020). Wald's advocacy for health equity and her pioneering role in establishing visiting nurse services helped transform nursing from hospital-centered care to community-oriented practice.

Another significant figure is Florence Nightingale (1820–1910), often regarded as the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale's emphasis on sanitation, hygiene, and the importance of environmental factors in disease prevention were revolutionary. Her work during the Crimean War highlighted how proper sanitation could drastically reduce mortality among soldiers, thus establishing the importance of environmental health in disease control. Her principles underpin much of the health promotion strategies used in public health nursing today (Kendig, 2001). Her efforts laid a foundation for understanding the importance of epidemiology and sanitation in disease prevention, shaping public health policies worldwide.

Epidemiological Processes and COVID-19 Pandemic

Epidemiology, the study of disease distribution and determinants in populations, has been fundamental in managing infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, epidemiological tools enabled health professionals to identify transmission patterns, evaluate risk factors, and implement control measures. For instance, contact tracing, a core epidemiological process, was essential in breaking chains of transmission. Additionally, modeling forecasts helped guide resource allocation and public health interventions such as social distancing, masking, and vaccination campaigns (Hellewell et al., 2020).

The concept of herd immunity, another epidemiological principle, was central to vaccination efforts. Understanding the transmission dynamics and reproductive number (R0) of SARS-CoV-2 facilitated policymakers' decisions on lockdowns and reopening strategies. The pandemic also underscored the importance of surveillance systems, data collection, and real-time reporting—components integral to epidemiology—in controlling disease spread and minimizing mortality (World Health Organization, 2020).

Environmental Influence on Health: Extreme Heat and Its Impact

Climate change has resulted in increased frequency and intensity of extreme heat events worldwide. These episodes pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. During extreme heat waves, individuals may experience heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and exacerbation of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Communities lacking access to cooling resources or living in urban heat islands are disproportionately affected (Habeeb et al., 2021).

The effects extend beyond individuals to families and entire communities. Schools may close or reduce hours, outdoor workers face health risks, and emergency services are strained due to heat-related illnesses. Furthermore, low-income communities often lack adequate infrastructure, which amplifies health disparities during extreme heat events (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Addressing these impacts requires comprehensive strategies including urban planning that incorporates green spaces, social programs providing cooling centers, and public awareness campaigns about heat safety.

Measures to Promote a Healthier Environment

To foster a health-promoting environment amidst climate-induced challenges, multi-sectoral approaches are essential. Urban planning should prioritize the development of green infrastructure such as parks and reflective roofing to mitigate heat islands (Hoffman et al., 2018). Policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions can slow climate change progression, thereby decreasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Public health campaigns can educate communities about adapting behaviors during heatwaves and extreme weather conditions.

Community-based interventions are also vital. Establishing cooling centers accessible to vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, and enhancing emergency preparedness are crucial steps. Additionally, fostering resilient infrastructure and integrating environmental health considerations into urban development can sustain healthier living conditions. International collaboration to reduce climate change impacts and sharing of best practices further bolster efforts in creating sustainable, health-promoting environments (Ebi et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Understanding the historical context of public health nursing, leveraging epidemiological processes, and addressing environmental health threats are key to improving community health outcomes. Figures like Lillian Wald and Florence Nightingale laid the groundwork for modern practices, emphasizing prevention, sanitation, and social determinants. The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the vital role of epidemiology in disease control. Simultaneously, climate-related threats such as extreme heat require proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations and promote sustainable, healthy environments. Continued interdisciplinary efforts are essential to build resilient health systems capable of addressing current and future challenges.

References

• Allender, J. A., Rector, C. R., & Warner, P. (2020). Community & public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Excessive heat: Heat-related illnesses. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
• Ebi, K. L., Forsberg, B., & Ebi, K. L. (2018). Human health. In Climate Change and Global Health (pp. 127-146). Springer.
• Habeeb, S., Osman, A. H., & Abdelmaksoud, A. (2021). Impact of heat waves on vulnerable populations: A review of global evidence. Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(16), 8621.
• Hellewell, J., Abbott, S., Gimma, A., et al. (2020). Feasibility of controlling COVID-19 outbreaks by isolation of cases and contacts. Lancet Global Health, 8(4), e488-e496.
• Hoffman, R., Matloff, J., & Zuk, M. (2018). Urban heat islands and health: A review. Environmental Health Perspectives, 126(7), 075001.
• Kendig, J. (2001). Florence Nightingale: Conscience of Nursing. Springer Publishing Company.
• World Health Organization. (2020). COVID-19 strategic preparedness and response plan. WHO Publications.