Today's blog focuses on the key determinants. These are the factors associated with the development of the problem. In regards to my topic, obesity in children ages 2-19 in Michigan, there are a variety of key determinants.
Biological determinants are genetics. Many researchers say that genetics involve the parental diet, their eating habits and the lifestyle they live. But on the contrary, obesity is genetically inherited. There is still growing evidence that supports this claim. Just recently, in Czechoslovakia there was a study on a set of twins. The twins were both separated at birth and were placed with different foster families. After some odd years, researchers went and located the twins. Ironically enough both twins were "equally likely to be obese and have the same resting metabolic rate."
Social and cultural determinants could be the economic status of the family, personal beliefs, the people who influence these individuals such as friends or associates, and possibly religious beliefs. When it comes to the economic status of families, if the child comes from a poor family his/her obesity could be a result of lack of money and resources. Personal beliefs are a little difficult to prove because they tend to be "opinion" based rather than actual facts, but many people believe that they can eat whatever it is they want as long as they work out and exercise. In some cases, this is true and in other cases it is completely false. Depending on the person's metabolism and bone structure says a lot about their chances of being obese. Friends can either be a negative or positive determinant. I say both pos. and neg. because most friends like to look better than there other friends so they encourage you to "eat what you like" or give the "you only live once" line. Well they are right that "you only live once", but being obese decreases your chances of living longer.
Environmental determinants could be location of residence. Where people stay has a lot to do with the availability of resources. If a child lives in a high poverty area, there are high chances that he/she are not getting the proper nutrients and physical activity children need. Living in rural or urban areas also contribute to obesity. Children who live in rural areas don't always have access to certain foods that should be consumed on a daily basis.
A political determinant for this topic could be similar to one I read about online, in which i unfortunately cant find the article at this time, talks about the FDA approving a schools lunch menu. I think it was the state government that had decided to help with improving the health of students but didn't pass the law that would create healthier school lunches.
I'm not certain if this is an determinant, but I also think the mental state of most children also contributes to their health state. Many children, unfortunately, suffer from depression and eat until their bodies expand beyond their biological means. I'm not sure If all of these determinants will make it into my final paper or I may add a few new ones, but that is all for today's blog.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Kiara
Monday, May 3, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Final Paper Progression
Today's topic deals with my continuance of the final paper. Honestly, I think the paper is going to be a little more complicated from my original thoughts. As I finally decided my final topic, I realize that the requirements for this paper are a little time consuming and slightly confusing.
I decided to discuss the issue of obesity in adults 18 and over in Michigan, considering that's home and I have visual data for my paper. As far as surveillance goes on regards to obesity, I think that hospital records could be a source. If adults are going to the doctor on account of health issues and they appear overweight obesity could be present. According to an obesity report series for Michigan in 2008, obesity rates rose by 21.8% which is not good. Especially considering only 34.7% of Michigan adults were not overweight or obese. Michigan also had the 8th highest prevalence of obesity in the US with 30.1% in 2008. In addition to obesity being a huge issue in Michigan, it's more significant in the African American community; especially in African American females.
Direct indicators that deal with adult obesity in Michigan are the high rates of adults who eat fast food. As discussed in class, fast food is very unhealthy and depending on what restaurant people eat at, their calorie intake is extremely high. Also a direct indicator could be adults with an office setting job who eat "snacks" all day in substitution for lunch. I have friends and a few family members who work in these environments and they feel as though a quick bag of chips makes up for their daily lunch. Many adults feel as though they don't have to follow a healthy lifestyle and they can eat whatever they please, because they are "grown". In Detroit, fresh produce is limited and fast food restaurants are numerous. If there are a limited amount of resources for fruits and vegetables, how can people eat healthy.
Indirect indicators could be the amount of fast food restaurants that surround the homes of obese individuals. From personal experience, I can testify that these fast food places are everywhere; many in walking distance. There have been times when my family and I didn't feel like cooking and I drove about a mile or so to pick up pizza. We knew it wasn't healthy, but when you are hungry and fast food is at your finger tips, what do you do? Another indicator could be the mental health issues. Some people were not born to obtain an obese body, but some people suffer from depression and eating "helps" to temporarily satisfy their needs.
I know that these indicators are not the best especially considering many of them come from personal experiences and "he/she said". I do believe that my opinions and semi-facts matter in this paper because I am personally affected by obesity with close friends and a few family members of mine. Also, a lot of the data that I've looked up is from 2001-2009. Sure 2009 is the most recent, the further I go back into the past the numbers are normally relatively low.
Well, as I researched adult obesity, I found a lot of information on childhood obesity in Michigan. I think I may put the two together and focus on family issues too, that may result in obesity.
Until next time, stay healthy!!
Kiara
I decided to discuss the issue of obesity in adults 18 and over in Michigan, considering that's home and I have visual data for my paper. As far as surveillance goes on regards to obesity, I think that hospital records could be a source. If adults are going to the doctor on account of health issues and they appear overweight obesity could be present. According to an obesity report series for Michigan in 2008, obesity rates rose by 21.8% which is not good. Especially considering only 34.7% of Michigan adults were not overweight or obese. Michigan also had the 8th highest prevalence of obesity in the US with 30.1% in 2008. In addition to obesity being a huge issue in Michigan, it's more significant in the African American community; especially in African American females.
Direct indicators that deal with adult obesity in Michigan are the high rates of adults who eat fast food. As discussed in class, fast food is very unhealthy and depending on what restaurant people eat at, their calorie intake is extremely high. Also a direct indicator could be adults with an office setting job who eat "snacks" all day in substitution for lunch. I have friends and a few family members who work in these environments and they feel as though a quick bag of chips makes up for their daily lunch. Many adults feel as though they don't have to follow a healthy lifestyle and they can eat whatever they please, because they are "grown". In Detroit, fresh produce is limited and fast food restaurants are numerous. If there are a limited amount of resources for fruits and vegetables, how can people eat healthy.
Indirect indicators could be the amount of fast food restaurants that surround the homes of obese individuals. From personal experience, I can testify that these fast food places are everywhere; many in walking distance. There have been times when my family and I didn't feel like cooking and I drove about a mile or so to pick up pizza. We knew it wasn't healthy, but when you are hungry and fast food is at your finger tips, what do you do? Another indicator could be the mental health issues. Some people were not born to obtain an obese body, but some people suffer from depression and eating "helps" to temporarily satisfy their needs.
I know that these indicators are not the best especially considering many of them come from personal experiences and "he/she said". I do believe that my opinions and semi-facts matter in this paper because I am personally affected by obesity with close friends and a few family members of mine. Also, a lot of the data that I've looked up is from 2001-2009. Sure 2009 is the most recent, the further I go back into the past the numbers are normally relatively low.
Well, as I researched adult obesity, I found a lot of information on childhood obesity in Michigan. I think I may put the two together and focus on family issues too, that may result in obesity.
Until next time, stay healthy!!
Kiara
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Problem Definition
Today's topic will focus on my problem definition for my final paper. I honestly still have not decided in my final topic yet, but I will make a final decision this weekend. As far as my problem definitions, I have a possible definition for the three topics I am debating on.
My problem definition for obesity would go some what as follows:
Obesity has become a huge problem in the United States and a rising epidemic in children ages 6-19 from 1999-2009. This issue has become so severe that it has been detected to decrease the life expectancy of children by 5 years.
My problem definition for injury prevention would be similar to this:
Noticing the obvious is sometimes an issue in the United States. Things that are most common, just seem normal, especially with injury prevention. A rising problem in injury prevention deals with children. We need to make the world a safer place for children without limiting their environment.
Lastly, I think if I were to write about health care, I would focus on quality health care for low income families. My problem statement would fall somewhere around:
Families that "make too much" money, or don't qualify under the federal poverty level, have a harder time receiving quality health care. In the United States, quality health care is not "equal" for everyone. Low income families whose income exceeds the federal poverty level due to more or less people who live in their homes, have more problems with health care.
Unitl next time, stay healthy!
Kiara
My problem definition for obesity would go some what as follows:
Obesity has become a huge problem in the United States and a rising epidemic in children ages 6-19 from 1999-2009. This issue has become so severe that it has been detected to decrease the life expectancy of children by 5 years.
My problem definition for injury prevention would be similar to this:
Noticing the obvious is sometimes an issue in the United States. Things that are most common, just seem normal, especially with injury prevention. A rising problem in injury prevention deals with children. We need to make the world a safer place for children without limiting their environment.
Lastly, I think if I were to write about health care, I would focus on quality health care for low income families. My problem statement would fall somewhere around:
Families that "make too much" money, or don't qualify under the federal poverty level, have a harder time receiving quality health care. In the United States, quality health care is not "equal" for everyone. Low income families whose income exceeds the federal poverty level due to more or less people who live in their homes, have more problems with health care.
Unitl next time, stay healthy!
Kiara
Friday, April 9, 2010
My Final Paper For Public Health
Today's topic focuses on my final paper topic for Intro. to Public Health. I have honestly enjoyed this course so much, that it's really hard for me to pick one topic. As of now, I am a little undecided. Since time is running out, I am going to pick between the following topics: Injury Prevention, Obesity, or the US Health Care System. I think these three topics grasped my attention the most.
The reason why I liked injury prevention so much is because it's a serious issue in public health. A lot of people believe that injuries are accidents, and that's true, but in most cases these injuries can be prevented. Unintentional injuries account for 2/3 of the injuries in the country. These injuries are almost 80% of the years of potential life loss chart. Considering the US spends so much money, $406 Billion, on injuries I though it would be a interesting topic. Also, I found the different types of injuries to be very interesting. Injury is a population level problem and this problem is not obvious.
The lecture that focused on obesity by Dr. Kahan had my undivided attention. Although I paid close attention to every lecture, obesity was the most interesting. I would like to write about obesity, because I have close friends, family as well as friends of my family that are obese. This particular topic hit close to home for me, and I felt it was necessary to find out more about why and how this epidemic is growing so rapidly in America. Obesity in the US is rising every year. Based on information provided in lecture, 1 out of every 3 Americans are clinically obese, and 68% of people are overweight. Being obese increases the chance of a shorter life span as well as the increase in risk of death and also increasing the chances of type2 diabetes. While in class I was informed that obesity rates in children has sky rocketed since the 1980s which isn't a good thing. Considering the life expectancy for the generation now and the one after will decrease significantly.
Lastly, I thought about health care in the US. I've expressed my thoughts on the US health care system in my previous blog postings. But I cant emphasize how much health care means to me. I want to make a difference in the world by becoming a cardiac surgeon, but I cant help everyone who needs it because the lack of quality health care in the US. I didn't realize how many people were uninsured in America and it really brings tears to my eyes knowing that all the sick people in the US cant be healed or treated.
I really took these three topics to heart mainly because they either hit home really hard or for the simple fact that I really care about improving these things in the population.
Until next time, stay healthy.
Kiara
The reason why I liked injury prevention so much is because it's a serious issue in public health. A lot of people believe that injuries are accidents, and that's true, but in most cases these injuries can be prevented. Unintentional injuries account for 2/3 of the injuries in the country. These injuries are almost 80% of the years of potential life loss chart. Considering the US spends so much money, $406 Billion, on injuries I though it would be a interesting topic. Also, I found the different types of injuries to be very interesting. Injury is a population level problem and this problem is not obvious.
The lecture that focused on obesity by Dr. Kahan had my undivided attention. Although I paid close attention to every lecture, obesity was the most interesting. I would like to write about obesity, because I have close friends, family as well as friends of my family that are obese. This particular topic hit close to home for me, and I felt it was necessary to find out more about why and how this epidemic is growing so rapidly in America. Obesity in the US is rising every year. Based on information provided in lecture, 1 out of every 3 Americans are clinically obese, and 68% of people are overweight. Being obese increases the chance of a shorter life span as well as the increase in risk of death and also increasing the chances of type2 diabetes. While in class I was informed that obesity rates in children has sky rocketed since the 1980s which isn't a good thing. Considering the life expectancy for the generation now and the one after will decrease significantly.
Lastly, I thought about health care in the US. I've expressed my thoughts on the US health care system in my previous blog postings. But I cant emphasize how much health care means to me. I want to make a difference in the world by becoming a cardiac surgeon, but I cant help everyone who needs it because the lack of quality health care in the US. I didn't realize how many people were uninsured in America and it really brings tears to my eyes knowing that all the sick people in the US cant be healed or treated.
I really took these three topics to heart mainly because they either hit home really hard or for the simple fact that I really care about improving these things in the population.
Until next time, stay healthy.
Kiara
Friday, April 2, 2010
My Public Health Experience
Today's topic focuses on my perspective of the first "half" of my Intro. to Public Health course. Throughout the course we discussed a variety of topics ranging from what public health is and health policy and worked our way to obesity. I honestly enjoyed each topic because there was so much information that I never knew. Each class discussion taught me something new, and although there were a few things I did know, learning the information a second was refreshing. My favorite class discussions were the ones that focused on health care and obesity. Based on the information we learned these are two of the biggest issues public health is facing. I enjoyed the health care lecture, because I have a sincere concern for the public. I love to help people and I really want to make a difference in the health field, and this cannot be done without access to quality health care. To think that there's a mother out in the world who doesn't have quality health care which means she has no access to vitamins and medicines needed during her pregnancy really gets to me. While in class, we talked about other countries having health care for their citizens yet they don't spend as much money as the US annually on health care. In the US 47 million uninsured Americans and yet we spend trillions of dollars on health care, all the while the rates continue to rise. As far as obesity being one of favorites, I really enjoyed learning about healthy eating, how pricing is associated with the government and how being overweight and/or clinically obese is harmful to our bodies.
One thing I found surprising about public health is that we spend more money than other countries combined but we have so many uninsured Americans. I could not believe it! I thought we were in better standings in terms health care. We have a numerous amount of doctors, physicians, and health care workers, there's no way our health care system is this bad. Right? No wrong. Considering these health care workers have to be paid, and since people are uninsured there is the problem. There is a big problem with health insurance and money for US citizens.
When I signed up for this public health course I wanted to learn more about the health care field and I did. Nothing has changed about my perception in regards to the public health field. If anything I am more interested into going further into the public health aspect as well as being a hearth surgeon. Taking this course has really opened my eyes to the public health field. I think that this course has made me more aware of issues the public faces and I am really interested in making a difference in the near future. I really am glad I took this course and I look forward to the other public health courses I will take while continuing my education here at Hopkins.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Kiara
One thing I found surprising about public health is that we spend more money than other countries combined but we have so many uninsured Americans. I could not believe it! I thought we were in better standings in terms health care. We have a numerous amount of doctors, physicians, and health care workers, there's no way our health care system is this bad. Right? No wrong. Considering these health care workers have to be paid, and since people are uninsured there is the problem. There is a big problem with health insurance and money for US citizens.
When I signed up for this public health course I wanted to learn more about the health care field and I did. Nothing has changed about my perception in regards to the public health field. If anything I am more interested into going further into the public health aspect as well as being a hearth surgeon. Taking this course has really opened my eyes to the public health field. I think that this course has made me more aware of issues the public faces and I am really interested in making a difference in the near future. I really am glad I took this course and I look forward to the other public health courses I will take while continuing my education here at Hopkins.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Kiara
Friday, March 26, 2010
Health Care Reform 2010
This week's topic focuses on the latest health reform bill that was recently passed in Congress this week. The health reform bill was announced in Iowa City by President Obama May, 2007. This health reform bill should focus mainly on reducing long-term growth in health car costs for businesses and government, guaranteeing the choice of doctors and health plans, improving patient safety and quality of care services, help maintain coverage if you change or lose your job, investing in prevention and wellness, helping to protect families from filing for bankrupcty or going into debt because of health care costs, and helping to end barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Based on all the main focal areas, this bill was created to help Americans who have issues with health care costs, but mainly to support uninsured Americans.
As far as the stakeholders who were most in favor of this health reform bill were the Democratic arty. From my personal opinion, I think the Democratic party was most in favor of the bill because they strive "to create a sustainable and independent clean energy economy, provide all American children the first rate education they deserve, and finally guarantee high-equality, affordable health care to every American man, woman, and child. " I found this statement on the Democratic party website. Although 34 Democrats voted against the bill, it was still passed. I think this minor portion of the Democratic party are considered to be conservatives and believe in limited change in the government. The stakeholders who were most opposed to the bill were the Republican party. They all voted against the bill. According to the Huffington Post, the Republican party is pretty much against "Democrats making fundamental progressive change." So the entire Republican party voted against the health care reform bill in order to stop the progression the Democrats are trying to bring in the country.
My thoughts about the health care reform are beyond ecstatic. I am excited, because I think this bill is going to provide a helpful service for uninsured Americans. As we discuss the issues with public health care issues, I felt as though America was doing a mediocre job as far as providing health care for its citizens. As rich as we are, our health care system spends so much money on health care, yet so many Americans are uninsured. The part that really upsets me is the fact that other countries actually provide health care for all of their citizens and have less money than the U.S. I think it's a good piece of legislation, because it shows that the government actually cares about the citizens and their health care. I'm not sure how much the bill will affect my family and I, but hopefully the health care system improves a great deal. By the time I enter the health care professional world, hopefully all U.S. citizens will have a definite availability of health care.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Kiara
As far as the stakeholders who were most in favor of this health reform bill were the Democratic arty. From my personal opinion, I think the Democratic party was most in favor of the bill because they strive "to create a sustainable and independent clean energy economy, provide all American children the first rate education they deserve, and finally guarantee high-equality, affordable health care to every American man, woman, and child. " I found this statement on the Democratic party website. Although 34 Democrats voted against the bill, it was still passed. I think this minor portion of the Democratic party are considered to be conservatives and believe in limited change in the government. The stakeholders who were most opposed to the bill were the Republican party. They all voted against the bill. According to the Huffington Post, the Republican party is pretty much against "Democrats making fundamental progressive change." So the entire Republican party voted against the health care reform bill in order to stop the progression the Democrats are trying to bring in the country.
My thoughts about the health care reform are beyond ecstatic. I am excited, because I think this bill is going to provide a helpful service for uninsured Americans. As we discuss the issues with public health care issues, I felt as though America was doing a mediocre job as far as providing health care for its citizens. As rich as we are, our health care system spends so much money on health care, yet so many Americans are uninsured. The part that really upsets me is the fact that other countries actually provide health care for all of their citizens and have less money than the U.S. I think it's a good piece of legislation, because it shows that the government actually cares about the citizens and their health care. I'm not sure how much the bill will affect my family and I, but hopefully the health care system improves a great deal. By the time I enter the health care professional world, hopefully all U.S. citizens will have a definite availability of health care.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Kiara
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The U.S. Health Care System
Today's topic focuses on issues with the U.S. Health Care System. For this particular topic, the article studied was "Health Spending Projections Through 2019: The Recession's Impact Continues" by Christopher J. Truffer, et. al. This article describes the National Health Expenditures (NHE) from 2007 to 2019. The projected estimates are based on the current spendings that are occurring now and the ones that have occurred in previous years. The three main sources of health care that are discussed in this article are Medicaid, Medicare, and Private health insurance. Medicare was established in 1965 for the elderly and disabled citizens. There are three parts to Medicare, which are part a. Hospital Impatient (which is the pay as you go plan) part b. Physician Outpatient (financed by general revenue) and part d. Prescription Drugs (added in 2006 administered through private drug plans and also financed by general revenue, payments from the state and beneficiary premiums). Medicaid was also established in 1965 and covers certain low-income groups of people. People that are eligible for Medicaid are children and parents, the disabled and the elderly. Medicaid is administered by the states and financed by federal/state FMAP. This particular form of health care is also referred to as SCHIP, State Children's Health Insurance Program. Medicaid is also based on a family or a household's federal poverty level (FPL). FPL is based on a fixed income for a certain amount of people in a household. For example, a family of three may receive Medicaid if their income is $2o,ooo a year (this is not a exact source, I just used random numbers). Private health insurance is when people either buy directly from the insurance company, receive it because they are an employer of a company that offers special plans, or they join cooperative and purchase insurance as a group. Based on the 2007 personal health care expenditures, Medicaid was 9%, Medicare was 22% and Private health insurance was 36%. Based on this article these from if health care are expected to decelerate by the year 2019 based on better financial expenditures in which the U.S. is expected to have in upcoming years.
Implications of continued increases in health care spending and continued proportional increases in public spending are medical prices and utilization. Medical prices as stated in the article are "influenced by economywide factors and 'relative medical price inflation,' which is the difference between medical and economywide price inflation." The growth of medical prices is steadily increasing. Utilization "which includes both the volume and the intensity (or complexity) of services" also accelerating. Though Medicare and Medicaid are both expected to decelerate by 2019, private insurance spending is expected to increase. Due to the changes in health care premiums and people who have high-costing claims, private insurance will constantly increase.
Based on the readings, class lectures, and common knowledge, I think the most pressing issues for healthcare reform are the issues that relate to spending. I think that there is so much money spent on healthcare and I personally feel as though the government needs to come up with a better budgeting plan. If I could change one thing about our healthcare system it would be the distribution of healthcare to all Americans. I think it is very important that U.S. citizens all have healthcare. I would change the FPL so that it would help families with a certain income. I don't know as of now how I would change these things, but I would come up with a way for healthcare to be distributed to all U.S. citizens no matter if they're sick, jobless, homeless, etc.
Until next time, Stay healthy!
Kiara
Implications of continued increases in health care spending and continued proportional increases in public spending are medical prices and utilization. Medical prices as stated in the article are "influenced by economywide factors and 'relative medical price inflation,' which is the difference between medical and economywide price inflation." The growth of medical prices is steadily increasing. Utilization "which includes both the volume and the intensity (or complexity) of services" also accelerating. Though Medicare and Medicaid are both expected to decelerate by 2019, private insurance spending is expected to increase. Due to the changes in health care premiums and people who have high-costing claims, private insurance will constantly increase.
Based on the readings, class lectures, and common knowledge, I think the most pressing issues for healthcare reform are the issues that relate to spending. I think that there is so much money spent on healthcare and I personally feel as though the government needs to come up with a better budgeting plan. If I could change one thing about our healthcare system it would be the distribution of healthcare to all Americans. I think it is very important that U.S. citizens all have healthcare. I would change the FPL so that it would help families with a certain income. I don't know as of now how I would change these things, but I would come up with a way for healthcare to be distributed to all U.S. citizens no matter if they're sick, jobless, homeless, etc.
Until next time, Stay healthy!
Kiara
Friday, March 5, 2010
Global Health
Today's topic comes from the article "The Challenge of Global Health" by Garrett, Laurie, Foreign Affairs, 0015720, Jan/Feb2007, Vol. 86, Issue 1. This article focused on global health as mentioned in the title, but mainly the lack of resources we have available to the world's poor and sick citizens. In this article they discuss a variety of different issues that are affecting the world's health in countries like Botswana, Ghana, Haiti, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kadoma, Mozambique, and Guinea-Bissau. The government does not have enough money to fund for all of these countries as well as others that were mentioned in this article. In order to fun for these countries there has to be a donor organization that will provide money for these government agencies. As government agencies sometimes raising money or have trouble receiving money from donors, most people just donate money independently of their government. For example, the article mentions "Americans donated $7.4 billion for disaster relief in 2005 and $22.4 billion for domestic and foreign health programs and research." This was more money than the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had given away, they gave away $6.6 billion. I think that when it comes to global issues, Americans are absolutely amazing for raising money. As it is a little off topic, Haiti was recently hit by a devastating earthquake, and Americans are working hard to raise more and more money in order to provide relief for people in Haiti.
In this article that author suggests many reasons why in spite of the enormous monetary resources now available for global health, but we continue to see worsening of public health globally in the developing world. The reason I believe is most valid is health-care systems. The article states various times that in developing countries a lot if their doctors and nurses are either a) dying from HIV/AIDS or b) being removed by emigration and education to the United States. "One out of five practicing physicians in the United States is foreign-trained." I do agree with this statement. A lot of people learn and study medicine and come to the US for a better life. The shortage of doctors and nurses is a result of death possibly from exposure to TB and possibly infected needles from working with HIV/AIDS infected patients. In a recent reading, I can't remember what it what as of now, but when it comes back to me I will post it, but I read that in some poor countries, doctors and physicians use the same needles for their patients. I am not 100% sure if that is still happening, but it could be a possibility.
The two markers that are considered the most important indicators of the status of health care systems in developing countries are funding and health-care workers. These markers are so important because they determine the future for people in developing countries. Funding is important because these countries need money in order to provide their citizens with health care, medicine, and treatments. Without funding there is no hope for these countries. As far as health-care workers are concerned, if there are no doctors who's going to treat the ill people? There have to be doctors in order for the citizens in these countries to be taken care of.
Throughout the article, the author provides several examples of how faulty systems and lack of sustainability of current donors practices lead to more deadly states than initially encountered. Two of these diseases are HIV/AIDS and TB. The current donor of these two diseases are the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation recently starting donating as of August 2006 and so far they have donated $6.6 billion. The Bush Administration as also donated toward these two diseases with $11.4 billion in 2001 and increased to $27.5 billion in 2005.
Until next time, I hope you've enjoyed my blog. Stay healthy!
Kiara
In this article that author suggests many reasons why in spite of the enormous monetary resources now available for global health, but we continue to see worsening of public health globally in the developing world. The reason I believe is most valid is health-care systems. The article states various times that in developing countries a lot if their doctors and nurses are either a) dying from HIV/AIDS or b) being removed by emigration and education to the United States. "One out of five practicing physicians in the United States is foreign-trained." I do agree with this statement. A lot of people learn and study medicine and come to the US for a better life. The shortage of doctors and nurses is a result of death possibly from exposure to TB and possibly infected needles from working with HIV/AIDS infected patients. In a recent reading, I can't remember what it what as of now, but when it comes back to me I will post it, but I read that in some poor countries, doctors and physicians use the same needles for their patients. I am not 100% sure if that is still happening, but it could be a possibility.
The two markers that are considered the most important indicators of the status of health care systems in developing countries are funding and health-care workers. These markers are so important because they determine the future for people in developing countries. Funding is important because these countries need money in order to provide their citizens with health care, medicine, and treatments. Without funding there is no hope for these countries. As far as health-care workers are concerned, if there are no doctors who's going to treat the ill people? There have to be doctors in order for the citizens in these countries to be taken care of.
Throughout the article, the author provides several examples of how faulty systems and lack of sustainability of current donors practices lead to more deadly states than initially encountered. Two of these diseases are HIV/AIDS and TB. The current donor of these two diseases are the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation recently starting donating as of August 2006 and so far they have donated $6.6 billion. The Bush Administration as also donated toward these two diseases with $11.4 billion in 2001 and increased to $27.5 billion in 2005.
Until next time, I hope you've enjoyed my blog. Stay healthy!
Kiara
Friday, February 26, 2010
Mary V. Kirk versus WYMAN et al., Board Of Health
Today's topic is focused on a case in the Supreme Court of South Carolina. This case, as mentioned in the title of this blog, was between Miss Mary V. Kirk versus WYMAN et al., Board of Health. This case discusses the investigation of Mary Kirk, who was a resident of Aiken, South Carolina, was affected with leprosy in its contagious state. The Aiken board of health wanted to take Ms. Kirk from home and move her to the city hospital for infectious diseases. Ms. Kirk felt that in her condition she was no danger to the community, and the board of health would be placing her in an even more dangerous environment. Ms. Kirk also mentioned that the place was "the city pesthouse...used only for he purpose of incarcerating Negroes having small-pox and other dangerous and infectious diseases." Not to mention that this pesthouse was located near the city dumping grounds. The judge in charge of the case, Judge Aldrich, created a temporary restraining order and said the board of health needed to provide information as to why this temporary injunction should not be granted. The board submitted five answers in response to the judge's request. These answers consisted of reasons as to how detrimental her disease was, how they had come up with a way to house Ms. Kirk in a cottage located outside the city after her refusal to leave the city, and they also mentioned that the dumping grounds were 100 yards from the hospital. After hearing the board's response, the judge granted a temporary injunction that restricted the board of health from removing Ms. Kirk to the city hospital and pesthouse.
Soon after the judge's decision, the board again felt Ms. Kirk was contagious and she should be isolated until someplace that was more suitable for her was available. Granted by the mayor and council, they agreed to construct this cottage as soon as possible. The article goes on to discuss future plans in regards to future issues similar to this case.
I honestly do not think there is a difference between quarantine and isolation. They both coincide with each other. Quarantine deals with the isolation of a person or a people while isolation deals the separation of a person or people as a quarantine due to contagious and infectious diseases.
When it comes to the decision as to when an individual should be quarantined, I think that should be left up to the board of health or the CDC. Simply because many individuals like Miss Mary Kirk, believe that they are perfectly fine. When in fact they are a danger to the public. I think if the disease is contagious and infectious the individual should be quarantined as soon as possible. For example, if a school teacher begins to feel faint and is experiencing various symptoms of the flu she should be quarantined within the next few hours. I feel strongly about this because she works with children, and their immune systems have to work twice as hard to fight off infections.
I'm not sure as to how I feel towards who should balance the right of the individual verses the right of the community. I say this because I feel as if the government would make the right decisions to protect the people, but in this particular case the government ruled in favor of Ms. Kirk and she was a danger to the people. So I think that was a bad decision made by the court. It shows that despite hard factual evidence, they decided on the personal feelings of the individual, which is important, but it's also detrimental to society. I am basically neutral when it comes to this question. I think if Ms. Kirk going to the pesthouse was an issue then they should have improved the pesthouse for all individuals.
Again, I am neutral when it comes to siding with the protection of individuals and the protection of a community because I agree with both sides. When it comes to the protection of the individual, I think personal safety plays a big factor. For example, in this case Ms. Kirk felt as though the pesthouse was unsafe. I believe that if she was placed there she could have contracted as well as spread more diseases. When it come to the safety of the community, I feel as though protection from the government is critical. We should always be aware of potential or hazardous risks that are in society. I think that in both cases, the government could improve the way they handle certain situations as well as providing a safer quarantine or isolated environment.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Soon after the judge's decision, the board again felt Ms. Kirk was contagious and she should be isolated until someplace that was more suitable for her was available. Granted by the mayor and council, they agreed to construct this cottage as soon as possible. The article goes on to discuss future plans in regards to future issues similar to this case.
I honestly do not think there is a difference between quarantine and isolation. They both coincide with each other. Quarantine deals with the isolation of a person or a people while isolation deals the separation of a person or people as a quarantine due to contagious and infectious diseases.
When it comes to the decision as to when an individual should be quarantined, I think that should be left up to the board of health or the CDC. Simply because many individuals like Miss Mary Kirk, believe that they are perfectly fine. When in fact they are a danger to the public. I think if the disease is contagious and infectious the individual should be quarantined as soon as possible. For example, if a school teacher begins to feel faint and is experiencing various symptoms of the flu she should be quarantined within the next few hours. I feel strongly about this because she works with children, and their immune systems have to work twice as hard to fight off infections.
I'm not sure as to how I feel towards who should balance the right of the individual verses the right of the community. I say this because I feel as if the government would make the right decisions to protect the people, but in this particular case the government ruled in favor of Ms. Kirk and she was a danger to the people. So I think that was a bad decision made by the court. It shows that despite hard factual evidence, they decided on the personal feelings of the individual, which is important, but it's also detrimental to society. I am basically neutral when it comes to this question. I think if Ms. Kirk going to the pesthouse was an issue then they should have improved the pesthouse for all individuals.
Again, I am neutral when it comes to siding with the protection of individuals and the protection of a community because I agree with both sides. When it comes to the protection of the individual, I think personal safety plays a big factor. For example, in this case Ms. Kirk felt as though the pesthouse was unsafe. I believe that if she was placed there she could have contracted as well as spread more diseases. When it come to the safety of the community, I feel as though protection from the government is critical. We should always be aware of potential or hazardous risks that are in society. I think that in both cases, the government could improve the way they handle certain situations as well as providing a safer quarantine or isolated environment.
Until next time, stay healthy!
Friday, February 19, 2010
A Comparison In Health Care
Today's topic is focused on the performance of the US health-care measures in comparison to 29 other countries. These countries are members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, they are the Paris-based group of industrialized countries. For this particular blog the information is given in data and statistical viewing, (i.e., percentages). There are the highest rand lowest ranked percentages as well as the OECD average. The categories that are discussed are health resources, health spending, health care activities, risk factors and health status. Each one focuses on different topics, for example, under health status the topics are life expectancy and infant mortality. So there are five categories and nineteen topics.
As I read through each section, I found myself very surprised with most of the results. Of the nineteen topics, the US ranked the lowest in tobacco consumption with a population of ages 15 and over who are daily smokers. I was also surprised the US ranked the highest in total spending on health care.public spending on health and health spending per capita. I think I was more ever surprised because we spend so much money on health care, yet not a lot of citizens have health care. Based on this study, the US spends 16% on health care, where the OECD average is 8.8%. We are almost double that percentage, but yet we still have all these citizens who do not reap from these benefits. So this percentage is fairly high considering the fact that health care is only being provided to so many Americans.
The part I was least shocked about was the US ranking in the highest for obese population. This I believe to be 100% true. Americans have different diets from other countries. We have processed food, foods that we are consuming are high in fats, and oils that are not healthy. In some countries, for example Japan, they eat lots of grains and leafy foods. We also have higher calorie intakes than other countries. I also believe religion may play as a factor in these conditions. Many religions don't eat certain meats and processed foods. I think that obesity here in the US depends on your household and genetics. Some people are genetically created to be obese. Other people, however, eat out if depression and some people eat just because it's there. I kind of expected that topic for the US.
If I were a public health professional working for the CDC looking at these health measures, I feel that obese population in the US has the greatest future impact on public health. I think an intervention that could improve this measure/problem over the next few years and/or decades could possibly be reduction in processed foods. Although processed foods like canned goods save companies money, they are very unhealthy. I think if there was a case study on a group of obese people and a controlled study on obese people we could study what drives these eating habits. I guess we could stress the importance of how being obese is a health risk as well as a higher risk of dying. Researchers now say it has a lot to do with genetics, calorie intake, etc. which is true, but how could we as a country develop new eating habits? And not necessarily new eating habits, but a healthier lifestyle. Maybe there's a way we could reduce the usage of salt in food processing. At this moment I'm not 100% sure, but I think it's worth a try.
Until next time, stay healthy!
-Kiara
As I read through each section, I found myself very surprised with most of the results. Of the nineteen topics, the US ranked the lowest in tobacco consumption with a population of ages 15 and over who are daily smokers. I was also surprised the US ranked the highest in total spending on health care.public spending on health and health spending per capita. I think I was more ever surprised because we spend so much money on health care, yet not a lot of citizens have health care. Based on this study, the US spends 16% on health care, where the OECD average is 8.8%. We are almost double that percentage, but yet we still have all these citizens who do not reap from these benefits. So this percentage is fairly high considering the fact that health care is only being provided to so many Americans.
The part I was least shocked about was the US ranking in the highest for obese population. This I believe to be 100% true. Americans have different diets from other countries. We have processed food, foods that we are consuming are high in fats, and oils that are not healthy. In some countries, for example Japan, they eat lots of grains and leafy foods. We also have higher calorie intakes than other countries. I also believe religion may play as a factor in these conditions. Many religions don't eat certain meats and processed foods. I think that obesity here in the US depends on your household and genetics. Some people are genetically created to be obese. Other people, however, eat out if depression and some people eat just because it's there. I kind of expected that topic for the US.
If I were a public health professional working for the CDC looking at these health measures, I feel that obese population in the US has the greatest future impact on public health. I think an intervention that could improve this measure/problem over the next few years and/or decades could possibly be reduction in processed foods. Although processed foods like canned goods save companies money, they are very unhealthy. I think if there was a case study on a group of obese people and a controlled study on obese people we could study what drives these eating habits. I guess we could stress the importance of how being obese is a health risk as well as a higher risk of dying. Researchers now say it has a lot to do with genetics, calorie intake, etc. which is true, but how could we as a country develop new eating habits? And not necessarily new eating habits, but a healthier lifestyle. Maybe there's a way we could reduce the usage of salt in food processing. At this moment I'm not 100% sure, but I think it's worth a try.
Until next time, stay healthy!
-Kiara
Friday, February 12, 2010
Public Health Achievements
The topic for today's blog deals with the ten great public health achievements of the US in the 20th century. The article I will discuss was published my the CDC and focuses on the these achievements. In the first two paragraphs the article, the CDC describes the how health and life expectancy in the US have improved. In addition to that, the average lifespan for people residing in the US was greater than 30 years. Of those 30 years, 25 years are geared toward the advances in public health. Based on the CDC the ten great public health achievements from 1900-1999 are: vaccination, motor-vehicle safety, safer workplaces, controlling of infectious diseases, decline in deaths from heart disease and stroke, safer and healthier foods, healthier mothers and babies, family planning, fluoridation of drinking water, and recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard. After listing these achievements, the article goes on to describe each one in further detail.
I thought the article was very interesting and informative. In regards to the article being so short, it was straight to the point the delivered a clear message. However, I did think the article could have listed the years in which each achievement occurred. To state that each achievement happened between a 99 year time span is not as informative.
One achievement that resonates with me is the one that relates to vaccination. As a child I had chicken pox and I really didn't enjoy them. It was awful! But thanks to vaccination, I can no longer get chicken pox again. I think that all of these achievements affect me personally. If it was not for motor-vehicle safety, I would not have seat belts and air bags in my car. If it was not for safer and healthier foods, who knows how much bacteria I'd consume from the meats and vegetables I eat. Family Planning allows my parents, family members, and friends to decided when having children fits into their plans. Fluoridation of drinking water might be one of the most important. The fluoride in the water helps protect my teeth from decaying. I think that is most important now, because I recently moved from Michigan, where the water was considered to be some of the best in the nation, to Baltimore, where the water in my dorm isn't as clear and healthy. Just as the above mentioned achievements all of them are important in my life as well as my family, and friends.
At this very moment I am not sure if there is another great public health achievement that occurred during the 20th century, but did not make this list. I think that all of the things that could have been improved, were improved. The only thing I can think of right now is the practice of not drinking and driving. The rates of drinking and driving declined as the years progressed according to www.dui-usa.drinkdriving.org/dui_drunkdriving_statistics.php . I think this achievement should have made the list, because deaths from drunk driving began to decrease. Although there was not a drastic change in number, there was progression. I'm not sure if it didn't make the list because the statistics for drunk driving did not occur until later on in the century,but I still think it was a possibility that it should have made the list.
Until my next blog, stay healthy!
-Kiara
I thought the article was very interesting and informative. In regards to the article being so short, it was straight to the point the delivered a clear message. However, I did think the article could have listed the years in which each achievement occurred. To state that each achievement happened between a 99 year time span is not as informative.
One achievement that resonates with me is the one that relates to vaccination. As a child I had chicken pox and I really didn't enjoy them. It was awful! But thanks to vaccination, I can no longer get chicken pox again. I think that all of these achievements affect me personally. If it was not for motor-vehicle safety, I would not have seat belts and air bags in my car. If it was not for safer and healthier foods, who knows how much bacteria I'd consume from the meats and vegetables I eat. Family Planning allows my parents, family members, and friends to decided when having children fits into their plans. Fluoridation of drinking water might be one of the most important. The fluoride in the water helps protect my teeth from decaying. I think that is most important now, because I recently moved from Michigan, where the water was considered to be some of the best in the nation, to Baltimore, where the water in my dorm isn't as clear and healthy. Just as the above mentioned achievements all of them are important in my life as well as my family, and friends.
At this very moment I am not sure if there is another great public health achievement that occurred during the 20th century, but did not make this list. I think that all of the things that could have been improved, were improved. The only thing I can think of right now is the practice of not drinking and driving. The rates of drinking and driving declined as the years progressed according to www.dui-usa.drinkdriving.org/dui_drunkdriving_statistics.php . I think this achievement should have made the list, because deaths from drunk driving began to decrease. Although there was not a drastic change in number, there was progression. I'm not sure if it didn't make the list because the statistics for drunk driving did not occur until later on in the century,but I still think it was a possibility that it should have made the list.
Until my next blog, stay healthy!
-Kiara
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Introduction Blog
My name is Kiara Doss and I am currently a Neuroscience major. However, I will be declaring Public Health as my official major. I love to write and I really enjoy listening to music. My favorite music would have to be smooth jazz. I think it really helps to ease my mind from all the reading and studying that I do. I also enjoy sports. My favorite sports are tennis, basketball, and football. I have been playing tennis for the past 3 years and I was also co-captain of my high school varsity team.
I created this blog in regards to my Introduction to Public Health course. I think that this blog will give readers and myself a better understanding as to what public health really is. I will blog about readings that we cover in class, class lectures, current events, and news stories that are related to public health.
Well I am currently taking this course because I would like to go into the medical field. I want to be a heart surgeon. I think this course will provide a in depth display of health dealing with the population as a whole. From what I've learned so far public health does not have a distinct definition. No matter where you look, you'll never see the same definition to describe what public health is. However, in class we did discuss a few definitions. The first definition comes from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mission statement. Based on the CDC, public health is "To promote the health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability." The second definition comes from a report by the Institute of Medicine. They said "Public Health's mission is create the conditions within which people can be healthy." I think that both of those quotes coincide with each other. They both mention the protection in keeping the people healthy and providing good health conditions.
I thought the first two classes were really interesting. The material that we covered gave me insight on what public health really means in terms of health as a people. We discussed health policy, environmental health, prevention pathways, and poverty. Dr. Kahan and Dr. Alexander had my full undivided attention. I really think this course will help prepare me for not only for the medical field, but also learning how to prevent diseases and outbreaks for the population.
As I learn more, I will update my blog with more information. Until the next time, stay healthy!
-Kiara
I created this blog in regards to my Introduction to Public Health course. I think that this blog will give readers and myself a better understanding as to what public health really is. I will blog about readings that we cover in class, class lectures, current events, and news stories that are related to public health.
Well I am currently taking this course because I would like to go into the medical field. I want to be a heart surgeon. I think this course will provide a in depth display of health dealing with the population as a whole. From what I've learned so far public health does not have a distinct definition. No matter where you look, you'll never see the same definition to describe what public health is. However, in class we did discuss a few definitions. The first definition comes from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mission statement. Based on the CDC, public health is "To promote the health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability." The second definition comes from a report by the Institute of Medicine. They said "Public Health's mission is create the conditions within which people can be healthy." I think that both of those quotes coincide with each other. They both mention the protection in keeping the people healthy and providing good health conditions.
I thought the first two classes were really interesting. The material that we covered gave me insight on what public health really means in terms of health as a people. We discussed health policy, environmental health, prevention pathways, and poverty. Dr. Kahan and Dr. Alexander had my full undivided attention. I really think this course will help prepare me for not only for the medical field, but also learning how to prevent diseases and outbreaks for the population.
As I learn more, I will update my blog with more information. Until the next time, stay healthy!
-Kiara
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