Equity and access to care in my community are influenced by several demographic
factors such as education, health literacy, religion, preference, and skewed health beliefs as
explained by Lopert & Rosenbaum (2007) &Demarco & Healey-Walsh (2019). In my area,
obesity in children is a significant issue influenced by a balanced diet and sufficient physical
exercise (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), 2017). The
county government has put in place parks that can be utilized by children to play. However,
most children play with toys or watch television hence very little physical activity.
Simultaneously, access to care is limited by large distances to the nearest health facilities,
which makes it impossible for a majority of low-income families within the community.
Similarly, patients with insurance in public and private facilities do not travel to receive care
due to their large distances.
The significant factors that influence the community’s ability to address social, ethical,
and public health problems are ethnic discrimination, especially in minority groups (CDPHE,
2017). My years of experience as a registered nurse have shown pre-judgment among the
health personnel towards these communities. During the first six months, I experienced this
providing care to obese children since most of the work was left to me, an immigrant.
The opportunities for collaboration with community partners to promote healthy
children can be done through a multidisciplinary approach. Projects that promote proper
nutrition and a healthy lifestyle among children can be proposed to manage the health
facilities. Parents should receive sufficient education on the need for a balanced diet and
physical exercise. The facility’s managing directors can also be approached to develop
policies that allow [patients to manage their care needs within their locality. Further
collaboration with schools through school- feeding programs will ensure that children 0btain
balanced diet, which may be difficult for the parents to provide (CDPHE, 2017). Similar
policies that support physical education free periods should be encouraged to lower risks to
obesity. Further pediatric nurses should also recommend supplements such as minerals and
vitamins to boost the nutritional requirements required by the children
References
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). (2017). Overweight and
obesity in Colorado. Http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/Weight/obesity-in-Colorado-
infographic.html
Demarco, R. & Healey-Walsh, J. (2019). Community & Public Health Nursing. Philadelphia,
PA: Walters Kluwer.
Lopert, R., & Rosenbaum, S. (2007). What is Fair – Choice, Fairness, and Transparency in
Access to Prescription Medicines in the United States and Australia. Journal of Law,
Medicine and Ethics, 35(4), 643–656.
