Introduction
Individual health and well-being depend on good nutrition, physical activity, and appropriate body weight. These factors lower a person’s susceptibility to chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2017). A healthy diet and regular physical activity coupled with maintaining a healthy weight enable an individual to manage existing comorbidities so that they do not worsen with time. Notably, most Americans do not consume a healthy diet, and neither are physically active to levels that can maintain proper health. The adults in the United States consume fruits 1.1 times a day and vegetables about 1.6 times per day (CDC, 2017). Adolescents, on the other hand, reported lower intake. An analysis of age and gender in terms of a healthy diet reveals that fruits and vegetables do not meet the recommended quantities. Further, a majority of adults (81.6 %) and adolescents (81.8 %) do not engage in the recommended physical exercises (CDC, 2017). Therefore, the country has witnessed a steep increase in the number of obese people. This paper examines the health indicators in the community, disparities in the health delivery system as well as community leaders that can contribute to the proposed action plan.
Critical indicators of problems in the community
The two indicators that I see as a problem in my community are obesity and heart disease. Approximately 34 % of the adults and 16 % of the children are obese. Similarly, the leading causes of mortality are related to obesity, and such conditions include heart disease, diabetes type 2, and stroke. Notably, obesity has led to an increase in medical expenditure, increasing the burden to the medical delivery system and federal insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Disparities in health delivery systems and community services
Health disparities are an unfortunate reality in America’s healthcare system. There are different levels in terms of health indicators observed in various segments of the population. The size of the health gap can be felt between the highest and lowest groups of a population, as explained by Erwin & Brownson (2016). The disparities cause patients to come across barriers to health such as inequity and lack of fairness. These are also brought about by specific social determinants such as ethnic background, socioeconomic characteristics, age, and geographical region.
Further disparities in healthcare delivery are influenced by life expectancy, mortality rates, and incidence of chronic diseases (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). The healthcare system’s operation is influenced by the forces of demand and supply such that underserved and disadvantaged populations lack adequate access to secondary and tertiary care services. Similarly, the lack of access to health insurance and low income to facilitate co-payments makes it difficult for black Americans, Latinos, and individuals from Hispanic origins to access quality care.
Community leaders
The national and community leaders play an essential role in the formulation of policies and utilizing them to address health care disparities while creating opportunities to promote better health choices (Erwin & Brownson, 2016). For example, the County Health Board can formulate policies on community education programs to be done quarterly on healthy eating and physical exercises. Further, a sports day to celebrate healthy living can be included in the community health activities to create awareness.
The permanent secretary of health can also implement policies that create safer neighborhoods and fresh food can be made readily available by improving horticultural foods’ value chain. Federal and State programs directly influence community health and resources; hence funding for the action plan can only be possible through support from national and non-governmental agencies. I will also approach the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission president, who has taken up the mantle to build a national culture rich in health and wellness, promoting a healthier nation and communities. Similarly, the local board of health, made up of specific community segments, can make the action plan a reality through further collaborations with community health centers in the field. For example, programs that promote weight checking at triage will enable the patient to know potential risks to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Conclusion
Obesity has been seen as a problem on the rise in the United States. The adult population who have unhealthy weight rose to 38.6 percent in the 2013 to 2016 survey. Out of these, the male population was more obese (18.1 %) as compared to their female counterparts (17.5 %) (CDC, 2017). Healthy People 2020’s aim in nutrition and weight status is to reduce the proportion of obese adults by feeding on a healthy diet and being physically active. Healthy nutrition enables individuals to maintain a healthy body mass index and reduce stroke and heart disease susceptibility. Healthy feeding also strengthens muscles, bones, and joints while improving an individual’s mood and energy levels.
Bottom of Form
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). National Center for Health Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/
Erwin, P. C., & Brownson, R. C. (2016). Principles of public health practice. Delmar, Cengage Learning. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781337512817
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2020). Disparities. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Disparities
