Infectious and chronic diseases represent common health issues that affect the quality of peoples lives and increase their exposure to other risks, therefore, creating premises for major complications. Therefore, studying infections and chronic diseases to locate key patterns in their development and, thus, produce strategies for minimizing the risks. Though infectious and chronic diseases are exceptionally difficult to avoid due to their pervasiveness, the use of PPE and compliance with the principles of a healthy lifestyle will help to reduce the threat of contracting infectious diseases and developing chronic ones.
The range of factors that may entail the development of a chronic disease in an individual is quite large. However, most cases can be grouped according to four primary categories that indicate major causes of chronic diseases and disorders. These include poor nutrition, which leads to the emergence of vulnerabilities due to the failure to supply the necessary amount of nutrients and vitamins to the patients body, which leads to a drop in the quality of the immune systems performance. Similarly, the use of tobacco or exposure to second-hand smoking may also lead to major chronic issues, such as asthma or other respiratory disorders 9Anderson & Durstine, 2019). Similarly, alcohol abuse is likely to case major chronic issues, particularly, alcoholism and the related dependencies, as ell as kidney, and liver issues 9Anderson & Durstine, 2019). Finally, the fourth factor leading to the development of chronic conditions, particularly, weight gain and obesity, is the lack or absence of physical activity 9Anderson & Durstine, 2019). The specified set of factors are most likely to cause the emergence of chronic disorders or cause a health issue to evolve to a chronic state.
Prevention effectiveness is a crucial characteristic of an intervention aimed at minimizing the threat of an infectious or chronic illness. Typically, three core elements of the prevention effectiveness study are identified; these are problem identification, audience identification, and perspective identification. The specified elements allow narrowing the process of searching for the solution down substantially. Specifically, each of the stages allows determining the supposed positive outcomes of the proposed change or a new policy to be introduced into the healthcare context for addressing the issue of infectious diseases (Akalu et al., 2020). Problem identification serves to locate the specific issue that must be addressed, where audience identification helps to isolate the essential characteristics of the target population at which the intervention is aimed. Finally, perspective identification helps determine the costs, the scope, and the time required to produce a positive effect on a specific patient, community, and global society at large (Akalu et al., 2020). Combined, the specified components of the prevention framework can be used to minimize exposure to specific health risks.
Managing a health issue of diabetes could be considered an example of a prevention strategy. To assess preventive efforts to be taken in order to yield positive health outcomes, one should compare the levels of diabetes development, as well as the percentage of people within the at-risk groups for diabetes development, in the pre- and post-intervention environment. Thus, an accurate estimation of the interventions success can be conducted.
Despite their ubiquitous nature, infectious and chronic diseases can be avoided with the sue of respective practices such as vaccinations, wearing PPE, health literacy development, and leading a health lifestyle. The specified measures will imply that the approach to patient-nurse communication should be challenged., pacifically, the introduction of sociall media tools and digital options must be considered to improve the quality of patient education regarding infectious and chronic diseases.
IBD refers to a set of conditions that results in irritation and an increase of tissues in the digestive tract. Examples of the diseases include Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. In IBS, the term refers to symptoms that manifest when contents in the large intestines move at a fast or slower rate. IBD is a structural disease because the condition can be observed using tests such as x-ray, endoscopy, or through biopsy, where tissues are examined using a microscope. When the patient suffering from IBS is assessed using tests like a biopsy, the results are unrevealing.
In IBD, the gut gets infected by long-term inflammation that lasts from months to years. As a result, symptoms such as malaise and fever manifest. Affected intestines bleed, thus resulting in a reduction of hemoglobin, leading to anemia. The patient loses weight due to the inability to tolerate feeds because of intestinal attacks and the bowels inflamed tissues (Roda et al., 2019). On the other hand, IBS has got no defining symptoms upon assessment through physical examination. However, some findings, such as a mass in the abdomen, fistulas, or anemia features, can be depicted.
For effective and therapeutic nursing practice, understanding the pathophysiology and of different conditions is critical in establishing ones responsibilities such as treatment, medication management, improved assessment skills, and ordering of correct diagnostic tests. Also, general health management, prevention of diseases, and provision of quality nursing care will be part of my portion as a future nursing practitioner. For example, depicting the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease at my fingertips will differentiate the conditions and provide therapeutic interventions to my future patients. Given that my patient portrays symptoms of fever, malaise, and inability to tolerate feeds, l will suspect that the patient is at risk of malnutrition, weight loss and prepare to give effective intervention. I believe nurses should have adequate knowledge in the pathophysiology of conditions for effective nursing practice.
Reference
Roda, G., Chien Ng, S., Kotze, P. G., Argollo, M., Panaccione, R., Spinelli, A., Kaser, A., Peyrin-Biroulet, L., Danese, S. (2020). Crohns disease.Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 6(1), 1-19. Web.
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) is one of the deadly infections that pose a significant threat to both human and non-human primates. In 2014 the world health organization declared the Ebola virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) (Kamorudeen et al., 2020). The declaration called for the international communitys attention in coordinating efforts to reduce the spread of the virus in West Africa. By 2016, more than 11000 deaths had been reported from 28646 cases (Kamorudeen et al., 2020). In the United States, two people who had traveled from West Africa died while two others recovered. Since its discovery, the EVD remains a global threat that requires close monitoring. Although the 2014-2016 Ebola pandemic was contained, in 2018, the virus resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing 2287 people from 3470 cases (Kamorudeen et al., 2020). The virus is highly contagious, making it easier to spread rapidly from one point to another. There is a need for extensive scientific research on the Ebola virus to enable healthcare stakeholders and the public to draft effective measures to fight the infection and prevent future outbreaks.
Rationale
The previous Ebola outbreaks have proved deadly and can easily be uncontrollable within a short time if urgent interventions are not employed. Therefore, this paper aims to provide the necessary information about the virus to help promote public safety and reduce the spread of the disease in case of an outbreak. Providing the public with the essential information about the Ebola virus will facilitate a swift response during an outbreak and significantly reduce the number of victims. Additionally, creating more awareness about Ebola will enable the public to take the necessary precautions against risk factors that can cause an outbreak. The primary objectives of this paper include analyzing the major causes of the Ebola virus, its various modes of transmission, its signs and symptoms, and the various control measures.
Causes of EVD
The Ebola virus majorly affects the blood clotting process leading to internal bleeding. The virus interferes with the blood vessels internal lining, causing blood to leak from the vessels into the body, resulting in internal bleeding. Additionally, the Ebola virus tends to cause tissue inflammation and damage. The Ebola Virus Disease can be caused by various viruses, including the Tai Forest virus (TAFV), Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), the Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV), and the Sudan virus (SUDV) (Kamorudeen et al., 2020). The Zaire Ebola virus is considered the deadliest virus and is responsible for causing most of the outbreaks recently. Although the origin of Ebola remains unknown, it is believed to have originated from bats and transmitted to humans and other animals, especially non-human primates, including gorillas and chimpanzees.
The virus causes infections by attaching itself to the cellular membrane of the target cells. The Ebola virus replicates by combining its host cell structures and viral encoded enzymes to produce macromolecular structures that accumulate in the hosts cells (Sridhar, 2022). Once the virus has attached itself to the cell membrane of the target cell, it produces nucleoprotein abundantly, which is responsible for the viral genome replication. The newly replicated genomes accumulate in the cell membrane forming a bud (Sridhar, 2022). When the bud matures, it releases particles that spread to infect other cells by repeating the cycle. Research on the virus genetics has been difficult because it is highly virulent.
Process Replication
Transmission
The primary mode of transmission of the Ebola virus among humans is through direct contact with an infected persons body fluids. Body fluids that carry the virus include blood, saliva, semen, urine, breast milk, vomit, mucus, and feces (Jacob et al., 2020). Most of the transmission occurs through blood, vomit, and feces. Transmission through saliva is not common because only extremely sick people can spread the virus through saliva (Jacob et al., 2020). The virus reportedly can survive in a body fluid outside an infected persons body for a few days. Additionally, it can survive on dry, contaminated surfaces for a few hours. Having direct contact with contaminated surfaces can transmit the virus. The virus enters the body through various openings, including the nose, open wounds, eyes, and mouth (Jacob et al., 2020). Additionally, the virus can enter the body through abrasions and cuts.
Patients who have recovered from the virus may have it persistent in their semen, thus risking transmission through sexual intercourse. It is believed that the virus can stay persistent in the semen of a recovered patient for more than three months (Den Boon et al., 2019). Furthermore, the virus can reportedly survive in the breast milk of recovered patients for an unknown period (Den Boon et al., 2019). However, people who have recovered from the virus are considered not infectious. Dead bodies are highly infectious, making burial rituals risky events that can lead to transmissions. The burial of victims of the virus must be conducted by people with protective gear with utmost caution to prevent having direct contact with the infected body. Furthermore, healthcare workers are often at a greater risk of infection, especially when they operate without protective clothing or incorrectly handle the contaminated clothing.
Signs and Symptoms
The incubation period for Ebola is between 6 and 21 days. In other instances, the virus incubation period is between 4 and 10 days after infection. There are rare cases where symptoms are more than 21 days after infection (Feldmann et al., 2020). Initial symptoms of the virus include headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, sore throat, and fever. Most of the initial symptoms tend to match the influenza characteristics. As the virus develops, the patient starts to experience vomiting, abdominal pains, nausea, and diarrhea. Severe diarrhea and vomiting tend to cause serious dehydration due to excessive body water loss (Feldmann et al., 2020). Additionally, the patient may experience shortness of breath, severe chest pains, and headaches.
After five to seven days after the onset of the first symptom, some patients may experience internal and external bleeding. Bleeding is usually caused by the reduced blood ability to clot. Internal bleeding is often traced in the patients stool, vomiting, and coughing blood (Feldmann et al., 2020). Furthermore, bleeding may occur around the injection sites, eyes, and other openings. Some patients may experience heavy bleeding in the digestive tract. Recovering from the infection may begin on the seventh to 14th day from the first symptom. However, death can occur six to sixteen days after incubation (Feldmann et al., 2020). Many deaths are a result of excessive loss of body fluids.
Symptoms of Ebola
Prevention and Control Measure
Prevention of an Ebola outbreak is a collaborative initiative involving the public and healthcare officials. One of the most effective preventive mechanisms for the Ebola virus is the administration of vaccines (Soeters et al., 2018). There is an urgent need to educate the general population on the risk factors that cause EVD and the mechanisms that can be employed to prevent the spread of the virus. Some protective measures that prevent the spread of the virus include washing hands with soap and running water regularly and maintaining a significant distance from the infected persons. Additionally, disinfecting surfaces using alcohol-based products is essential to eliminate the virus (Soeters et al., 2018). Bush meat should be adequately cooked before consumption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ebola is a deadly virus that requires urgent mechanisms to prevent future outbreaks. The virus is highly contagious, making it a significant threat to public health. Effectively managing this virus requires a collaborative approach between the public and healthcare stakeholders. There is a need for extensive public awareness on the preventive practices that can be initiated to avoid the viruss spreading risk factors. Furthermore, there is a need for broad research to understand the nature of the virus and develop more preventive measures to reduce future outbreaks.
References
Den Boon, S., Marston, B. J., Nyenswah, T. G., Jambai, A., Barry, M., Keita, S.,. & Dye, C. (2019). Ebola virus infection associated with transmission from survivors. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(2), 240. 10.3201/eid2502.181011
Feldmann, H., Sprecher, A., & Geisbert, T. W. (2020). Ebola.New England Journal of Medicine, 382(19), 1832-1842.
Jacob, S. T., Crozier, I., Fischer, W. A., Hewlett, A., Kraft, C. S., Vega, M. A. D. L., & Kuhn, J. H. (2020). Ebola virus disease. Nature reviews Disease primers, 6(1), 1-31.
Communicable disease that was chosen for the scientific report is Hepatitis C, which represents a global healthcare concern. The danger of this disease stands in the fact that for some patients, it can occur for a short time, and for someone, it can become a severe threat to health in the absence of proper care and treatment. One of the main factors that contribute to the spread of the disease is the use of non-sterile needles (Manns et al., 2017). As a result of this action, an infection enters the blood of a healthy person and affects the liver. Thus, the transmission of hepatitis C occurs directly through the blood.
The spread of the disease is influenced by multiple factors, and the study of it is necessary to develop the most effective measures to combat it. Sources emphasize that more than 2 million adults in the United States are estimated to be currently infected (Bradley et al., 2020, p. 355). Thus, the unique characteristics of the virus are an obstacle to the development of a full-fledged vaccine for humans, even though the disease was detected more than thirty years ago. This contributes to the lack of vaccination of the population, access to antibiotics and insecurity from hepatitis C. Moreover, in many cases, improper sanitation and the reuse of medical equipment causes serious illness in people. Such sociodemographic variable as a lack of education about the ways of acquiring hepatitis and the consequences also contributes to an increase in the number of infected. Low income, poor housing, and access to care and education lead to the faster spread of the disease. environmental hazards do not have such a great influence on the amount of the infected patients.
Regarding globalization, processes such as international travel, migration, and opportunities to freely enter any country are becoming the cause of infection of the global population. Since most often, the transmission of infection occurs in drug users, with the expansion of the influence of this industry, there may be an increase in infected people. When borders are opened, individuals with hepatitis C get greater access to travel to other countries where, in the absence of reasonable restrictions, the transmission of the disease can occur.
Impact
Therefore, such a communicable disease as hepatitis C significantly contributes to public health, economics, and global health security. The disease poses a threat to the public health of global populations and health security due to the increase in the number of international travel and the economic growth of countries. These circumstances appeared due to the strengthening of the process of globalization. In close connection with this factor is the use of injection drugs and irresponsible sexual behavior of individuals (Globalization may be fueling new epidemics of hepatitis C, 2017). Thus, the less attention is paid to this problem by the states governments, the more its negative impact increases.
Hepatitis C remarkably affects the quality of life of infected patients. Thus, the source states that a 2014 study showed that patients infected with hepatitis C virus died on average 15 years sooner than people who did not have the illness. (Cunha, n.d., para. 3). Moreover, it is emphasized that every year the mortality rate of this disease is declining and represents 3.94 in 2018, which represents a positive trend (National progress report 2025 goal, 2020). Regarding medical expenses, hepatitis infects globally spend a large amount of money on treatment and medications. The same can be attributed to countries and medical institutions that, in addition to purchasing equipment and medicines, are developing suitable ways to combat the disease.
As already mentioned, globalization has seriously impacted a countrys health security related to the spread of disease. This is especially true for such aspects as economic growth, productivity, and the workforce across the globe. At the same time, some infected people may lead a relatively normal lifestyle, which will not affect the mentioned indicators so much. However, seriously ill individuals can become a disadvantage for companies that may lose employees and reduce efficiency. The economic impact has a more significant influence on developing countries than on developed countries. This is due to the fact that deloped regions have greater access and opportunities to reduce the negative impact of hepatitis C and its treatment methods.
Prevention
Taking into account the previously given information, this work can come to the conclusion that global efforts taken to prevent the spread of communicable diseases are becoming critical. This is due to benefits both for public health and quality of life, as well as for economic development and productivity of regions. Lim et al. (2021) emphasize that despite the fact that finding and developing the most effective way to treat hepatitis C may require high costs, this will be a severe advantage for economic development. One of the most effective and cost-effective ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis C is the introduction of educational measures. They consist of the creation and implementation of programs to spread awareness about the dangers of the disease, ways of infection, and the importance of observing hygiene rules and avoiding the use of narcotic substances.
Other measures may require the availability of resources, such as economic resources, personnel, access to healthcare, and means of communication across the globe. They are crucial for increasing resistance and reducing the occurrence of cases of infection in individuals. Therefore, greater access to medical services helps to achieve less spread of diseases. Similarly, improving communication methods and introducing more economic resources will help reduce the number of patients. Globalization, in addition to expanding migration and travel opportunities, can contribute to faster and more effective dissemination of the necessary information about hepatitis C.
International health regulatory efforts have been implemented, such as trade monitoring, screening, and quarantines. They are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease. These actions help to identify ways of infection in order to form the most effective strategies to reduce the occurrence of the disease. In addition, many countries have policies to combat the problems that cause hepatitis C, such as combating the spread of injection drugs. These preparedness efforts and infrastructure are necessary for a countrys ability to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Various kinds of laboratories and medical institutions will help to provide timely assistance and provide valuable data on hepatitis C.
Reference List
Bradley, H. et al. (2020) Hepatitis C virus prevalence in 50 US states and DC by sex, birth cohort, and race: 20132016, Hepatology Communications, 4(3), pp. 355-370.
Cunha, J.P. (n.d.) How long can a person live after being diagnosed with hepatitis C?. Web.
Lim, A.G. et al. (2021) Health and economic benefits of achieving hepatitis C virus elimination in Pakistan: A modelling study and economic analysis, PLoS Medicine, 18(10).
Manns, M.P. et al. (2017) Hepatitis C virus infection, Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 3(1), pp. 1-19.
Occupational skin disease (OSD) is an ailment caused by labor activities or harmful factors in the workplace. According to Park et al. (2020), OSDs may manifest in various forms, starting with contact dermatitis and ending with acne or granulomas of foreign bodies. As a rule, OSDs are closely associated with such job duties as working with cleaning products, organic solvents, metalworking fluids, water, and much more.
As practice shows, various mechanical, physical, biological, and chemical factors have potential exposure to the manifestation and development of OSD. Firstly, mechanical elements such as friction or pressure cause several changes from blisters to myositis, tenosynovitis, or bone injuries. Secondly, heat, cold, electricity, sunlight, or ultraviolet radiation are physical factors that provoke systematic disorders and subsequent infections. Thirdly, among the biological aspects, it is necessary to highlight the dangerous effects of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites associated with working conditions that provoke the development of primary or secondary skin illness. Fourthly, organic and inorganic chemicals are the primary source of dangerous influences on the skin. Hence, many new substances cause damage by acting as primary skin irritants or allergic sensitizers.
In order to control the risk of developing OSD, it is necessary to use various preventive measures and changes in the process of performing official duties at the enterprise. Thus, Yashoda Hospitals (2019) recommends using antiseptics and periodically moisturizing the skin, wearing comfortable clothes and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, covering the affected areas, and avoiding scratching them. Following these tips will allow people to control OSDs in place. In this case, people should use such PPE as individual gloves, masks, eye goggles, bathrobes, aprons, respirators and much more.
Moreover, several health dangers are associated with OSD as the hazard: psychological discomfort and stress, sensory diseases, tuberculosis, and anemia. Skin cancer should be attributed to more severe conditions, which is especially common in the United States, whereas, for example, in India and China, this ailment is much less common. Accordingly, in the absence of interventions and initiatives, OSD can cause complications, impairing the quality of life and impeding performance.
References
Park, J. S., Park, E. K., Kim, H. K., & Choi, G. S. (2020). Prevalence and risk factors of occupational skin disease in Korean workers from the 2014 Korean working conditions survey. Yonsei Medical Journal, 61(1), 64-72. Web.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs) are a significant health concern in the United States of America. Although there is a lot of information about safe sex practices, STDs and STIs and their symptoms available to people of all ages, their incidence rate is still substantial due to the subject being stigmatized. Therefore, it is essential to encourage conversation about STDs and STIs in order to prevent further spread. This essay will discuss the vital effects of persuading people to talk more about diseases and infections transmitted via sexual intercourse. Specifically, it will consider the impact of open conversation on stigma and its educational and protective values.
Epidemiology of STDs and STIs
Before discussing the benefits of normalizing the dialogue about STDs and STIs, it is crucial to examine their impact on the health of the infected persons and current incidence and distribution in the United States. According to Shannon and Klausner (2019), approximately 20 million new STIs occur in the country every year. Half of these infections are attributed to sexually active adolescents aged 15-24 (Shannon & Klausner, 2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) statistics indicate that reported cases of such STDs as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis increased significantly among adolescents. Specifically, the highest rate of reported cases of chlamydia is found among adolescent females, while the highest percentage of gonorrhea diagnoses is found among their male counterparts (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). It is unclear how many cases per year are not reported. Nevertheless, the incidence and unfair distribution of STDs among persons aged 15-24 demonstrates a need for an open conversation on the matter that will help remove the stigma and encourage learning.
Normalizing Open Conversation
Removing Stigma
The social stigma of being diagnosed with an STD or an STI can result in an increased incident rate as individuals refuse to have an open conversation about the stigmatized subject. Prejudiced attitudes towards people with the diagnosis can discourage others from discussing the sexual history and the necessity to undergo STD testing before engaging in sexual intercourse with a new partner. Stigma can be defined as an individuals fear that he or she will be subject to negative societal attitudes and treatment based on a specific trait (Lee & Cody, 2020, p. 295). According to Lee and Cody (2020), it is a barrier to preventing and treating various STDs. The fear of being stigmatized can hinder conversation about each others sexual history and health in a relationship. Furthermore, if such a discussion is initiated, one of the persons engaged in it may feel prejudiced against merely by having the talk, believing their partner does not trust them. Thus, the STD prevents an open dialogue on the subject and leads to the further spread of the infections.
It is essential to promote discussion of STDs and encourage other sexual health-seeking behaviors in order to combat the prevailing prejudices and biases. According to Talley (2020, p. 126), the stigma exists both in clinical and private settings because of the cultural conditioning that sexual behavior should remain private. Many young girls also state that such a conversation is not something they consider necessary due to the inherent trust in their partner (Widman, Golin, Noar, Massey, & Prinstein, 2016). Moreover, some adolescents lack the skills to negotiate safe sexual practices with their partners as they do not know how to initiate a discussion and be assertive (Widman et al., 2016). Therefore, it is essential to provide adolescents with information about STDs and appropriate sexual health-seeking behaviors and teach them how to start talking with their partners. Teaching young people not to feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual health will help erase the STD stigma and encourage more people to have an open conversation with their partners.
Educational Value
Lack of conversation about STDs and STIs leads to insufficient knowledge on the topic and, as a result, an increased number of infections. With the persisting stigma, people may not feel comfortable searching for information on STDs and their symptoms. The cultural conditioning also may discourage individuals from seeking information on safe sex practices and protection methods. Stigma and lack of open discussion can lead to adolescents and adults having insufficient or outdated information on HIV and STD prevalence and transmission and lack of understanding of their symptoms and existing treatments (Widman et al., 2016). Research shows that more than half of college students are not aware that condoms cannot protect from all diseases and natural condoms are not an effective method of protection against HIV (Amirkhanzadeh Barandouzi & Cong, 2019). Furthermore, many students are unaware of various STDs symptoms and were found to have misconceptions about the symptoms of such diseases as chlamydia (Amirkhanzadeh Barandouzi & Cong, 2019). Therefore, the lack of formal and informal education and discussion on safe sex practices can lead to an increase in the prevalence of STDs among adolescents.
It is vital to encourage open conversation about STDs and their symptoms and treatments to facilitate learning. If people are encouraged to talk about their sexual health with their partner, they may feel compelled to learn more on the topic before the talk. According to Amirkhanzadeh Barandouzi & Cong (2019), knowledge of STDs is significantly higher among students who had undertaken educational courses on sexual health. Such programs and an open discussion of safe sex practices should be utilized to improve STDs knowledge among college students. The encouragement to discuss sexual health with their partner can also contribute to adolescents learning more about STDs, their symptoms, and appropriate safe sex practices.
Protective Value
As adolescents aged 15-24 account for half of all STDs in the United States, it is imperative they are encouraged to discuss protection methods with their partners and educate themselves on STDs. Removing stigma and learning more about STDs and safe sex practices from reliable sources can lead to adolescents engaging in more conversation about their sexual health and history with their partners. Individuals who have an open discussion with their sexual partners are more likely to engage in safe practices, asserting their position on using condoms and other protection methods. It can also be argued that they are more likely to recognize STD symptoms in themselves or their partners and attend a specialist to address them. An open conversation on the subject, education, and the absence of stigma have a substantial protective value and can contribute to a decreased incidence of STDs over time.
Conclusion
In summary, STDs present a major health concern for the United States population, with adolescents aged 15-24 being disproportionately affected. With the STD diagnoses being stigmatized and lack of education on the subjects, it is important to encourage adolescents to discuss STDs, sexual health, and history with their partners. Overall, engaging in conversation about STDs and STIs can help remove the existing prejudices, promote learning, and decrease STD cases.
References
Amirkhanzadeh Barandouzi, Z., & Cong, X. (2019). Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases among college students in the USA. Journal of Client-centered Nursing Care, 5(2), 73-80.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). STDs in adolescents and young adults. Web.
Lee, A. S., & Cody, S. L. (2020). The stigma of sexually transmitted infections. Nursing Clinics of North America, 55(3), 295-305.
Shannon, C. L., & Klausner, J. D. (2019). The growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections in adolescents. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 30(1), 137-143.
Talley, J. O. (2020). The impact of social stigmas on sexual health seeking behavior: A review of literature. McNair Scholars Research Journal, 13(1), 123-142.
Widman, L., Golin, C. E., Noar, S. M., Massey, J., & Prinstein, M. J. (2016). ProjectHeartforGirls.com: Development of a web-based HIV/STD prevention program for adolescent girls emphasizing sexual communication skills. AIDS Education and Prevention, 28(5), 365-377.
Microbes are crucial to human health, with a healthy microbiome providing benefits like improved digestion, a more robust immune system, and better mental health. Certain microbes, including Lactobacillus and Bifid bacterium, are essential for gut health, as they produce essential nutrients and outcompete harmful pathogens. However, removing microbes, as with antibiotics, can lead to disease development, such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, by disrupting the balance of the microbiome and allowing opportunistic pathogens to thrive (Sedghi et al., 2021). These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a diverse and healthy microbiome and judicious use of antibiotics to prevent developing diseases associated with microbial imbalances.
Discussion
Microbes are capable of causing diseases to enter the body through different channels, including the digestive and respiratory tracts and damaged skin. Once inside the body, pathogens can establish disease by multiplying and causing damage to host cells and tissues (Sedghi et al., 2021). The disease symptoms depend on the specific pathogen and the hosts immune response. The impact of various pathogens on human health varies, with some, such as the common cold virus resulting in mild symptoms, while others, such as Ebola, causing severe and often deadly diseases.
Policies exist at local, state, and federal government levels to prevent the spread of disease. Governments may implement measures such as quarantine, travel restrictions, and social distancing during pandemics, as seen in the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and mask mandates (Sedghi et al., 2021). These policies demonstrate the importance of proactive measures in controlling infectious diseases and highlight the need for ongoing research and preparation to address future pandemics better.
Kochs postulates are necessary to establish a causal relationship between a pathogen and a disease. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports HIV as the cause of AIDS. Studies have demonstrated the isolation of the virus from AIDS patients, disease reproduction in animal models, and the identification of immune system damage mechanisms (Sedghi et al., 2021). Despite the controversy, the fulfillment of Kochs postulates in multiple studies has helped to establish this causal relationship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, microbes play a critical role in human health, and their removal can lead to disease development. Disease-causing microbes gain physical access via different entry points, initiate the disease process, and leave through different pathways. Various policies are in place at the local, state, and federal levels to prevent the spread of disease. While some individuals dispute the causal relationship between HIV and AIDS, most scientific evidence supports this relationship.
Todays culture places a high value on promoting healthy living as a means of combating disease. The Montefiore Medical Center has taken several measures to encourage healthy living in its neighborhood. Diabetes care, asthma treatment, homeless care, and obesity care are just a few of their many initiatives (Montefiore, 2021). Outreach workers help those in need, and accessible healthcare fairs as part of some inventions and programs through individual duties are carried out. The responsibilities include interviewing clients, connecting them with local services and customers, and helping them overcome personal issues. Five licensed educators go across the centers many locations to educate patients and assist with self-management. Moreover, the professional education workers help the outreach workers with any issues they may have. Montefiore Medical Center guarantees healthy living through its procedures, projects, and activities for volunteers and employees. Since its founding in 1884, Montefiore Medical Center has worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of the people of New York City. Montefiore Medical Centers condition criteria educate the community, organize school programs, provide free health exams, and provide gym memberships to those who qualify.
Disease Prevention
The Montefiore Medical Center serves the poor, which has been made possible by the novel solution without jeopardizing the centers community health initiatives. Most individuals cannot afford a healthy lifestyle or pay medical expenditures as a consequence (Lax, 2021). The Montefiore Centers management develops novel solutions, which managed care organizations, government money, and other gifts help the center meet its financial obligations to provide high-quality healthcare at a cheap cost. To better understand their patients illnesses and treatment alternatives, it uses numerous instructional tools. Montefiore Medical Center also offers a range of services to help individuals keep healthy or manage a condition. Providing preventive disease programs has clear advantages and benefits, reducing the prevalence of diseases and helping, thus helping the poor and needy live longer, healthier lives. Therefore, the ultimate objective will be to establish a healthy atmosphere. Montefiore Medical Center aids patients and the community by collecting and using demographic data. As a consequence of this information, the public is more educated about various disorders.
Expanding services beyond the hospital helps the center reduce community sickness. After catering to the patients medical requirements, the hospital focuses on the diseases underlying causes (Chase, 2010). This focus aids in the therapy of ailments and provides educational and training opportunities to enhance public knowledge of the risks of illness. The programs focus on healthy living is particularly beneficial given Montefiores clienteles modest income. In this way, Montefiore Medical Center has reduced readmissions by 50%. Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are major concerns at Montefiore. Changing from whole milk to low-fat milk saved New York City kids 4.6 billion calories and 422 million grams of fat in 2009.
Non-Programmatic Services
As far back as 1995, the health information technology system at Montefiore was being developed. Clinical information systems at Montefiore Hospital include in-ambulatory, laboratory, imaging, pharmacy, and patient software platforms (Chase, 2010). It has evolved to improve therapy and patient safety by enhancing patient-centered care. Montefiores Patient-Centered Basic Care provides primary and preventative care, as those in need of medical treatment, childcare, food, or education may turn to branches in New York City. The center does more than only treat patients, as its mobile clinic treats homeless individuals in the Bronx with the advantage of taking a very patient-centered approach (Bernstein et al., 2021). The facility also offers a farmers market, childcare for parents in treatment, elementary education, and free gym memberships.
The center has segmented its network to serve its customers better. Many citizens visit the Emergency Department for various reasons, including homelessness, mental illness, drug and alcohol misuse, and other issues. These challenges cause residents to seek assistance from the agency. The considerable number of visits has Montefiores administration trying to unclog this section leading to the development of on-site therapy to reduce hospital visits. A team of outreach workers examines each patients requirements and recommends hospitalization (Chase, 2010). The leadership also offers mobile clinics for minor medical needs.
Gaps or Deficiencies
Montefiore Medical Center anticipates customer needs, identifies obstacles, and finds solutions. Consequently, the people in the area are amazed, encouraged, and grateful. Montefiore Medical Center treats a broad spectrum of patients well; however, it is essential to improve some areas. The program can do more to reduce childhood obesity (Montefiore, 2021). Changing from full-fat to low-fat milk was an excellent first step. It is therefore essential to reduce the fat and calorie content of their school meals. Decreasing obesity in youngsters requires all children to exercise. In 2009, more than half of patients visited their primary care physician; therefore, Montefiores program did not include essential primary care visits.
Therefore, Montefiore Medical Center has to expand its scope of services, expand its expertise, and prevent and treat existing illnesses for a whole new group of people within its present population. It is essential to watch for other long-term conditions, such as congestive heart failure, tumors, epilepsy, dementia, and arthritis. The prevalence of mental illness, which may afflict individuals of any age, has increased as society focuses more on the mind (Bernstein et al., 2021). Montefiore Medical Centers performance in maintaining a healthy population growth requires moving to a new level of broader ailments.
References
Bernstein, C. A., Bhattacharyya, S., Adler, S., &Alpert, J. (2021). Staff emotional support at Montefiore Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 47(3), 185-189. Web.
Chase, D. (2010). Montefiore Medical Center: Integrated care delivery for vulnerable populations. Commonwealth Fund pub. 1448.
Lax, Y. B. (2021). Pediatric primary care and subspecialist providers comfort, attitudes and practices screening and referring for social determinants of health. BMC Health Services Research, 21(1), 1-7.
The topic of disease and sickness occupies a prominent place in the contemporary mass media. There are many cinematographic works which explore this issue. For example, one can mention the famous docudrama And the Band Played On. This docudrama describes the outbreak of AIDS epidemics in the United States in the eighties. In particular, the movie eloquently illustrates the experiences of patients who were virtually left to their own devices by the state (And the Band Played On).
In many cases, they could even by stigmatized by other people. Furthermore, this film depicts the efforts of medical workers and researchers to limit the spread of this disease. On the whole, this movie highlights the idea that sickness may affect every individual. It should be mentioned this docudrama was partly aimed at increasing peoples awareness about the risks of HIV. Moreover, this film could be intended for policy-makers who should pay more attention to the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and scientists. For example, it is necessary to allocate more funds in order to support the efforts of researchers. To a great extent, this example indicates that contemporary media can be used to shape peoples views on various healthcare problems. These are the main details that should be taken into account.
Furthermore, it is possible to examine a popular program which is supposed to raise funds for AIDS research. This campaign has been launched by the organization called AIDS Research Alliance. The main mission of this organization is to develop more effective medications for people who are infective with HIV (AIDS Research Alliance).
Certainly, this organization does not directly rely on the film And the Band Played On. Nevertheless, there is a common theme. In particular, one can speak about the importance of compassion for people who can be affected by this disease. One should bear in mind that the fundraising campaign mounted by this organization is based on the use of narratives showing how people can struggle with various effects of HIV and AIDS. To a great extent, this approach is quite effective because it prompts people to place themselves in the position of others. Furthermore, this organization clearly explains the recent progress made by researchers and medical workers. These examples demonstrate that scientists should use various strategies when they need to appeal for help, especially financial assistance. These are the main points that can be made.
Works Cited
AIDS Research Alliance. Mission & Vision. Aidsresearch.org. 2014. Web.
And the Band Played On. Ex. Prod. Sarah Pillsbury. New York: HBO, 1993. DVD.
Sex education is one of the many contentious issues in modern society. While some parents think it is a relevant topic to include in the curriculum in junior high and high schools, others believe that it should not be considered because it is a sensitive topic. Sex education should be introduced to teenagers immediately after they turn 13 years. This sentiment can be supported by the current rates of teenage pregnancies. There are reports that teenage pregnancies are on the increase, especially in developed nations.
It is also apparent that more teenagers are involved in unsafe sex. This behavior is highlighted by a higher rate of sexually transmitted diseases being reported in health care facilities. It is also apparent that the rate of abortions has increased because of the rising number of teenage girls getting unwanted pregnancies. Sex education should be introduced as early as possible to create awareness on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
It is important for teachers to introduce sex education cautiously to adolescents. The topic should cover the risk factors associated with teenagers at every stage of their development. Junior high students should be taught about the risks of engaging in unsafe sex. They should be provided with basic information about sex, and when it is appropriate.
At the high school level, teachers should get into details about sex. The high school level is a high-risk stage where teenagers start experimenting with sex. Teachers must look into teaching about contraceptives and STIs, as well as unplanned pregnancies to high school students. The education system should use a preventative approach to instilling the appropriate values to teenagers by incorporating sex education into the curriculum.
Alcohol and STI Transmission
Alcohol increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections for most college and university students. Alcohol is normally served at parties where boys and girls engage in socializing activities that usually lead to coupling up. Parties at colleges and universities are characterized by boys and girls getting too comfortable with each other, and in most cases, they end up having sex.
The main problem with alcohol is that overindulgence leads to irresponsible behavior among the students. Most of the students end up practicing unsafe sex. It is also common for students in college and universities to engage in an unsafe group sex where different STIs are passed to the participants. Alcohol gives the students an excuse to engage in risky sexual behavior. Some students may also have the desire to practice safe sex, but alcohol influences them to forget about condoms.
Students in colleges and universities can reduce the intake of alcohol in potentially sexual situations by limiting the amount of alcohol served at social gatherings within the institutions. There should be peer counselors attending parties to ensure their friends do not overindulge in alcohol. Institutions could also introduce compulsory units covering the risks of alcohol and drug use. Most students use alcohol as an excuse to engage in risky behavior without considering the repercussions of their actions.
Providing the students with clear information about the risks in which alcohol places them would give them something to think about every time they prepare to take some alcohol. It would also be viable to compel the students to avoid alcohol when attending events that potentially have sexual situations. The most crucial thing is to ensure the students are acquainted with pertinent information about the risks associated with alcohol in relation to sexually transmitted diseases.
