The National Health Services uses the functional organizational structure. In this structure, all tasks are linked together based on common functions. This means that the staff is grouped according to their technical and specialist expertise. This ensures that the organization can utilize and coordinate them to achieve a common goal. Individuals who possess the same skills as the workers will head the various departments. This creates a platform for promotion and career development. The disadvantage of using this organizational structure is that, some policies may be suitable for a department but will conflict with the needs of the organization.
Strategic planning is essential to government institutions because it enables them to predict the future of the organization. These plans will ensure that the resources are channeled to the appropriate departments hence allowing the delivery of better services. The planning process should ensure that the organizations mission statement, vision, and objectives are clearly defined. They should be realistic to achieve hence making the implementation process simpler (Hainess, 2011).
The following guidelines will ensure successful implementation of the strategic planning process in the organization: effective communication within the organization, full and active executive support, employee involvement, and teamwork, effective and efficient resource allocation and the use of performance measurements. These guidelines will alter my approach towards strategic planning process and implementation in a positive way.
The following guidelines are pivotal in achieving the implementation of the strategic plan. First, the organization should have an effective communication system. Secondly, employee involvement and team work in the organization. Thirdly, the plan drafted should have full and active executive support.
An organization with an effective communication system will be able to implement a strategic plan. This is because all the stakeholders that will be affected with the implementation of the plan will be consulted for their opinions. I will ensure that the staff has a clear understanding of the plan and what roles they shall be playing. This plan will be communicated to them during meetings and through formal writing. Once they understand the plan the implementation process will be smooth and fast. This will help improve the services being offered to patients. Follow ups will be done by checking whether the goals and objectives assigned to a person have been met. This will ensure that the staffs are committed in implementing this plan (Bryson, 2011).
Employees involvement and team work are crucial in the achievement of a strategic plan. Both the medical and non-medical staff will work to ensure that patients do enjoy their stay in the hospitals. Questionnaires and suggestions boxes will be provided in medical facilities, and patients will be required to comment on the services offered. From the data collected, we shall be able to know whether all employees are committed to achieving the set goals.
Full and active support of the executive will be required. The follow up process will be conducted by checking on the allocation of resources. Poor allocation will mean that the executive does not support that part of the plan hence affecting the implementation. Resources are a basic requirement to a successful implementation of a plan and by having the support of the allocators will be an added advantage (Landskroner, 2002).
References
Bryson, J. M. (2011). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations: A guide to strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Haines, S. (2007). Strategic planning simplified: The systems thinking approach to building high performance teams and organizations. San Diego, Calif: Systems Thinking Press.
Landskroner, R. A. (2002). The Nonprofit Managers Resource Directory. New York: JohnWiley & Sons.
Global public health is a rather complicated issue that requires an extensive number of efforts on the local, country, and international levels. Governments pursue various political economies considering specific national problems. As a rule, low-income countries governments pursue market political economy, and high-income countries pursue corporatist or socialist political economies. For global public health problem solving the international community established various institutions and plans that are aimed to increase the level of public health and life expectancy.
The concept of the political economy implies the interaction of political and economic institutions within a country. National health care directly depends on the political economy of the government. For this reason, those countries that invest more money in social policies have better public health services and higher life expectancy than those that do not. In low-income countries, governments are faced with several factors that interfere with the successful implementation of social protection and services. As a rule, in low-income countries, the number of people working in the informal sector is quite large.
These are unregistered workers; therefore, they can avoid paying taxes. Without tax revenues, governments cannot fund the development and implementation of social programs. Moreover, the tax system in low-income countries is not of progressive form, and this fact only contributes to the increase of the informal sector economy. Among other factors that keep social policies from being implemented are corruption, clientelism, and the colonial history of countries.
Almost all low-income countries pursue a market political economy. High-income countries report a higher quality of the states health care and higher life expectancy because of their corporatist or socialist political economies. Thus, high life expectancy is the main feature of a developed health care system, and it is observed in countries that pursue corporatist or socialist political economy.
The health care needs of one country differ from those of another. Life expectancy is also different from nation to nation. Each government attempts to conduct some social policies to provide their citizens with health care services. Various problems such as poor access to medical care, weak pollution control, and poverty interfere with the implementation of these policies. Both low-income and high-income countries solve these problems in their ways to increase the level of public health.
Global public health, however, is another issue altogether. The international community set out a set of goals for the global health development: decrease the extreme poverty rates, reduce child mortality rates, improve maternal health, combat such diseases as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other, ensure environmental sustainability, and create a partnership for coordinated dealing with various problems. Gradual achievement of these goals positively affects global public health. However, a large number of international problems such as wars, lack of coordination between countries concerning international aid for health and economic development negatively impact global public health. The international community is on its way to the well-developed system of global public health.
The main feature of the developed health care system is the level of life expectancy. Both low-income and high-income countries attempt to improve health care and increase life expectancy by implementing social policies and solving various problems such as poor access to medical care, weak pollution control, and high poverty rates. Internationally, countries cooperate and work on international aid for health and economic development of each other. However, a great number of issues remain unresolved.
Sexual health products have continued hitting the market at a big rate. This is because a lot of people want to have a healthy sexual life. In fact, a lot of advertisements on sexual health products portray some characteristics of good sexual health. These advertisements capture incidences that show some couples who lead a healthy sexual life. Therefore, the prospective customers are attracted to these advertisements, and they are ready to buy and use these products.
Vigor-Ex
The advertisement of this product is found in the link on the internet. This image can also be found on the advertisement sections of medical products online. This product is used to enhance mens sexual health. It takes care of mens sexual issues by attracting men to sex, increasing their libido, and increasing their lasting time during sexual intercourse.
The product appeals to the issues of human sexuality, and thus, any man who feels the urge to increase his sexuality, will buy this product. The customer examines his sexual health and feels the need to purchase the product. This is because the product deals with a variety of sexual issues and the customer may feel that he lacks one or few of the things advocated by the product.
This is a marketing strategy that can attract a lot of customers. This is because the problem of sexuality is common in the society. A product that promises to revitalize the sexuality will attract a lot of customers. Therefore, through this, the product realizes its goals.
The Circles of Sexuality in the product
This product contains all the five circles of sexuality as published by Advocates for Youth in 2007. First, the product contains aspects of sensuality. The models used on the face of the bottle have come into terms with their bodies, and they have also come into terms with the bodies of other people.
This is because they are naked, and they do not seem to mind about that fact; they are comfortable. In this product, the models are exercising their feelings through their senses by touching and kissing each other. They are looking at each other as they touch; thus, they are very sensual. The pose exhibited by the models is very attractive to couples. The pose is meant to suggest to the consumer that the models are sexually healthy. The customer visualizes himself being in the same position as the model.
The image on this product features a naked man and woman in a very intimate moment. The two people are kissing, and this attracts the customers attention; it makes the customer want to experience what the two people are experiencing. The product also shows some aspects of intimacy.
The two models featured are holding each other closely, and this shows that these people care for each other; there is some emotional closeness between the two. People need to feel close to other people, and this product shows that it connects people both physically and emotionally. For sexual health, couples in a relationship must be able to connect both physically and emotionally. The customer gets the feeling that this product will add his intimacy.
The product shows the importance of sexual health and reproduction. The product is designed to increase the sexuality of men, and this is a key to reproduction. The image on the product bottle features a man and a woman; the two are raw materials for reproduction. They are in a close sexual position, and it can be inferred that the two are in a sexual activity.
The product description shows that it can increase the sexual performance of men; thus, it increases the sexual health between men and women. The advertisement emphasizes to the customer that taking care of reproductive health is important.
The advertisements of sexual health products, enables one to have a sexual identity; be it a man or a woman. This is because the advertised product features models that are in terms with their sexuality. The models have attained their sexual identity. This is because the two people are confident enough to show their bodies on this product bottle.
The message conveyed by the product is that any man with sexual problems will be able to get rid of these problems by using this product. Any man who uses the product will become like the model in the picture on the bottle. This man will become confident and developed sexual identity by using this product. The product calls men to determine their sexual identity through buying and using this product.
Reading more and more contestable information about the affect of cell phones, I decided to conduct personal research in order to understand whether they are harmful for human health or not. I searched for necessary information online, I considered forums and read research papers and reports devoted to the problem of cell phones and healthcare. Having studied much information I can say with the whole responsibility that cell phones are harmful for human health. Many people underestimate this issue, however, it is very important to remember that such thing as a cell phone may harm human health. It would not be a problem if people have not used cell phones constantly. There is a tendency that each year younger and younger users of cell phones are noticed. When these devices emerged, only adults with particular level of income could have them. Now, more and more people with average and even low level of income buy cell phones. This device has become an inherent part of human life, therefore, many scientists began to express their concern. The use of cell phones increases the chances to have acoustic neuroma, to develop brain cancer ipsilateral and to get deep trauma and injuries which may lead to death.
Cell Phones Are Safe
There are many ideas which state that cell phones are safe. Looking at the controversial factors, it is almost impossible to support this opinion. Nevertheless, people continue expressing their thoughts and present relevant arguments to support this belief. I managed to find the following information to confirm the fact that cell phones are safe. Those who say that cell phones are dangerous refer to the information they have ever heard without any facts. Gossips which have occupied the Internet and human mind lack grounds. According to research conducted in Canada there is no convincing evidence of increased risk of disease from exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields from cell phones (Schmidt A.7).
The same point of view is supported by the World Health Organization, the International Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and the European Unions Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks as Schmidt announces (A.7). The opinion of negative effect of cell phones has been developed by those who always find something negative in innovations. There are many conservative people who got used to particular way of life and who cannot stand changes. They usually consider all the changes as harmful. I disagree with such arguments. Innovations and changed in our life are for good and those who used to live in the past should change their opinion.
A research conducted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the American Health Foundation found no correlation between cell-phone gabbers and brain-tumor incidence (DeMarco 3). The research compared and contrasted the duration of phone conversations of cancer patients and healthy people. There is no difference, thus the relation between cancer and the use of cell phones cannot be confirmed. Research conducted by Velegrakis, et al. also refuses any relation between cell phones use and cancer development. The use of electronystagmograph before and after utilization to continuous and alternative electromagnetic fields results in no abnormal nystagmous associated with EMR, suggesting that there are no harmful effects on the semicircular canals (Velegrakis, et al. 1017).
Many people try to refer the use of the cell phones for a long period of time with the development of different diseases. However, a literature review and search for experiments and research where long-term period of using cell phones has been considered gave no necessary results. Such research projects exist, but they are not that numerous to generalize the results presented in that research. People have checked one or two research reports where a positive effect on human health has been stated, however, people do not check the limitations of the research, the number of people who participated and other factors. As a result, people use the information which can be trusted, however, which cannot be considered as objective. In many research projects where long-term period is used, the sample is too little. Therefore, the results are not that reputable as one may wish.
Thus, having considered the arguments presented in favor of safe use of cell phones, it is impossible to trust them in whole extend. I have been using a cell phone for several years and I do not feel any worsening of my health, but scientists assure that I have to use it longer to have visible worsening of my health. There were several research projects where cell phones use was not considered as harmful, but much more evidence refer to the contrary. Cell phones are negative and the smallest part of positive research results cannot cover that data.
Cell Phones Are Dangerous
Cell phones are dangerous and having considered all the necessary arguments, no one can reject this point of view. Of course, not much research has been conducted in relation to long term period of cell phones use, but this particular sphere has attracted much attention. According to meta-analysis conducted by Hardell, Carlberg, Soderqvist, and Mild, the research results they present give a consistent pattern of an association between mobile phone use and ipsilateral glioma and acoustic neuroma using e10-years latency period (Hardell, Carlberg, Soderqvist, and Mild 1097). Therefore, this is one of the pioneer research projects in the long term period, but the results are exciting. It is possible to predict that in several years, after the research projects are going to be concluded, the supporting results in this aspect are going to increase.
Another study has taken place in Sweden. Even though many arguments prove that cell phones are dangerous in short-term period, this study points at the absence of visible harm from cell phone within a short period of time. This research stresses more use of cell phones in a long period of time which results in acoustic neuroma [an] an increase in the risk of developing brain cancer ipsilateral to side of phone use for those who had used cell phones for at least 10 years (Kohli, Sachdev, and Vats 10). These two research experiments took place independently at different periods of time. Therefore, the first argument in favor of negative affect from the cells phones is the development of brain cancer ipsilateral and acoustic neuroma.
The research projects directed at the negative effect from the use of cell phones are numerous as well. However, I would like to refer to the everyday examples. Have you ever tried to talk over the cell phone for more than an hour? Have you felt any problems, such as headaches, weakness, and similar symptoms? I am sure that those people who have to speak over the cell phones the greater part of their day feel worse than those who have an opportunity to speak to others without this innovative device. Many people feel discomfort on unconscious level. Having spent the first part of the day speaking over the telephone, many people try to avoid phone conversations at the end of the day. This is a natural need, as human organism may restrict from the inner influence which does not create comfort.
One more problem people face while using the cell phones is the risk associated with having a fatal accident while driving and using a cell phone [which] is on the order of 6.4 in a million per year (Curry 30). There are two categories of people who may be hurt, drivers and pedestrians. Starting the discussion with the drivers, it is obvious that using a cell phone distracts a driver from the road. He/she can fail to notice a pedestrian, another car, or any other barrier on the road. While driving, a person should be very attentive as it is a proven fact that people have been hurt, even killed, by drivers using cell phones. (Debate: No phone zone 5).
According to statistical data, specific sources which distract drivers are as follows, outside person, object or event, 29.4 percent; adjusting the radio, 11.4 percent; other occupants, 10.9 percent; moving objects in the vehicle, 4.3 percent; climate controls, 2.8 percent; eating/drinking, 1.7 percent; cell phones, 1.5 percent; smoking, 0.9 percent; and other or unknown distractions, 34.2 percent (Curry 31). Therefore, even though the percentage rate of cell phones is not that high, it is still present in this statistics which proves the harmful effect of cell phones. Speaking about pedestrians, when people cross the street and type messages, they may also fail to notice a car. It is obvious that while driving a car of crossing the streets all the members of traffic expect that others follow the rules. Thus, red light is a signal for stop while a green one allows continuing movement. Having a green light on the way, a driver does not expect a person to cross the street.
Conclusion
Therefore, having considered many sources of information and particular facts, I can say that cell phones are harmful to people. On the one hand, my health is affected and even if I am unable to see the changes it does not mean they do not occur. On the other hand, I can be injured because of the distraction cell phones may cause. Using cell phones for a short period of time may be a reason of headaches, weakening and other supportive problems even though I have never related these problems to the issue. Scientists say that if I use cell phones for a longer period of time, I will face the more complicated and more dangerous problems. I am not sure whether it is necessary to believe them, but research results are convicting. Here comes the discussion about cancer and other similar diseases. Moreover, cell phones cause indirect harm to people when their use prevents them from normal behavior. Driving or crossing the streets using the cell phone may harm human health. Therefore, I can say that in general using cell phones may provide negative effect on my health and I try to use it less.
Works Cited
Curry, David G. In-vehicle cell phones: Fatal distraction? Professional Safety 47.3 (2002): 28-33. Print.
Debate: No phone zone. Scholastic Scope 50.2 (2001): 5. Print.
Demarco, Peter. Top brains say cell phones safe: Daily news express with express wire services. New York Daily News. 2000: 3. Print.
Hardell, Lennart, Carlberg, Michael, Soderqvist, Fredrik and Kjell Hansson Mild. Meta-analysis of long-term mobile phone use and the association with brain tumours. International Journal of Oncology 32.5 (2008): 10971103. Print.
Kohli, Darpan, Sachdev, Mehak and Abhishek Vats. Cell phones and tumor: Still in no mans land. Indian Journal of Cancer 46.1 (2009): 5-12. Print.
Schmidt, Sarah. Health Canada maintains that cell phones are safe for kids. Alberni Valley Times. 2009: A.7. Print.
Velegrakis, G A et al. Studying the Effects of Mobile Phone Use on the Auditory System and the Central Nervous System: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology: Official Journal of The European Federation Of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS): Affiliated With The German Society For Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Head And Neck Surgery 265.9 (2008): 1011-1019. Print.
An electronic cigarette is basically a battery-charged device that produces inhaled shots of nicotine through vaporized solutions. It looks like a real cigarette in all aspect except for its non tobacco burning feature. By virtue of being non-flammable and non-tobacco commodity it is deem to have none of the detrimental effects pose by it traditional counterpart (What Is Electronic Cigarette par 1).
Although the electronic cigarette has been associated with various benefits on the side of the smoker, this innovation poses certain hidden adverse effects to the smoker and the general public. This paper seeks to examine the popular held misconceptions about the e-cigarette, and expose its negative aspect to the uninformed public.
What are the commonly held misconceptions about the electronic cigarettes? E-cigarettes are acceptable for kids. This is not true because most dealers handle the sale of electronic cigarettes like they do the traditional tobacco cigarettes. There are a few e- cigarettes that are candy flavored thereby making numerous critics argue that they are meant for kids.
Majority of the companies supplying the e-cigarette were developed by smokers who know well that the e-cigarettes are not meant for children. The notion to incorporate flavors such as menthol and tobacco are marketing approach aimed at grown-ups instead of children (electroniccigaretteusa.info par. 1).
Also, the misconception that electronic cigarettes are banned is untrue. This misinformation can be attributed to the antismoking crusade by certain groups opposed to the e-cigarette smoking. Critics may capitalize on the idea that when the public is convinced about the illegality of the commodity, they may shy away from buying them (electroniccigaretteusa.info par 2).
Electroniccigaretteusa (par. 3) further argue that certain critics suppose that the content of the e-cigarette is unknown. However, each electronic cigarette kit has a literature on what precisely is being presented. Any procurement of ingredients is undertaken with credible manufacturers fully with lab testimonies to include an array of ingredients.
Nevertheless, there are those who swear not to know the content s of the vapor. Vapor assessment has been undertaken and the outcomes have been very desirable. The content is purely water still many are adamant to accept that such assessment has been performed.
The other misconception is that e-cigarettes aid a person to quit smoking. This is not true since smoking is a habit which incorporates other actions besides the mere burning of tobacco, including hand to mouth gesture, inhalation, as well as the exhalation. The electronic cigarette eliminates only tobacco combustion. Thus the smokers observes that they can really switch from the traditional; cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, and then back to the traditional tobacco cigarettes without any difficulty (electroniccigaretteusa.info par 4).
Do the electronic cigarettes pose any health implications to the consumer as well as the general public? Few studies have been undertaken to establish the health implication of the e-cigarettes. Thus little is known about the health risks of electronic cigarettes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has liaison with other health specialist to caution consumers concerning the health risk associated with-cigarettes (Food Drug Admniistartion [FDA] 1).
The FDA deals with the safety of these commodities and the manner they are presented to the public. Particularly, the agency approaches this concerned from three perspectives, including;
electronic cigarettes may aggravate nicotine addiction in youth and may lure kids to experience with other tobacco commodities, including traditional cigarettes, which are associated with fatal diseases and lead to early death;
the commodity may have ingredients that are proven to be detrimental to human health being;
since the research on the safety and usefulness of the named products for their anticipated utility have not been presented to the FDA, users apparently do not have a means for establishing the safety of this product for the intended use, and the type or concentration of harmful substance, or what amount of nicotine they inhale with the every use of this products.
The prospective health implications posed by the consumption of electronic cigarettes were addressed in a teleconference at national Center for Disease Control and prevention, on July 22, 2009 between the representatives of various expert organizations including, FDA, American Academy of Pediatrics Tobacco Consortium, University of Southern Californias Institute for Global Health, and Office on Smoking and Health.
The conference members emphasized the significance of the parents in being conscious of the safety and marketing issues surrounding the e-cigarettes. It was highlighted that parents may desire to inform their children and adolescent about the uncertainty of using this product.
Of particular interest for the parents is the fact that e-cigarettes are introduced into the market devoid of any lawful age limitations, and come in varied flavors including mint, strawberry, and chocolate, which may appeal to children and teenagers. Also, the commodity does not carry any health cautions found in their FDA-approved nicotine substitute commodities or traditional cigarettes (FDA 2).
Further, the author affirms that in the course of the phone forum, which involved the news media, FDA proclaimed the outcomes from a laboratory assessment that portrays that e-cigarette expose consumers to detrimental chemical constituents.
FDAs Division of Pharmaceutical Analysis analyzed the constituents in a petite sample of cartridges from two big brands of electronic cigarettes samples. A unit sample was discovered to include diethylene glycol, which is a lethal substance used in antifreeze. Various other samples were discovered to include carcinogens such as nitrosamines.
FDA (2) argues that it has been inspecting and arresting shipments of electronic cigarettes entering the border and has realized that the product it has inspected satisfies the definition of a mixture drug commodity in terms of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However, the agency has encountered problems with respect to its rule over specific e-cigarettes in a case in a federal district court.
The prerequisite for further studies into the long-term health implications of e-cigarettes has been underscored by researchers in the British Medical Journal. Many expert organizations have expressed their dissatisfaction with the amount of research on the safety of these products (Cancer Research UK par. 2).
Nevertheless, minimal researches have been conducted into the health consequences of smoking electronic cigarettes and those that have been documented have arrived at discordant conclusions. For example, one research by the FDA of the United States, revealed that the content of nicotine present in each puff often contrast the amount indicated in the label, requiring the agency to take drastic measures against the product.
Inversely, Health New Zealand (HNZ) discovered that the labeling on electronic cigarettes were consistent with their actual nicotine concentration. Therefore the FDA proposed that e-cigarettes can actually be detrimental, although the HNZ maintained that their use is relatively safer than the traditional tobacco cigarettes (cancer research UK par 11).
Borrowing from the words of Jean king (cancer research UK director), there has been limited research documentation on the safety of e-cigarettes. Also, there is limited regulation to control e-cigarettes or their marketing. Thus the only means to ascertain the usefulness or harmfulness of this product is by conducting comprehensive studies on the product.
The state-based health programs are very important in ensuring that health facilities concentrate on areas that affect their regions. This means that in this case they do not have to develop measures to manage issues that do not affect their clients. Therefore, state-based medical programs are objective and based on the needs on the ground and not just general assumptions (Bern and Wilensky 2007).
Secondly, they are readily available since they are established within the local premises. It does not require other states to verify and approve the estimates and projections of a health facility if they are not within its jurisdictions. For that reason, state-based medical programs offer readily available services to their clients and reduce time wastage while saving the lives of those in danger.
On the other hand, universal programs are better than state-based ones since human needs are similar irrespective of their age, occupation or environment. For instance, all old people experience almost similar health complications that are associated with old age (Bern and Wilensky 2007). For that reason, designing a universal health program for all states ensures patients get similar services from all hospitals. This reduces chances of offering poor medical services to patients in one state while others are offering standard services. In addition, it is a cheap way of ensuring all the needs of patients are addressed once and this reduces expenses and time wastage in consultations and repeating what has already been approved by medical authorities.
There are other issues in the society that demonstrate state-based treatment including house rents, business permits, and property valuation and insurance covers. This means that states must be given opportunities to decide what is good for them and how they can achieve their goals based on their populations, abilities and resources.
Justifications of Medicare Programs
Medicare refers to medical programs that ensure the poor and old get quality and affordable healthcare services from public hospitals. This program was established to alleviate cases of death and disease outbreaks among the poor in the society since they could not afford to pay their hospital bills (Bern and Wilensky 2007). In addition, it enables them to make monthly contributions to their health insurance companies and this allows them to get quality services from health facilities. Therefore, this program is helpful in ensuring both the poor and rich get quality medical services.
In addition, medical issues are universal and cannot be said to affect an individual. This means that the health of a poor person also affects that of a rich family because human beings are social animals and depend on one another for survival. Most poor people participate in various sectors (construction, agriculture, manufacturing, sales and distribution) that contribute to the success of the rich. This means that richness and poverty have a lot of things in common though this cannot be seen directly (Bern and Wilensky 2007).
In addition, it is the poor people who work and provide auxiliary services to the rich and without them they cannot boast of their richness. Politicians have realized the significance of numbers in determining their positions in the society; therefore, they ensure the poor people are protected and offered basic needs since they form the greatest percentage of a population. This means that this program must be developed and strengthened through establishing laws that promote accountability and responsibility in managing medical funds (Bern and Wilensky 2007). For that reason, Medicaid is a logical medical program that ensures everybody gets quality medical services from health facilities irrespective of their financial positions.
Reference
Bern, J. and Sarah E. Wilensky. (2007). Essentials of Health Policy and Law. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
The remarkable changes witnessed in the health sector have highly elongated the lifespan of significant proportion of individuals globally. Statistics postulate a boost in life span for individuals in the United States by 30 years. These years relate to enhanced health for the community.
Greater parts of these advancements in the health sector occurred in the course of the 20th century. In an endeavor to illustrate the key revolutions in fitness that led to these enhancements, I will focus on how family planning, vaccination, and recognition of tobacco as a health hazard have vastly influenced my own health and the communitys health in general (CDC, 1999).
Vaccination
The invention of vaccination for diverse dreadful diseases in varied places of the world significantly reduces the proportion of illnesses and death, which were highly prevalent two centuries ago. Prior to the introduction of vaccines, there existed numerous diseases (Institute of medicine, 2004). These incorporate small pox, which is almost eliminated due to the immunization for children worldwide. Furthermore, inoculation against pneumonia results in elongated life span attributed to diminution in death.
Since I was vaccinated against tuberculosis at a tender age, the chances of infection has significantly reduced despite its risky transmission medium. The TB vaccination eliminates the fear of contracting such a disease thus good health. Additionally, TB is transmitted through air; therefore, failure to get vaccinated would have posed threats to persons in the surrounding. This means that vaccination against the major vital infections enhances the longevity of the community members (Institute of medicine, 2004).
In an effort to illustrate the value of vaccinations in our lives, it is imperative to refer to vital statistics in the United States. This indicated an escalation in death cases before inventing vaccine for Pneumonia. Before the introduction of immunization, the United States recorded 20,000 death cases annually (Spoolman & Miller, 2011).
Family planning
Family planning has brought innumerable positive effects in my life. Since the inception of family planning programs, I came to comprehend the essence of having a family that I can easily raise (Spoolman& Miller, 2011). After acquiring knowledge from these programs, I decided to have two children who I can easily raise. Additionally, my small family makes it simple to provide nutritious meals that result in improved health s. My small family also allows me save for other pertinent concerns in the society.
Almost every individual in the community puts the benefits of family planning into thought; thus poverty level has tremendously dropped (CDC, 1999). It is apparent that correlation exists amid poverty and deprived health.
The utilization of contraceptives such as condom greatly decreases transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) to other community members thus reducing costs of treatment (Spoolman & Miller, 2011). In addition, it is easier for the government to provide these services to a small population, which finally results in equity during services acquisition.
Tobacco as a health hazard
Finally, achievement in identifying smoking as a health hazard has greatly influenced my health and the health of the society members positively. Since the commencement of the programs on smoking dangers, I started taking precautions thus keeping myself away from these dangers (CDC, 1999).
I learnt that smoking leads to lung cancer; a disease that affect the normal working of the lungs. Additionally, my family health tremendously improved because of the education I acquired from a seminar focusing on avoiding contact with smokers. Additionally, the government has endorsed laws hampering smoking thus extensively transforming a huge proportion of smokers in the community. This has resulted in enhanced health for people in my community.
References
CDC. (1999).Ten great public health achievements United States, 1900-1999. MMWR weekly, 48 (12), 141-143.
Institute of medicine. (2004). financing vaccines in the 21st century: assuring access and availability. Washington, WA: National academies press.
Spoolman, S. & Miller, G. (2011). Cengage advantage books: Living in the environment. Boston, MA: Cengage learning.
The introduction of mobile phones has contributed to significant shifts in social sphere. This device has become an integral component of modern life because people all over the world consider mobile communication the core of social interaction. However, the negative consequences of mobile phones for human health have been poorly investigated and, therefore, few people are aware of the actual threats of using handsets.
In particular, a number of recently conducted studies put forward evidence concerning the negative effects of radiation that is emitted by phones. These emissions are considered to be the main reason for cancer, specifically brain glioma.
Though the presented consideration about cancer does not have solid grounds, the adverse effects of using mobile phones are still evident in terms of connection between health problems and radiofrequency emissions. In this respect, an in-depth analysis of these controversial issues will define if the examined problem is serious. The presentation of studies supporting and withdrawing the claims will outline the existence of the identified connections.
Research Studies on Radiofrequency Emission
A number of researchers have supported the idea that mobile radiation threats have been intensified recently. Though few researches dedicated to the connection between radiofrequency emission and cancer occurrence withdraw the danger of using mobile phones, many studies provide a solid ground for justifying the potential threat of using handsets.
Specifically, the experimental studies provided by Noor et al. (2011) explore the effect of amino acids and neurotransmitters in the brains of young and adult albino rats during 1-hour exposure to mobile radiation. Interestingly, the results have demonstrated an increased level of inhibitory and excitatory amino acids in the brains of albino rats after 1-hour radiation exposure. Consequently, the research reports the existence of negative effects of using mobile phones.
Similar to Noor et al. (2011), Levis et al. (2011) have also highlighted the adverse outcomes of mobile radiation for human health. In their studies, the scholars claim that significant increase of mobile communication level has triggered the concern with the influence of emission on the emergence of head tumors. Specifically, a direct connection has been revealed between the benign and malign brain tumors, and use of cellular phones.
Despite the above-presented concerns, numerous researches have proved that there is no potential risk of cancer, as well as other health problems connected to mobile phone use. In this respect, the research performed by Cardis (2010) has revealed insufficient evidence supporting the connection between cancer emergence and mobile radiation. Though the studies do not provide sufficient evidence for causal interpretation of the problem, there are some biases and ambiguities that need to be further investigated.
Potential Problems of Using Phones
Problems with Sleeping and Headaches
Greater Complication Connected with Falling into Deeper Stages of Sleeping
According to the research studies conducted by the World Health Organization (2011), radiofrequency emissions have an adverse effect on cognitive function and sleep problems as a result of tissue heating. Importantly, the problems with sleeping can become more serious in cases where cellular phones will be used with greater frequency. Keeping phones near faces can cause significant stress to human health and prevent it from normal functioning.
Holding Phones near Beds Causing Headaches
The research provided by Chauman (n. d.) presents sufficient evidence of emerging headaches as a result of long-termed use of cell phones. In fact, the handset use has non-thermal effects that create serious reasons for concerns.
The scholar has discovered that some people feel headache after talking too long and some hypersensitive people feel sick when the cell phone is turned on (Chauman, n. d. p. 7). Judging from the above, the non-thermal affects are explained by the mechanism vibrations damaging the nerving system of people. The cause is temporary because the effect disappears as soon as the stimulus is gone.
The close interaction between head and mobile phones has serious consequences for the biological processes within a human organism. The headache problem, therefore, can be explained by the fact that an electromagnetic field influences the biological functions of nerve cells and induces changes in neurotransmitter contents (Noor et al., 2011, p. 729). Therefore, it is evident that a mobile radiation has a potential influence on human health.
Tissue Heating
Influencing skin surface processes
The World Health Organization has reported that tissue heating is the main outcome of interaction between the human body and the radiofrequency emission. Due to the fact most of the emissions are absorbed by superficial tissues, the human organism, particularly the human brain, can undergo temperature rise (The World Health Organization, 2011).
Thermal effects, therefore, can lead to brain electrical activity disorders, as well as blood pressure problems. Risk of tissue heating is increased at high exposure levels of radiofrequency. From a scientific point of view, tissue heating and thermal effects are connected with non-ionizing radiation.
Impact on brain processes
According to Chauman (n. d.), that radiation emission &absorbed by a human head concentrates on one very small area in the brain so as to form a hot-sport then a small volume of brain may be overheated and damaged (p. 7). Though the thermal influence of cell phones on human health is negligible, further investigations must take place.
Greater probability of brain tumors
Many researchers have been dedicated to exploring the connection between mobile radiation and the emergence of brain tumors. Though no direct evidence has been found on the issue, the presented biases and ambiguities still provide a ground for further researchers.
While relying on the studies provided by The World Health Organization, Dellorto (2011) continues analyzing possible carcinogenic hazards caused by mobile phone use. Specifically, the reporter has found evidence that mobile phone users are more likely to have acoustic neuroma brain cancer, or glioma. Nevertheless, other types of tumors are still under analysis. The picture below exemplifies the interaction of radiation and health problems.
Picture: Mobile Radiation and Health.
In addition to the above presented considerations, the level of cancer emergence is also explained by the increased level of radiation that can be caused by the rapid expansion of mobile communication (Chauman, n. d.). Due to the fact that phones contain toxic substances, the devices constitute serious problems for humans in particular and environment in general. In addition, the intensity of impact of mobile radiation directly depends on the distance between the radio wave receiver and telephone radio station (Sea Appendix 1).
Greater Impact of Mobile Radiation on Children
It has been discovered that children are less resistant to the adverse effects imposed by mobile radiation. Therefore, the long-term effects of handsets use on children have been revealed radio waves can penetrate much deeper into the cerebrum of young adults and children because their skulls are much thinner (Dellorto, 2011, p. 2). Additionally, the World Health Organization (2011) also investigates other potential effects of mobile radiation on children.
Possible Solutions
Before introducing possible solutions to the problem, it is purposeful to outline the mechanism of introduction of those interventions. Appendix 2 identifies the priorities and provides a full picture of solutions that will be further elaborated.
Following Carefully Precaution Measures
Holding phones far from bed; not using phones as alarm devices
It is purposeful to keep mobile phones away from beds while sleeping because mobile radiation can be emitted even if the mobile telephones do not transmit radio waves. In addition, alarm devices should also be avoided because they can cause headaches and other disturbances or biological orders. The phones should not be kept close while communicating with other people. The device should be at a 1-inch distance from head. Such a strategy can significantly minimize the risk of radiation impact.
Turning off the phones while sleeping to eliminate radiofrequency emission
The best solution for reducing radiofrequency emission is turning off the phones while sleeping or on any other possible occasion. Despite the simplicity of the presented solution, it can still contribute to reducing radiation exposures influencing brain activities. Importantly, even the turned off mobile phone should not be kept near the body, but in bags, or specialized mobile holders established far away from a person.
Reduce the Frequency and Length of Calls
It has been discovered that people communicating via mobile phones more than 30 minutes per day have increased risk of associated brain disorders. More importantly, these people are more like to have brain tumors. In order eliminate this problem, the time length, as well as frequency of calls, should be reduced.
In addition, wireless handsets are not advisable to use in public because mobile communication can also influence other people. It should also be noted that people should mind the distance of mobile antenna because the intensity of radiation should also influence the frequency of mobile phone use.
In order to minimize the effect of radiofrequency emission, scientists and engineers should work on the development of more effective wireless technologies causing less harm to human health (Chauman, n. d.).
Pay Closer Attention to Children Using Mobile Phones
Choosing simplest models of mobile phones for children mobile phones should be used for making calls, but not for playing video games. Parents should be careful while purchasing mobile phones for their children. They should ignore multi-functional smart phones because they contain a number of options and games that can engage children using mobile phone for other purposes other than calling. In this respect, choosing the simplest models will eliminate the negative influence on childrens health.
In response to the given problems, the mobile phone producers should pay careful attention to computer design of handsets (Chauman, n. d.). At this point, radio channel modulation should be presented in software for creating the possibility to use less energy and increase functionality. What is more important, such a design can reduce impact on environment and human health.
Parents should not allow children use phones when they are together. Parents responsibility for their childrens future is crucial and, therefore, they should establish educational and behavioral patterns for children while spending time together. In particular, they can introduce taboos on using phones while being at home, or while celebrating specific events. The presented norms can significantly decrease radiation threats and improve childrens discipline.
Conclusion
The proposed solutions to the problems should be outlined in the form of a hierarchy where a priority should be given to reconstructing social awareness of people (See Appendix 2). In particular, the Appendix shows that society should recognize the problem and identify the actual threats of frequency radiation to health. As soon as people understand the seriousness of the problem, they trigger a mechanism of companys activities.
Specifically, mobile company should respond to social unrest and provide precaution measures for using mobile handsets. To introduce preventing activities, scientific research is needed to direct the resources and introduce the corresponding solutions. In such a manner, a personal awareness will be increased for the purpose of exterminating the potential threats of mobile radiation in future. The research practice, therefore, should be oriented on the analysis of brain tumor statistics and its relation to increase of mobile phones use.
Self awareness, which is the highest point of the presented hierarchy, is the final step to realizing the problem. Thus, Appendix 2 shows the interdependency of the above-presented factors influencing the problem solving in the sphere of mobile technologies. It also outlines the importance of recognizing each of the factors.
Recommendations
Overall, the hierarchy is aimed at projecting the scheme within which the proposed solutions are possible to accomplish. Specifically, a person should realize in what way frequency radiation influences his/her health and understand which methods are the most effective for overcoming the threats.
Lack of evidence on radiation is threat, therefore, can be explained by insufficient research in the field and mobile companies ignorance of the existing problems for the benefits of their performance and profitability. In this respect, it is highly recommended to introduce an in-depth analysis of existing evidence and research the fields that have not been sufficiently studied yet.
Reference List
Cardis, E. (2010). Brain Tumour Risk in Relation to Mobile Telephone Use: Result of the Interphone International Case Control Study. International Journal of Epidemiology, 39(3), 675-694.
Dellorto, D. (2011). WHO: Cell phone use can increase possible cancer risk. Web.
Levis, A., Minicuci, N., Ricci, P., Gennaro, V., & Garbisa, S. (2011). Mobile phones and head tumours. The discrepancies in cause-effect relationships in the epidemiological studies how do they arise?. Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source, 1059.
Mobile Radiation and Health. [Graphic Illustration, 2011]. Data Access from Walden University. Web.
Noor, N., Mohammed, H., Ahmed, N., & Radwan, N. (2011). Variations in amino acid neurotransmitters in some brain areas of adult and young male albino rats due to exposure to mobile phone radiation. European Review For Medical And Pharmacological Sciences, 15(7), 729-742.
Healthy People 2010 is a 10-year health strategic plan of the United States, which aims at promoting healthy lifestyles and prevention of diseases. The health strategic plan has it basis from Healthy People 2000 health agenda, which emanated from collaborative efforts of the United States government, citizens, and public health organizations.
Culmination of the Healthy People 2000 objectives did set stage for the formulation of Healthy People 2010 healthy strategic plan of the United States. The Healthy People 2010 has two major objectives: to improve the quality and length of healthy life, and eliminate healthy disparities in the society that has been very unequal.
To achieve its objective, the Healthy People 2010 identified 28 healthy indicators that are critical in assessing progress of health, but health experts identified 10 leading health indicators. The 10 leading health indicators give enough information regarding health status or issues in the population for policymakers to make appropriate policies. Obesity is one of the health issues with indicators such as physical activity, environmental quality, and access to healthcare falling in the 10 leading indicators of Healthy People 2010.
Physical activity is one of the leading health indicators according to Healthy People 2010 for it determines prevalence of obesity in the society. Physical activity intricately links with nutrition because the health status of a body does not only depend on physical activity, but also intake of nutritious diet and subsequent assimilation and utilization of the nutrients.
Since a healthy diet supplies the essential nutrients to the body, proper and optimum physical activity is necessary to enhance their assimilation and utilization, hence preventing the accumulation of the excess nutrients into toxic levels or causing obesity in the case of carbohydrates.
According to Centers for Disease Control [CDC] and Prevention (2009), enhanced physical activity and modification of diet are effective measures of reducing incidences of obesity in the society with health disparities and inequality (p.1). Thus, healthy body requires nutrients and physical activity to improve physiological and biochemical processes of the body, hence prevents occurrence of the obesity.
Social and physical environment is also another leading health indicator that determines predisposition to obesity. Series of studies have confirmed that social and physical environments influence eating and exercising habits of individuals.
Some environments such as workplaces and schools discourage physical exercises because people eat well yet they become preoccupied with other issues and neglect healthy lifestyles such as physical exercise. Due to lack of enough exercise in such environments, people gain weight and become obese. Social behaviors such as unhealthy eating habits have significant influence on the eating lifestyles of the people in certain social environments.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2009), abundance of food, lack of exercising facilities and contemporary occupations that do not provide time for physical activities have contributed significantly to the development of obesity (p.2). Palatable and innutritious diets that are conveniently available in social places coupled with the lack of physical exercises degenerate into weight gain and obesity.
Accessibility to health care services is one of the 10 leading indicators of health that determines prevalence of obesity in the society. Since health status of the body depends on the nutritional and physical fitness, inaccessibility to health care services and vital information necessary for healthful lifestyles means that the population will neither eat nutritiously nor exercise well.
Satcher (2000) argues that, accessibility to health care is critical in enhancing measures of public health such as prevention, treatment, and management of diseases through provision of health information (p.2864). The inaccessibility to information concerning nutrition and physical activity increases prevalence of obesity in the population. Thus, to reverse increasing trends of obesity, accessibility to vital information in the healthcare institutions by the public is imperative.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2009). Healthy People 2010. National Center for Health Statistics. Web.
Satcher, D. (2000). Eliminating Global Health Disparities. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 284(22), 2864.
Person health record (PHR) refers to an Internet based set of tools that allow people to access and coordinate their lifelong health information, and makes it available to those who need it. (Al-Ubaydli, 2011, p13). It is a consumer-centered approach to making comprehensive electronic health records present at any care point while effectively providing care for the patients privacy (Egges and Overmas, 2010, p. 95).
How are these developed and put onto a computer system?
A PHR computer system consists of a data repository that stores PHR data on a cloud data storage system which relies on a number of data centers; and a portal which allows patient access information. Depending on vendors, portal categories may include social networking, health management, financial services and decision support among others (Egges and Overmas, 2010, p. 95). There is no standard way to develop PHR model. However, a desired one can be developed using the following steps:
Identity the community health concerns and integrate them as key navigators PHR.
Install common PHR details based on literature including patient demographics, allergic reactions, hereditary diseases, chronic diseases, immunization records, blood type and other procedures.
Develop and apply specific/Desired field self assessment test. (Citl, et al, 2008, p. 113).
How is data secured and accessed?
Security is well checked by Most of PHR computer system. Physician should also keep patients information secure.
Everyone has the right to view/access their health records. This can be achieved copies of records, or request a summary of the information. Always one should ask and complete the authorization form, which is returned to the facility. For any errors or omission, request for amendment from the organization offering the facility. (Al-Ubaydli, 2011, p. 2)
What types of regulations are applicable to these types of systems?
There are many existing and proposed procedures and applications that regulate the numerous PHR computer systems. These regulations include accurate and a timely diagnosis, security, network synchronization, documentation and medical equipment and authentication (Egges and Overmas, 1998). To avoid incompatibilities across computer systems during transfer of data, open standards are used. For example, Health Level Seven (HL7) is a consensus standard for electronic data exchange in healthcare.
It defines standard formats for sending or receiving data on patient admission, lab results, invoicing, referral, registration and other orders. This makes communication between different departments smooth. Other adopted regulations are: DICOM defines messages for encoding and exchanging medical images, X12 that sets standards for exchanging consents, transfers or invoicing records. CorbaMED provides universal object models for several inter-operating systems.
What are the advantages?
The benefits of using HPR computer systems are: improves doctor-patient relationship via decision support, communications, and documentation. Usually, HPR is comprehensive, carrying patients lifespan medical and treatment history that can be used in case of retrospective analysis or be used as a baseline for certain medication. More so, HPR makes all the information to be available/accessible whenever necessary thus reducing delays and any other inconveniences.
Other benefits include the ability to back up, print and store in various mass storage devices such as DVDs and flash disk. (Lewis et al 2005). Improved quality care in that it reduces medical error and improved legibility for analysts to perform. Since automated technology are used, Operational cost is reduced through freeing up time and money.
What are the disadvantages?
Lack of a standard HRP computer system model, thus different institution use incompatible means of receiving, processing, storing and distribution of data. This practice impedes sharing of data across different applications and institutions. Computers can be prone to physical loss and damage and the data that it contains. (Citl et al, 2008, p. 113).
Insecurity and privacy questions may arise in that there is a greater probability that portions of personal record could be downloaded or altered by the institution to suit their data. The resultant is impersonation and other medical related theft in case of institutions such as insurance companies. Lastly, most of the doctors are reluctant to embrace this program claiming it is too costly in terms of money and time.
What key questions should this person ask of an IT vendor?
Ensure the PHR vendor he/she opts for is willing to sign a comprehensive business associate agreement; also, confirm that the vendor is audited to comply with the guidelines of HIPAA. In addition, he/she should determine whether the vendor remotely hosts an application via cloud computing and provides a way for a client to retrieve their health information in case the company goes out of business One should also question the degree of privacy i.e. steps taken to dispose all paper work when entering data into the computer.
How is the PHR computer system of benefit to public health?
Through PHRs, public health can monitor outbreaks, research, and Disease epidemiology. They can contribute towards supporting and enhancing the health of the public through seminars, sharing of individual experience, and management of certain health conditions. More so, it is immediate retrieval of patients information causing a leading edge in networking technologies and mobile communication.
Explain the challenges to the adoption on PHR and how to overcome them?
The contentious issue of how patients are uniquely identified could impede the design choices and desire for a similarly distributed system of records. Therefore, acceptable procedures for storing and backing up data to prevent loss in case of tragedies and disasters should be developed.
An agreement whether emergency overrides patients policy should be reached. More so, the possibilities of retracting information that has been given to auditors should be put into consideration. Measures to take to sanction policy violators should also be considered.
What is the Difference between PHR and EHR?
A personal health record is a consumer centered approach to making comprehensive electronic health, providing accessibility to them when required and are stored with high security to individuals privacy (Egges and Overmas, 2010, p. 95). An electronic health record (EHR) is a sprouting model of an organized gathering of medical information concerning patients and the general population.
Conclusion
The essay has provided answers to a number of questions. This include defining a personal health record and how its developed into a computer system. Data security and accessibility has also been highlighted. There are regulations that govern personal health records in electronic form. Using computerized health records has both advantages and disadvantages.
There are questions that an IT vendor should be asked. Computerized personal health records are also beneficial to the public health. How to uniquely identify patients is one of the main challenges and theres a difference between a personal health record and an electronic health record.
References
Al-Ubaydli, M. (2011)-Personal Health Records: A Guide for Clinicians. Blackwell publishers: West Sussex.
Citl, et al (2008). The value of Personal Health Record books.google.com. Center for Information Technology Leadership (CITL), Healthcare Information and Management System Society (HIMS).
Egges, A. and Overmas, M. (1998). Lecture notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, London: Springer.
Lewis et al (2005). Consumer health informatics: informing consumers and improving health care. New York: Springer.