HW 5 PH 116
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School
University of California, Berkeley *
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Course
116
Subject
Health Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
Pages
1
Uploaded by GrandBearPerson958
Prompt: Reader (“In the article, “There’s a score to quantify childhood trauma. Some health
experts want you to know yours,” the author mentions how personal experiences can impact
people’s physical health. What are some of the physical and mental health implications that can
arise from ACEs (adverse childhood experiences)? Do you think it’s essential to include ACE
scores in medical assessments? Why or why not? What are some advantages and disadvantages
of regularly taking ACE scores into consideration for medical purposes? How should medical
professionals and healthcare workers be educated on ACEs and identifying ACEs in their
patients/clients? How should they approach navigating these difficult conversations with their
patients/clients? How might the presence or absence of a strong support system or protective
factors during childhood influence an individual's resilience to the long-term effects of ACEs?”)
The given article discusses the wide variety of impacts that adverse childhood experiences
(ACEs) can have on mental and physical health. According to the article, our bodies can change
significantly due to traumas that we experience in our childhood, which can result in health
problems like asthma, cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. This is why
proponents of ACE argue for its inclusion in medical assessments, since it provides a more
complete picture of the medical history of the patient. However, I personally think ACE scores
should not be included in assessments, at least not in their current form. This is because the ACE
score is very raw since it just counts the number of questions that a person responds ‘yes’ to.
There is no consideration of the frequency or severity of ACE triggers, and it also leaves out
other trauma-causing events like natural disasters and gun violence. Therefore, I don’t think an
ACE score provides substantial information. That being said, it can be a helpful
indicator
for
medical professionals. This is why healthcare workers should still be trained on ACEs, by
integrating the concept into curricula using case studies as well as focusing on how to use the
score properly. Navigating conversations about ACEs can be difficult, so healthcare workers
should always keep in mind the sensitivity of the topic, respecting boundaries, providing
adequate resources and building trust.
A strong support system can be a massive factor in building an individuals’ resilience to ACEs.
For instance, positive relationships with caregivers, family members, teachers, and mentors can
reduce the impact of ACEs and provide emotional support. Similarly, having access to resources
like mental health services, educational opportunities, and safe environments can enhance
resilience.
Overall, an empathetic approach to healthcare can help individuals with ACEs lead healthier
lives. It's essential for healthcare professionals to be well-prepared and compassionate when
discussing the topic of ACEs with their patients or clients.
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