Public Health HLTH349 Discussion 1
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Liberty University *
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Course
349
Subject
Medicine
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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Uploaded by CoachValorMole33
Take a look at your community by walking or driving around it. After that, answer the following:
1.
What makes it a community? What do you think defines it or distinguishes it?
A community is defined by its shared characteristics and the interactions among its members. It
is a group of individuals who live in close proximity and are bound together by common
interests, values, and goals (Seabert et al., 2021). The ability to connect and collaborate with
others is a defining feature of a community. This sense of belonging and mutual support creates
a strong sense of camaraderie among neighbors, fostering a tight-knit community where
everyone looks out for each other. It not only enhances the overall well-being of individuals but
also promotes a safer and more inclusive neighborhood environment.
2.
From your visual survey of the community, what do you perceive as the major
health-related problems in your community?
Every community has certain difficulties when it comes to health-related issues.
“Healthcare and social services providers are deemed culturally competent when they offer
culturally appropriate care to the populations they serve.” (Lekas er al., 2020, para 1). When it
comes to inadequate healthcare delivery in my community, language barriers are a top
concern.Language barriers can create significant challenges in accessing and understanding
healthcare information and services. This can result in limited communication between patients
and healthcare providers, leading to misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment, and overall
dissatisfaction with the healthcare experience.
A way to continue to solve for this is to
provide access to interpretation services or employing
multilingual staff. By doing so, healthcare providers can ensure effective communication,
enabling patients to express their concerns, understand diagnoses, and actively participate in
their healthcare decisions. 1 Corinthians 14:16 states "Let all that you do be done in love." (1
Corinthians 16:14 (NIV), n.d.) It is important to have a compassionate attitude when providing
healthcare and to always treat patients with love and respect, regardless of their cultural
background.
3.
From your visual survey of the community, what do you perceive as the major assets
of your community? (Note: These may include social-related organizations.)
Montclair is committed to promoting wellness and the quality of life in our neighborhood. The
community hosts family events and health fairs, has access to communicate through various
platforms.
These amenities provide opportunities for physical activity and social interaction,
further enhancing the overall well-being of our residents. Additionally, Montclair's
transportation infrastructure makes it convenient for individuals to access healthcare facilities
and other wellness resources in the surrounding areas.
4.
What institutions or businesses in your community are involved in the area of health
care? What goods and services do they provide?
Montclair, Virginia, is a bustling community that is actively involved in various
businesses and institutions in the area of healthcare. This vibrant region has a
diverse range of healthcare establishments, each playing a crucial role in serving the
local population.
One prominent healthcare institution in Montclair is the Sentara Northern Virginia
Medical Center. This state-of-the-art hospital provides a comprehensive range of
medical services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized
treatments. With a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, Sentara Northern
Virginia Medical Center ensures the wellbeing of individuals within the community.
5.
How far do people in your community need to travel to purchase health products?
What health products are available in your community? (Note: The possible
differences in name-brand health product prices compared to generic health product
prices.
Montclair is also home to numerous grocery stores, shopping centers, pharmacies
private clinics and medical practices. These facilities offer access wide array of
services, such as healthcare products, primary care, specialized consultations, and
diagnostic tests. Patients in Montclair have the convenience of accessing quality
healthcare without traveling far from their homes.
1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=1+corinthians+16%3A14&version=NIV#en-NIV-28791
Lekas, H., Pahl, K., & Lewis, C. F. (2020). Rethinking cultural competence: Shifting to cultural
humility. Health Services Insights, 13, 117863292097058.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1178632920970580
Seabert, D., McKenzie, J. F., & Pinger, R. R. (2021).
McKenzie’s An Introduction to Community &
Public Health
. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Replys
Hi Emily,
Thank you for sharing your observations of your community through your lens. You shared that
there is no healthcare store or pharmacy located within your community; therefore, people need
to travel ten minutes to 45 minutes, depending on their pharmacy, to receive appropriate and
timely health care, which is critical to reducing disease progression and improving quality of life
and health status.” (Buchmueller & Levy, 2020, p. 395). Moreover, having a healthcare
professional nearby ensures that any urgent medical needs can be attended to promptly and
comfortably. While the absence of a healthcare store or pharmacy may be inconvenient, the
presence of a local physician's office helps to compensate for the fact that the community's
healthcare needs are well taken care of. The Bible says, "There are “friends” who pretend to be
friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (
Proverbs 18:24 (TLB)
, n.d.).
Having a local physician's office in the community shows that no matter what, there will always
be someone to help and provide support in times of need.
Buchmueller
, T. C., & Levy, H. G. (2020). The ACA's Impact On Racial And Ethnic Disparities
In Health Insurance Coverage And Access To Care. Health Affairs, 39(3), 395-402,402A-402K.
https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.01394
Proverbs 18:24 (TLB)
. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Proverbs+18%3A24+&version=TLB
Hi Pertrice
Thank you for sharing your community observation with us. I want to express my sympathy for
the health-related problems that your community is currently facing. You mentioned that your
community is located near a military base. I can relate to this, as I also live near a military base.
Living in proximity to a military base often brings a unique set of experiences and challenges. It
can contribute to the local economy, provide job opportunities, and foster a sense of patriotism.
You also mentioned that a lack of healthy food is also one of the most significant challenges facing your
community and others around the world. Having limited access to healthier food can cause a variety of
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health problems, negatively affecting the overall well-being of individuals. Researchers have found that
residents of neighborhoods with better access to supermarkets and fewer convenience stores typically
have healthier diets and are less likely to be obese (Larson et al., 2009). This highlights the importance of
increasing access to healthy food. Investing in community gardens and farmers markets can help improve
access to healthy foods and promote healthier lifestyles. Additionally, providing incentives for grocery
stores to locate in underserved areas can also help reduce the impact of health disparities. As the Bible
says, “When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord and he pays wonderful interest on your loan.”
(
Proverbs 19:17 (TLB)
, n.d.). Investing in the health of communities is an act of faith that will ultimately
lead to a better future. It is an investment that pays back both physically and financially. It is a worthy
endeavor that will benefit everyone.
Proverbs 19:17 (TLB)
. (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=
%28Proverbs+19%3A17%29+&version=TLB
Larson, N., Story, M., & Nelson, M. C. (2009). Neighborhood environments.
American Journal
of Preventive Medicine
,
36
(1), 74-81.e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2008.09.025