Public Health Case Study

Public tumesceness Case StudyFundamantals of popular health Science and Practice AssessmentThis assignment bequeath consider a given case rent involving a lady named genus Melissa, she is a 45 year old Afro-Caribbean lady who had a University precept. She now has a erect job managing a regional chain of amply street robes stores. She has been eng come ond to her boyfriend for 12 months. She smokes heavily and spends several evenings for each one calendar week and every weekend in various bars and clubs, where she drinks surfeitively and takes unskilled medicines with her friends. Her office staffner disapproves of her behaviour and considers her friends to be a mischievously influence. She was recently taken to AE after collapsing in a nightclub. Her pargonnts and her partner atomic number 18 concerned about her long term health. Due to these circumstances Melissa leave be assessed on her unavoidably as an idiosyncratic, given advice on how to take make o ut of her health and where she can access this guidance.Public health has been the concern of the presidency since Victorian times, and became the priority of the NHS (National Health Service) in 1974. However the UK (United Kingdom) G everyplacenment has begun to swallow the business of health improvement to local political sympathiess. They believe that local governments bind the ability to concentrate on on local races and shape the operate to understand the local populations needs (Department of Health 2011).Public health can be defined in a variety of ways depending on the individuals opinion and beliefs. However, it is common knowledge that public health is the prevention of disease, long term illness and a priority of prolonging behavior among the whole population. This address is encourage and achieved through health promotion.The WHO (World Health organisation) definition of health promotion is the process of enabling pack to increase control over, and to impr ove, their health. It moves beyond a focus on individual behaviour towards a wide range of fond and environmental interventions (WHO, 2012). All care for staff currently on the NMC (Nursing and midwifery Council) register are involved in public health and film specific fictitious characters in promoting public health activities. One of the primary focuses with upstream care for is to reduce health inequalities and societal determins. However, for this to take effect it is undeniable that all nursing practitioners fully understand the fundamentals of public health and health promotion. The upstream nursing framework, Living Well Working closely and Aging comfortably was put in place to assist in the active promotion of health and well universe (Nursing, 2012).Melissa exit be educated about the services available to her and this assignment bequeath demonstrate the catchs of key public health principles such(prenominal) as her age, culturality, phantasmal beliefs her reading and where she resides. Explaining why this may direct an effect on her in association. The assignment will discuss the relevant sociological theories surrounding inequalities at bottom populations and communities. It will focus on Melissas current life-style and the possible consequences this will have on her health. Finally the assignment will clarify on the recent policy incentives available to Melissa and her family, which will offer the reserve they need. To conclude a summary of findings will be discussed.Before the nursing practitioner can begin to educate Melissa about the services available to her, providing the person centered care she deserves. The nurses themselves must be advised of the basic key concepts at heart society, including the priorities and the correct practice. The relationship in the midst of health and society must be fundamental. Social circumstances have an electrical shock on health inequalities through a variety of means, such as age, ethnicity, education, environment, income and available hold water. Inequalities are simply discriminations in states circumstances which therefore has an electric shock on their health (Wills, 2005). The primary(prenominal) sociable determinant that has the biggest wallop on health of Melissa is her race, ethnicity, cultural punctuate and her beliefs. The link in the midst of ethnicity and kind class also has a significant impact on someones health and life expectancy. For this reason sociologists claim society, helping people to understand and suffice appropriately to society and culture around us.Stratification is one of the sociological concepts by sociologist Max Webber. He discusses how various groups of people place inwardly society, whether it be within a population or a community. This is a good deal stratified by means of income, kind class, sexual practice, ethnicity, religion and political status. In Melissas case there are two key areas to discuss, firs tly her clay of biological characteristics, such as her skin colour and secondly her ethnic background. Melissa is of Afro Caribbean origin, therefore her biological characteristics will differ from those of livid British ethnicity. Her skin colour will be the more bountiful difference along with her hair type, eye colour and structural build. Her ethnic background differences will same(p)ly be her spoken native language, preferred fashion, beliefs and her religion. These forms of differences would often lead to racialism (Jennie Naidoo, 2005). Racism a combination of discrimination and prejudice melodic themed upon Melissas differences. These differences become ranked inferior or superior to each other, often resulting in a belief that because someone is of differences they should be hardened differently. It is this unfair treatment that consequently induces inequalities towards Melissa. Therefore causing inequalities towards Melissas health (Pratt, 2006).The black-and-blu e base Tackilng health inequalities for minority ethnic groups shows that in 2007 Non manual workers like Melissa reports 21 out of 100 white British people creation in poor health compared to the 25 Caribbean nationals. Providing the evidence base that Melissas ethnic differences will have a d avow effect on her overall health compared to the UK white British population (Randhawa, 2007). The possible determines of health for such inequalities can be influenced by housing, income, environment, education and the services available within her community. Also the white paper, Fair rules of order Healthy Lives has statistical evidence to substitute that life expectancy between both men and women has a seven year difference between different social classes of society (Marmott, 2010). Inequalities of wealth and health are not only an issue within the UK, they are global. For example, America, the UK and almost European countries are among the wealthy, having a wealth, capital of over $50000 each, in comparison to Africa and Asian countries with dandy of just $2000 and under. These statistics show that the concentration of global wealth inequalities is high. Such inequalities are trusty for poor health services and education within these start out wealth countries, due to the simple event that they cannot afford the resources (Mindfully.org, 2006).However, in Melissas case, social stratification which refers to the social class of people who share the same aim of wealth. Would insist that Melissa has minimal strain from income inequalities in the UK. The Gilbert Kahl manikin which focuses on income consists of six categories The underclass, the working poor class, the working class, the middle class, the focal ratio middle class and the capitalist class. The class structure of Gilberts model bases its assumptions of the economic society. In this model it would appear that Melissa having a managerial role within a chain of high street clothing stores, is part of the upper middle class society. Due to her university education and well gainful employment, Gilberts model would suggest that Melissa deserves what she has achieved and is entitled to her share of life and her elect lifestyle (Sill, 2014).The feminists would agree with Gilberts assumption of Melissa deserving what she has achieved regardless of her gender. gentlewoman Millicent Garrett Fawcett was one of the early 19th century feminists, she campaigned for the right of womens votes. She then became an militant on improving womens educational opportunities (Howorth, 2004). Since then feminism activists have kaput(p) on to make changes for women within society and politics. Modern feminism has cardinal main focuses the differences of gender, inequalities of gender, gender oppression and structural oppression. The theory of feminism is think on giving women a voice and making awareness of womens contributions to society (Humm, 2014). Due to this women are now entitled to vote, seek employment without gender discrimination, reduced isolation of women from the household and reduced the differences in pay. Feminism has seen sections of sub judice legislation put in place for instance, The Equal pay constitute 1970, The Sexual Discrimination Act 1975 and the Equality Act 2006 plus umpteen more, which all provide legal frameworks to protect women. Therefore, reducing the overall direct of inequalities between women and men (Gov.uk, 2006).However, it was the historical work of Karl Marx and his Marxism theory that originally catoregised people in relation to economic production in society. Marx called this Capitalism, he implied that people who owned the production were the capitalists and the people that provided the labor were the proletariat (workers). This theory went on to create hostility between the two social classes. The proletariats were withheld from the products that they created and the development of its production, which left them feel ings of alienation. This created feelings of less self worth and the social relationship between the capitalists and the proletariats became prominent in relation to spot (Blaxter, 2004). However the feminists saw that it was these economic inequalities of power within a population, that began the understanding in regards to inequalities between social classes and gender. press that the ability to overcome capitalism, would result in the reconstruction of the gender asymmetry (Yuill, 2003).It is clear to see from Melissas employment status and life style that social economy has evolved from Marxs theory and the inequalities between men, women, owners and workers has drastically reduced. However, inequalities are tranquil the forefront subject within upstream nursing and new frameworks such as the National Service framework for equality and diversity. Insists that the NHS (National Health Service) will respond to different needs of different populations fairly. Assisting in the u nderstanding of individual needs during public health support (NHS, 2014).Today, women in the UK are judge to live until they are 82, but numerous people are dying(p) young. Melissa is a heavy smoker and drinks excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis, she is also know to indulge on amateur drugs. In 2007 1 in 6 people died before the age of 65 due to diseases such as cancer, respiratory diseases and circulatory diseases, most of which are avoidable. Most longstanding illnesses are due to individual lifestyle choices and the stability of mental health (Government, 2010). Health and wellbeing are influenced by a variety of factors, for example, social environment, mental health and culture and these factors continually change across ones lifespan. The No Health Without Mental Health fabric delves into mental health outcomes in relation to health and well being. It assesses life satisfaction, self worth and stress in relation to the lifestyle choices of individuals.The fac t that Melissas chooses to smoke has already put her in danger of premature health complications. Cigarette smoking accounts for approximately 100,000 UK deaths, it reduces the quality of health and causes premature death. near 365 of respiratory deaths are caused by smoking. Short term health conditions joined to smoking are infections of the respiratory tract and the possible onset of asthma. However, Melissa is also at the risk of developing much worse conditions such as a variety of cancers, emphysema, pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. The be of smoking colligate illnesses is approximately 2.7 billion to 5.2 billion within each year on the NHS (ash, 2014).Melissa also chooses to regularly drink alcohol and use recreational drugs. Statistics show that regular alcohol drinkers among the UK population amounts to 58% and in 2012 1,008,850 hospital admissions were related to alcohol. It is also estimated that the misuse of alcohol costs the NHS in excess of 3.5 billion per year (Gov.uk, 2012). The miss use of drugs among adults in the UK also equates to 2.7 zillion UK residents, with cannabis being the most commonly used drug and inspiration coming in second. This misuse leads to 6,549 hospital admissions in 2013 along with 1,496 drug related deaths (Lifestyles Statistics, 2013). The main long term issues related to alcohol and drug use is an addiction, and health implications of the cardiovascular system. From these statistics is can be seen that Melissa has a very risky lifestyle and she has increased her chances of developing long and nearsighted term illnesses prematurely in relation to this.Once Melissa has had her estimate of health needs the framework model for up stream nursing protect, promote and prevent will be practiced. Local level health promotion strategies within Melissas region will be identified, such as local stop smoking support. The DH (Department of Health) published the paper Smoking Kills in 1998 and recently released the docum ent Tobacco Control. These papers have do measures to reduce smoking in public areas, restricted ad and have supported the rise of tobacco costs (Cartwright, 2008). The Mental Health Foundation, focus on mental health awareness and inequalities as well as linking mental health policies, research and evidence to produce publications masking piece a wide range of mental health issues (Foundation, 2014). The Drink assured campaign provides the public with information in regards to alcohol consumption. They promote amenable use of alcohol and the health issues related (Drinkaware, 2014), National Drug legal profession Alliance, provide education on addiction and how it takes control of your life. They provide support for family and friends too (Dependence, 2014). Finally the Womens Health Concern campaign provides information and education to women in regards to their health and wellbeing, including advice on lifestyle concerns (Concern, 2014). Many of these public health promotin g campaigns are a charity funded but are supported by the government.The government has taken responsibility for public health promotion, however the government cannot achieve this alone. Individuals have to take action in regards to improving their own and their familys health. A new radical approach towards health and wellbeing is being pursued. At root level local authorities will be taking responsibility within society, dealing with the determines of health and support the public in making healthier selections (Nursing, 2011). The Directors of Public Health are the main advisors to the local authorities in relation to health. They are members of the health and well being board, but it is the department of Public Health England which offers the overall support to both sections. The new approach has its strategies sent out from the Secretary of Health. Who is responsible for allocating budgets to the local authorities and NHS. The Public Health England framework supports this appr oach. Believing, giving the responsibility back to local authorities will result in them being able to support their community with the services which that particular area needs (Health, 2013).Upon discharge from hospital Melissa will be advised on The primary care choices available to her such as GP (General Practitioner) practices and high street optometrists. The role of the nurse is influential in this case and the white paper Nusres as partners in delivering public health points out the contributions made by nurses has a major impact on behavior changes within the health promotion environment. It illustrates the success of upstream nursing with case study examples, providing evidence that health promotion at local levels working in partnership with other local services has a detrimental impact on reducing health inequalities (Nursing, 2009).In conclusion to this case study health and health promotion bases itself on cultural and social understanding of illness. The promotion of health is to enable the public to hold control over their own health by means of encouragement from intersectorial means. It is the influence of ones social and economic status, which can determine peoples lifestyle choices and risks. The statistics show that one bad lifestyle choice can reduce quality of life and cost health care services billions to provide treatment. Therefore, without the intervention of the government and the nursing professional background knowledge and support. The general public, perhaps, would lack the reduction in health inequalities and the stabilisation of the NHS.Amanda Jane Kaye