Health Sciences and Medicine Issues - Book Report/Review Example

? Health Sciences and Medicine Health Sciences and Medicine 7. What do you do to try to maintain a healthy immune system? Why is it important to have a healthy immune system? The immune system fends off invasion of harmful entities into the body, including disease causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses, harmful chemicals and surveillance against cancer. The importance of the immune system becomes apparent when it is absent; for instance, the devastating nature in AIDS occurs due to the lack of a formidable immune system allowing all manner of infections that would not arise in a healthy individual. Maintenance of a strong immune system is, thus, a vital undertaking as an easy to breach immunity would leave one in danger of contacting all manner of diseases and conditions. A number of approaches can be used to maintain a healthy immune system, revolving around strengthening it or preventing it from collapse. One of these ways is through proper nutrition, where watching the diet for harmful components while at the same time consuming immunity-constructive foods would help to maintain a healthy immune system. Distress should be avoided at all costs as it has been shown to negatively impact on the body immune system. The right exercise regime also helps one to maintain a healthy immune system, alongside sleeping soundly. Maintaining proper hygiene helps an individual to eradicate environmental predispositions to infections. 7. Do you believe that overuse of antibiotics has contributed to superbugs and antibiotic resistance? What are some things that can be done to prevent this from becoming a greater problem? Misuse and overuse of antibiotics has definitely contributed to the occurrence of superbugs and antibiotic resistance. Bacteria are highly versatile organisms, having been the first life forms on earth and adapting to colonize all environments available. The success first established with antibiotics is a kind of learning period for them as they have already rendered some drugs utterly useless. The contemporary world is now dealing with highly resistant bacteria that have left devastating marks on humanity. Whereas the versatility associated with viruses has already proved a formidable hindrance to developing a drug to cure AIDS, bacteria are showing their level of adaptability to medication. Overt exposure of bacteria to antibiotics helps them develop enzymatic paths that enable the bacteria to overcome drugs (McKenna, 2010). Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus are manifestations of modern-day super bugs. The strategies to counter generation of superbugs revolve around responsible use of antibiotics. They should only used upon prescription as opposed to over-the-counter purchase. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is an important way to institute the right dosage of antibiotic medication and avoid aiding their adaptability. 7. How can you educate others effectively about the routes of transmission for major types of pathogens? Pathogens breach the protective mechanisms through certain routes of administration including the skin (contact), oral route (food and water borne pathogens), naso-pharyngeal route (airborne pathogens), vector-borne pathogens, and the reproductive route among other types such as use of unsterilized hospital equipment that may transmit blood-borne pathogens. Educating people about the routes of transmission of pathogens is a suitable way to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases. The approach used to educate the people about the routes of transmission will determine the effectiveness of such disease prevention. The best way to educate them is through using their everyday experience and examples in their environments to demonstrate how pathogens may enter their bodies. For instance, demonstrating how food left uncovered and then consumed might be carrying pathogens carried by flies; or how unprotected sex may result in the spread of STDs effectively informs them about the routes of pathogen transmission. It is vital to ensure the awareness on the routes of transmission takes into consideration the context and environments in which the people live. Importantly, an attempt should be made to demonstrate the risks of each route of transmission and to ensure the people can relate to the examples given. 6. Conduct an internet search and find a minimum of two reliable resources for individuals suffering from cancer. Based on your research, how can you be more helpful to friends or family who may be battling cancer? Cancer is one of the most debilitating conditions around the world as evidenced by the morbidity and mortality statistics as well as the amount of research directed towards cancer. Such research efforts may, however, not reach the most important stakeholders in the issue of cancer; the patients themselves. As a result, there is need for all health practitioners and society at large to access this information and transmit it to be more helpful to cancer patients. According to the government-run National Cancer Institute (2012), information on the newest drugs according to the types of cancer, recognition of the role of care givers, clinical trials, promotion of research into practice and a host of other cancer information may be gained. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2012) provides information on financial help for cancer patients and raising awareness on cancer, while also noting the latest in research and success. With such information, one can be helpful to a cancer patient through enlightening them on financial aid especially where they may have trouble accessing health services, healthy living, hope from research, the need to stay positive and the importance of having a carer among other aspects. 6. What effect does alcoholism have on an alcoholic’s family? What are some resources for families dealing with alcoholism? Alcoholism usually ranks among the most devastating drug outcomes/diseases due to not only its impact on the individual but also the extended effects it has on the close associates of the individual such as the family. The condition interferes with the individual’s ability to earn an income through disabling their functionality and making them difficult at the workplace. In cases where such individuals are breadwinners in the family, the rest of the family is thrown into financial hardships. Alcoholics may also abuse members of their family either physically or emotionally. Besides, the capacity of an alcoholic parent to care for the family is diminished; hence the children may end up being neglected and, thus, affect their development and future lives. Alcoholism also leads to emotional trauma and psychological suffering among the members of the family. Luckily, a number of resources do exist to give strength, advice and assistance to families coping with alcoholism. The individual may join Alcoholic Anonymous and through interaction with fellow and former alcoholics, receive help on how to improve. Alcohol and drug abuse organizations are also available, as well as a host of online resources to provide support. Social services, for instance for children, may also come in handy. 6. What is the difference between a problem drinker and an alcoholic? What factors can cause someone to become an alcoholic? Grant (2011) of alcohol self-help tools in the navy defines a problem drinker as one whose drinking causes problems to him/her or those around the individual. The problem drinker does not have to be a regular, heavy or addicted drinker. The main criterion is that their drinking results in problems when it does occur. On the other hand, an alcoholic is one who is addicted to alcohol, unable to live without alcohol and highly dependent on it for functioning. Alcoholism, thus, refers to a condition, complete with symptoms and withdrawal symptoms in case the individual radically tries to quit. The dependence, just like in any other drug, may be physical or psychological. A number of factors contribute to alcoholism; genetic, psychological and social factors. Research shows that certain genes may predispose one to become an alcoholic upon becoming a drinker. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, low self esteem and emotional pain may contribute to becoming an alcoholic. Social factors revolve around the view that certain groups such as college students may binge-drink, and the positive image promoted by the media about alcoholism. 5. What are some risk factors that may be controlled to prevent serious illness? How can you control them? A number of risk factors can be controlled to prevent a number of serious conditions, mostly revolving around people’s lifestyle choices. These include physical inactivity, high blood pressure, overweight/obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and smoking. Physical inactivity is associated with risks of heart diseases and stroke, besides contributing to obesity and diabetes. Moderate activity such as taking a walk, gardening, jogging and such similar activities, or even mild exercise regimes for at least 30 minutes a day may control for physical inactivity. High blood pressure is also associated with heart conditions such as congestive heart failure and stroke. Maintaining the right weight effectively controls hypertension. Obesity causes risks of hypertension, heart disease and other conditions. Losing weight gradually and in a healthy manner to achieve and maintain the right BMI is a sure way to control being overweight. Blood sugar testing and medical checkups alongside proper nutrition help control and manage diabetes. Smoking has been associated with throat and lung cancer. Gradual and manageable transition from smoking alongside the help of a health professional helps control for smoking and avoid the serious risks associated with the habit of smoking. 5. Why do you think chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are becoming the top killers of Americans? According to the CDC (2009), chronic diseases such as heart, disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke are the main killers in the America today, causing 7 out ten deaths each year. In terms of morbidity, 133 million Americans- equivalent to about one in every two adults- had one or another chronic disease, while one in every three adults and one in every three children suffer from obesity. One of the main causes of this regrettable situation in contemporary America is the lack of physical activity; more than a third of American adults fail to meet the minimum aerobic physical activity guidelines for healthy living. 23% of Americans report no leisure time or time set aside for exercise. Poor nutrition is also another cause of chronic diseases in America, characterized by shunning healthy foods for unhealthy ones. Only 22% of children and 24% of adults report consuming fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Drug abuse is also responsible for chronic conditions, with tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption being especially widespread and devastating. 5. What are some ways to manage living with the effects of a chronic disease? Individuals with chronic diseases find themselves in difficult and life-changing situations, with the outcomes largely depending on how the person will manage living with the long term condition(s). One of the most important strategies is to understand the chronic illness one is suffering from, which is an antecedent to restoring control over one’s life. Such information involves identifying the risk factors for incidents, symptoms associated with the condition, management of the symptoms and when to consult with a healthcare professional. After becoming an informed patient, the next step involves adjusting accordingly. Generally, this will involve balancing activity, rest and sleep, pace, regularity of checkups, medication, exercise, nutrition management, managing pain and emotional ups and downs. Balancing self-management with external help to manage the chronic condition is key to leading a better life with the chronic condition. Hope is considered an important aspect of managing life with a chronic condition, as having a positive outlook to life can make a great difference. 4. What are some examples of foods you eat regularly to ensure you are getting the daily recommended amount of each essential nutrient? The dietary guidelines for Americans according to the USDA (2012) are based on a healthy eating pyramid. Carbohydrates are the main source of calories among Americans; some- such as whole grains- are healthy, while others are not- including very sugary foods. The according to the healthy eating pyramid, whole grains such as oatmeal are the best source of calories. However, better control of intake is needed as they have impacts on blood sugar levels and in extension, diabetes. Healthy fats and oils- healthy ones such as olive, sunflower and peanuts- are important as they improve cholesterol balance and thus contribute to a healthy body. Vegetables and fruits are important as sources of vitamins and thus help boost the immune system. Important sources of proteins in the healthy pyramid include nuts, fish, eggs, poultry and lean meat. A number of diet contents are to be used sparingly; red and processed meat and refined grains. 4. What are some environmental and economic factors that contribute to eating behaviors? What are some ways to overcome these factors? Environmental factors that impact eating behaviors include parental feeding styles and perceptions that influence feeding habits. For instance, a parent’s worry about the appearance of her daughter may contribute to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Other factors include the promotion and association of thinness and beauty in the media and modeling and in professions such as gymnastics and dancing. Economic factors that determine eating habits include household incomes which determine what the family will afford. For instance, the rates of diabetes and obesity in the Southern states of USA have been associated with higher rates of poverty which make whole foods unaffordable and unhealthy ones within reach (Akil, 2011). Behavior change is one of the approaches that may be used to reverse destructive eating behaviors. Another strategy involves raising awareness among people about harmful and healthy eating habits. Providing healthier options that are affordable to financially-constrained households would go a long way in reversing the trends in eating habits. References Akil, L. (2011). Effects of socioeconomic factors on obesity rates in four southern states and Colorado. Ethnicity and Disease, 21(1):58-62. CDC (2009). Chronic illnesses and health promotion. Retrieved 20 February 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/index.htm CDC (2009b). Environmental hazards and health effects. Retrieved 20 February 2012 from http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehhe/ Grant, A. (2012). Problem drinker versus an alcoholic. Retrieved 20 February 2012 from http://chaplaincare.navy.mil/selfhelp/problemdrinker.htm McKenna, M. (2010). Superbug: The fatal menace of MRSA. Free Press, New York. National Cancer Institute (2012). Retrieved 20 February 2012 from http://cancer.gov/ National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2012). NCCN guidelines for cancer. Retrieved 20 February 2012 from http://www.nccn.com/ USDA (2012). Food pyramids and plates: What should you really eat? Harvard. Retrieved 20 February 2012 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid-full-story/index.html Read More