Interventions to Improve the Health of Individuals - Assignment Example

? Part Health Sciences and Medicine Health Sciences and Medicine Interventions to improve health of individuals and communities can be best designed by understanding theories of behavior change. Social and behavioral theories provide insights on why some people do not practice behaviors that promote health (Coreil, 2010). When implemented in the health sector, these theories design effective health intervention strategies that address people’s needs. The implementation of these theories augments positive impacts on the health of communities and individuals. Social and behavioral theories might be better in the stages of behavior change and understanding environmental factors influencing behavior. In most cases, these theories may help understand why people do not observe preventive services prescribed by public health sectors. According to these theories, some people may fail to recognize health preventive services because of their beliefs or environment conditions. The variables I would target when conducting health intervention are children aged 6-11, adolescents aged 12-19 years, and the poor who lack adequate treatment of tooth decay. Through social and behavioral theories, I would evaluate the conditions that promote tooth decay or oral health. In this case, I would recognize that community water fluoridation is the greatest public health achievement. I would spend every dollar in the community on water fluoridation to save the treatment cost of dental decay. To boost oral health program, I would create awareness on the importance of water fluoridation. School based dental programs would also help to deliver health to populations at risk of tooth decades such as low income households, children, and adolescents. I would increase the percentage of children participating in sealant programs to save the cost of public health. I would ensure that the poor, members of ethnic or racial minority groups, and elderly with severe dental decay receive good oral health. Reference Coreil, J. (2010). Social and behavioral foundations of public health. Los Angeles: Sage. Part 2 Oral Cancer In the United States, over 30, 000 people are diagnosed and 8, 000 die each year due to oral cancer (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Oral cancer is the leading cause of most deaths in the world. With this concern, many nations have established the need to enact preventive measures to reduce the risk of oral cancer. The direct risk factors of oral cancer include alcohol and tobacco use, sun exposure, HPV infection, and chemoprevention. It is crucial to communicate and collaborate with groups and individuals on oral health issues to reduce the risk factors that trigger oral cancer. Directive and Indirect Risk factors Tobacco use especially cigars, pipes, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco is the major cause of oral cancer. Second-hand smokers are also at a high risk of getting oral cancer. Alcohol is a direct risk factor of oral cancer, especially hard liquor and beer increases the risk of developing the disease. Those who use both tobacco and alcohol are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer than those who do not. Sun exposure is a major indirect that increases the risk of developing lip cancer that often occurs on the lower. Avoiding the sun or applying sun screen lipstick may reduce the risk of developing lip cancer. People infected with HPV are at a high risk of developing oral cancer. People who have undergone chemotherapy are at a high risk of developing oral cancer. Tobacco users who may have had oral cancer are at a high risk of developing a second cancer within the oral cavity or nearby areas such as throat, vocal chords, nose, windpipe, and oesophagus. A study by Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2013) indicates that, poor diet and nutrition show a small risk for developing oral cancer. People who eat less fruits and vegetables in their meals are less likely to develop the illness. Some people believe that the increase of Body Mass Index (BMI) is linked with the risk of developing oral cancer. Lastly, people with HIV/AIDS or those who have gone through organ transplants are at a high risk of developing oral cancer. Protective Measures Stopping or avoiding tobacco decreases the risk of developing oral cancer. It is not fully known whether stopping the use of alcohol minimizes the risk of developing the illness. However, a high concern has been expressed on the use of mouthwashes to people with high alcoholic content, which reduces the chances of developing oral cancer. It is important to apply sunscreen products to prevent cancer that develops on the lower lip. To deter the risk factor of HPV, one should abstain or remain faithful to one sex partner. Those with a history of multiple oral sex or sexual partners are at a high risk of developing oral cancer. Couples should be tested prior to engaging into sexual activities. Protective sex could also minimize the chances of acquiring the illness (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Interventions or strategies to control oral cancer This section will introduce some of the interventions I would utilize to control oral cancer in the community. To combat oral cancer, I would enact a strategic plan that ensures that all people are enjoying good oral health. Specifically, I would control and prevent oral disease by creating awareness on the risk factors that increases oral cancer. I would increase knowledge, networks, and tools that promote health behaviors and lifestyles. I would utilize the best technology and science to increase surveillance and detection of oral diseases along with their risk factors. I would monitor oral diseases across all stages of life, and thereafter communicate to the community on how to respond and combat future harms. I would also increase organizational function and leadership effectiveness to ensure that those affected are well handled and treated successfully. I would also collaborate with individuals and groups on oral health issues affecting the community. For instance, I would partner with ministry of health to identify the major group affected by oral cancer. Further, I would evaluate the major risk factors affecting the population. This would help to evaluate measures to prevent the risk and deaths linked with oral cancer. I would also partner with Non Governmental Organizations to promote healthy lifestyles. NGOs would also assist in promoting equality in the health sector and provide free medical check up to those affected by the illness. I would work with the government to fight the use of tobacco, which is the leading cause of oral cancer. I would ensure that every tobacco smoker understands the severe impact of tobacco in increasing oral cancer. Lastly, I would implement community based strategies that enhance greatest investment in the health. In this case, I would ensure that every dollar invested in the community saves lives and promote healthy behaviors in the community. Training programs would educate many people about the importance of avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, which are the major causes of oral cancer, which in turn would save lives and cost associated with the illness treatment. Reference Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Oral Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/oral_cancer/index.htm Read More