Epidemiology - Environment, Education, and Leisure - Essay Example

Epidemiology Introduction The world is changing rapidly and with every new treatment found for a disease, another new disease sprouts to haunt people. The importance of epidemiology now is increasing by leaps and bounds in identifying a causal inference for these diseases. Epidemiology is the study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations, and serves as the foundation and logic of interventions made in the interest of public health and preventive medicine. It is mainly focused on public health research, and is very important as a mechanism in identifying the potential risk factors for diseases and in determining the best approach possible to put in practice for the treatment. Epidemiological studies are aimed, where possible, at revealing unbiased relationships between exposures such as alcohol or smoking, biological agents, stress, or chemicals to mortality or morbidity (Wikipedia, 2008). While the general public can be categorized into different age groups, it is those who are in relatively very young and very old stages of life who are more vulnerable to attacks on health and well being. So, the analysis in this paper pertains to the former group (teenagers - aged between 13 and 19) and particularly on a city called Mumbai when I visited India. Although teenagers all over the world get affected on health aspects, it is those in Mumbai who are more prone to such effects because of three main factors namely, environment, education and on how they spend their leisure time. Epidemiology can be conducted in descriptive, analytic or experimental ways and the current profile is compiled using the descriptive method. Environment The major factor affecting the well being of all classes of people is the environment. Mumbai especially does not have a clean environment in majority of the areas. Recently, the Forbes magazine has rated Mumbai to be the seventh dirtiest place in the world which is topped by a city in Ethiopia (Forbes, 2008). Mumbai being a metro and the financial capital of India attracts huge number of people and approximately 13 million live there. Of all, Teenagers are the people who expose themselves to this environment more and are hence more susceptible to the threats. Pollution is an important cause of environmental damage. Air is highly polluted owing to the increased density of motor vehicles on the roads and they can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, throat inflammation, chest pain, and congestion. Also, Mumbai is a place where a lot of industries function and lead to heavy discharge of carbon compounds in air. Water pollution causes approximately 14,000 deaths per day all over the world, mostly due to contamination of drinking water by untreated sewage (Maharashtra Pollution control board, 2008). Oil spills cause skin irritations and rashes. Noise pollution during festival times induce hearing loss, high blood pressure, stress, and sleep disturbance. In 2000 Mumbai moved to switch highly polluting vehicles to natural gas, and this likely contributed to a reduction in ambient particulate matter levels in the city (Mumbai Environmental Social Network, 2008). The movement of some industry outside of the city also presumably contributed as well. Other factors, such as increased population, have tended to increase ambient particulate matter levels (Benmap, 2006). The net effect appears to be that ambient levels of particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) have held steady or in some cases declined over time(Study of Air Quality Trends, 2007). "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" is a famous saying and such is its importance on health and well being. Mumbai's unclean environment derives from garbage dumping by houses and lack of moral responsibility from other commercial establishments. A good number of Mumbai population live in slums and no proper maintenance are done in such places. Diseases like elephantiasis, leprosy, etc are frequently reported to affect people of all ages. Waste management is an issue that needs to be addressed to maintain cleanliness. Biomedical wastes from hospitals can lead to serious health hazards. Plastic wastes are produced all over and solid municipality wastes come from households. Electronic wastes arise from the many types of electronic devices used in the city. The Mumbai municipality does take action in maintaining cleanliness. Curbside collection is the most common method of disposal, whereby the city collects waste and/or recyclables and/or organics on a scheduled basis. Landfill is the most common method used for treating majority of the wastes (Waste management, 2008). Waste collected is then transported to a regional landfill. But it can cause adverse impacts through wind-blown litter, attraction of vermin, and generation of liquid leachate. Incineration is carried out both on a small scale by individuals and on a large scale by industry (Karmayog, 2006). It is used to dispose of solid, liquid and gaseous waste. Other environmental factors affecting the youngsters are the unclean sea shores and the extreme climatic conditions. The sea shores especially in Juhu and Nariman areas are worst in cleanliness and people going over such places get infected with communicable diseases. Climate varies extremely on both ends. Summers are very hot causing stroke and hemorrhage. Winters are very cold causing cold, fever and affecting the normal course of life. Education The Knowledge of the diseases will help in a great extent in preventing most of the diseases. The teenagers in particular must be educated about the ill effects of alcohol, smoking and drug abuse. Almost all adults who drink and smoke have their first experience when they are teenagers. There is a habit formation and in some cases, it is the temptation they get after the first experience which prolongs the habit. Education about such topics should be included in the regular course and Mumbai (Maharashtra Government) has taken steps by having extra classes in schools to impart knowledge on these issues. Sexually Transmitted Diseases like AIDS arise because of ignorance among the public regarding the cause and mode of transmission of disease. The teenagers in particular are more vulnerable due to lack of guidance. It is reported that teenagers have the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of any age group, with one in four young people contracting an STD by the age of 21 (Times of India, 2007). Knowledge alone is not enough to change behaviors. Also, Programs that rely mainly on conveying information about sex or moral precepts-how the body's sexual system functions, what teens should and shouldn't do-have failed. Even though there is much protest, sex education continues to be banned in schools. Members of Parliament passed a motion calling the attention of people and reported that though the aim to impart sex education was per se not objectionable, the manner in which it was introduced in the schools and that too for sixth standard students was improper. But Studies have shown that sex education begun before youth are sexually active helps young people stay abstinent and use protection when they do become sexually active. The sooner sex education begins the better, even as early as elementary school. Students in schools face physical and mental stress especially those in the higher secondary levels. Pressure from parents cause them headaches, insomnia and in some extreme cases students resort to committing suicides. Physical stress comes because of strain imposed through long periods of study. Students are asked to write assignments and tests every day in preparation of the final examination. The NCRTE which is a committee to oversee the education in India is constantly revising the course to reduce this burden on students and much of the learning now includes field work, case study, etc. Education should not be limited to imparting knowledge but also in providing students with opportunities for physical activities. Many of the diseases like Obesity, cardio vascular problems tend to have onset in the early stages of life because of absence of physical activities. The Government mandates all schools and other educational institutions to have departments for physical training. Grounds are compulsory in a school to facilitate the students in having physical activities. Canteens in educational premises include unhealthy products like aerated soft drinks, fried items and some unpacked foods. Students consuming it on a regular basis will develop diabetes and blood pressure in very early stages of life. Although no guideline or recommendation has been made by the Government on such issues, the parents and the school authorities should take responsibility in ensuring the health of the students. Leisure The health and well being of people depends much on how they spend their leisure time which then ultimately determines the lifestyle. Leisure is like a coin that has both benefits and risks. Today's youngsters don't realize the importance of leisure in shaping their lifestyle and spend it unproductively. Television provides good entertainment but also makes the youngsters lazy and wastes a lot of their precious time. The teenagers on watching the favorite stars in the movies, advertisements and serials try to imitate their personalities which results in havoc. Actors smoke and drink alcohol on screen making it a style statement which catches up with the youngsters. Smoking has increased the incidences of respiratory problems reported among youth and consumption of alcohol has shown to increase the blood pressure and cholesterol (Tobacco control in India, 2006). "A sound mind in a sound body" is a famous saying and Youngsters today are contrary not spending much time on physical activities like outdoor games and exercises. It greatly helps in reducing the bad cholesterol and in refreshing the mind. Computers have come to steal the time of youth. The increasing amount of time spent on computers at home and school has raised questions about how the use of computer technology may make a difference in their lives-from helping with homework to causing depression to encouraging violent behavior. Also according to research, spending more time before Computers increases the risk of Obesity which is different from overweight because the former has more risk of death through the causing of diseases like the Coronary Heart Disease(Wikipedia, 2008). Youngsters go to eateries and restaurants fore leisure. Food products consumed in such cases are another cause of concern. They take junk food like pizzas, burgers, etc and these are high in unwanted fats ( Leisure in Mumbai, 2006). Packaged food like chips and other fried items are also rich in bad cholesterol. More of cooked food is not consumed and even vegetables are unnatural, being bought in some processed form. The Government does pay its part in creating awareness among the youth by displaying ads in visual and print media about healthy food habits and good lifestyle. Now, the Department of Health in India has banned all smoking or alcohol-drinking scenes in movies and ads. Also, smoking ha now been banned in public places and doing so will attract hefty fine (Times of India, 2006). Conclusion Although today's youth have challenges to health on different areas like employment, housing, etc it is the environment, education and leisure that are more influential than the rest. Mumbai being one of the busiest cities in the world will naturally create more impact on the health of people. The Government is striving hard to keep the pollution levels under control with the help of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. The air and water sanity is monitored on a daily basis. Carbon credits are now issued to industries to reduce the air pollution levels. With support from media, many social activists and agencies are urging the Government to include sex education as part of school syllabus. Educational institutions are checked regularly by Government officials to regulate the burden imposed on students and to check for presence of physical activities. Through parental guidance and support from school authorities, students can be made to have productive activities during leisure. Proper knowledge of good eating habits will help in reducing diseases like Obesity and blood pressure. Bibliography (Mar 2008). Maharashtra Pollution control board Available: http://mpcb.mah.nic.in/envtdata/ Last accessed 07 Mar 2008 (Jan 2007). Study of Air Quality Trends During 1973 -2005 Availablehttp://mpcb.mah.nic.in/airtrends/test2.htm Last accessed 01 Mar 2008 (January 2006) Benmap Available: Last accessed 07 Mar 2008 (Mar2008). Wikipedia Available: http://mpcb.mah.nic.in/envtdata/ Last accessed 06 Mar 2008 (Apr 2006). Leisure in Mumbai Available: http://theory.tifr.res.in/bombay/leisure/ Last accessed 05 Mar 2008 (Jun 2006). International Educational Statistics Available: http://huebler.blogspot.com/ Last accessed 06 Mar 2008 (Mar 2008). Mumbai Environmental Social Network Available: http://www.mesn.org/ Last accessed 07 Mar 2008 (Jun 2007). Times of India Available: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/28291790.cms Last accessed 06 Mar 2008 (Feb 2005). Tobacco control in India Available: www.icmr.nic.in/ijmr/2006/may/0501.pdf Last accessed 03 Mar 2008 (Apr 2006). Karmayog Available: http://www.karmayog.com/cleanliness/cleanliness.htm Last accessed 07 Mar 2008 (Mar 2008) Wikipedia Available: http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/ Computer_Games_-_Effects_on_Children Last accessed 07 Mar 2008 (Aug 2006). Future of Children Available: http://www.futureofchildren.org/information2826/information_show.htmdoc_id=69826 Last accessed 05 Mar 2008 (Nov 2006). Times Of India Available: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1835277.cmsLast accessed 04 Mar 2008 (Jan 2007). Kids Web India Available: http://www.kidswebindia.com/sexeducation.php Last accessed 05 Mar 2008 (Mar 2008). Waste management Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_managementLast accessed 07 Mar 2008 Health Promotion Leaflet Introduction Health promotion leaves are good tools to spread awareness among the public about various factors that affect health. They carry information on statistical data and help in quick spread of knowledge. Eating well and being physically active are key to child's well-being. Having a good diet is more important to children than for any other age groups. A child requires more calories and protein for growth and tissue repair (Nemours, 2006). If the child does not get adequate nutrition during this period, overall growth of the child is affected. Eating habits are always set in the first few years of life. That is the time to ingrain a healthy eating pattern in children. Velocity of growth varies in different age and sex group. Eating too much and exercising too little can lead to overweight and related health problems that can follow children into their adult years. Child's nutritional requirements do vary accordingly. By the time a child becomes a toddler, they'll have formed their own likes and dislikes about food. But like adults, they need to eat a balanced diet. When children reach school-age, they're growing fast and should be getting more active. So they need foods that satisfy their high energy needs. In this health promotion leaflet, more importance will be stressed on the good healthy diet for children and what other factors affect the well being of children. New born babies The best food for the newborn baby is mother's milk. Breast milk is free from contamination and adulteration and supplies nutrients in almost correct amounts and propositions needed by the infants (Kids Health, 2007). It also provides an opportunity for close contact and emotional satisfaction of both mother and child. Breast milk contains immunoglobin (protective proteins) that protect the child to some extent against infections. With breast milk there are less serious illness and allergies. Babies who were breast-fed have lesser chance of developing asthma in later life. Other food like milk, cereals also supplements the newborns' diet. Balanced Diet A balanced and adequate diet is required to supply the nutrients and energy needed for the growing child. Healthy foods such as whole wheat bread, cereals, fruits and vegetables should make up the major part of the diet of the children. Under 5 year old children should not use skimmed milk to restrict on fat and cholesterol as they need the extra calories, but grilled and baked foods are always preferable to fried and fatty ones (Eat Well, 2006). Protein has a very important role in the diet of the preschool child because there is considerable increase in muscular development during these years. The requirements for essential amino acids are higher for children than adults. So protein should be selected from complete protein foods such as milk, egg and meat. The calorie requirements are also increased due to the high cellular activity. Whole grains or enriched cereals increase the calories. Concentrated sweets and foods that are very high in fat should be avoided. Vitamins and minerals must be supplemented adequately. Calcium and iron requirements are relatively greater during early childhood. Deficiency of calcium can affect the bones of growing children. Foods rich in calcium such as milk and milk products, ragi, green leafy vegetable and fish should be included in the diet of children. During 6 to 12 years the rate of growth in children slows down and body changes occur gradually. This period of life in general is known as the latent period of growth. During 10 - 12 years, children do require more calcium than adults to meet demand for skeletal growth. Since blood volume is increased iron requirements are also increased. Breakfast is particularly important for a school child. A cereal, milk, and fruit will make a good and quick breakfast. Packed lunches should be nutritiously adequate. Dinner is a good time to balance calories at the end of the day. Ideally break fast and lunch should provide major portion of calories and the balance should be from dinner and in between snacks. Vegetarianism Although fish and meat are good source of nutrients, 'Avoid Non-vegetarian food' is the usual say of Doctors in recommendation of good health. A vegetarian will not eat any products that come from killing animals. This means not eating meat, poultry, game, fish or shellfish. It also involves avoiding animal fats, gelatin or other slaughterhouse products. The key to a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet, like any diet, is to eat a wide variety of foods. This should include peas, beans, lentils, Soya; starchy foods like bread, rice, pasta, noodles; fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy greens; nuts and seeds. Conclusion The food habits of children are very important because negligence can cause lasting damage in life. Children who are overweight are more likely to become overweight adults (Weight Control Information Network, 2006). They may develop type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other illnesses that can follow them into adulthood. Overweight in children can also lead to stress, sadness, and low self-esteem. Parents play a big role in shaping children's eating habits. When parents eat a variety of foods that are low in fat and sugar and high in fiber, children learn to like these foods as well. The best way to encourage healthy eating as a parent is to eat well themselves. Kids will follow the lead of the adults they see every day. By eating fruits and vegetables and not overindulging in the less nutritious stuff, a right message can be sent to children. Bibliography (Jan 2006). Weight Control Information Network Available: www.win.niddk.nih.gov/ Last accessed 04 Mar 2008 (Feb 2008). Nemours Available: www.nemours.org Last accessed 04 Mar 2008 (Mar 2007). Kids Health Available: www.kidshealth.org Last accessed 05 Mar 2008 (Feb 2006). Eat Well Available: www.eatwell.gov.uk Last accessed 07 Mar 2008 Read More