Chronic Diseases and Illnesses Within the Community - Essay Example

"Chronic Diseases and Illnesses Within the Community" is a wonderful example of a paper on social and family issues. 
Chronic diseases have increased in the United States of America due to health risk behaviours. The year 2011 witnessed more than half of adults failing to meet aerobic exercise recommendations. Most adults did not adhere to muscle-strengthening physical activity. Secondly, close to half of adults are at risk of heart diseases due to uncontrollable high LDL cholesterol, high intake of sodium and smoking. More than a third of the population does not take enough fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the heavy consumption of alcohol is another major cause of chronic diseases. Some people in my community cannot perform their usual activities because they are suffering from disabilities due to arthritis. Diabetes is another chronic illness in my community. Some of those who suffer from diabetes are either blind or have undergone a lower-limb amputation. The community is also struggling with obesity, which has contributed to heart diseases and other health problems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

Chronic diseases have had an adverse impact on the financial status of the people and the community as a whole. They have led to reduced productivity since the patients are unable to do work efficiently, become absent from work, or fail to work altogether. The community has lost many people due to chronic diseases, leading to significant loss of workforce (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Furthermore, every year witnesses a large sum of money going towards the direct and indirect treatment of the chronic diseases. Therefore, those who work have to contribute money to meet the medical and nutritional expenses of the patients. The local government has to spend much money on ensuring medical services for those suffering from chronic diseases. The overall result is reduced economic growth, leading to poverty.

A disaster is a sudden and overwhelming event such as fire, flood, earthquake, a disease epidemic or conflict. It usually results in death, illness, and a substantial social or economic misfortune among most people (Bea & Congressional Research Service, 2012). Most disasters lead to the inability of a community to handle it, forcing it to seek assistance from outside the community or nation. The disaster has a significant relationship with public health since they can set back the sanitation, water, and hygiene conditions, leading to the poor health of the community. Disasters also damage healthcare facilities, leading to degradation of health services. They can also increase the chance of gender-based violence and sexually transmitted diseases due to people overcrowding in a temporary relief situation. Furthermore, disasters can lead to some health problems especially in terms of mental problems, which do not show up immediately.

My community has set up an emergency management program that aims at preventing, preparing for, and handling emergencies. It has outlined steps to mitigate disasters and reduce their effects on the community. Such measures include vulnerability analyzes, building codes and zoning, and public education (Bea & Congressional Research Service, 2012). The program also emphasizes preparedness by putting up preparedness plans, warning systems, and emergency exercises. It has further looked into response efforts such as emergency relief, search and rescue to reduce the hazards that come with a disaster. Furthermore, it values recovery by ensuring grants, medical care, and temporary housing to enable the community to returns to normal after a catastrophe.