Obesity in Brooklyn - Term Paper Example

Obesity in Brooklyn Introduction Obesity in Brooklyn was estimated by the NYC department as 505000 adults in 2014 (New York Methodist Hospital, 2016). This statistic gives an estimation that one in every four Brooklyn adults is obese. This puts about 26.3% of the population at higher risk of life threatening disease like chronic conditions, cardiac arrest and diabetes. At-risk neighborhoods had higher numbers, for instance, 71000 were affected in Coney Island, 75000 at Bedford Stuyvesant-Crown heights, 71000 at East Flatbush, and 42000 at East New York. All these tallies gave a 30% plus estimation of obese adults in these regions (New York Methodist Hospital, 2016). At least 31% of all surveyed adults in Brooklyn had a BMI of 30 and above. They reported to engage in no physical activities or exercises in over a month. In 2011, a survey on Brooklyn as a borough indicated the highest number of obese youths as compared to any other regions. They were estimated at 19000, with a percentage of 29.1% (New York Methodist Hospital, 2016). The general system theory was developed in 1936 by Ludwig von Bertalanffy. He proposed that in order for one to comprehend a whole system, one has to first understand the interrelations between its unique parts. He suggested that, by expanding the field of research and development, and engaging with interest in other disciplines, scientists could be able to comprehend their immediate problems better and apply solutions from another perspective. A nurse must use the system to identify the health problem, determine objectives in planning, resource finding, then implementing and evaluating the conditions. To do this, a nurse must first understand the health problem, obesity, from a nursing angle whereby the effects must be countered with appropriate measures. Root of the Problem Science has long sought the origin of obesity. Though an elaborate and combatable cause has not been identified, factors that generally contribute to the problem are thought to be genetic, biological, peer dynamics, environment, and individual habits. Genetics and biology are independent factors that come by lineage or exposure (Bellisari, 2013). Peer dynamics and environment depend on the situations a person has endured in their day to day activities. High risk families were considered to be either participating in wrong dietary behaviors subconsciously, mainly because of food availability, ignorance, lack of time or finances, and habits (Bellisari, 2013). Low income households lacked fruits and vegetables in their diets, and most were working on irregular shifts. In addition, junk food was particularly more affordable compared to organic fresh foods according to correspondents. Dietary habits were also attributed to cultural patterns and diets, which most did not want to change. Working members of the society had no time to cook, but instead offered their children inexpensive fast foods. This pattern encouraged children to purchase junk food (Laura, 2014). These families are the ones for whom solutions must be sought. Effects of Obesity Obesity itself leads to eventual chronic conditions, cardiac arrests, infertility, diabetes, cancer. These are the immediate dangers, apart from the fact that the physical hindrances also create a basic danger for the obese person. Asthma and obesity have been linked together in the growth and development of overweight children. A child with asthma tends to be inactive and weak in most cases when the obesity does not wane with age (Laura, 2014). Over 75% of adults with asthma are considered obese in Brooklyn (New York Methodist Hospital, 2016). Sleep apnea and arthritis are other chronic conditions linked with obesity. Diabetes and cancer affect the whole community. Diabetes type 2 is however most prevalent among obese adults (Julian & Abigail, 2017). Cancers types that are more common to obese communities include breast, post-menopause especially, prostate, kidney, uterus, and gall bladder cancers. Hypertension is also a common medical condition among the obese families. High cholesterol may also be a linked condition. Pregnancy complications and bladder problems is considered common among most obese women. This pregnancy conditions include gestational diabetes, difficult labor, and death or defects of infants. The relationship of these four conditions is that, although not immediately life threatening, they cause too many complications and are expensive to treat in the long run. Stigma associated with adult obesity has been linked to depression, in that the affected party tends to withdraw themselves from the society. They may also experience performance anxiety in various fields, low self-esteem and eventual discontent with their status, all factors of which are linked to traits like overeating. Obesity in children is often linked with withdrawal symptoms, slow learning, low endurance of physical activity, and obsession with any one particular activity, person or thing (Laura, 2014). This may later lead to depression and low self-esteem. For both adults and children, however, eating disorder is the most prevalent and addictive stigma outcome (Julian & Abigail, 2017). Coping Mechanisms Families with high risks of being obese must employ proper dietary techniques first. The Chinese are rarely obese because of their cultural diets. A good example is their tea. Some take it herbal or traditional, with little sweeteners (New York Methodist Hospital, 2016). The processed sugar increases the risks of being obese. The suggested dietary corrections that should be done include reduction of inorganic food intake while increasing consumption of fresh produce (Julian & Abigail, 2017). This is a good method of living healthy. In addition, exercising regularly will also control obesity if done effectively. Nurses should intervene in this matter by offering counselling and guiding the community in the best ways possible. They may, for instance, educate the youth on the importance of keeping their bodies active and metabolism. This way, they will reach more families. Physical education, civil awareness, and heathy living are considered the only true ways of combating obesity. These are not permanent solutions since no single intervention has been fully successful. However, a combination of two or more of these solutions may be efficacious. Conclusion The impacts of obesity are biological, social, and psychological and they affect the lives of an individual in a complex way. The causes of obesity have not been narrowed down but are assumed to be genetic, biological, behavioral, or peer reasons. Cultivating methods from various other systems has however been the most efficient method to combat this problem. In summary, to reduce and combat obesity, a multilevel approach must be applied by combining several of the assumed solutions. References New York Methodist Hospital (2016). 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment. Retrieved 26 October 2018 from https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/redesign/dsrip/pps_applications/docs/maimonides_medical_center/3.8_maimonides_cna.pdf Bellisari, A. (2013). The Obesity Epidemic in North America: Connecting Biology and Culture. Waveland Press. ISBN1577667735, 9781577667735. Julian, M. A. & Abigail, O. M. (2017). The Effects of Food and Farm Policy on Obesity in the United States. Springer. Laura, D. (2014). Childhood Obesity in America. Harvard University Press. ISBN0674281446, 9780674281448. Read More