Global health issues

Evaluation of Childhood Obesity

This is just an example do not follow the citations etc…..

This is just to show you what we are looking for.

Childhood obesity is a rising problem worldwide problem. The World Health

Organization (WHO) believes that childhood obesity is one of the “most serious public health

challenges of the 21st century” (Howard, 2019). Obesity in children and adolescents is expected

to exceed the occurrence of those that are underweight and malnourished in the world by the year

2022 (Howard). According to the WHO, the number of obese children in the world increased

from 32 to 41 million over the past 25 years (“GHO”, n.d.). In 2016, the obesity rate in children

under the age of 5 in the United States was 22.7 and 18 percent in children over the age of five

(“GHO”). New Zealand’s rates of childhood obesity are very similar to the United States, with

20.6 percent of children under the age of 5 and 15 percent in the childhood population over 5

years old (“GHO”). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the global health impact of childhood

obesity as well as compare the United States with New Zealand on obesities impact, policy

implementation, and plans to improve this rising health dilemma.

Global Health Comparison Grid Template

Use this document to complete the Module 6 Assessment Global Healthcare Comparison Matrix and Narrative Statement

Global Healthcare Issue
Description
Country	United States
Describe the policy in each country related to the identified healthcare issue
What are the strengths of this policy?
What are the weaknesses of this policy?
Explain how the social determinants of health may impact the specified global health issue. (Be specific and provide examples)
How has each country’ government addressed cost, quality, and access to the selected global health issue?
How has the identified health policy impacted the health of the global population? (Be specific and provide examples)
Describe the potential impact of the identified health policy on the role of nurse in each country.
Explain how global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries. (Be specific and provide examples)
General Notes/Comments

EXAMPLE

A Plan for Social Change

The definition for obesity is not universal (Howard). However the problem still exists across the globe. Policies, laws, and regulations are necessary to create change and reduce obesity worldwide (Swinburn). Society across the globe has evolved. People tend to seek out opportunities to indulge in food for relaxation but have decreased efforts in work and physical activity (Swinburn). Lifestyles have become over burdened with tasks. People are on the go, always running to the next task. Technology has created a world where machines do simple tasks that man once had to complete. Food is more readily at our fingertips, but the quality and nutritional value of these products are falling (Swinburn). Energy-rich foods that are low in nutrients are readily available, highly marketed and provided at lower-costs (Swinburn). Children learn what they see and are taught by watching what adults around them do. Children are also driven by short term impulses and cannot focus on long term outcomes and benefits (Swinburn). Our environments’ promotes excessive energy intake but reduced physical exertion, therefore directly creating all the risk factors associated with obesity (Swinburn). It is our job as leaders and adults to create a better example and better environment. The worlds’ health is endanger from preventable disease such as obesity and it is vital that we take a global initiative by working with other nations and the WHO to improve quality of life and health. These changes must start at a local level. It is important for nurses to be visible leaders, advocating for change, and willing to take action. Advocacy for health programs that decrease media attention focusing on unhealthy habits, trends, and foods is essential. Taxation on unhealthy products, banning advertisements that promote unhealthy diet and habits, as well as promoting marketing and education to increase physical activity are necessary (Swinburn), In order for change to occur, policies will have to come down on encouraged bad habits and behaviors.

Role as a Nurse Leader

Globalization is the process of interaction among people and governments from different nations driven by investment with effects on the culture and physical well-being of people around the world (Milstead & Short, 2019). Nurses’ ability to effect change in policy is just as important as the ability to provide safe effective care to patients (Milstead & Short). Policy development brings about change and it is logical for nurses to participate in policy development in order to better patients care and outcomes (Milstead & Short). What effects one country, ties very closely to the effects right here in the U.S., in local communities. As a leader, it is vital to advocate for vulnerable populations. Obesity in children is a rising concern and this population is helpless without support and proper policies in place to decrease their risks and increase their quality of life. Influencing policy programs ensures the ability to impact and make a difference on this population. Ethical and legal responsibilities require nurses to act on behalf of patients and to protect their rights (Milstead & Short). Advocacy as a nurse offers an advancement in professional practice by allowing some control over patient outcomes (Milstead & Short).

Impact on the Local Practice and Role as Nurse Leader

Participation in policies and regulations increases the positive perspective by which nurses are viewed on a national and global level. Being actively involved increases knowledge and skill over time in order to better benefit patients (Milstead & Short). Global health issues identify how closely we all are tied together in this world (Edmonson, McCarthy, Adams, McCain, & Marshall, 2017). Borders are no longer defined by lines on maps (Edmonson, McCarthy, Adams, McCain, & Marshall). The ideas of boundaries create a false sense of protection (Edmonson, McCarthy, Adams, McCain, & Marshall). What happens in another country can directly impact the community and healthcare. Nurses are responsible to be educated on worldly diseases, situations, and policies in order to protect patients and the community. Childhood obesity is a very really problem in local communities that affect children’s health now as well as in the future. Nurses encounter the rise in comorbidities attributed to obesity in direct patient care. Action and advocacy to impose change is needed.

Contribution to Social Change

Leadership as a nurse begins as a student by encompassing what it means to ethical practice as a nurse and then continues throughout one’s career (Edmonson, McCarthy, Adams, McCain, & Marshall). Nursing associations can be key to influencing policy (Milstead & Short). Involvement in programs and policies that will decrease this epidemic through collaboration with nursing associations and governmental officials is a duty as a nurse. Nurses are able to make links for individuals to populations at a local and then global level (Edmonson, McCarthy, Adams, McCain, & Marshall). Nurses do more than directly care for patients, they educate and promote health and can create social changes by becoming actively involved in policy formation.

Conclusion

Obesity is driven by commercial capitalism and marketing (Swinburn). Obesity can be seen as a direct result of technological advancement and success (Swinburn). Government leadership is needed to create effective action in order to reduce obesity and its correlating inequalities (Swinburn). Children are at the mercy of adults and role models to make changes to their lives and society in order to increase their quality of life. Nurses have the ability to impact all factors of society (Milstead & Short). Nurses have the ability to bring their experiences and observations to policy formation regarding global health problems (Milstead & Short). Working with governmental officials at a local and global level are necessary to end worldwide childhood obesity.

Global Health Comparison