1500-2000 Word Essay in APA format

Assessment/Interview Summary

NRS-428VN-0502

December 14, 2020

Summary

I had the opportunity to perform a physical assessment of the African American community living in Miami-Dade County, Florida. For success, I interviewed (by phone) a community health provider, Ms. Tsalane Johnson, R.N EMT-P to understand her experiences within the community.

Miami‐Dade County is a minority group that comprises the majority of the population, with 66.4% of the population in Miami‐ Dade County identifying as either Latino or Hispanic compared to 24.1% of the State of Florida population (FloridaHealth.gov 2020)​

Miami‐Dade County has a larger percentage of Black/African American residents (18.8% compared to 16.9%) and a lesser percentage of Asian residents (1.9% compared to 3.2%). ​

Miami-Dade County has a total population of 2,715,516 and almost 1.5 million (53.3%) people are foreign-born. Furthermore, 74.3% of Miami Dade County residents over the age 5 speak a primary language other than English at home. The primary languages spoken among Miami-Dade County residents are English, Spanish and Creole.​

In Miami-Dade County and the United States, a significant number of the population work in the following fields: healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management.​

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There are cultural and ethical concepts that are known to influence and related to healthcare. An example is the African American community that beliefs that after taking given prescribed drugs and feel better, an individual can discontinue the drug intake. The ethnic and cultural factors are present and taken into consideration, but basically, there is no spiritual connection. Research indicates that people appreciate and embrace education and awareness programs associated with health by attending meetings and forums. The community projects and initiatives, especially voluntary programs like screening programs for hypertension, breast cancer, and diabetes is currently appreciated and supported by most communities.

The rising cases of lifestyle diseases have contributed to the acceptance of the people to attend various awareness programs to ensure that they avoid being affected by the chronic illnesses that were preventive. Communities are value quality healthcare services and affordable medications, especially the middle and low-income earners that use most of their resources in buying basic commodities that as food and clothing. The issue of unemployment and limited government assistance makes it difficult for most communities to access healthcare services. The healthcare sector has invested heavily in prevention programs that are considered cheaper compared to treatment, and an example is breast cancer awareness and also vaccination against diseases like the Covid-19 pandemic. The healthcare sector at times experiences inadequate resources, makes it difficult to meet the goal of accessibility to healthcare.

There are increased cases of nutritional deficiency in the community, and this is evidently indicated by the rising cases of lifestyle diseases that include obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. The other indicators of nutrient deficiency are evident in cases of tooth decay, dental carriers, and altered mental health. There is an increased consumption of unhealthy food that is junk and processed foods increase the potential risk of lifestyle diseases in the community.

Environmental pollution is an example of sources of diseases in the community, especially air contaminants and poor hygiene practices. The common air contaminants that likely to be present are pesticides, asbestos, and exhaust fumes that cause lung diseases. Poor waste disposal issues like the overload on the sewerage and septic system. Hand hygiene currently has improved after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the level of cleanliness has reduced the infection of other diseases. Covid-19 pandemic has increased hygienic protocols, which are enforced using the security and healthcare personnel that creates awareness and education programs.

Exercising and recreational activities are required programs in the community that help in the prevention, control, and minimize contracting diseases like lifestyle diseases that include heart diseases and obesity, among others. Community fitness has reduced in the current generation where teenagers have opted for technology like social media, and most of those obese are contributed by limited exercises. The community fitness programs that are commonly undertaken include bike trails, swimming, and running. Exercising is essential for improving body metabolism and burning excess fat and cholesterol (Semeco, 2017). A good sleep or rest is important for everyone in the community, especially in terms of mental health.

The language the community commonly uses is English, but they have their indigenous language of their country of birth. The community support education programs where even the imprisoned receive online education and the GED-programs and later succeed to get job opportunities after completing the term. The issues of stress and cognitive management require the support of the healthcare sector through volunteering programs where people are taught to manage stress.

References