NR 506 Week 7 Summary of Healthcare Concern Presentation

NR 506 Week 7 Summary of Healthcare Concern Presentation

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-506: Healthcare Policy

Prof. Name:

Date

Healthcare Concern: Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is an escalating health crisis both in the United States and globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 41 million children are currently overweight or obese, a number that is expected to rise to 70 million by 2025 (WHO, 2017). Obesity in children often leads to health issues in adulthood, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic conditions (Ranjani et al., 2014). This issue has a significant impact on population health, placing a strain on healthcare systems due to the increased use of services, diminished productivity, and the poor overall health of affected individuals (Noonan, 2018).

Impacts of Healthcare Policy in the Nursing Profession

Healthcare policy plays a crucial role in shaping the accessibility and affordability of care. According to the World Health Organization (2013), health policy refers to the decisions, plans, and actions designed to achieve specific healthcare goals within a society. These policies impact not only the environment in which healthcare is delivered but also define the scope of nursing practice, particularly for advanced practice nurses. Effective policies can foster equity in care, while inadequate or poorly implemented policies may delay access and compromise health outcomes.

Impact of Healthcare Policy on Population Health

Healthcare policies are instrumental in structuring the nation’s healthcare system, ensuring that individuals have access to care and resources to improve their health. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2011) emphasizes that policies govern the delivery of healthcare services, shape social determinants of health, and create opportunities for improving population health. Nurses, as healthcare professionals, have a responsibility to advocate for policies that foster access to quality care and promote positive health outcomes for all.

Advanced Nurse Practice Role in Nursing Advocacy

Nurses are essential advocates in healthcare, and their role extends beyond patient care to shaping healthcare policy. Advocacy in nursing refers to the act of supporting and promoting policies that benefit the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Nurses not only execute policies but can also influence their creation, making them pivotal in restructuring healthcare systems (Arabi et al., 2014). Given the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, nurses must actively advocate for policies that prevent and manage this condition.

Childhood Obesity Policy Solution

To combat childhood obesity, strong national policies need to be implemented. Schools, as key environments where children learn, must develop policies that encourage healthy eating habits and restrict access to unhealthy foods. These policies should prohibit the consumption of fried foods and sugary beverages on school grounds, addressing one of the major contributors to childhood obesity (Chen, Jaenicke, & Volpe, 2019). Additionally, food chains should be held accountable for the nutritional value of their products, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-dense foods rather than energy-dense options.

Impacts of Childhood Obesity on Community

Childhood obesity carries significant economic and health implications for society. Obese children are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, leading to increased healthcare costs, frequent hospital visits, and reduced productivity (Kuhle et al., 2011). The societal burden of obesity extends beyond individual health, affecting the community’s overall well-being and economic stability.

Meeting with Elected Officials

Advocating for policy changes to address childhood obesity involves engaging with elected officials. A meeting with Mr. George Hantzandreous, Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Odyssey Charter School, was scheduled to discuss potential policy changes related to childhood obesity. The meeting, held on October 2nd, 2019, focused on the importance of healthy eating in schools and the need to review school menus to eliminate unhealthy food options.

Table: Healthcare Policy Impacts and Advocacy for Childhood Obesity

Conclusion

Childhood obesity is a growing concern with profound effects on health, society, and healthcare systems. Nurses have a critical role in advocating for policies that prevent and manage childhood obesity. By collaborating with stakeholders and policymakers, nurses can contribute to the creation of effective healthcare policies that promote healthier communities.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011). The essentials of master’s education in nursing. Retrieved from http://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/MastersEssentials11.pdf

Arabi, M., Rafii, F., Cheraghi, M. A., & Ghiyasvandian, S. (2014). Health advocacy in nursing: Contribution to the reorientation of the Brazilian healthcare model. Brazilian Journal of Nursing, 71, 700–703. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0615

Chen, D., Jaenicke, E. C., & Volpe, R. J. (2019). The healthfulness of food-at-home expenditures, the local food environment, and childhood obesity. American Journal of Health Promotion, 33(3), 412–419. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890117118786871

NR 506 Week 7 Summary of Healthcare Concern Presentation

Kuhle, S., Kirk, S., Ohinmaa, A., Yasui, Y., Allen, A. C., & Veugelers, P. J. (2011). Use and cost of health services among overweight and obese Canadian children. International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 6(2), 142–148. https://doi.org/10.3109/17477166.2010.486834

Ranjani, H., Pradeepa, R., Mehreen, T. S., Anjana, R. M., Anand, K., Garg, R., & Mohan, V. (2014). Determinants, consequences, and prevention of childhood overweight and obesity: An Indian context. Indian Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 18, S17–S25. https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.145049

World Health Organization. (2017). Childhood obesity. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/childhood/en/

World Health Organization. (2013). Health 2020: A European policy framework and strategy for the 21st century. WHO Regional Office for Europe. Retrieved from http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-policy/health2020-the-european-policy-for-health-and-well-being/publications/2013/health2020-a-european-policy-framework-and-strategy-for-the-21st-century