Advocacy plays a major role for the advancement within the dietetics profession. At every level, federal, state, and local, the continuation of work within the government to uphold the standards previously made and to build or change for further improvement is an important part within the field. Health care and health insurance is a major issue that not only affects the dietetics field, but also any other medical profession. The cost for insurance, the constant changes in plans and knowing what is covered or not covered is a constant battle that affects how patients or clients can utilize the dietetic professionals for their health. The ever changing health insurance also makes it difficult for professionals within the field to stay on top
After reading chapters 15 and 21 in our Current Issues and Enduring Questions book and viewing Forks Over Knives, I am afraid I do not see this worrisome food issue in America improving in the near future. Obesity is a known epidemic and it is widespread throughout the entire country. According to the documentary film, Forks Over Knives, “We spend $2.2 trillion a year on healthcare: over five times more than the defense budget.” This quote reveals the issue regarding the state of health and by maintaining a healthier diet not only do people benefit, but the government does as well. The current relationship between food and health industries brings an uncertainty that should be seen as a critical concern to the eyes of the public. Too many people
1) The background information on a possible referral by a physician to a Registered Dietitian might give us an insight on the stage of behavioral modification stage of the patient. If the patient was referred to a Registered Dietitian (RD) by a physician, and did not seek the RD on their own free will, this might indicate that the patient was either given no choice to visit the RD or is willing to follow the physician's recommendations. A study conducted on clinician referrals services shows that the referral services had a modest impact on the progress of the patient.1,2
According to Milstead, “success in the legislative arena is much like a three-legged stool, with each leg essential to the sturdiness of the stool as a whole” (Milstead, 2013, p. 53). Professional lobbyist, grassroots lobbyist, and money make up the legs of the stool. Effective influencing and persuasion would determine the success of this proposed policy. The three legs of lobbying can be used with obesity advocacy. “Building trusting relationships, demonstrating interest and concern for the public good, and providing information on issues important to the nursing profession are all things that can be done through regular participation in all aspects of the legislative process” (Milstead, 2013, p. 55).
For my priority policy issue I have identified National Alliance for Nutrition & Activity coalition (NANA). Within the legislative and executive branches of government NANA endorses a better understanding about the importance of healthy eating, physical activity and obesity control to the nation's health and health-care costs. The efforts of NANA includes, supporting effective education and promotion programs, advocating adequate funding for programs, and promoting policy and environmental changes that help Americans eat better and be more physically active. After a decade of national, state, and local advocacy to improve the nutritional quality of school food, NANA coalition made a successful effort to pass the heathy, hunger free kids act.
The position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), formerly the American Dietetic Association, recognizes that in order to promote food security for all Americans, action is needed and incorporates the several aspects of interventions needed
Demographics and disease trends will influence health care delivery services in the future in many different ways. Not only will the current aging population affect the delivery of health care services because of its rapid growth, but also obesity. Obesity is one of the more serious problems facing our nation today, and will only get worse unless the implementation of programs to educate the public on the many health issues this condition can cause to prevent them from happening. Moreover, not only does the health care delivery system need to adapt in the future to provide quality care for
As the world evolves the focus on children and their health continues to be placed on the back burner. Child obesity is at an all time high, yet the worlds focus is to come out with another TV show, another computer game, another fast food restaurant. As a physician assistant, it would be my life goal to educate the children and families on the immediate and life long dangers of continuing a life of no exercise and intake of high fat foods. These communities need a physician who understands that the drive thru is a way of life because each parent works two jobs and time together is limited. They need a physician who understands and is able to compile treatment plans that truly work with their situation, not just a plan that would suit any patient. Preventive care will cut down on overall healthcare spending by warding off diseases that strain the economy and work production. PAs believe strongly in patient education for better
The WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 mandated that any school receiving federal funding would be required to create a school wellness policy by 2006 (Wharton, Long & Schwartz, 2008). The policies created would set guidelines for all foods that are sold on campus in order to reduce the chance of obesity (Wharton, Long & Schwartz, 2008). This is a policy that has provided some attention to the issue of nutrition in the school systems and would provide an opportunity for school nurses, dietitians and other personnel to influence the food policies of the districts in which they work or live (Wharton, Long & Schwartz, 2008).
“Nurses have a long and rich history of wanting to do the most good for the most people. Today, it is imperative that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) continue that tradition by delivering care that improves the health of populations.” (Curley & Vitale, 2016). Along with other health care providers, APRNs individually share the responsibility of promoting more healthier lifestyles among his or her surrounding community. Over the course of the past several years, much needed attention has been focused towards population based health disparities and the impact thereof on our nation. In the pursuit of obtaining a healthier society, the U.S. government has designed and utilized a program presently titled HealthyPeople2020. This program
A staggering 70,000 + in white female patients are treated more than male and female minorities. It may not come as a shock to many that women seem to take a higher interest in their health in regards to nutrition, but the lack of knowledge that is to be gained by these registered dietitians as well as within the minorities that are not receiving the care from these health care professionals. A dietitian applies the science of food and nutrition to a person’s health needs; this type of care could only benefit these health issues that are more prominent in the minorities and lower class
The National Institute of Health's article states that the commencement of the 21st century helped with the provision of a preview of the numerous challenges that the US would face in the coming decades. The article's areas of focus that would help change the health of America's population include the adoption of a population health approach that gives consideration to health determinants, the strengthening of the public health infrastructure of the government, the development of accountability systems to enable the assurance of the quality and availability of public health services, and others (Curry, 2005). Furthermore, the report suggests several findings that would help enhance America's public health. For instance, the article suggests that appropriate education and training should be provided to the public health workforce if America's public health is to undergo a significant evolution. Despite NIH article's findings and commitment to change America's public health, no significant efforts have been channeled towards the elimination of the health challenges faced by a huge percentage of America's population. Essentially, America is yet to realize its goals of eliminating incessant health challenges. Today, in the US, the obesity rate has soared from 27.6% to
The battle over American dietary guidelines has been raging for decades. One of the most controversial issues in nutrition? Fat and sugar.
Americans over the years have adopted a fast food, sedentary lifestyle, which consequently has led to a decline in overall health. Studies show the American overweight and obese community has increased greatly over the past 30 years.1 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a federal department responsible for the legislating of government policy on all aspects of agriculture, including farming and food. Public health professionals debate the root of unhealthy lifestyles and work together to combat nutrition choices and nutrition related illnesses. The USDA has worked with scientists, public figures and the community to increase and support healthy choices. Community and national program initiatives have impacted the
Participating in the Summer Enrichment Program will prepare for me becoming a more proactive member of my community as I will acquire the skills and knowledge needed to initiate the change in the healthcare domain. Based on my experience and observations, I think one of the reasons for poor health and diverse health-related problems that affect an American nation is the lack of reliable information and insufficient emphasis on essentials of healthy lifestyles. For example, for at least a decade, the American people have been struggling to deal with the issue of obesity that affects the lives of millions of adults and children alike. Despite all the attention paid to this issue and national initiatives to prevent obesity, the success has been
From the Commission on Dietetic Registration, Ellen Pritchett, RD defines term “knowingly” to mean that a person has actual knowledge that the information on the claim is false and/or acts in complete deliberate ignorance or reckless disregard of the truth or falsity on the claim.