Abstract This paper discusses one of the greatest health risks affecting American youth today, childhood obesity. The paper claims that the number of obese children is growing at an alarming rate. The paper presents alarming statistical data concerning childhood obesity, including the heightened likelihood of children from low socioeconomic backgrounds becoming obese. The paper examines the serious and often fatal health conditions that are a direct result of obesity. Issues of self-esteem, genetics, and prevention of obesity are covered in this paper.
From the Paper "One of the greatest health risks affecting American youth today is childhood obesity. An individual who is considered obese has a disproportionately large amount of fat stored in the body, beyond the point of simply being overweight. While the definition of exactly how much fat constitutes obesity is still in flux, obesity is having excess weight enough that serious health risks are incurred by the individual. Many health professionals consider the vast amount of overweight people in our country to be of such epic proportions that it is actually known as an epidemic of fat. This condition is especially dangerous to children, and the number of obese children is growing at an alarming rate. Far from just being an issue of aesthetics or conformity, obesity may be the single biggest overall threat to the health of children in developed Western countries. While our popular culture is obsessed with the image of the thin and fabulous, this same culture is breeding generations plagued by obesity and the complications that are associated with this condition. Childhood obesity is a very serious health concern due to the medical risks and social implications, therefore the possible causes of obesity in children should be studied and identified, while a wide range of treatment options should be carefully considered."
This paper discusses the continual debate over the benefits of vaccine for protection of the public and for prevention of the disease versus the risk to individuals who receive the vaccine for vaccine-related complications.
2,140 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 66.95
Abstract This paper explains that the common end goal for parties for and against immunization is the same; both parties want their children and the public to lead safe and healthy lives. The author points out that immunizations, which have eliminated numerous diseases that used to kill thousands of children, are the most cost-effective measure in all of medical science; children not immunized against measles have a 3500% higher risk of contracting measles than others. All children deserve the benefits of immunizations unless medically contraindicated. The paper relates that some people believe that vaccines are dangerous, that the government's power to deny individual rights is wrong, that vaccination does not constitute immunity, and that vaccines contain adjuvant substances known to amplify the body's response to the vaccine, which can sometimes cause allergic and autoimmune responses.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Those in Favor of Immunizations
Those Questioning Immunizations
Stakeholders
Interview of Health Care Providers
Parents Interviewed
Summary
From the Paper "For those promoters of vaccinations, the general belief is that "vaccination is modern medicine's greatest achievement." The goal would be to have 100% compliance. This group believes that vaccinations are necessary to the basic welfare of every child. "Public health officials take the stance that they are legally and morally obligated to act out of concern for the well being of every individual child, and the reality is that any unvaccinated child remains vulnerable to serious, even life-threatening diseases." Non-medical exemptions from immunizations also lower the level of protection in the general public."
Abstract This paper examines how organ transplantation is one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine and how it gives thousands of people another chance at life through the selflessness of others. It looks at how numerous studies have concluded that educating the population about organ donation is crucial to increase the number of donors and how, all in all, organ donation is absolutely ethical because it saves thousands of lives per year.
From the Paper "There are currently 83,554 patients waiting for an organ transplant ("U.S. Transplantation Data" 1). Each year in the United States approximately 200,000 people die under circumstances in which organ donation could have been an option but that option was not taken. Out of these potential donors, only 20% actually donate (Siminoff & Saunders-Sturm, 245). These lost opportunities are underscored by the following statistics: Every 30 minutes a new name is added to the transplant waiting list. An average of six people per day die awaiting organ transplants. One donor can help save the lives of as many as 25 transplant patients."
This paper reviews Florence King's expression of why she chooses to smoke in her article "I'd Rather Smoke than Kiss", published in the "National Review" (7/9/90, Vol. 62 Issue 13, p32).
1,060 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 37.95
Abstract This paper explains that, although she is for smoking and is a smoker herself, Florence King's "I'd Rather Smoke than Kiss" expresses both sides of the issue; nonetheless, she states that no matter what the American society thinks, says or does, it will not convince her to quit smoking. The author points out that, when explaining her opinions and situations, King's choice of words suggests that she purposely tries to segregate all smokers from the non-smokers. The paper concludes that King's article is important because her arguments exemplify different observational situations, which society imposes on smokers in the United States and offers insight into some of the issues of discrimination towards smokers by combining personal experience and actual situations that smokers encounter everyday.
From the Paper "I guess I can agree with some of the things that she says in her article, but she did not change my opinion on smokers. I am neutral on the subject I am ok with people smoking around me and if I don't like it then I will leave. Kings does do a good job in supporting her opinion and finding facts to support her. However, she needs to look at how the society is structured. Who cares if someone really wants to smoke in a restaurant! People are trying to stay alive and they are trying to help the generations to come be suitable to live in. For instance, when adults venture into local bars, clubs, or festivals, they are aware that they will encounter smoke. If society really believed that smokers should quit then owners in the "night life" would ban all smokers from their facilities. Certain areas of our society do not discriminate against smokers but they do separate them."
Abstract This paper defines evidence-based nursing and compares it to more traditional nursing practices. The paper extrapolates the emergence of and attitudes toward evidence-based nursing, and then suggests topics in the area of practice for exploration in further research study.
From the Paper "Evidence-based nursing is the new wave in nursing, which has spread widely in the United States in the past years. The national Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC) is a comprehensive, database of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and..."
Abstract This paper discusses how and why errors are made in aircraft maintenance and how they can be prevented. The author stresses the need for teamwork and checks and balances. The paper reviews aircraft safety procedures.
From the Paper "As in any highly complex system, errors occur in aircraft maintenance operations. However, unlike most work performed by professional mechanics, failure to perform aircraft maintenance properly can place human lives at risk. Workers can never eliminate risk, but proper procedures performed by competent well trained and well-equipped maintenance personnel can reduce these risks significantly. Errors can easily occur when maintenance responsibilities fall on one person. Safety assurance should rely on a qualified team of technicians instead of one person. In other word, when only one person ..."
Abstract This paper considers the reasons for using non-nursing personnel to perform nursing tasks and then takes a look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. The paper also discusses the outlook for using non-nursing personnel in the nursing profession as well as the decline in qualified nurses in the labor pool.
From the Paper "Much has been written about the nursing shortage that plagues physicians, hospitals and nursing homes in the United States. At the same time that there are fewer qualified nurses available in the work force a number of states and municipalities have passed regulations regarding the nurse-to-patient ratio that is making the situation even more acute. As a result, healthcare providers have been forced to be innovative in the way that they attract nurses to their institutions and recruiting efforts..."
Abstract This paper discusses that diabetes is a chronic illness that favors no single age group or single sex. The writer notes that there are several kinds of diabetes, called Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. The writer points out that the body of a person who has diabetes does not process sugars for their use as energy. Further, the writer mentions that the cause of diabetes is not known, although obesity and a sedentary life style may play some part. This paper examines some of the symptoms and treatment of diabetes.
From the Paper "Diabetes is a chronic illness that favors no single age group or single sex. There are several kinds of diabetes, called Type 1 diabetes (also known as Juvenile diabetes) and Type 2 diabetes (also known as Adult-Onset diabetes), and gestational diabetes. The body of a person who has diabetes does not process sugars for their use as energy. The cause of diabetes is not known, although obesity and a sedentary life style may play some part. Type 1 diabetes is most common in children and adolescents. It results when the body fails to produce the insulin it needs to process glucose. It is characterized by hyper- and hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and celiac disease. Complications include heart disease, blindness, and nerve and kidney damage. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of diabetes."
Abstract The different types of stem cell research involve the use of human eggs - and embryos - as intermediates and are at the center of controversy as to whether it should be considered human life. Recent advances are attempting to produce non-embryonic stem cells as well as address the said issue. This paper discusses the nature of stem cells, what they are, how they are produced and the issues surrounding them.
From the Paper "Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop and proliferate into more specialized cells such as neurons or skin cells. These specialized somatic cells comprise the different tissues and organs of the human body. The cloning process currently in use involves the use of the cellular machinery of an egg cell and the genetic material encoded in the nucleus of a somatic cell called somatic cell nuclear transplant (SCNT). First, the egg cell is secured to stabilize it. A needle is inserted into the egg to extract the nucleus and DNA."
An analysis of the study, "Nurses' Job Satisfaction, Stress, and Recognition in a Pediatric Setting" by M.E. Ernst, M. Franco, P. R. Messmer and J. L. Gonzalez.
Abstract The paper examines the study, "Nurses' Job Satisfaction, Stress, and Recognition in a Pediatric Setting" that uses a quantitative research approach to look at nurses' satisfaction with their jobs.
Outline:
Problem
Study Purpose
Research Questions
Hypothesis
Study Variables
Conceptual Framework
Review of Literature
Study Design
Sample and Setting
Identification and Control of Extraneous Variables
Study Instruments and Tools
Data Collection Methods
Strengths and Limitations
From the Paper "This study was conducted to resolve dissatisfaction that was occurring among nurses in the pediatric setting, (Ernst et al. 2004). Satisfaction among nurses is an important issue that is affecting the nursing profession. Job satisfaction in nurses should be of great concern to any organization. Nurses hold the majority of positions in most health care settings, and replacement of licensed personnel is costly and time consuming. In today's healthcare climate, with sicker patients and leaner staffs, some nurses become overwhelmed, (Huff, 1997). Unhappy nurses can translate into high turnover, unhappy patients, and a lower quality of care."
Abstract The paper states that patient access to quality healthcare in the US is rapidly changing due to a variety of reasons. The paper confirms that patient access to healthcare is declining due to, amongst other reasons, increasing numbers of uninsured patients. The paper discusses that medical facilities are facing new challenges that can act as barriers to quality and safe patient care.
Outline:
Introduction
The Impact of the Uninsured on Patient Access to Quality Care
Impact of Labor Shortage on Patient Access to Quality Care
Managing Supply and Demand
Ethical Considerations of Access to Quality Healthcare
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Impact of the Uninsured on Patient Access to Quality Care
The economy in certain regions of the United States is declining due to the jobless rate and unemployment. Declining profits in the private sector force employers to re-evaluate current employee healthcare benefits and make necessary cuts to healthcare services to offset rising health insurance premiums. The number of people without health insurance coverage increased from 44.8 million in 2005 to 47 million in 2006. Currently 47 million Americans, including nearly nine million children do not have health insurance."
Abstract In this paper, the author discusses the purpose and rationale for using Dorothea Orem's self-care deficit theory of nursing (S-CDTN) in her women's health practice and the development of a plan to implement the self-care deficit theory in the author's workplace. The author also discusses possible barriers and challenges to implementation, presents evaluation criteria and critique of S-CDTN, and provides examples of S-CDTN relevant to the author's workplace.
Outline:
Theory Overview
Rational for Selecting Theory
Barriers and Challenges to Implementing Orem's Theory
Evaluation Criteria and Results
Theory Critique
From the Paper "Dorothea Orem, first published in 1971, developed her nursing theory independent of the medical model focusing on the autonomy of nursing practice and provided a link of relevant nursing knowledge to the requisites of clients needing health-related care (Koenig Blais, Hayes, Kozier, & Erb, 2002, chap. 6). The self-care deficit theory "expresses and develops the reasons why persons require nursing care" (Dennis, 1997, p. 11). The core of this theory and the first of the three theory components is self-care/dependent care. Her self-care theory focused on the recipient of nursing care versus the nurse provider. Self-care encompasses learned activities natural to all adults as they respond to internal and external (environment) input. Dependent care is actions the individual performs on behalf of children or adults due to health deviations or developmental age (Dennis, 1997, chap. 2). "
Compares and analyzes the core concepts of nursing care in M. Leininger's theory of transcultural care diversity and universality and J. Watson's model of human care.
Abstract This paper compares the nursing care theories of Leininger and Watson. The paper first points out that the purpose of nursing theory is to describe, develop and disseminate a body of knowledge that is specific to guiding nursing practices. The paper then explains that the primary goal of Leininger's theory of transcultural care diversity and universality (TCDU) is to use transcultural nursing knowledge, which represents culturally compatible care based on the beliefs, lifestyles and values of individuals from diverse cultures , to improve their quality of care. The goal of Watson's model, on the other hand, is to provide a holistic framework of care. The paper concludes that, although each theorist represents an alternative perspective on care, their positions are compatible and can be intertwined to produce an all encompassing view of nursing. A table is included with the paper.
Table of Contents:
Theory of Transcultural Care Diversity and Universality
Concepts
Model of Human Care
Concepts
Analysis
Comparison
Conclusion
From the Paper "The TCDU uses several interrelated concepts including person, environment, culture, health and care/caring. The core concept being addressed in TCDU is care/caring. According to Leininger, care/caring refers to enabling, assisting or supporting, behaviors that improve or ease the human condition. Care is the essence of what nursing is, and by using culturally oriented care one can facilitate a greater level of health and wellbeing among individuals and groups within different cultures."
From the Paper "In those of us with healthy, intact brains, information presented to one hemisphere is quickly sent to the other hemisphere via the corpus callosum, the "superhighway" of neurons connecting the halves of the brain. What happens when the right and left hemispheres of the brain can no longer communicate? This is exactly what a split-brain patient experiences. If a person were to talk with one of these patients, they would probably not notice anything unusual. The patient appears completely mentally and physically intact and unchanged when observed by family and friends. If there are no other brain illnesses present, then cognitive functions are usually within their normal range. It is only when specific tests are administered do the symptoms of disconnection emerge."
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the causes of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa and the difficulties faced by the population fighting the disease.
From the Paper ?Only 10 percent of the world's population lives south of the Sahara, but the region is home to two-thirds of the world's HIV-positive people, and it has suffered more than 80 percent of all AIDS deaths."