Public Health focuses on the importance of disease prevention and health promotion in the community. We have spent most of our time analyzing the Baltimore community, which is beneficial for those who are staying local… but the statistics are not really representative of the communities that I will most likely be dealing with in Salt Lake. However, we are discussing many (commonly PREVENTABLE) diseases that plague this nation including hypertension (HTN), obesity, and diabetes (DM) that are not relegated to any one particular population or environment. I have taken great interest in the obesity epidemic as it relates to public health, because of the relative “ease” by which it can be prevented/treated. Poor diet and inactivity are directly related to an increased rate of obesity, and the comorbidities that subsequently follow. The most unfortunate statistic is the ever-increasing rate of Type 2 DM diagnosis in children. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I have to mention it again – the younger generation of our country is the first that has a shorter life expectancy than that of their parents. In other words, my generation will be overwhelmed with the aging “baby boomers” that are expected to live to their 80s-90s, and we will also be treating the chronically ill generation below us that may only live to their 60s-70s. This is what we are being trained for in school – both geriatric and bariatric nurses are going to be in high demand in the coming years… They’ve already established a specialty geriatric ER in Washington DC. SO. What can we do to turn this epidemic around? Many people have thrown up their hands and given up… it seems so overwhelming, that our efforts will not be enough. But with that attitude, there simply is no hope for the majority of the children in this country to live a long and healthy life. Public Health nursing is a much different aspect of patient care – it encompasses community health surveillance, education, intervention, and policy advocacy. We are asked to write a paper about an issue that is currently under investigation/review for future policy change, and my focus is on vending machines and snack food available to children in schools. Cafeterias are one thing, as they are monitored and controlled by adult staff (who don’t always adhere to the guidelines unfortunately) but with vending machines, kids are able to pick and choose whatever candy, chips, or soda they want, with unlimited availability. California is one of the first states to ban the sale of sodas in schools, which I think is commendable. I have printed out information regarding this policy and intend to review it this weekend for my paper. There are many states that have enacted various policies targeting this at-risk pediatric population, but more needs to be done. Our Public Health clinical group was able to travel down to DC this week to watch a Senate hearing, and we also met with Congresswoman Christian-Christensen, the Representative for the US Virgin Islands (where we will be traveling in a couple weeks for our clinical rotation) and I learned about health policy, and more importantly, how my voice can actually make a difference. Our instructor gave us a quote that really drives this home:
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you way that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” – Bishop Desmond Tutu
I scanned the State of Utah’s government website, and my Congressman Jim Matheson doesn’t have anything on his agenda that addresses the issue of childhood obesity. Utah’s obesity rates are extremely high (above 25% I believe) especially considering that only 10 years ago, it was below 10%. What can it be attributed to? Yes, there has definitely been an increase in fat and sugar consumption, but the surprising fact is that the weight gain in kids is more reflective of their sedentary lifestyles. 80-90% of younger school-age children spend a majority of their free time indoors, which is frightening. Whether that is because of TV/video games or unsafe neighborhoods, the truth remains. This imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure is the root cause of obesity, which is responsible for most of the chronic illnesses that are the leading causes of death in our country (heart disease and stroke). More attention needs to be paid to this issue, and I look forward to the opportunity that I will have to educate new parents on the importance of including activity in their daily schedules, and making a conscious effort to eat a more balanced diet.
Well, now that I’ve taken up a majority of this blog entry discussing my Public Health interests, I’ll leave my overview of my “Special Topics” course to my next entry (which looks at the nurse’s role in fetal surveillane). But, I do want to mention some exciting news – I have FINALLY learned of my placement for my Transitions Practicum (my final clinical rotation before I graduate). I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in Denver, Colorado for 7 weeks (June 7-July 22 for those who are curious) and I have been assigned to the Birthing Center at University of Colorado Hospital. It is the absolute perfect placement for me! I will be assigned a nurse preceptor (supervisor) for the 7 weeks, and I will basically work alongside her during her scheduled shifts, so 36+ hours each week. This experience will undoubtedly help ease me into the role of RN, with ample opportunity to learn the responsibilities I will have while caring for laboring/postpartum mothers. I cannot wait!! I will have much to report once I move there…. In only a few short weeks. Yes, that does mean that my time in Baltimore is quickly coming to an end. I fly out on June 4, so I have a lot of packing and prep work to do before then, in addition to taking care of the endless amounts of assignments that our instructors have loaded up at the end of the semester. Such fun. And… on top o it… I’m leaving for St. Croix, so I have to make sure that I am on top of my work before I leave so that I’m not overwhelmed that last week that I have once I return. Wow. I’m starting to get a little anxious about all this…. SOOOO I think I’m going to change topics! Haha.
A couple fun things have happened in the past few weeks (aside from this weekend’s trip to Utah/California, which I will leave for my next entry to discuss). I was able to attend a service at the National Cathedral in Washington DC that celebrated the International Year of the Nurse (2010 marks 100 years from the death of Florence Nightingale). It was a special event, with nurses from all over the Northeast region, as well as from other countries, all gathering to honor and pay tribute to Flo (as we call her at Hopkins) and the nurses around the world who carry on her legacy. It was special, and I realized that I am now a part of this association of individuals who are committed to the service of others. Quite powerful, and I feel so honored to be a part of this global society.
Before I end this entry (which I recognize is already quite lengthy, and I apologize for taking up so much of your time!) I just want to mention an event that I participated in last weekend down in DC. Every May, there is a 5K that is held in the gorgeously green parkland outside the city, and it’s called “Run Amuck.” My friends were talking about this activity, and if any of you know me, you know that I despise running. Especially running for “fun.” BUT… this was different – we would be running the 3.1 miles on a park trail, up and down hills, through mud and over obstacles. It sounded like such a blast, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity! So last weekend we got our oldest shoes out and made our way out to Rockville, MD for the adventure. I had every intention of training for this race, but time got away from me… So I ended up running it “cold” – and I was quite impressed with my time! If I didn’t wait for some of the people in my group, I think I could have made it under 35 minutes, but my time was just over 40 minutes. Not too shabby… but more than anything, it was SUCH a fun time and I was so glad that I decided to participate! I’ll share a few photos from the day… then it’s time to enjoy the rest of this flight before I’m back in Baltimore. Countdown beginsL 12 more days until I leave for St. Croix, and 24 days until I move out of Baltimore to Denver. My time on the east coast is quickly coming to an end…..
