 As a nurse, you may encounter parents who are against childhood vaccines. The debate over immunisations is a hot one, but the preponderance of the evidence suggests that vaccines are not only necessary, but they are the safest way to protect children from deadly diseases. Many studies have shown that the only way to protect children and the population from the diseases that these vaccines fight is to continue to inoculate children. You may encounter parents who want more information, or who have concerns that you don't know how to address. Here are some arguments in contrast to common concerns parents have about childhood vaccines.
Tags: Infection Control, Immunology, Minimising Risk
Published: November 26, 2011
|
|
|
 Applied Nursing Research (24) recently published a review on the attitudes of health professionals towards obesity that indicated that the negative attitude of health professional's towards overweight individuals can lead them to delay seeking medical attention because they are embarrassed about undressing, don't want to receive unsolicited advice about weight loss, or face the challenge of medical equipment being too small for them. Let's take a closer look at how some health professionals view obese patients before concluding with an examination of our own personal biases.
Obesity rates are on the rise not only in Australia but in many Western countries world wide. Despite widespread knowledge that body weight is determined by a complex interaction of biological, genetic and environmental factors, affected individuals are often attributed personal responsibility for their weight. There is a detrimental belief held by not only the public but also many health professionals that people are obese due to a lack of self-discipline and willpower, or simply due to laziness or self-indulgence. This leads to discrimination and stigmatisation of obese individuals, which impacts on their physical and psychological health.
Tags: Obesity, Reflection, Community Health
Published: August 04, 2011
|
|
|
 Obesity in children worldwide is becoming epidemic in proportion in developed countries. For example, in the United States: "Results from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese".
Results in other developed countries show a similar trend. The health risks associated with obesity are well documented. "In addition to type II diabetes, overweight children have an increased risk for developing elevated cholesterol, asthma, joint problems, depression, and anxiety.
Physical and psychosocial effects of moderate to severe overweight can include: hyperlipidemia, increased growth in puberty and then stunting, early onset of puberty in females, obstructive apnea, pancreatitis, gall bladder disease, hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, and long-term damage to the cardiovascular system".
Tags: Obesity, Keeping Healthy, Paediatric Nusring, Community Health
Published: August 04, 2011
|
|
|
 Paediatric Vaccinations
Vaccinations are a subject that brings up strong, and often opposing opinions in members of the public, from those who strongly support them to those who have chosen not to vaccinate. The subject has recently hit the media again as a follow-on from the public alarm regarding the withdrawal of last years seasonal flu vaccination for children under five (due to an abundance of severe reactions). Practice nurses have an obligation to remain up to date on current issues surrounding vaccinations as frequently they have the responsibility to educate and administer vaccinations to the public. A recent study undertaken in New Zealand assessed what factors influenced nurses in delivering timely and complete childhood vaccinations.
Tags: Infection Control, Immunology, Vaccinations, Keeping Healthy, Preventative health, Disease Burden, Minimising Risk, Paediatric Nusring, Reflection, Community Health, Chronic Illness
Published: July 23, 2011
|
|
|
|
 Illicit drug use is a major societal problem that puts pressure on community resources such as judicial and health services. Health professionals often feel challenged when confronted with pregnant women who use illicit drugs, however pregnancy may provide a window of opportunity for helping these women to combat their habit. An article published in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing late last year assessed this challenge and provided some relevant advice for health professionals.
Tags: Addiction, Community Health, Nursing
Published: June 23, 2011
|
|
|
It is concerning that, in developed countries, breastfeeding still makes a lot of people uncomfortable, including some mothers. This is largely due to the fact that in contemporary western culture, breasts are more sexualised, than seen as an important source of infant nutrition.
Although breastfeeding is encouraged by many health care professionals and the health benefits are well-known, society continues to make mothers who choose to breastfeed in public places feel uncomfortable. While in many countries it is considered natural, normal behavior to breast feed where necessary - others lag behind in breastfeeding awareness.
Tags: Breastfeeding, Reflection, Community Health
Published: May 14, 2011
|
|
|
Rates of diabetes are climbing worldwide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are among the most affected by diabetes. Rates of Type 2 diabetes are estimated to be two to four times higher than rates in the non-Indigenous population in Australia. Put another way, ten to 30 percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders suffer from diabetes Type 2.
|
|
|
|
The benefits of home care are many and as the population ages and lives longer, more and more older people are opting to receive care in their home. Being cared for in the home is often a necessity as well: due to overcrowding of hospitals and a shortage of healthcare professionals, it has become economically expedient to care for people in their homes rather than in institutional facilities. What are some of the benefits of home health care for patients?
|
 |
Tags: Community Health, Home Health
Published: August 17, 2010
|
|
|
|
Nursing Blog
Comments
Add