The environment (both home and physical) has a significant influence on health, as you saw in the readings and media presentations for this week. You also read about the ramifications of global climate change on health. For the purpose of this Assignment, consider the implications of global climate change on health now and in the future.
Write a 3- to 5-page paper that addresses the following:
· Describe two health care concerns related to global climate change.
o Topics could include increased exposure to vectors that transmit Zika, West Nile virus, or malaria; respiratory problems; food distribution problems due to drought or lack of water; or heat-related illness.
· Compare concerns in the United States related to these topics with one developed and one developing country.
· Describe health promotion/health protection strategies a nurse could implement.
· Support your ideas with references from the professional nursing literature.
Please find attached a reference list with links to articles and an article that is from my school library. I also attached the rubric. You can use other references but must be last 5 years and peer reviewed.
Make sure you cite the information in the paper as well. Thank you
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Global climate change has become a significant concern in recent years due to its profound impact on various aspects of human life, including health. This paper aims to explore two healthcare concerns related to global climate change and compare these concerns in the United States with one developed and one developing country. Furthermore, it will discuss health promotion and health protection strategies that nurses can implement to mitigate the adverse effects of global climate change on health.
1. Health care concerns related to global climate change:
a) Increased exposure to vectors: With changing climate patterns, there is an increased risk of vector-borne diseases such as Zika, West Nile virus, and malaria. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can expand the distribution range of disease-transmitting vectors, leading to higher incidences of these diseases.
b) Respiratory problems: Global climate change contributes to air pollution and the release of allergenic substances, leading to an increased prevalence of respiratory complications. Changes in temperature and humidity levels can worsen asthma symptoms, while air pollutants can exacerbate respiratory conditions and increase the risk of developing new respiratory disorders.
2. Comparison of concerns in the United States with one developed and one developing country:
a) Developed country – United States: In the United States, the healthcare concerns related to global climate change primarily revolve around the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. These events can lead to injuries, mental health issues, and disruption of healthcare infrastructure, resulting in delayed or inadequate medical services.
b) Developing country – Bangladesh: In countries like Bangladesh, the impacts of global climate change are more severe due to their vulnerability and limited resources to adapt. In addition to the aforementioned concerns, Bangladesh also faces challenges such as flooding, water contamination, and food insecurity due to climate change, leading to a higher burden of waterborne and foodborne diseases.
3. Health promotion/health protection strategies for nurses:
Nurses play a crucial role in promoting and protecting public health in the face of global climate change. Some strategies they can implement include:
a) Education and awareness: Nurses can educate individuals and communities about the health risks associated with climate change, emphasizing preventive measures and behavior modifications to minimize exposure to vector-borne diseases and respiratory hazards.
b) Collaborative efforts: Nurses can collaborate with public health agencies, policymakers, and community organizations to develop and implement climate change adaptation plans. These plans should include surveillance systems for early detection of vector-borne diseases, emergency response protocols, and enhanced healthcare infrastructure resilience.
c) Advocacy for policy changes: Nurses can advocate for policies that prioritize climate change mitigation and adaptation in healthcare settings. This may involve encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, supporting sustainable transportation options, and promoting green healthcare practices to reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare facilities.
Conclusion:
Global climate change poses significant health care concerns, including increased exposure to vectors and respiratory problems. These concerns vary between developed and developing countries, with different levels of resources and vulnerabilities. Nurses can contribute to addressing these concerns through education, collaboration, and advocacy, ultimately safeguarding public health in the face of global climate change.
