When I took my windshield survey, I had a number of realizations about the community where I have grown up all my life. They will be discussed in addition to three elements of community living that may influence health, each with two nursing therapies that can improve the health indicator. It will describe community healthcare partnerships and cultural diversity and its role in neighborhood wellness.
Finally, it will address the social determinants of health that were observed during the windshield survey.
Health care in the United States is a complex issue. There are many different factors that affect access to care, quality of care, and overall health outcomes. One of the most important factors is socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status can influence many different aspects of health, including access to care, quality of care, and overall health outcomes.
Throughout my life, I’ve resided in the city of Watertown, which has a population of thirty thousand. For the last two decades, the economy and many employment have been harmed. My perception of the region has always been that it’s composed mostly of middle-income to higher-income living standards with little low income. After completing the windshield survey, “the equivalent of a community head to toe assessment,”
I have observed many social determinants of health in my hometown that I had not realized were present. The windshield survey is a great tool to use to get an overview of the social determinants of health in a community. It allows you to see first-hand how the physical environment can affect the health of a community. For example, if there are no sidewalks or crosswalks it becomes more difficult for people to be physically active which can lead to obesity and other chronic health conditions.
The social environment can also have an impact on health. If there is a lack of social support or high levels of crime it can lead to stress which has been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease. The economic environment is also important to consider when looking at the health of a community. If there are few jobs or low-paying jobs it can make it difficult for people to afford basic necessities like food and housing which can lead to poor health. All of these factors can have an impact on the overall health of a community.
Watertown is a small city located in Northern New York State. It has a population of about 30,000 people. The economy has been struggling in recent years, with many job losses. The city is mostly middle-class, with some upper-class areas. There is a small amount of poverty present.
The physical environment in Watertown is not too bad. There are sidewalks and crosswalks present, which makes it easy to be physically active. However, there are not many parks or recreational facilities. The social environment is okay. There is a good amount of social support available, but the crime rate is a bit high. The economic environment is not great. There are not many jobs available, and the ones that are tend to be low-paying. This can make it difficult for people to afford basic necessities.
Overall, the health of the community seems to be affected by the socioeconomic factors present. Poverty, lack of jobs, and low wages all seem to contribute to poor health. The physical environment is not too bad, but it could be improved. The social environment is okay, but the crime rate is a bit high.
The idea of boundaries that aren’t fences was strange to me at first, but it is now obvious. When you look closely at the homes and the condition they are in, you can get an indication of the people who lived there’s wealth. It’s easy to pass through residential areas without really noting how bad things are. It takes a trained eye to spot issues right away.
The first obvious concern is the prevalence of graffiti. It was on almost every wall, building, and sidewalk. This could give the appearance to outsiders that the city is run down and unsafe. To me, it’s a sign of frustration from the youth in the community. They see something they want to change but aren’t old enough or don’t have the means to do so in an effective way so they take their frustration out in this manner.
It’s also concerning how many homes had less than ideal conditions. There were several with boarded up windows, peeling paint, and overgrown yards. This shows a lack of care for the property which could indicate a lack of resources or just general apathy. This could also be a sign that the city needs more code enforcement to help improve conditions.
There were several scattered throughout the city which could indicate a problem with gangs or other illegal activity in those areas.
Overall, I was surprised by how many health concerns were immediately visible doing this windshield survey. It’s easy to forget when you live somewhere that not everyone has the same resources or opportunities. This exercise really brought home for me how important it is for health care providers to be aware of the social determinants of health in their communities and to advocate for their patients.
Health care providers play an important role in advocating for their patients and addressing social determinants of health. They can do this by providing resources and referrals, connecting patients with social services, and collaborating with community partners. Health care providers can also advocate for policy changes at the local, state, and federal level to improve the health of their communities.
Addressing social determinants of health is important in order to improve population health. Health care providers play a key role in this effort by advocating for their patients and working to address the underlying causes of poor health.
There are many factors that contribute to adolescent health. These include individual factors such as genetics and lifestyle choices, as well as social determinants of health such as poverty, violence, and access to healthcare. Addressing all of these factors is necessary to ensure optimal adolescent health.
The community has a significant military installation within twenty miles, so it is home to a varied ethnic mix including many young single males. For many people, the first nursing assessment of alcohol and drug use is cause for concern. Many individuals in the community abuse alcohol and drugs, from returning soldiers with PTSD to other individuals in the neighborhood who do so.
Health care is a big concern in this area. There are three public health facilities and one private hospital. The cost of living is high in the area, so many people do not have good access to quality health care. Health insurance is also a concern with the high cost of living.
Many people in the community are low income or unemployed. The second nursing diagnosis of mental health is also concerning for many areas of the population. From the solider home on leave many with PTSD, to the elderly who may be lonely and depressed. Mental health is a big concern in this area. There are three public mental health facilities and one private hospital.
