Choose a health need to investigate.
From the following list, choose ONE health need to focus on for this assignment:
Health needs of men: prostate health, cardiovascular health, sexual dysfunction, alcohol abuse
Health needs of elderly: bone health, stroke care, cancer, social isolation
Step 2: Research the incidence and impact of this health need in the United States
Research the incidence and impact of the problem among the specified population. Use at least three scholarly sources (that is, peer-reviewed journal articles or websites written by a group that has expertise and strong credentials in the field of interest). Make sure that you use APA format to properly cite sources used.
Step 3: Propose prevention strategies.
Propose two relevant population-based strategies at each level of prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary). For example, two strategies for primary prevention, two for secondary and two for tertiary prevention. It is acceptable to either develop your own ideas or highlight strategies that actual community-based programs are doing.
Step 4: Summarize your findings and intervention proposals.
Full Answer Section
The incidence of CVD increases with age. About 1 in 10 men aged 20-39 have CVD, while about 1 in 2 men aged 60-79 have CVD. African American men are more likely to develop CVD than white men.
CVD can have a significant impact on a man's life. It can lead to disability, hospitalization, and death. CVD can also affect a man's mental and emotional health.
Here are some of the risk factors for CVD in men:
- Age
- Family history of CVD
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Stress
Step 3: Propose prevention strategies
There are a number of things that men can do to prevent CVD. These include:
- Controlling risk factors: Men should work to control their risk factors for CVD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and diabetes.
- Getting regular checkups: Men should get regular checkups with their doctor, so that any CVD risk factors can be identified and treated early.
- Making lifestyle changes: Men can make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of CVD, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.
- Taking medication: If a man has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other CVD risk factors, he may need to take medication to control these conditions.
Here are some specific prevention strategies that can be implemented at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels:
Primary prevention
- Public education campaigns to raise awareness of CVD and its risk factors
- School programs to teach children about healthy eating and physical activity
- Worksite health promotion programs to encourage employees to adopt healthy behaviors
Secondary prevention
- Screening programs to identify people with CVD risk factors
- Treatment programs to help people control their CVD risk factors
Tertiary prevention
- Rehabilitation programs to help people who have had a heart attack or stroke recover and prevent further complications
- Medications to prevent heart attacks and strokes
Step 4: Summarize your findings and intervention proposals
Cardiovascular disease is a major health problem for men in the United States. There are a number of things that men can do to prevent CVD, including controlling risk factors, getting regular checkups, making lifestyle changes, and taking medication. There are also a number of prevention strategies that can be implemented at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Sample Answer
Step 2: Research the incidence and impact of this health need in the United States
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 4 deaths among men are due to CVD. CVD includes heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.