Research Topics: Health Communication Topics

Analysis of the Health Care Delivery System of Nursing Homes

Analysis of the Health Care Delivery System of Nursing Homes   Introduction             Health care delivery systems were previously exclusive to hospital services. However, in the previous decades with the rapid increase in the population of the older age groups nursing homes have become an established specialized health care delivery system. The importance of nursing homes is expected to persist in the future because every person will inevitably experience ageing and the manifestations of ageing. The primary condition requiring health care in nursing homes is Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. The disease is not part of the normal ageing process. Nonetheless, the risk of having this disease is higher in older people. (Edwards et. al., 1998). Because it is progressive, the person suffering from the illness is not the only one affected. The entire community of people in which the person is part is affected. The person with Alzheimer’s disease, in the latter stages, may suffer from dementia to the extent of becoming disoriented about their surroundings, oblivious of family members and friends, and unaware of their needs and wants. (Doble, 1997) Discussion             Nursing homes provide specialized health care services to their patients. The different aspects of health care provided includes the promotion of the health of the ageing population by informing patients, their families and the community on how to take care of their health through information drives and community outreach programs. In the nursing care facility, patients are monitored to prevent them from incurring diseases through supervised exercise and diet. Primary health care is available through the regular check-ups given to patients as well as a clean and healthy environment of patients through assisted hygiene and sanitation regimens. Specialist care is readily available to patients such as geriatric care, psychogeriatric care as well as palliative care services. Nursing homes provide both long term and intermediate care in the nursing care facility, the residence of the patient and in the community in general. In sum, nursing homes provide the health needs of patients who cannot or who have trouble in providing it for themselves.             Nursing care in homes for the aged contributes to the management of health care resources of the facility by implementing a uniform system of guidelines in determining and prioritizing the particular needs of each patient as well as coordinating the tasks of every personnel to achieve optimum results. Although this is difficult to achieve and goes through the trial and error phase prior to arriving at an effective system, resources are effectively managed in the long run. One aspect of resource management system is identifying patients with common needs, scheduling activities to ensure that needs are provided at the right time and choosing activities appropriate to the patient to prevent waste of time, effort and material resources.             Even in nursing homes, there is also a health care continuum because the physical conditions of patients vary. There are patients who can support their body and capable of walking and fending for their needs. However, there are also patients undergoing palliative care that developed serious illness or experiencing the latter stages of ageing. Health care systems play an important role in this transition process through the health care workers and management. On one hand, it is the health care workers who are aware of the condition of the patients and who can determine whether there is need for transition from one aspect of care to another. On the other hand, it is the health care management team that develops a system of determining the appropriate time and manner of transition and the procedure and formalities that should be followed by the staff based on the effective experiences of the staff. A common problem of transition in health care facilities is the requirement of payment prior to the transfer of a patient from one aspect of health care to another. However, in the case of nursing homes, funding involves welfare subsidies that in a way solve the problem of payment.   Conclusion             Nursing homes comprise a significant health care delivery system in every community. Its importance is supported by both the specialized care that it provides and social implications of its existence. However, nursing homes also have different classifications in the same way that hospitals have different accreditation status. To provide effective health care services, there should be a uniform standard issued by the appropriate government authorities that regulate the operations of nursing homes, an in-house standard complying with the national standard but fitted to the particular operations of the facility and health care personnel who are qualified and trained.       Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Analysis of the Health Care Delivery System of Nursing Homes

Analysis of the Health Care Delivery System of Nursing Homes Introduction Health care delivery systems were previously ...

Critical appraisal and systematic review of studies on the detection of CKD

Critical appraisal and systematic review of studies on the detection of CKD

Dengue Virus

THE DANGER OF DENGUE FEVER         Dengue is a disease brought about by the transmission of virus brought about by different species of mosquito. The mosquito bite can transmit the fluid within our body and subsequently gives the symptoms of headache, body pain, fever, swollen gum, headache and rashes, bleeding skin and more. After being bitten by a mosquito it would take 8 to 15 days incubation period and the symptoms will manifest in our body their simple bite can transmit mild to severe infection but for people who have a weaker immunity like children may take only 5 to 7 seven day before the disease is shown.       Additionally the victim may suffer from chilling and fast decrease in temperature while suffering from fever, in this case doctor’s advice is to bring the patient immediately to the nearest clinic or hospital and their entire body should be covered with blanket or sweater. Dengue will be diagnosed through blood testing.  Mosquito bite create a higher risk in the morning than in the afternoon but mosquito still carries a dangerous infection and they can bite in any time. This deadly disease is said to be found in most tropical country including Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, South America, Africa, Venezuela, Bolivia, Honduras and many other countries around the world but it can also show mildly in different weather conditions.       The danger of this disease is that there is no specific intravenous or antibiotic treatment that is best specified for such severity although there are preventive measures available especially for children who have high risk tolerance from Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) that can cause abdominal pain and blood circulatory problem that leads to bleeding. In its severe cases of most hospital, blood transfusion maybe required, actually everyone can be affected by the transmission of this disease since the growth of mosquitoes are wide spreading and the breading ground can be available in any places that have stagnant water. There are also mosquitoes who found their niche in the dark and cool places under the bed, behind curtains and in the bathroom.       The World Health Organization currently reported the countries in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam and other Asian regions have the most significant numbers of current dengue widespread cases and the usual type of mosquito that has been spreading is the Aegis Aegypti which is probably one of the most threatening killers in those countries. The record shows that there are 2.5 billion people who are at risk and 70% of them can come from Asia Pacific regions that has reported 354,000 dengue cases that includes 1075 thousands deaths in recent years. The World Health Organization has already warned most of these countries to exercise the necessary preventive measures to eliminate such cases.       They further emphasize the integrated dengue prevention control activities to most countries in Asia in order to reduce such diseases. The Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) has also administered the declaration of June 15 as the celebration for Dengue day. Various organizations all around the world have been continuing their program that will conduct research about dengue and how it can be prevented and treated. Foreign and local administrators and medical experts has released a warning during 2009 symposium that Dengue fever is fast becoming a global public health concern that it should not be taken lightly because it has taken the whole world.         As mentioned earlier there is no particular cure in such dengue virus and the treatment is just focused purely on their current situation such as aspirin and fluid intake. In order to prevent such disease all we can do is to prevent the spread of mosquitoes to follow a simple hygiene and cleanliness at home and even in your office and your place of work. Eliminate all stagnant water near your home like in your backyard, garden and garage that usually has left over waters in cleaning cars, check also if there are left tires, pots buckets etc. make sure that you clean your swimming pool especially its side or use some chlorine, it is also wise to check on your pets house because simple stagnant drinking water can be a place to breed.            Check also indoor mostly kitchen can have a stagnant water there are also sponges and cleaning utensils, basins etc. that if left unused. Look also in your laundry if there maybe leftover water, there could be water in your bathroom so better check them often. You may also want to put some screen on your door or window that can protect your home from mosquitoes. Gutters and Canals can also store rainwater that is usually unknown to gather a wide range of water that usually mosquito wanted for breeding.       During night time you may use good clothes that can cover your body or you may also use mosquito nets for protection. In such cases like playtime or outdoor you may use a good spray or lotion that last and mostly protect your skin from mosquitoes. If you are unsure about your condition don’t hesitate to visit a doctor rather than self medication that can further create a higher risk. You can also check on your local municipal health offices about more information and updates from this disease. All this can be easily done at home to protect yourself and your family. Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Dengue Virus

THE DANGER OF DENGUE FEVER Dengue is a disease brought about by the transmission of virus brought about by different species of...

Nursing Approach To Disability After Breast Cancer Surgery

Disability after Breast Cancer Surgery, Nursing Approach   Based on this research, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and the fifth most common cause of cancer death among women worldwide.  And, the most common type of breast cancer is mammary ductal carcinoma.  There are two types of mammary ductal carcinoma; first is the Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma; it is invasive proliferation of malignant cancerous cells in the breast tissue.  The second one is the Ductal Carcinoma in Situ; it is non invasive cells that may be malignant and are confined to the lactiferous ducts. The ductal carcinoma in situ is considered a stage zero cancer.  In this regards, there are various screening tests for the detection of cancerous cells in the breasts such as MRI imaging, mammograms and biopsies.  All these medical procedures are very crucial in detecting different types of breast cancer.  However, it is important to take into account that there are instances that current medical diagnostic procedure falls short.  In the event that inflammatory breast cancer is being detected, a surgical biopsy must be done through breast skin sample; so as to the sample of the underlying breast tissue. PET scan is mostly preferred testing technique by oncologists for inflammatory breast cancer; for it enables to reveal more the disease.  Moreover, most patients with inflammatory breast cancer should undergo chemotherapy to minimize the spread of the cancerous cells and to resolve skin issues.  After chemotherapy, a mastectomy must be performed; since lumpectomy is not recommended by the physicians for treatment of inflammatory breast cancer together with additional chemotherapy treatments. Whenever, the surgical area has healed and chemotherapy has been completed, most oncologists initiate a course of radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells in the breast area and underarm area.  Normally, oncologists use a staging system in evaluating the extent of an individual’s breast cancer.  Subsequently, cancer stages are based upon the following criteria: size of the tumor, whether or not the cancer is invasive or non invasive, as well as whether or not the cancer spread beyond the breast, and whether or not the lymph nodes are involved. (http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/social-security-disability-breast-cancer.html) Accordingly, the incidence of arm edema is common after breast cancer surgery. And, arm pain on motion is the most common disability seen among patients. Arm morbidity has a strong impact on the disability and quality of life level of breast cancer patients.  When you say arm morbidity, it is one of the most serious complications of breast cancer surgery and treatment that affects tremendously to the daily life of the breast cancer survivor.   Through Sentinel Node Biopsy (SLNB) procedure, many breast cancer patients having a high risk of developing arm lymph edema.  And, due to this, the most common impairments that have been reported experiencing by majority of the breast cancer survivors are reduction of range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder, numbness of the axilla or lateral chest wall, reduction of grip strength, as well as the arm edema with a high level of functional impairment due to excessive pain.  Nevertheless, the importance of these undesirable conditions of the breast cancer patients has been emphasized by Coster et al who focused on the importance of health professionals’ understanding about the accurate information on the majority of the incidence of postoperative arm morbidity prior to breast cancer surgery procedure.  In addition to that, modern treatment intervention for breast cancer caused more women to become long-term survivors; but   it should be also taken into account the health related quality of life that the patients have before surgery.    (http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/social-security-disability-breast-cancer.html) Furthermore, this study revealed that sixty seven   breast cancer patients who underwent Modified Radical Mastectomy ((MRM) or Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) were being studied by medical experts.  MRM includes simple mastectomy with the help of Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND).  Hence, breast cancer patients after their surgery are being treated to rehabilitation specialist for therapy and regular follow up.  More than that, after bilateral mastectomy, the patients is also experiencing severe debilitating cardiopulmonary disease prior to the treatment of their arm edema, active infection on the affected side.  In the same way, the patients are also experiencing neurologic and rheumatologic illnesses that composed of range of motion for both function of two arms. Clinical review shows that patients’ shoulder joint ROM is being measured in abduction, flexion, external and internal rotation using a goniometer.  This is done as the patient stands straight up facing the wall.  Aside from this, patients’ handgrip strength is being measured using an air pressure infusion hand dynamometer. An average of 3 grip strength measurements was being recorded for each hand. Additionally, the unaffected side is used to control for the evaluation of arm edema, handgrip strength and shoulder function. (http://journals.lww.com/smajournalonline/Fulltext/2010/01000/Disability_and_Health_Related_Quality_of_Life.10.aspx) References: (http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/social-security-disability-breast-cancer.html) (http://journals.lww.com/smajournalonline/Fulltext/2010/01000/Disability_and_Health_Related_Quality_of_Life.10.aspx)   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Nursing Approach To Disability After Breast Cancer Surgery

Disability after Breast Cancer Surgery, Nursing Approach Based on this research, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in th...

Funding Proposal for an HPV Clinic in Southwestern Ontario Canada

1.0 Executive Summary 2.0 The Case for Change             In July, 2006, human papillomavirus or HPV vaccination was approved for use in Canada for females aged 9 to 26 years. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), these DNA-based viruses are transmitted by skin-to-skin and fomites contact which infect the skin and mucous membranes of human and animals and that there are over a hundred types of HPV. Among the 130 HPV types, about 30 to 40 types are usually transmitted through sexual contact and infect the anogenital region of both women and men, others cause the skin and genital warts while others infect the genitals but shows no noticeable sign of infection. Apart from this, HPV could cause serious health consequences including cancer (i.e. cervical, penile and anal) in the anogenital region. Nonetheless, the types that cause anogenital warts do not usually cause cancer. As such, the various types of HPV are often classified into low and high risk depending on their association with cancer. Low-risks are seldom associates with cancer while the high risks subset of sexually-transmitted HPV might potentially lead to precancerous lesions onto progressing to invasive cancer. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer, HPV infection is one of the major component in the development of this cancer. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in developing countries. Affecting more than 50% of the sexually active adults, the HPV-caused cervical cancer can kill about 290, 000 women worldwide including 3, 500 in the US (Bridges, 2006) with an estimated 371, 000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed and with about 400 in Canada each year. Representing the 10% of all cancers in women, there is 9.7% annual incidence rate with 2.5% annual mortality rate in Canada. There are an estimated number of new cases with 1, 450 and 430 is the number of estimated death (refer to Table 1). Over the last four decades, there had been a decline in age-standardized incidence and mortality rates in Canada. Statistically, Canadian provinces have higher survival rate of 5-year survival compared to the US (Franco, Duarte-Franco and Ferenczy, 2001). The Canadian Cancer Society ranks cervical cancer as the 11th most diagnosed disease in women. Alain Desroches of PHAC states that the projected figures for this year are: 1, 350 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and about 390 will die of the disease. The emphasis, however, is on the significant decline in cervical cancer – an estimated 7.5 per 100, 000 in 2006 from 15.4 per 100, 000 in 1977.    The World Health Organization (WHO), through its International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified HPV infection in three categories: carcinogenic – HPV types 16 and 18; probably carcinogenic – HPV types 31 and 33; and possibly carcinogenic – HPV types except 6 and 11. As Franco, Duarte-Franco and Ferenczy (2001) put it, clinical and subclinical HPV infections are today’s most common STDs and that asymptotic cervical HPV infection could be detected in 5% to 40% of the women at their reproductive age making HPV infection a central causal factor in cervical cancer in the continuum of lesion grades (refer to Fig. 1). Current studies suggest that 10 to 29% of women in Canada are infected with HPV, making it the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada. For females four of the common types of HPV can be prevented by means of vaccination, deemed important since HPV infections are incurable. To immunize against strains of HPV, Merck, a pharmaceutical giant, roll out an HPV vaccine called Gardasil. Gardasil is designed to prevent HPV infection types 16, 18, 6 and 11. HPV types 16 and 18 were believed to cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases; the HPV type 16 was also found to be associated with a form of throat cancer (oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma). While HPV types 6 and 11 are known to be the leading causes of about 90% of genital wart cases. The effectiveness of Gardasil vaccine is very high in preventing these four types of HPV strains and the vaccine can still protect the infected person with one of the four HPV types against the other types up to four years after the vaccination. Cervarix is another promising vaccine being tested by GlaxoSmithKline but is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This bivalent vaccine targets two HPV types: 16 and 18 and is also given in three doses over a 6-month period. The National Cancer Institute asserts that “widespread vaccination has the potential to reduce cervical cancer deaths around the world by as much as two-thirds, if all women were to take the vaccine and if protection turns out to be long-term. In addition, the vaccines can reduce the need for medical care, biopsies, and invasive procedures” (Steinbrook, 2006).     The approved mass-vaccination in Canada is intended for primarily for females aged 9 to 13 and then later recommended for females 14 to 26 years of age by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Provided that HPV is a sexually-transmitted infection, the vaccination is administered to female before the onset of sexual activities for most females in Canada in order to ensure maximum benefit. For the second age bracket, there is still the potential for benefit since they may not yet have been infected and even if they are already infected, it is still unlikely that they possess all the four strains of HPV that the vaccine covers. The vaccine is not approved for girls below 9 and women over 26 because it is not known how effective the vaccine is in younger girls and no data for these age groups yet exists, respectively. Dr. Shelley Deeks, senior medical specialist in the immunizations and respiratory infections division at the PHAC, there is a high possibility of school-based HPV vaccination programs. Although the vaccine is safe and effective: the question remains: Who will shoulder the cost? The vaccine requires 3 doses to be given over the course of 6 months and cost about 5 per injection (5 in total for three shots). Sharon Kirkey (2007) maintains that “the recommendations are made at a national level but it will be up to the provinces and territories to decide how and whether to make the vaccine available at no cost.” In lieu with this, Health Canada committed 0 million for mass-HPV vaccination and established a committee to look at feasibility of implementing the agendum since research had determined that it would cost billion for inoculating 5 million girls aged nine to 13 alone. The Canadian Cancer Society thinks that the HPV vaccine should be available and affordable especially for those who are not covered in the school-based programs. LIppman et al contend that an HPV vaccination program could be successfully implemented in Canada if it is publicly funded and that lack of financial capability must not prevent any girl or woman from receiving the FDA-approved vaccine. Canadian government support for HPV vaccinations should not continue existing health inequities but rather reduce such health inequities through comprehensive and evidence-based approaches. In protecting and promoting Canadian women’s health as well as preventing deaths from cervical cancer, the focus must be domestic, processual and long-term. For instance, the HPV vaccination is made available in various provinces of Canada including Nova Scotia, Nevada, Alberta and Ontario. Nonetheless, according to Lippman et al (2007), there is no epidemic of cervical cancer in Canada and that the incidence and mortality varies between different groups of women and that the decline in the five-year survival rate may due to the following factors: ability to pay, access to diagnosis and treatment and eligibility set by the school boards.       3.0 Information about the Proposed Project             Since the provincial vaccination programs are basically school-based, there are categories that are being excluded in the process including the out of school youth and out of school youth but otherwise have the capacity to pay. The process also excludes students not in Grade 8 who missed vaccination due to personal reasons or is sick during that time since the Ontario government is only funding the HPV vaccine at no cost to all females in Grade 8 through school clinics. As such, the no-cost vaccines have not been offered retroactively. Girls and women who wished to get the vaccine but are older will have to pay to buy the Gardasil vaccine from a pharmacy and have the immunizations at a doctor’s office which will cost about 0 (Laucius, 2007).               There are 36 public health units in Ontario Canada. The public health system is administered by the Public Health Division which functions to “advice to corporate management on public health issues; a provincial epidemiology service and response to control outbreaks of disease both communicable and non-communicable; and management of transfer payments for public health programs.” Notable is that the cost of public health programs and services are accumulated between the province and the local municipalities equating to less than 2% of the total healthy care budget. HPV vaccination clinics are basically administered inside school facilities; there are no specialized units committed to providing HPV education and health services. This paper proposes to build a consulting room/health centre within a public health unit. In strengthening Ontario’s public health system, the McGuinty government includes cervical cancer prevention through life-saving HPV immunization program in line with other health initiatives. To further promote Ontarian women’s health and reduce the toll of cervical cancer cases, there must be a public facility devoted for proving information regarding HPV, safer sex practices, healthy living and others. Among the 36 health units, 6 belonged to Southwestern Ontario: Brant County Health Unit; Chatham-Kent Public Health Services; Huron County Health Unit; Middlesex-London Health Unit; Region of Waterloo, Public Health; and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health The proposal chooses the Brant County Health Unit. The purpose of establishing the HPV preventive clinic in Brant County Health Unit is to optimize public participation regarding the HPV vaccination whereby medical histories and thorough examination of the vaccine recipient is possible. The clinic shall also purport proper orientation regarding the preventive vaccine and sexually communicable infections as well as to complement gynecological efforts. In lieu with these aims, the planned outcomes of the project are: HPV infection education, improved service delivery, acquiring medical explanations and informed decision-making. The project will consist of funding a preventive HPV clinic within the Brant County Health Unit and the pertinent health authorities specializing in HPV immunization program within Ontario. This will not include the design of the organizational structure, the internal change management plan, the marketing of the clinic and the procurement strategies. [Gantt Chart here]. 4.0 Funding Arrangements 5.0 Evaluating the Options 5.1 Cost-benefit analysis Examples of Possible Cost <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Direct Project Cost</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Acquisition Costs</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Implementation Costs</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Whole of Life Ownership Costs</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Social and Environmental Costs  </li> </ul>   Examples of Possible Benefits <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Cost-related Benefits</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Service-related Benefits</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Qualitative Benefits</li> </ul>   5.2 Risk analysis <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Project type proposed under option </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Organisational impact</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Stakeholder impact</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Scope</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Technology</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Project organisation </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> Knowledge and support</li> </ul>   6.0 Appendices     Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Funding Proposal for an HPV Clinic in Southwestern Ontario Canada

1.0 Executive Summary 2.0 The Case for Change In July, 2006, human papillomavirus or HPV vaccination was approved for use ...

INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY based INFECTION CONTROL STRATEGIES which are required to reduce the risk of the DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSMISSION of FOOD POISONING

INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY based INFECTION CONTROL STRATEGIES which are required to reduce the risk of the DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSMISSION of FOOD POISONING   Introduction               Meeting nutritional needs adequately and safely requires environmental controls and knowledge. Take for example at home, individuals need a refrigerator with a freezer compartment to keep perishable foods fresh. An adequate, clean water supply is needed for drinking and to wash fresh produce and dishes. Provisions for garbage collection are also necessary to maintain sanitary conditions.             When we eat, we should be aware of what we are eating. This does not mean what kind of food we are eating, but rather what exactly is in the food we are eating. Harmful bacteria could be present in the food we eat. Harmful bacteria that may be in the soil or water where the food we are eating used to grow may come in contact with the fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. Or, fresh produce may become contaminated after it is harvested, such as during preparation or storage of the food. Such harmful bacteria that contaminate our food could be toxic and produce infection and food poisoning. Food safety is therefore a matter that affects anyone who eats food. It is concern for both individuals and communities. It is true that there are people who thought about the safety of that food we eat, from farmers to scientists to company presidents to federal government officials and sanitarians. Yet, as individuals and communities, we also have the responsibility to protect ourselves from food contamination and poisoning with infection control strategies.   Bacteria and Viruses in Foods               Foods that are inadequately prepared or stored, or that are subject to unsanitary conditions, increase an individual or even an entire community’s risk for infections and food poisoning. Most bacterial food infections result from eating food contaminated by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, or Listeria organisms ( 2004). More than 200 known diseases are actually transmitted through food (2001). Some come from eating or drinking products that contain poisons such as insecticides. Most varieties, however, come from harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that grow in undercooked or spoiled food (2002). E. coli is only one of many harmful microbes that cause food borne illness. It is mostly found in ground beef, unpasteurized fruit juices, lettuce, or alfalfa or radish sprouts contaminated by cow feces. Early symptoms include cramps and bloody diarrhea within 24 hours of ingestion. The bacteria secrete a dangerous toxin that can eat at the intestinal walls and other internal organs. In some cases, this leads to massive bleeding, kidney failure, and other complications that may be fatal (2006). Salmonella bacteria commonly grow in raw meats, poultry, eggs, seafood, dairy products, salad dressing, peanut butter, coconut, cocoa, and other foods. Salmonella exists in the intestinal tracts of animals, including food-producing animals as well as turtles, cats, dogs, birds, rodents, and wild animals. Raw milk and eggs are also sources of Salmonella. While heat easily destroys Salmonella, inadequate cooking allows some of the organisms to survive (2001). Symptoms can begin six to 48 hours after eating, and last one to 14 days. These may include nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, fever, and headache. Some people may develop symptoms of arthritis a month or so after infection ( 2006). Campylobacter infection is another particular threat because around one victim in ten suffers serious complications, including septicemia and even paralysis. The main source of campylobacter infection is undercooked, contaminated food, especially chicken ( 2006).             While bacteria cause most food poisonings, a group of viruses known as Norwalk-like viruses are at fault in many cases. Usually, people get infected by eating infested food. Recently, though, doctors discovered that these viruses can be passed from person to person ( 2002).             Seafood products contain some naturally occurring marine toxins that present unique food hazards. Molluscan shellfish, which includes oysters, clams, scallops, and mussels, can pick up toxins from algae that they feed on, and cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, amnesic shellfish poisoning, and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. Tropical and subtropical reef fish such as grouper, barracuda, snappers, jacks, and king mackerel can accumulate ciguatera toxin by feeding on smaller fish that have ingested toxin-forming algae. Ciguatera can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches in humans. Tuna, mahi mahi, bluefish, and mackerel have been the sources of scromboid poisoning, a type of food borne illness caused by the consumption of scombroid and scombroid-like marine fish species that have begun to spoil ( 2001). Most incidents of these infections and food poisonings, however, do not make headlines, so people remain unaware of how common they are. Young children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems are most vulnerable to complications or death. Most infected people survive with no lasting damage, but some develop chronic problems such as arthritis, kidney failure, or certain nerve diseases ( 2002).   Impacts of Food Poisoning   Food poisoning and getting a food-borne disease can have a life-altering impact. Food poisoning can lead to Guillain-Barre Syndrome, reactive arthritis, or hemolytic uremic syndrome–diseases that can leave their victims with chronic pain, paralysis, and kidney damage ( 2002). The symptoms of other food-borne illness also vary with the offending source. Most cases involve abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms often pass on their own, but some must be treated with medication. Some victims of food-borne infections must be hospitalized if they become dehydrated or develop other complications ( 2002).   Infection Control Strategies   Prevention is always better than cure. Individuals and communities must therefore be aware and be able to implement infection control strategies. Preventive measures include thorough hand washing before handling food, adequate cooking, and proper storage and refrigeration of perishable foods. These will be further discussed in the succeeding paragraphs. On the national level, protecting consumers require that food authorities, such as the Food and Drug Administration, subject commercially processed and packaged foods to certain regulations.             Harmful microbes can infect food or beverages during any stage of production or storage. This means that everyone from the farmer to the consumer must be aware of how to keep food safe. Government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and other food departments and even the agriculture section regulate and inspect food supplies. But of course, individuals must be aware that they cannot catch every bacterium. Contamination often occurs when animal feces get into meat or water, perishable foods are not stored correctly, or harmful pathogens are spread in home or restaurant kitchens (2002). These are some things that are beyond the control of food safety agencies and are therefore the responsibility of communities and individuals.             Government agencies responsible for food safety say that most cases of food-borne illness result from mishandled meats, poultry, seafood, or dairy products. Take for example, campylobacter bacteria are often found in foods in grocery stores. These bacteria can cause serious illness if the meat is not cooked enough or if the germs spread to other foods. Using the same knife or cutting board to slice raw chicken and salad fixings is one common way of spreading such germs. Because salad is not cooked, these bacteria are not killed (2002).       When individuals are purchasing foods from supermarkets, there are certain measures that the individual can follow in order to avoid contamination of foods. At the checkout counter, the shopper must be vigilant to put the meat, seafood, or poultry in a separate bag so leaking juices don’t contaminate other foods ( 1999). Also, it is important that individuals must purchase produce that is not in any way bruised or damaged. When selecting fresh cut produce – such as a half a watermelon or bagged mixed salad greens – it is important to choose only those items that are refrigerated or surrounded by ice. Fresh fruits and vegetables must also be bagged separately from meat, poultry and seafood products when packing them to take home from the market (2006). At home, these foods must be refrigerated as soon as possible. When preparing meals, it is inevitable to touch the meat. This is okay as long as after touching raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs, hands, utensils, and surfaces must be thoroughly washed with hot, soapy water. The same utensils and platters for raw and cooked meat, poultry, or seafood must not be used interchangeably. Frozen meat, poultry, and seafood in the refrigerator must also be completely thawed before cooking ( 1999).             When marinating foods, they should be done in the refrigerator and not on the counter. The marinade from raw meat, poultry, or seafood should not be used on cooked food unless it has been brought to a boil first to kill any bacteria. The internal temperature of meat, poultry, and seafood should be checked with an oven-safe, dial instant-read or digital meat thermometer (1999).             Raw sprouts that are served on salads, wraps, and sandwiches may also contain bacteria that can cause food-borne illness. Rinsing sprouts first will not remove bacteria. Home-grown sprouts also present a health risk if they are eaten raw or lightly cooked. To reduce the risk of illness, raw sprouts such as bean, alfalfa, clover, or radish sprouts should not be eaten. All sprouts should be cooked thoroughly before eating to reduce the risk of illness. This advice is particularly important for children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems, all of whom are at risk of developing serious illness due to food borne disease ( 2006).     Conclusion               Within private homes, there are several infection control measures that individuals can follow in order to avoid food contamination and poisoning. Even if most foods have already passed inspection from government food safety offices, it is still advisable for individuals to take extra precautions. From purchasing foods to storing them to preparing them, individuals can benefit from some safety infection control measures.             Even if within a family, meals are cooked safely and we can be sure hat the food we are eating are not contaminated, many of us still eat outside our homes where we cannot be sure of the safety of the food we are eating. More meals are eaten outside the home–not just in restaurants, but also in institutional settings such as schools, nursing homes, and daycare centers. These are areas where the risk of a disease-producing food-preparation error is greater than in a private home. Individuals and communities are still therefore at risk for food contamination and food poisoning and must therefore be responsible and vigilant, eating only at places where he or she is sure that the foods are sanitized.           Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY based INFECTION CONTROL STRATEGIES which are required to reduce the risk of the DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSMISSION of FOOD POISONING

INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNITY based INFECTION CONTROL STRATEGIES which are required to reduce the risk of the DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSMISSION of ...

Behavioral Factors in Disease

Question #1: What are the studies and findings of diet and its effect on cancer? How diet has been achieved does affect cancer prevalence in the society, as such studies and findings prove such case that diet really has an effect on cancer. Individuals who undergo cancer treatment often experience dietary problems, maintaining adequate nutrition can be challenge for these patients as cancer patients must have a healthy diet to help them maintain their strength and energy to fight their disease. The following examples support the question for one, according to the latest clinical trial results from National Institutes of Health’s Women’s Health Initiative (National Institurte of Health, 2006 from www.nih.gov) asserted that, there were no significant differences in the rates of colorectal cancer, heart disease between group who followed low-fat dietary plan and the comparison group who followed their normal dietary patterns. The study found that following a high-carbohydrate, low-fat eating pattern does not increase body weight, triglycerides or indicators of increased risk of diabetes such as blood glucose or insulin levels in women. Another, study made by Journal of the American Medical Association, investigators agreed, do not justify recommending low-fat diets to the public to reduce their heart disease and cancer risk (National Institurte of Health, 2006 from www.nih.gov). Others cautioned against being too certain that a particular diet would markedly improve health, and said that whether someone developed a chronic disease might not be entirely under their control, genetics also plays a role. The study was part of the Women’s Health Initiative of the National Institutes of Health, the same program that showed that hormone therapy after menopause might have more risks than benefits. Studies of dietary fiber and colon cancer failed to find that fiber was protective, and studies of vitamins thought to protect against cancer failed to show an effect. The study found that women who were randomly assigned to follow a low-fat diet ate significantly less fat over the next eight years. But they had just as much breast and colon cancer and just as much heart disease. The women were not trying to lose weight and their weights remained fairly steady, experiences with the diets allowed researchers to question some popular notions about diet and obesity. (Demark-Wahnefried, 2003, p. 2)   Question #2: How can practitioners help the patient understand that diet can affect cancer? Explain what you would do.   The practitioners can help patients understand that diet can affect cancer by means of behavior therapy and application of better channels of communication, the practitioners can acquire back up support by certain support groups in visualizing reflective points and explain relevance of diet effects in cancer. Implying that health and behavior is of parallel to each other, If I’m the practitioner, I will initiate basic counseling to patients and explain to them with clear examples that diet can affect cancer and they should abide by it. Providing patients one on one interaction, informal interview process about diet and cancer and give them leaflets and information sheets, brochures detailing points of diet and how it leads cancer affecting lives of majority. Also, applying behavior interventions to patients are a must upon recognizing that people live in social systems that shape behaviors and access to the resources they need to maintain good health (Brannon and Feist, 2007 pp. 212-214). As a practitioner, I will link education and counseling as there promote primary prevention measures knowing willingness to self-examine and participate in screening procedures such as for detection and treatment of cancer as effectiveness is improved by the recognition that different patients have different needs (Institute of Medicine, 2001). Some patients respond favorably to printed materials and some to coaching telephone based counseling, but some cannot change health related behavior without one on one structured education and counseling as it support healthcare practitioners in such intervention and strategy the practitioner wishes to use and apply effectively within the healthcare setting, within consultation sessions, there would probably help practitioners to concentrate on particular therapy that can be relevant and helpful to such case situation as deemed possible (Brannon and Feist, 2007 pp. 212-214). Thus, during counseling sessions, it can be that the health care practitioner applies his or her expertise to benefit each recipient, directing them to use information in such way that serves best in everyday life. Then, practitioner’s skills should be supported by theoretical models found with the aspects of such functionality underlying better ways that are working well in informing good health care practice as needed as possible, practitioners would do well to consider personal style in the process of developing integrative approach for allowing patients to understand diet in cancer cases.     Question #3 Describe the characteristics that add or detract from the effectiveness of workplace health programs. Include in the responses the people who benefit from such program. Characteristics that add or detract from the effectiveness of workplace health programs assumes certain growing evidence suggesting effective programs as oriented towards individual health behaviors in requiring multifaceted approach to helping people adopt to change and maintain ample and healthful behavior ways. Maintaining particular behavior does require different strategies than will establishing that behavior in the first place. Models of behavior change have been developed to guide strategies to promote healthy behaviors and facilitate effective adaptation to and coping with diseases such as cancer. Indeed, well-received workplace health programs are those developed by individuals whom the program is designed to serve. While a broader strategic framework for work health areas must be established at the institutional level, staff members in individual work units need the opportunity for input and involvement and should have good voice in determining the priorities, interests and needs of their team. The people benefiting the health programs are those work employees and staff as well as the executive team and management as some may agree that health execution through programs serves a vital factor at work as supported by effective and comprehensive health care programs, supports workers in enhancing personal wellbeing and making healthy lifestyle choices. Most people agree that health means more than the mere presence or absence of disease. Workplace health programs can address such issues as safety, fitness, smoking, weight control, reducing organizational stress, or improving work environments and employee skills. Programs should coordinate health promotion and assistance interventions by integrating primary, secondary and tertiary prevention policies and programs. Programs should be designed for all employees, e.g. those with serious health problems, the relatively few who are conspicuously well, and especially for the majority, whose current lifestyle may in some way threaten their wellness (Health Canada, 1998). Responses appropriate to the diverse needs of varied employee populations can be provided by asking employees about their needs and preferences and also through mechanism whereby management. Health promotion programs must be able to adapt to the special features of each workplace as well as to include environmental program responses that will enable employees to take greater responsibility for their health.       ______________   Brannon, L. and Feist, J. (2007), Health Psychology: An Introduction to Behavior and Health, 6th edition, Cengage Learning, May 2006 pp. 2-624   Demark-Wahnefried, W. (2003), Pilot study to explore effects of low-fat, flaxseed-supplemented diet on proliferation of benign prostatic epithelium and prostate-specific antigen, Urology Volume 63 , Issue 5 , Pages 900 – 904   Health Canada. (1998). Influencing employee health. Workplace Health System. Ottawa: Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute.   INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE (2001), Health and Behavior: The Interplay of Biological, Behavioral, and Societal  Influences  Committee on Health and Behavior: Research, Practice and Policy, Board on Neuroscience and Behavioral Health NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS Washington DC pp.5-16   National Institurte of Health, 2006 from www.nih.gov http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/feb2006/nhlbi-07.htm   Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Behavioral Factors in Disease

Question #1: What are the studies and findings of diet and its effect on cancer? How diet has been achieved does affect cancer prevale...

Does restraining affect the health and safety of people with dementia?

AVOIDING RESTRAINT TO PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA         Dementia is a disease that comes from collective sources and it affects the brain causing several disorders, it can affect the thinking pattern of a person that may prevent them and their ability to perform specific daily task. Usually older people about 40 years of age and above can have dementia but it is more or less common to people at the age of 65, people should also understand that this is not a normal stage of life and not every older people gets this disease but there are several factors that causes it. Some of the most common and known dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease and Vascular dementia. Although there many conditions that is similar to this disease there should be an equal findings and consideration.         Dementia occurs frequently but it may not always look obvious and it can be very delicate. If a certain individual may show some signs such as personality changes that includes ignorance from attention, withdrawal, frequent memory loss, less physical activity performance from usual task and things like this can be symptoms that a patient may have this disease. Dementia can also be treated if symptoms have been perceived earlier, there are now several medicines that can be given that can maintain and reduce depression and other deficiency of patient but this does not mean that they can be totally healed. All over the world the most important cure and treatment that they can give especially among the family is the love and support that they can give.               Avoiding restraint has been the focal point and issues from various medical professionals about people suffering from dementia and clinicians have mostly agreed to reduce restraint in taking care of the patients whether at home or in the hospital. The resistance of patients from various restraints can cause severe health and safety of people sufferings from such disease this can be emotional, physical and mental problem. The fundamental objectives of this practice are to protect not just the patient but also the people that surrounds them if they act violently. The patient should not be led to anger and hatred from restraints, the nurses and immediate family must be conditioned and taught to handle about such situation very well about the ideas.       On the other hand the person with this disease can also be conditioned slowly, little by little and as soon as they respond to some situation and if they are in control only then they may be a possibility of restraint. If a certain patient would act harshly or violently destroying various things around them it can be crucial to decide if there should be a restraint but it may required forces to admonish such character but it is up for the nurse or family to decide during those times. Nurses and doctors believed that there are certain needs that has been unmet that triggers the patient to act harshly. There is certain assessment that needs to be validated at this point.       Individually the doctor must also need a further study about the behavior of the patient so they can give additional advice of what kind of treatment and medicines should be taken basically maximum tolerance should be exercised to provide safe cares without restraining. The person suffering from dementia should always have someone to talk to, communication is a very important process and this can eliminate restraint if they have found a person they can deal with and enjoy with. If a patient does not want to communicate then let them be, a certain question that only requires a certain gesture should be used if possible.       There is some possibility that a patient is asking for something for example they would like to go outside during rain so the family or nurses are forced to some degree of constraints to deal with them but if they can simply point out the object they would like to get, and then there will be no problem. This can be achieved through constant practice and communication conditioning. There are also times that they will need to go to the toilet so nurses or family should be constantly guided above their movement so there will be no restraints and fighting that can trigger or hinder their actions.       Medical people can use and teach various measuring scale and other instrument to determine signs of their behavior this may include their gestures, movements, facial expressions, participation and other determinants. All this should be practiced and mastered to somehow control the patient, this cannot guarantee a total control but at least it can definitely bring them to a more comfortable situation to handle when they are confronted with various misdemeanors from patients. Restraining from patients who are also suffering from weak physical inability should be highly being taken care of.       Weak patients with dementia must not be restrained in order to eliminate movements to avoid falling and other physical discomfort that can even add up to a more severe physical injury, they should always be on the lookout to prevent most falls and collision from most objects. And most of all it is very important to understand their conditions especially among their family and peers they must find practical ways in dealing with their patients. Family can ask their physician or local government and other organizations that can give support like the following; (http://www.fightdementia.org.au/)      (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dementia_support_services_are_available) (http://www.fightdementia.org.au/).    Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Does restraining affect the health and safety of people with dementia?

AVOIDING RESTRAINT TO PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM DEMENTIA Dementia is a disease that comes from collective sources and it affects the...

Preventive Measures of Hepatitis A

Preventive Measures of Hepatitis A   Hepatitis A is a liver infection effected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) whose symptoms include fever, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine and jaundice. The infection commonly lasts less than 2 months, although one can be ill for up to 6 months. Chronic liver disease patients are recommended for vaccination for protection against serious complications.[1]   Hepatitis A can be obtained by ingesting food or water that has fecal material exposure from an infected individual, with most infections arising from contact with family members or sexual partners. The virus can survive on outside the body surfaces and infection occurs when there is poor hygienic behavior.  The infection is most common in developing countries and in communities that have unsanitary conditions and do not have a source of clean drinking water.[2]   Hepatitis A can be totally prevented by always observing basic hygiene. Everyone must wash his/her hands with soap and water before preparing or handling food and after using the bathroom and changing a diaper. Food handlers must not be ill and should always wear gloves when preparing ready-to-eat foods.[3]   Routine hepatitis A vaccination has been recommended for children ages 12-23 months and for integration into the routine vaccination schedule of children. The vaccine may also offer protection to the household contacts of infected persons. Individuals traveling to high-risk areas who have not been vaccinated should receive a single dose of Immune Globulin, which can protect against hepatitis A infection for a period of three months.[4]   Immune globulin (IG), when administered within 2 weeks of last exposure to infection,  is 80 to 90 percent effective in preventing clinical hepatitis A. It is most effective when when administered early in the incubation period and is weaker when given later in  the incubation period. If medically recommended, Hepatitis A vaccine could be administered at the same time.[5]   The following individuals are recommended for hepatitis A vaccination:[6] Travelers to high-risk for hepatitis A areas Men who have men as sexual partners Drug users who inject and do not inject Blood clotting-disorder patients Chronic liver disease patients Health or laboratory workers with risks of infection Children living in high-risk for hepatitis A areas Individuals in close contact with persons who have just arrived from high-risk  for hepatitis A areas   Both of the marketed two single-antigen hepatitis A vaccines as of 2010 are not approved for children less than two years old and must be administered in 2 doses, 6 months in between, for full protection.[7]   Eating reminders for preventing hepatitis A include the following:[8] Only freshly cooked foods should be eaten. In places where the safety of drinking water is doubtful, only boiled water or commercially bottled water should be drank. Drinks with ice in them should not be drank. Raw fruits or vegetables that are not peeled should only be eaten after thorough cleaning. Popsicles and flavored ices that may have been prepared with contaminated water should be avoided.[9] Street foods and beverages should be avoided.[10]   		 		 		 		[1] “Hepatitis A – What It Is, 		Where It Lives”, Health Search Online, 2011 <http://www.healthsearchonline.com/hepatitis-a-what-it-is-where-it-lives/> 		[accessed 21 April 2011] 		 		 		 		[2] ibid 		 		 		 		[3] “How To Prevent Hepatitis A 		Infection”, MarlerClark, 2005-2011, <http://www.about-hepatitis.com/hepatitis_prevention> 		[accessed 21 April 2011] 		 		 		 		[4] ibid 		 		 		 		[5] ibid 		 		 		 		[6] ibid 		 		 		 		[7] Doug Campos-Outcalt, “Hepatitis 		A: matching preventive resources to needs”, 		The CBS Interactive Business Network, 2010, <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0689/is_4_53/ai_n6011917/> 		[accessed 21 April 2011] 		 		 		 		[8] “Health Encyclopedia – Diseases 		and Conditions”, USATODAY.COM, 2001-2011, 		<http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/768/main.html> [accessed 21 April 		2011] 		 		 		 		[9] “Hepatitis A”, Guide to 		Surveillance, Reporting and Control, Massachusetts Department of Public 		Health, Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, June 2006, 		 <http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/disease_reporting/guide/hepatitis_a.pdf> 		 		[accessed 21 April 2011]   		 		 		 		[10] ibid Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Preventive Measures of Hepatitis A

Preventive Measures of Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is a liver infection effected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) whose symptoms include ...

Assessment on the Availability and Utilization of Hand Washing Facilities in Primary Schools Research Proposal Paper

Assessment on the Availability and Utilization of Hand Washing Facilities in Primary Schools   The availability and utilization of hand washing facilities in primary schools has been implemented to all primary schools worldwide. This is in order to promote a massive drive for healthy school environment, at the same time to develop, so as to support safe hygiene habits among the primary students.  This global hand washing facilities drive has been implemented through means of two components such as hardware and software.  The hardware components include drinking water, hand washing and sanitary facilities inside the school premises and around the school compound. While, the software components are activities that promote conditions at school and practices of school staff that help to prevent water and sanitation-related diseases and parasites such as worms, which is introduced by UNICEF and IRC 1998.  UNICEF focuses on school sanitation and hygiene education, with the help of MWSA and School Health of Male. As they noted that there are many school premises in the globe that lack of sufficient water supply, sanitation and hand washing facilities.  Furthermore, it shows that only 32% of island schools have adequate rainwater storage capacity for the year and 30% do not have hand-washing facilities. In the same way, facilities were not adapted to the needs of children, instead they have broken, dirty or unsafe utilization of hand washing facilities.  Therefore, hygiene education is not effective and does not relate to their environment and soap facilities as long as they do not practicing it in their own school.  As regards this sanitary condition, primary schools become unsafe places where diseases are transmitted with mutually reinforcing negative impacts for the children, their families and overall development.  Good health at school is essential for now and an investment for the future.  This is the major reason for the serious need of safe water and sanitation facilities as a first step towards a healthy physical learning environment.  However, the mere provision of facilities does not make them sustainable or ensure the desired impact. Also, the use of the hand washing facilities is associated with the behaviors of all people that provide health benefits.   The combination of facilities, correct behavioral practices and education are meant to have a positive impact on the health and hygiene of the community as a whole, for the present generation as well as for the future generation. (http://www.google.com.ph/#q=To++Assess+the+Availability+and+Utilization+of+Hand+Washing+Facilities+in+Primary+Schools&hl=tl&prmd=imvns&ei=hz6QToKAGOTjiAKa3ezMCA&start=0&sa=N&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=353dfb73f88af9a5&biw=1024&bih=628)  The objectives of the hand washing facilities program in all primary schools; first is to create a healthy and safe learning environment along with safe sanitation, water supply and hand washing facilities.  In addition to that, hygienic habit must be done by every faculty staff, school employees and students in school as often as needed. And, sound management is very crucial to keep the hand washing facilities in proper working and hygienic conditions.  Second, is to help children to develop life skills that are to cope with life; including hygiene and health. Better hygiene practices can not be developed just by learning about water and sanitation related diseases.  In the same manner, they also cannot be imposed through discipline alone.  There must be   new approaches and hygienic strategies need to be used to assess and improve primary students hand washing practices in an active way.   Third is to stimulate outreach and benefits to the family and to the entire community. In this connection, in order to see if the hand washing program is successful; it must have both good hand wash facilities and an effective adoption of health practices in schools. The focus of the program should therefore be on both effective education and effective facilities. Additionally, sufficient water and sanitation facilities such as toilets, hand washing facilities must be always available in the school premises.  Not only that, the school should provide clean, are durable hand washing facilities for longer use; and the maintenance must be well organized. (http://www.google.com.ph/#q=To++Assess+the+Availability+and+Utilization+of+Hand+Washing+Facilities+in+Primary+Schools&hl=tl&prmd=imvns&ei=hz6QToKAGOTjiAKa3ezMCA&start=0&sa=N&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=353dfb73f88af9a5&biw=1024&bih=628) In view thereof, the availability and utilization of hand washing program is a global water challenge which started in 2008.  In Tanzania, the project has been funded by government and other private organizations in order to materialize the   health program in every school in the region. In fact, on January 30, 2010, the project had able to provide 15 new latrine blocks for 15 schools and renovated 7 rainwater catchment systems.  At present, 20 schools now have one or the other, and 2 schools have both.   Moreover, seven schools had received new plastic 1000 liter tanks set up near the latrines for effective hand washing activities.    In addition, the WASUP project has drilled 13 community borehole wells, with sufficient amounts of water.  Similarly, the AMREF had completed teacher training in first aid and in the Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Education (PHASE).   (http://www.globalwaterchallenge.org/newscenter/news-detail.php?id=1043) References: (http://www.google.com.ph/#q=To++Assess+the+Availability+and+Utilization+of+Hand+Washing+Facilities+in+Primary+Schools&hl=tl&prmd=imvns&ei=hz6QToKAGOTjiAKa3ezMCA&start=0&sa=N&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=353dfb73f88af9a5&biw=1024&bih=628) (http://www.globalwaterchallenge.org/newscenter/news-detail.php?id=1043)         Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com

Assessment on the Availability and Utilization of Hand Washing Facilities in Primary Schools Research Proposal Paper

Assessment on the Availability and Utilization of Hand Washing Facilities in Primary Schools The availability and utilization of ha...