The program “Hair, Heart and Health” seeks to educate more hairstylists so that they can screen their customers. Such barbers will monitor blood pressure and obesity thus supporting the health needs of different customers (“Hair, Heart & Health” par. 1). The program is aimed at “identifying different individuals at risk of end-stage kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke” (“Hair, Heart & Health” par. 3). This discussion examines how a community health nurse can support this program.
Roles of a Community Health Nurse
Powerful roles are needed to support this program. Community health nurses can play a significant role to ensure the program succeeds. For example, they can educate more barbers to use different medical devices effectively. The approach will ensure more citizens benefit from the program. Such nurses can also encourage different members of the community to embrace the program. The nurses can also monitor the epidemiological issues associated with the targeted conditions (Stanhope and Lancaster 28). Community health nurses should also encourage every person to monitor his or her Body Mass Index (BMI). They should provide the required medical support and counseling to individuals with obesity. They should also present evidence-based concepts to support the changing health needs of different customers.
Epidemiological Measurements
Several epidemiological measurements will be used to get the required information. Some of the things to consider include the incidence and prevalence of the targeted diseases. The survey will also consider the major diseases affecting the targeted population (Stanhope and Lancaster 34). The analysis will also “examine the relationship between prevalence and incidence” (Fawcett 47). The other measurements will include mortality, the incidence of infectious diseases, and morbidity. The outcomes of the enrolled DC residents can be used to make evidence-based decisions. For instance, the nurse can examine the current health achievements. The nurse will outline the best approaches towards supporting the needs of more residents. The identified gaps will also be addressed to improve the quality of care availed to more citizens. The caregivers should also consider the existing health challenges (Fawcett 49).
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention Interventions
Effective measures can be used to deal with the targeted preventable diseases. New “primary interventions can include immunization and education about healthy living habits” (Fawcett 49). The program can encourage more people to avoid cigarettes, exercise regularly, and eat balanced diets. The best secondary strategies include new exercise programs to reduce the chances of stroke. Tertiary interventions include the use of support groups to empower different patients. Stroke and cardiac rehabilitation programs can produce positive results. Disease Management Programs (DMPs) for specific chronic conditions can also produce positive outcomes (Stanhope and Lancaster 65). Some of these conditions include depression and diabetes.
Nursing Education and Understanding of Epidemiology
My skills in epidemiology and nursing will ensure this program succeeds. I know how to use specific nursing theories. Martha Rogers’ “Unitary Beings theory can support the changing needs of many patients because it focuses on the four meta-paradigms of nursing” (Fawcett 46). The use of evidence-based approaches can deliver culturally-competent support to different individuals. Nurses have the potential to deliver proper care and counseling to different individuals. Effective leadership practices such as decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork will ensure the program succeeds. Nurses also have powerful skills in epidemiology. They can monitor the prevalence of different conditions, present powerful intervention strategies, and empower more communities to achieve their health goals (Fawcett 47). These concepts will enhance the vitality of the program.
Works Cited
Fawcett, Jacqueline. “The Nurse Theorists: 21st Century Updates – Martha E. Rogers.” Nursing Science Quarterly 16.1 (2003): 44-51. Print.
Hair, Heart & Health 2015. Web.
Stanhope, Marcia, and Jeanette Lancaster. Public Health Nursing: Population-Centered Health Care in the Community, Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby, 2013. Print.