Food insecurity and impact on management of chronic disease
Food insecurity and impact on management of chronic disease (Ex.: diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia).
PURPOSE
A scholarly letter to the editor is a piece of academic writing. A balanced editorial is more likely to be read and appreciated. The purpose of writing a letter to the editor is to bring a professional nursing or client care issue to the attention of the readership of either a public newspaper (e.g., Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, National Post) a professional journal (e.g., Canadian Journal of Nursing Research) or a professional association (e.g., RNAO, CNA).
The letter can be for/against an issue related to healthcare or the healthcare system, or to inform the readership about an issue. Letters to editors are generally found on the editorial page of the publication.
The reasons you may want to bring an issue to the attention of a readership are varied: – you are concerned about an issue and want others to know;
– an issue is important to the profession, and you are compelled to speak out;
– you want others to consider a specific action; – to educate the public; and/or – to influence policymakers.
Sample Solution
Food insecurity is a growing concern in Canada and its impact on the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia should not be overlooked. It is estimated that nearly 4 million Canadians, including 1.2 million children, experience some level of food insecurity (Statistics Canada, 2020). This can have serious implications for those living with chronic illnesses since it can lead to poor health outcomes due to inadequate nutrition or difficulty managing medication regimens (Yerxa et al., 2019).
For example, studies have found that individuals with diabetes who are struggling financially may find it difficult to afford medications or food items necessary for their disease management (Ramlal et al., 2018). Additionally, if they cannot access regular meals they may skip doses which could lead to further complications in the long run. For those living with hyperlipidemia, having consistent access to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables are essential for reducing cholesterol levels but this is often not possible when resources are limited.
It is therefore paramount that healthcare providers address these issues head on during patient visits so patients understand how important proper nutrition and taking medications as prescribed are for their overall health outcomes. In addition, policy makers need to ensure that there are adequate resources available to support those who cannot purchase nutritious meals or pay for essential medications and treatments so all Canadians can live healthier lives regardless of financial status.
