Volunteers, organizations, and political officials in local communities often campaign to improve conditions

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Volunteers, organizations, and political officials in local communities often campaign to improve conditions and provide services to enhance the well-being of residents. If you are the parent of young children, for instance, you might focus on improving the local school or creating safe places where children can play. If you are an individual in later adulthood or a caregiver for an older adult, what community resources might be important to you? What social challenges could be resolved through increased community support?
In this week’s Assignment, you evaluate the resources that your local community currently provides for its older members and propose improvements or additions to better meet older adults’ needs.
TO PREPARE:
• Review the Learning Resources on sociological aspects of later adulthood.
• Using the Internet and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services link in the resources, research agencies in your local community that support the issues and concerns of the older population.
• Note the services provided by these agencies and any gaps you see. Consider what improvements might be made to existing services as well as opportunities for new services to be added.

• Identify three agencies in your local community that support individuals in later adulthood.
• Provide an overview of the services each provides.
• Identify the service gaps you notice.
• Explain how to improve existing services to address these gaps.
• Describe services that should be added to better serve this population and explain why.

 

Sample Solution

  1. Nausea and Vomiting: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing nausea and vomiting often involves a combination of:

  • Medical history: Doctors will inquire about the onset, duration, and severity of symptoms, as well as any potential triggers (food, medications, etc.).
  • Physical examination: This might involve checking for dehydration, signs of infection, or abdominal tenderness.
  • Tests (if needed): Depending on the suspected cause, blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds may be ordered.

Treatment recommendations:

Treatment for nausea and vomiting depends on the underlying cause. Here are some general recommendations:

  • Hydration: Replacing fluids lost through vomiting is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions are often recommended.
  • Anti-emetic medications: These medications help control nausea and vomiting. Examples include ondansetron (Zofran) and promethazine (Phenergan).
  • Dietary modifications: Bland foods and small, frequent meals can be easier to tolerate. Greasy, spicy, or acidic foods might be avoided.
  • Treating the underlying cause: If a specific condition is causing the nausea and vomiting, addressing that condition is essential.
  1. GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Symptoms:

  • Heartburn (burning sensation in chest)
  • Acid regurgitation (sour taste in mouth)
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Nausea and vomiting (less common)

Complications:

  • Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
  • Esophageal ulcers
  • Barrett’s esophagus (precancerous condition)
  • Strictures (narrowing of the esophagus)

Drug Management:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These are the first-line medication for GERD. They reduce stomach acid production (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole).
  • H2 Receptor antagonists: These also reduce acid production but are less potent than PPIs (e.g., famotidine, ranitidine).
  • Prokinetics: These medications help move food through the digestive system more quickly (e.g., metoclopramide).

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be a substitute for consulting with a healthcare professional.

  1. Crohn’s Disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s Disease:

  • Can affect the entire digestive tract (from mouth to anus)
  • Inflammation can occur in deeper layers of the bowel wall
  • Symptoms: Diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, fatigue, rectal bleeding (less common)

Ulcerative Colitis:

  • Affects only the inner lining of the large intestine (colon)
  • Inflammation is limited to the mucosal layer
  • Symptoms: Diarrhea (often bloody), rectal urgency, cramping, abdominal pain

Similarities:

  • Both are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
  • Both can cause periods of flare-ups and remission
  • Both can be managed with medication, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery

Differences:

  • Location of inflammation (Crohn’s can affect the entire digestive tract, while Ulcerative Colitis is limited to the colon)
  • Depth of inflammation (Crohn’s affects deeper layers, Ulcerative Colitis is limited to the mucosal lining)
  • Presence of rectal bleeding (more common in Ulcerative Colitis)
  1. Diabetes

Causes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: The body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy but usually resolves after childbirth.

Symptoms:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased hunger
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • Frequent infections

Treatment:

  • Diet and exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity are crucial for managing diabetes.
  • Medications: These can include oral medications, injectable insulin, or a combination.
  • Blood sugar monitoring: Regularly checking blood sugar levels is essential for managing diabetes.

Remember, this information is intended for general knowledge and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.

 

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