Comment 1

Environmental health plays a big role on the health of children. One of the main contributors to the health of young individuals is the quality of air. Air pollution is basically a combination of natural and “man-made”  substances that we breathe in. Polluted indoor and outdoor air effects the quality of life for children. The reason this is such a concern is due to their young undeveloped immune systems and lungs (Schwartz, 2004). Some children born with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, are at high risk for acute illness exacerbation from air pollution.

Unfortunately, air pollution has been linked to the death of children and small infants. This include asthmatic and nonasthmatic children. Exposure long term and short term can cause death for air pollution. Examples of air pollution would be mobile cars from their exhaust fumes, cigarettes, and wood burning fireplaces (NPS, 2017). All of these sources, and others, produce a smoke or gas that is harmful to lungs. Especially young lungs. Annually, an average of 3 million deaths worldwide occur for children due to air pollution. Ways to help to prevent this is to keep your children away from smoking areas. Also, if anyone in the household is a smoker, smoking cessation is key. Other factors to help take care of your child’s lung health is to keep up with air quality alerts. Several cities provide reports daily of the air quality and if there is need to stay indoors. Especially for children with pre-existing lung conditions. Anytime you smell gas, such as from cars, it is best to keep children far away (Buka, 2006). Ultimately, we are responsible for the protection of young lungs and preventing air pollution relating illness in young adults.

Comment 2

With regards to the National Institute for Health Management, socioeconomic status, such as education, income, and the availability of individual and social supports is an important factor that contributes towards health disparities among children. Children found in the lower socioeconomic hierarchy normally suffer from most diseases disproportionately and higher mortality rates compared to those families from higher income. The National Center for Children in Poverty indicates that the connection between socioeconomic health and status is well documented and its findings are robust in social science.Evidence shows that socioeconomic elements have a significant effect on the development and health of children. It also indicates that at most ages, children from middle and upper-class families are taller when compared to those in lower families in term of their classes socioeconomically. The factors that contribute to this include the size of families, decreased foods rich in high protein, and irregularities in patterns of exercise and sleep.

According to a published study in the journal Pediatrics & Child’s Health, wealth disparities, in conjunction with persistence and poverty depth also affect the development of children critically. Inequality in income is considered a vital health status driver in nations that are industrialized. It also concluded that there exist multiple elements that impact on children’s wellness and health negatively as they grow up in a home that is impoverished. The most significant and potential influence which increases directly the child’s risk of death and injury is low-income. Since 1970, According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, almost 22% of children in the U.S. have been living in poverty. A correlation has been proven between children in poverty and other subsequent health and environmental issues. Infant mortality, more severe and frequent chronic diseases like asthma; poor nutrition; poor quality of health care; lower rates of immunization and obesity are popular among poor children.

Prompt: Smith, Turkel & Wolf (2013) Chapter 12

Summary: The purpose of the weekly reflective journal exercises is to allow for analysis, synthesis and evaluation of nursing theory using guided questions. Reflection has been referred to as a process that happens internally, privately or in isolation (Hill & Watson, 2011).  Also a useful definition of reflection has been referred to as the examination of an issue of concern, as a consequence of experience, creating clarity and meaning in terms of self, and which results in a change of perspective ( Boyd & Fales, 1983).

Directions: Complete the Reflective Journal questions presented in your Smith, Turkel, & Wolf (2013) text as defined in the course outline.  Post the responses to the questions in the D2L dropbox.