The Healthy People 2030 Initiative Conceptualizing Community

Conceptualizing Community

Introduction

According to Healthy People 2030, there is an exhaustive list of indicators, a subset of high-priority people that need special health and wellbeing initiatives. For this paper, two indicators are selected: adolescents with major depressive episodes (MDEs) receiving treatment and obese children or adolescents1. Relevant to these indicators, factors like safety, exercise, diet, and healthcare access would be discussed with evidence from the literature.

Adolescents with Major Depressive Episodes (MDEs) Receiving Treatment

For keeping the neighborhood environment healthy, the health of adolescents needs to be on high priority since they are the future generation of our country. Research has supported that exercise would benefit adolescents who undergo major depressive disorders despite receiving treatment2. Reduction of depressive symptoms has been observed through exercise as physical activity generates heart rate with positive physical and psychological influences. It is interesting to note that evidence noted a link between high socioeconomic status and an increased ability to buy healthy nutritional food, making a healthy diet which is valuable for reducing depression3.

In terms of safety, children and adolescents with MDEs are at high risk of incurring harm to themselves or those around them. Their safety is crucial while treating them, for which treatment efficacy is to be scrutinized. Certain medications and their effectiveness need to be considered, especially when given in the form of anti-depressants, so that safety and tolerability could be in line with the positive health outcomes of this segment of the population4.

Healthcare differences exist for certain races, and their comorbidity and impairment certainly get affected, making their cases of disorder more complex when timely access is not given5. Healthcare disparity plays a major role in ascertaining the positive or negative impacts only if a specialist is provided to them with suitable therapeutic intervention, a crucial element for neighborhood healthfulness.

Obese Children or Adolescents

Obesity at a young age is of great concern since US children’s diet is a vital indicator. Their diet includes more sugar, trans and saturated fats, cholesterol, food additives, higher levels of complex carbohydrates, and fewer health nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, etc.6 Also, American Diabetes Association suggests at least one hour of physical activity daily for the youth so that obesity symptoms can be effectively managed. It would further contribute to better sleeping patterns, greater focus, and enhanced academic achievements.

Currently, numerous government initiatives have been launched to tackle this issue as its severity has been deemed in modern times more than usual. Family history of obesity and related illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension, is now diagnosed well-timed so that children can be saved at an early stage7. Healthcare access for these children is no more a problem, except if access disparity exists for racial minorities.

For keeping the neighborhood environment healthy, the safety of obese children is mandatory to prevent obesity linger their adulthood years, which is anticipated to transform into non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular illness8. The prevalence of obesity must be detected concerning environmental factors, the lifestyle these children follow, and cultural attitudes towards diet, health, and physical activity. Children and adolescents’ emotional, psychological, and physical health undoubtedly influence their quality of life (QoL) and academic performance. Moreover, the recent rise in industrialization, fewer open playgrounds, and involvement in indoor activities such as smartphones and online games have aggravated this health issue, causing an alarm for the entire neighborhood9. Even with the rise of the crime rate on the streets, one has to think twice about letting the child go out to play; thus, a safe social environment for children has become necessary.

References

1. US Department of Health and Human Services. Leading health indicators. ODPHP website. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/leading-health-indicators. Accessed May 11, 2022.

2. Sunesson E, Haglund E, Bremander A, Jarbin H, Larsson I. Adolescents’ Experiences of Facilitators for and Barriers to Maintaining Exercise 12 Months After Group-Based Intervention for Depression. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021; 18. doi:10.3390/ijerph18105427

3. Samuleson R. The Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Adolescent Depression: A Systematic Review. Research paper. St. Catherine University; 2017. https://sophia.stkate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1789&context=msw_papers