¶ … U.S.

In my view, the three most important health issues currently facing the United States include pollution, substance abuse and poverty. As the country's population increases and demands rise, especially pollution of natural resources is becoming an increasingly serious problem. Illnesses related to air and water pollution for example are closely connected with poverty and a lack of access to medical services. The problem is exacerbated by an apparent unchecked growth in the population whose demands are increasing while resources are diminishing. Poverty is therefore also a serious issue, as it directly affects the lifestyle and health issues of the population. A lack of funds means a lack of access to adequate resources, including medical services and information. Finally substances such as tobacco, alcohol, drugs and even food are abused on an increasing basis, directly affecting the health of the population. The result is health problems such as cancer and obesity.

According to American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, and the American Association of Medical Colleges, there are several important issues facing the country. The most prominent issue currently facing the United States is the recent hurricane disaster. The result of the destruction is an increased lack of resources that has far-reaching consequences for public health. Other concerns of particular importance to the above health associations include effective medical schemes, eliminating ethnic disparities in medical care, and increased public health by encouraging healthy lifestyles.

What are seen as important issues by health associations therefore correlate well with what are perceived as important issues, as well as with health necessities dictated by current events such as disaster relief. Poverty thus correlates with effective medical schemes and ethnic disparity in health care, while general public health information correlates with substance abuse and overeating.

Sources

American Medical Association (1995-2005). http://www.ama-assn.org/

American Nurses Association. (2005). Nursing World. http://nursingworld.org/

Association of American Medical Colleges. (1995-2005). http://www.aamc.org