Workplace health barriers and disparities in elderly Hispanic diabetic populations

Elderly Diabetics

Elderly Hispanic Diabetics

Diabetes is a real problem that affects a significant amount of our population. The death rate associated with diabetes continues to climb yearly, while the death rate of other diseases continues to decrease (ADA, 2010). Diabetes is impairment in the human body that prevents the body from converting glucose to energy. According to the CDC nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and 79 million adults have prediabetes (CDC, 2010). This is a serious problem and needs further research.

In the Hispanic community Diabetes is a major health disparity. "there is a prevalence and health burden of diabetes, which is greater in older Mexican-Americans than in older non-Hispanic Whites and African-Americans, particularly among elderly men" (Black, Ray, & Markides, 1999). This problem must be analyzed and addressed. There is a definite need for educating this population about the effects of diabetes. Educating this population about the disease, how to prevent diabetes and how to control the disease once it was already diagnosed is essential. A major barrier for this population and this disease is that they are not efficiently educated about the risks of this disease and this problem.

In the work environment there is no support for diabetic employees. Diabetes is a growing problem in the United States. It affects millions of people today and will continue to affect millions more in the future. It is important that as a society we make better attempts to control and eliminate this problem. An action plan must be developed for conquering this problem. I have created an action plan to address this problem, starting with the work environment.

In every type of work environment, health should be promoted by offering employees training about diet and exercise. The importance of health should be a priority. The first step would be to encourage the employees to make routine doctor visits. The next step is to promote good nutritional values and the importance of exercise. Organizations can hold an annual health and nutrition training day, where companies can bring an expert to share information about the topic. Many organizations have developed walking clubs that meet during lunch hours to walk as a form of exercise. Other companies have health tips and some companies even have gyms that their employees could utilize. Changing the menus in cafeterias and introducing healthier foods is also important. Updating vending machines, offering healthier choices in the vending machines would also make a difference. Another important ways to stop diabetes is to educate the people about Diabetes. I have created a brochure which is below; it gives simple information about diabetes. This brochure should be available at all companies for all employees.

Diabetes Brochure

1. What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is impairment in the human body that creates a failure to convert glucose (sugar) into energy.

2. What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

Increase in blood sugar levels, rapid weight loss, vision impairment and skin problems. Cuts and bruises that takes longer to heal. Tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes.

3. How can we control Diabetes?

The first step in controlling diabetes is to consult with your physician and determine an appropriate treatment plan for the problem. A diet and exercise program is necessary to control the blood sugar issues. We can control our blood sugar by controlling our carbohydrate and sugar intake, since these two foods directly impact the level of sugar in the blood (WebMd, 2010).

4. Where can I get help with Diabetes?

You can get help by contacting you physician. Physicians can recommend education programs by Diabetic centers that teach patients how to eat and exercise. You can also get help from the American Diabetic Association.

5. Can I prevent Diabetes?

Studies have shown with a moderate amount of weight loss and addition of an exercise program people can delay or prevent diabetes (CDC, 2010).