Model and Service for Vulnerable Overweight People of New Orleans and LA - Research Paper Example

?Model and Service for Vulnerable Overweight People Of New Orleans and LA Two Epidemics: Obesity and Diabetes The of Louisiana, USA, scored thehighest death due to diabetes compared to all other States. Perry, Mark (2010) further wrote that about 36 out of 100,000 was the death rate in LA for patients with diabetes. It was the 5th leading disease that led to death. More specifically, based on assessments using behavioral risk factors, about 11.3% or nearly 507,604 individuals within the age bracket of 18 and above living in LA have been experiencing diabetes. That meant a growth from the 1999 ratio of 6.1% to 11.3% in 2009. African American had a higher percentage of 14.2%. And those 65 years old and above also had a higher percentage of 25% with diabetes. Tracing the root causes of diabetes, experts have found and believe that diabetes and obesity are correlated among Americans. Shaw, Jerry (2011) described: An independent study that included researchers from the Centers of Disease Control showed that people with Type 2 diabetes have the common characteristic of obesity, or being overweight. Looking at the data from clinical studies involving 31,000 Americans over a period of six years, the researchers found that while two out of every 1,000 normal weight people had been diagnosed with diabetes, some 18 out of 1,000 obese people had the disease. There was also a 41 percent increase in the incidence of diagnosed diabetes during that time. (Epidemic section, para. 1) Cost of diabetes to society was estimated to be $ 174 billon in 2007. Following the trend of statistics, it was shown through a graphical chart that there is indeed an urgency to find ways and means to stop the trend. Figure 1 tells about a very dangerous forecast if nothing is done to fight against diabetes. Sacks, David B., Fonseca, Vivian and Goldfine, Allison B. (2011) showed Figure I as follows: Figure 1. Projected Prevalence of Diabetes Among Adults Expressed as % of Total US Adult Population 9 out of 10 people with diabetes are obese. The logical reason for obese people to develop diabetes was explained by the interference of fats to the effect of insulin which is supposed to regulate the blood sugar level. Fats release protein into the bloodstream. It then weakens the ability of the system within the body to break down and use glucose, by desensitizing the body to any release of insulin or injection of insulin. Ogunjimi, Angela (2010, para. 1) mentioned Centers for Disease Control Journal as having described USA to be with an “epidemic of Type II diabetes” and “is largely a consequence of obesity, and weight control remains a cornerstone of therapy for people with diabetes”. Even children are experiencing diabetes Type II as a result of obesity. And doctors observed their number to be increasing. Furthermore, diabetes brings additional health problems like stroke, kidney failure, heart ailments, poor vision and even blindness, and amputations. All these bad news about realizing Type II diabetes can actually be overcome. By reducing the bodyweight to the normal depending on the height, build, and sex, Type II diabetes can be avoided. Eating less fatty food, more healthy food, reduced calories, and having regular exercises to help the body convert food into energy instead of storing fats and too much glucose, will regulate the ability of the body to control the sugar level. Then medications can be reduced. Eating habits can be checked if people know what is happening and why. For example, right after meals, when digestion takes place in 1-2 hours, blood sugar shoots up because food is being converted into glucose. Regulated amounts of food will allow the body to recover from that rise in blood sugar. Eating the right food will prevent too much glucose production. Carbohydrates sources like corn, potatoes, rice, and other starchy food are the main sources of glucose once they are digested. Some drugs also raise blood sugar level. And stress will trigger the release of hormones that prevent the release of insulin which is responsible for the conversion of glucose into energy. Newell, Lori (2011) cites Mayo Clinic and the American Diabetes Association for his sources of information about these facts. Hyperglycemia or over 125 mg/dL blood sugar level is oftentimes noticeable among diabetic patients because they tend to be frequently hungry, thirsty, and wanting to urinate. And yet, they lose weight, lose clear vision, and feel tired often. Burton, Amanda (2011) confirms the effect of stress on elevating blood sugar level and the fact that some drugs like anti-depressants do increase the sugar level. To further clarify diabetes, Fox, Mathew (2010) defined Type I and Type II diabetes. Those with Type I diabetes already have a defective Pancreas unlike in Type II wherein the Pancreas is still functioning as it should by releasing adequate insulin for the conversion of blood sugar into energy. What troubles Type II diabetic patients is that glucose does not get converted even with the presence of insulin because of the failure of the normal system to be sensitive to the released insulin. Brogaard, Berit (2011) gave further details about the role of insulin by emphasizing that it is a “metabolic hormone” which binds with muscle receptors and tells the brain where glucose should be supplied to nourish the body. The problem with Type II diabetic patients takes place when the body no longer responds to signals coming from receptors with insulin such that glucose is no longer distributed and converted into energy, and instead accumulates in the bloodstream where glucose is not needed. The Mayo Clinic (2012, para. 1) described Type II diabetic patients as “non-insulin dependent”. They are either not producing enough insulin or the adequate insulin does not result in the normal body response to distribute glucose for conversion into the required energy and nourishment of cells. Although there is no cure for Type II diabetes, simple management of the body in the consumption of food and regular exercise, makes it possible to prevent Type II diabetes. There are dissertations by the University of Louisiana at ProQuest, one pertaining to the management of cholesterol for diabetic patients by May, Tamica Blake (2003) and another dissertation which deals with the cost utilizing Health Care budget for obese by Valderrama, Adriana (2007). But both do not even disclose their findings for public service. People have to buy the books online in order to discover at least the abstract or summary. Looking at the current US Census (2012), the following data were gathered and tabulated to show the probable statistics as to how many people and how many households will benefit from a model and service that would be for the vulnerable population within New Orleans and LA. Pop. Of New Orleans City % to Total N.O. City Population of LA % to LA Population 2010 / 2011 343,829 4,574,836 Growth 2000-2010 ( 29.1%) 1.4% Persons under 5 years old 6.4% 6.9% Under 18 years old 21.3% 24.7% Over 65 years old 10.9% 12.3% Female 51.6% 51% White 33.0% 62.6% Black 60.2% 32.0% Households 116,638 1,641,165 Persons per household 2.44 2.62 Living in the same house 1 year and over 74.0% 84.3% Housing Units,2010 189,896 1,964,981 Home Ownership Rate 49.3% 68.2% High School Graduates 83.4% 81.0% Degree holders 31.6% 20.9% (Source: 2012 US Bureau of Census – New Orleans City & the State of LA Data) The total population of New Orleans City declined by 29.1% from 2000 to 2010, although for the entire Louisiana, it increased by 1.4%. Total population of LA was 4,574,836 as of 2011. Considering the very low average annual growth rate of only 0.14%, that figure is very near the present population total. Notice that the percentage of people with diabetes in LA was 11.3% in 2009 while the 1999 ratio was 6.1% for an increase of 5.2% in 10 years. In terms of LA population, the number of people with diabetes can be computed to be 11.3% x 4,574,836 = 516,856 or more than the total population of New Orleans City. And the average cost of treating diabetes in the USA per year is over $ 11,744 according to actual data in 2007 gathered by American Diabetes Association (2008). Therefore in LA alone, the cost of treatments for vulnerable Americans experiencing diabetes will exceed $ 6 billion per year. Considering further that according to a very recent journal by Ogden, C.L. et al. (2012), 2/3 of the entire population of American adults are either obese or overweight with 82.1% of black women + 75.7% of Hispanic women + 59.5% white women + 38.8% black men + 32.2% of white women. 31.8% of all the children are obese or overweight. More details of the breakdown pertaining to the demographics of Americans suffering from diabetes were reported by the FRAC (2012) online. Beneficiaries of the Model, Goals, and Methods The thesis contained herein is about coming to the aid of all those who are obese or overweight and also those who have already been struck by the problem of diabetes. There are natural ways to prevent the spreading of diabetes. Education should be the first goal. And the substance of that education must be potent, interesting although challenging, and definitely workable. Education with the application of modern time technology using a website should contain ALL the logical alternative means of preventing the spread of diabetes. In friendly competition with websites promoting hospitalization and treatments with ethical drugs and paid consultations, this thesis proposes the development of a Wordpress, Forum, and Technological Updates domain and website to bring critical information about natural remedies against obesity and diabetes to the awareness of all who are overweight, obese, affected by diabetes. Immediate goals will include (1) the development of a Domain & Website for the presentation of natural ways of avoiding obesity and diabetes; (2) extensive research and uploading of facts about the inexpensive and safe ways of overcoming the epidemics known as obesity and diabetes, according to reliable sources; (3) public dissemination of the enriched Domain & Website to secure active participation from among the New Orleans vulnerable population and also those of LA; and (4) ongoing solicitations of donations from among those who will be able to save the alternative cost of health care after actively implementing the recommended natural solutions to overcome obesity and diabetes. Since the target beneficiaries of this thesis and project will not only be the people in LA with diabetes (numbering 516,856) but also the 2/3 of adult population who are obese or overweight (numbering 3,444,851), the service goal of inspiring people to change their lifestyle in favor of alternatives that will prevent the development of diabetes and overcome obesity and diabetes over the years, should be widely acceptable and will eventually receive adequate support in the form of testimonials and $ 1 donation per month per beneficiary. In short, the model program will seek to first serve the immediate vulnerable community of New Orleans and the vulnerable communities throughout LA. This will be very workable with present time technologies. Millions of people go online to be aware of changes or opportunities to improve themselves. And the outcome will be as follows: (1) an improvement in the quality of life following a change in lifestyle, (2) reduced cost of health care, and (3) actual reduction of diabetic Americans in LA. A sample model within the forecasted list of services would be the disclosure that this is non-profit. Nothing in the website will tend to invite people to visit their doctors unless necessary. Dr. Ronel-Corbier, Jean (2005) had clarified how full restoration of a person from poor health to becoming truly healthy must consider the root causes of problems, namely, “biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors” (p. 48). His recommended solutions include exercise because it burns fats, improves metabolism, restores energy, and improves sleep quality, normalizes bowel movement, detoxifies the body, and definitely strengthens the immune system (p.51). Deep breathing and drinking of plenty of clean water are very important. But there are websites misleading the public into thinking that drinking plenty of water promotes diabetes or indicates the presence of that disease. Strengthening self-control is another proven means to regulate lifestyle, including the regulation of food intake (p.52). Rest, optimism, accountability, aside from nutrition should also be clarified to these vulnerable people of LA. Another characteristic of this model would be a dedication purely for the overweight, obese, with or without diabetes. There are other websites that cover a variety of issues similar to online newspapers. Secondly, because of the commitment to be dedicated for a limited yet disturbing health-related epidemics, active communication should be part of the entire project. This means, unlike other websites, some assigned researchers will be striving to contact all those who are part of the expected beneficiaries, on a regular basis. Emails, telephone calls for those willing to communicate by phone, chat, forum, and other means of reaching out must be tried in order to monitor feedback, needs, and to show genuine concern. However, nobody will be discouraged from voluntarily visiting their doctors for consultation whenever they want. Sources of Seed Funding Since the project will be non-profit, all contributions, donations, and other funds raised will be awarded to all those who have wholeheartedly participated in the testimonies, forum, article contributions. The merit system should be practiced in order to encourage cooperation and participation. The following sources of grants may be tapped from grants.gov: (1) Opportunity Title = Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII): Promise Neighborhoods Program Planning Grant Competition CDFA 84.215P – open until July 27, 2012 at the Department of Education; Funding # ED-Grants-042012-002 (2) Opportunity Title – Improving Diet and Physical Activity Assessment (R01) – open until September 7, 2012 at the National Institutes of Health; Funding # PAR-09-224 (3) Opportunity Title – Improving Diet and Physical Activity Assessment (R21) – open until September 7, 2012 at the National Institute of Health; Funding # PAR-09-225 (4) Obesity Policy Research: Evaluation and Measures (R01) – open until January 7, 2012 at the National Institutes of Health; PA-10-027 (5) Obesity Policy Research: Evaluation and Measures (R21) – open until January 7, 2012 at the National Institutes of Health; PA-10-028 (6) Obesity Policy Research: Evaluation and Measures (R03) – open until January 7, 2012 at the National Institutes of Health; PA-10-029 (7) Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R01) – open until Jan. 7, 2013 at the National Institutes of Health; PAR-10-038 All these funding are available at http://www.grants.gov/ , Funds from a grant will only be utilized for the start-up Domain and Website, for the promotion of its contents, for the incentives to potential participants to make the Forum, Chat Support, Wordpress, Emails as lively as possible, and for further raising of funds from Website Ads of businesses engaged in products that are related to exercises, nutritious natural foods, and from doctors. References American Diabetes Association (2008, March). Economic Costs of Diabetes in the US in 2007. Diabetes Care. 31(3) pp. 596-615. ADA Publications, March 2008. Brogaard, Berit (2011, May). Does Ketogenic Diet Cause Insulin Resistance? Livestron.com, May 28, 2011. Retrieved from < http://www.livestrong.com/article/410206-does-ketogenic-diet-cause-insulin-resistance/> Burton, Amanda (2011, May). What Raises Blood Glucose Levels? Livestrong.com, May 30, 2011. Retrieved from < http://www.livestrong.com/article/228690-what-raises-blood-glucose-levels/>. Corbier, Dr. Jean Ronel and Corbier, Michelle (2005). Overcoming Obesity: Personal Insight from a Christian Physician. NE USA, iUniverse.com. FRAC (2012). Overweight and Obesity in the USA. Food Research Action Center. Retrieved from Fox, Matthew (2010, September). Causes of High Blood Glucose Level. Livestrong.com, September 2, 2010. Retrieved from . Mayo Clinic Staff (2012, January). Type 2 Diabetes. Mayo Clinic. January 25, 2012. Retrieved from May, Tamica Blake ( 2003). Adherence of Office-based Physicians to Cholesterol Management Guidelines for Patients with Diabetes. ProQuest Dissertation Publication No. 3083008. University of Louisiana at Monroe Morse, Joseph Sb. (2009, July). The Evolution Diet: All-Natural and Allergy Free. San Diego, CA USA, Code Publishing. July 7, 2009. Newell, Lori (2011, May). Things That Raise Blood Glucose Levels. Livestrong.com, May 5, 2011. Retrieved from < http://www.livestrong.com/article/55634-things-raise-blood-glucose-levels/> Ogden, C. L., Carroll, Kit, B.K., & Flegal, K. M. (2012). Prevalence of Obesity and Trends in Body Mass Index Among U.S. Children and Adolescents, 1999-2010. Journal of the American Medical Association, 307(5), 483-490. Ogunjimi, Angela (2010, December). Metabolism & Obesity in Diabetes. Livestrong.com, December 13, 2010. Retrieved from < http://www.livestrong.com/article/332922-metabolism-obesity-in-diabetes/> Perry, Mark (2010). Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. 2009-2010 Annual Report: Louisiana Chronic Disease and Prevention Unit. Department of Health and Hospitals, Bureau of Primary Care and Rural Health. pp. 14-19. Sacks, David B., Fonseca, Vivian and Goldfine, Allison B. (2011). Diabetes: Advances and Controversies”. Clinical Chemistry. February 2011. 57 (2). pp. 147-149. Retrieved from . Shaw, Jerry (2011, August). How Obesity Causes Diabetes. Livestrong.com. August 11, 2011. Retrieved from US Census Bureau (2012, January). New Orleans, Louisiana People. State and County Quick Facts. Jan. 31, 2012. Retrieved from Valderrama, Adriana (2007). A Comparison of Generalized Linear Model, Two-Part Model, and Finite Mixture Model in the Estimation of Healthcare Untilization and Expenditures for Obese Individuals. Proquest Dissertation No. 3293433. University of Louisiana at Monroe. Zhang, Ping PhD; Zhang, Xinzhi MD, PhD; Jonathan Betz Brown, Jonathan Betz MPP, PhD; Vistisen, Dorte PhD, Sicree, Richard A. MBBS, MPH; Shaw, Jonathan MD; Nichols, Gregory A. MBA, PhD (2010). Economic Impact of Diabetes. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 4th Ed. Retrieved from Read More