Category: Public Health

Start by reading and following these instructions:

1. Quickly skim the questions or assignment below and the assignment rubric to help you focus.

2. Read the required learning material in the module introduction and any additional recommended resources. Some answers may require you to do additional research on the Internet or in other reference sources. Choose your sources carefully.

3. Consider the discussion boards and any insights you gained from them.

4. Create your Assignment submission and be sure to cite your sources, use APA style as required, check your spelling.

Assignment:

“The Miracle Worker”

Being able to have our senses of vision and hearing is something many of us take for granted. As an allied health professional, you may serve those that are vision or hearing impaired. You are going to watch a movie based on the true story of a young girl named Helen Keller and her caretaker, Anne Sullivan. I hope this film gives you some additional insight into the struggles, strength and bravery that go into patient care and the incredible rewards that may be experienced. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to understand the incredible and amazing person Helen Keller and all of the obstacles she had to overcome throughout her life.

Please watch the film “The Miracle Worker” https://youtu.be/u8TlpEd5ovA .

Referring back to the movie “The Miracle Worker”, please answer the following questions.

1. Compare and contrast Helen and Anne.

2. Why do you think Anne is successful with Helen?

3. Explain the significance of Annes flashbacks. Why do you think

theyre in the movie? How do they affect Anne?

4. Why do you think Anne cares so much that Helen learns?

5. What is the theme of this film? What lessons can be learned?

If you are unfamiliar with how to write an essay in APA format please see the module “course writing expectations”.

Format

This essay should be completed in Microsoft Word and be double-spaced using 12-point Times New Roman font and APA style guidelines throughout. The paper should be at least 750 words, not including the title page and references page. The references page should include any other outside resources including the film and APA style.

When you are ready to submit your work, do the following:

1. Upload your file in either word or google docs format.
2. Then you submit your assignment and it goes through Turnitin, a plagiarism software, to be sure that your work is less than 25% duplicated from other sources unless otherwise noted. Take the time to correct it so the report verifying your work is less than 25% or as required by your instructor. You may edit your paper and resubmit it up to three times or per your instructors directions.
3. Be sure to use the appropriate naming convention on your paper.

This case study assignment aims to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, demonstrating your ability to analyze complex issues, identify key challenges, and propose effective solutions using evidence-based approaches. The format for the assignment (PDF file) is provided in the Case Study Assignment moduleplease adhere to this structure. The paper should be 6-7 pages in length and formatted according to APA guidelines. For grading details, refer to the rubric under the Settings icon above. This week’s case study is Case 6 from the Millions Saved book, titled “A Fresh Start for a Bright Future: Kenyas School-Based Deworming Program” (pages 58-66). Case Study Assignment Structure 1. Title Page Case Study Title Course Name Instructors Name Students Name Date 2. Introduction (Approx. 1 page) Brief overview of the global health issue Importance and relevance to global health Objectives of the case study 3. Background and Context (Approx. 1 page) Description of the health issue (e.g., infectious disease, maternal health, malnutrition) Epidemiological data (prevalence, incidence, mortality, risk factors) Geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural context Key stakeholders (governments, NGOs, international agencies, local communities) 4. Case Description (Approx. 1 page) Real-world example of the issue in a specific country/region Policies, interventions, and programs addressing the issue Challenges faced in implementing solutions 5. Analysis and Discussion (Approx. 1 page) Social determinants of health affecting the issue Role of international organizations (WHO, CDC, UN, etc.) Health system strengths and weaknesses in addressing the issue Ethical considerations Comparison with similar cases in different regions 6. Solutions and Recommendations (Approx. 1 page) Evidence-based interventions Policy recommendations Community engagement strategies Sustainable approaches for long-term impact 7. Conclusion (Approx. 1 page) Summary of key findings Implications for global health Final thoughts 8. References Proper citation of sources (APA style)

RESPONSE TO PEERS WITH A REFRENCE EACH

CLEOLA

Gambling addiction stands out as a behavioral addiction; kind of like substance use but without any drugs involved. It basically means people keep gambling even when it wrecks their money situation, emotions, and relationships. That harm adds up fast, and it really cuts into how well someone functions day to day.

In the abstinence model, they treat it like a chronic disease, so the main goal is to quit gambling entirely. You avoid all gambling stuff and get into groups like Gamblers Anonymous that follow those twelve step rules. The idea is to build accountability through peers and accept that you lost control somehow. For folks with really bad problems and lots of relapses, this sets firm lines and keeps triggers away. Still, it feels rigid to me, and it might skip over the thinking patterns or feelings that push the behavior in the first place.

Harm reduction takes a different angle, aiming to cut down the bad effects without forcing a full stop right away. Someone could just gamble less often, stick to a tight budget on spending, steer clear of risky spots, or even ban themselves from casinos for a bit. It seems flexible, more about where the person is at, like if they are not sure about quitting or not prepared for total abstinence. Some research backs this up, showing it helps ambivalent people manage better. The downside is it relies on watching yourself closely and following those rules, which gets tough when impulses are strong.

Treatments for this often pull from both sides anyway. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy comes up a lot, since it tackles those twisted ideas about gambling, works on controlling urges, and spots emotional triggers. Pair it with abstinence or harm limits, and it builds better ways to cope over time. I think that makes sense, not everything fits one box.

BREONA

The use of problematic pornography is a behavioral addiction which can have a considerable impact on emotional wellbeing, relationship and everyday functioning. Both the harm reduction model and the abstinence-based models can be effectively used on this addiction with regard to specific needs, severity and willingness to change.

The harm reduction model lays emphasis on diminishing negative effects as opposed to enforcing total abstinence. In the case of pornography addiction, it can involve reduction of frequency or duration use, avoiding certain triggering content and establishing more valuable coping mechanisms of stress or loneliness (Fernandez et al., 2021). Harm reduction may be particularly effective with those who do not consider abstinence to be realistic or become overwhelmed when considering complete cessation. Harm reduction will help facilitate treatment and shield against shame, which is commonly a barrier to the help seeking in pornography addiction because it promotes gradual change and personal autonomy. Although abstinence is not realized, reduction of compulsive engagement can enhance emotional balance and functioning overall.

Abstinence based models on the contrary focus on total avoidance of pornography. It can be the right method of treatment in case the use among individuals has resulted in a severe impairment, including relationship disruption, work problems, or comorbid mental health issues. Abstinence based treatment frequently includes cognitive behavioral therapy, accountability plans and relapse prevention plans to deal with the underlying thoughts, urges and behaviors. To others, total abstinence is used to break the cycle of compulsions and lower levels of exposure to stimuli that perpetuate addictive behavior.

Both models are consistent with the disease perspective, as they understand the issue of pornography addiction as a chronic disease that may depend on neurobiological and psychosocial factors. Long term recovery can be improved by a client centered dynamic approach, which takes into account individual objectives and the severity of harm.

References

RESPONSE TO PEERS WITH A REFRENCE EACH

CLEOLA

Gambling addiction stands out as a behavioral addiction; kind of like substance use but without any drugs involved. It basically means people keep gambling even when it wrecks their money situation, emotions, and relationships. That harm adds up fast, and it really cuts into how well someone functions day to day.

In the abstinence model, they treat it like a chronic disease, so the main goal is to quit gambling entirely. You avoid all gambling stuff and get into groups like Gamblers Anonymous that follow those twelve step rules. The idea is to build accountability through peers and accept that you lost control somehow. For folks with really bad problems and lots of relapses, this sets firm lines and keeps triggers away. Still, it feels rigid to me, and it might skip over the thinking patterns or feelings that push the behavior in the first place.

Harm reduction takes a different angle, aiming to cut down the bad effects without forcing a full stop right away. Someone could just gamble less often, stick to a tight budget on spending, steer clear of risky spots, or even ban themselves from casinos for a bit. It seems flexible, more about where the person is at, like if they are not sure about quitting or not prepared for total abstinence. Some research backs this up, showing it helps ambivalent people manage better. The downside is it relies on watching yourself closely and following those rules, which gets tough when impulses are strong.

Treatments for this often pull from both sides anyway. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy comes up a lot, since it tackles those twisted ideas about gambling, works on controlling urges, and spots emotional triggers. Pair it with abstinence or harm limits, and it builds better ways to cope over time. I think that makes sense, not everything fits one box.

BREONA

The use of problematic pornography is a behavioral addiction which can have a considerable impact on emotional wellbeing, relationship and everyday functioning. Both the harm reduction model and the abstinence-based models can be effectively used on this addiction with regard to specific needs, severity and willingness to change.

The harm reduction model lays emphasis on diminishing negative effects as opposed to enforcing total abstinence. In the case of pornography addiction, it can involve reduction of frequency or duration use, avoiding certain triggering content and establishing more valuable coping mechanisms of stress or loneliness (Fernandez et al., 2021). Harm reduction may be particularly effective with those who do not consider abstinence to be realistic or become overwhelmed when considering complete cessation. Harm reduction will help facilitate treatment and shield against shame, which is commonly a barrier to the help seeking in pornography addiction because it promotes gradual change and personal autonomy. Although abstinence is not realized, reduction of compulsive engagement can enhance emotional balance and functioning overall.

Abstinence based models on the contrary focus on total avoidance of pornography. It can be the right method of treatment in case the use among individuals has resulted in a severe impairment, including relationship disruption, work problems, or comorbid mental health issues. Abstinence based treatment frequently includes cognitive behavioral therapy, accountability plans and relapse prevention plans to deal with the underlying thoughts, urges and behaviors. To others, total abstinence is used to break the cycle of compulsions and lower levels of exposure to stimuli that perpetuate addictive behavior.

Both models are consistent with the disease perspective, as they understand the issue of pornography addiction as a chronic disease that may depend on neurobiological and psychosocial factors. Long term recovery can be improved by a client centered dynamic approach, which takes into account individual objectives and the severity of harm.

References

PLEASE REPLY TO EACH PEER WITH ONE REFERENCE

NICHOLAS

I would recommend therapy, specifically cognitive behavior therapy, to begin providing treatment to Tom for his internet addiction. Due to the fact that therapy can also assist in skill development such as social skills, Tom could use those skills to meet people in person and limit his internet addiction (Hoffman & Froemke, 2007). Motivational interviewing techniques may also be useful, but given his recognition of addiction, therapy could be the starting point to determine his level of motivation to quit or wean from such intense internet use.

Because the internet is so widely used, there is almost no way in todays age to abstain from internet use. Rotgers et al (2002) discuss the moderation management technique for addictive behaviors, and that model appears to be best suited for Toms internet use. The harm reduction model can also acknowledge that internet addiction is not currently in the DSM-V, and that there is an inherent need for internet use for various aspects of everyday life. Utilizing therapy and moderation management, I believe Tom could still use the internet without guilt or negative work-life ramifications, while also honing social skills to improve in-person social events instead of just online chat rooms.

Cons of the disease model would be that there is no way to live life today without internet use, and abstaining from internet use is almost impossible. Additionally, I believe with other addictions that have documented physical ramifications, there would be no means to treat internet addiction via detoxification and inpatient care (Hoffman & Froemke, 2007).

CLEOLA

Tom seems like he is dealing with internet use that is messing up his sleep and work, but he is not totally out of control yet. I think combining harm reduction with cognitive behavioral therapy could work well for him. It is early for him to see this as a big problem, so pushing for no internet at all might not stick. Instead, focusing on cutting back the harm without forcing everything to stop right away feels more realistic.

The disease model treats addiction like a sickness that needs full abstinence. For Tom, that would mean quitting chat rooms completely, which sounds tough because online stuff is part of everyday life now. It works for really bad cases, but here it might just make him push back. Those twelve step things stress giving up and group support, based on what I read from that Center for Substance Abuse Treatment back in 1999, but Tom might not be ready to jump into that.

Harm reduction is different, it lets him ease into changes, like setting time limits online or fixing his sleep habits. The good part is it starts where he is at, so he does not feel forced. But without some rules or checking in, things might drag on slowly, I am not totally sure.

CBT stands out because it can help spot those bad thoughts about being lonely or avoiding people after his breakup. He could learn better ways to handle that. Psychotherapy might dig into the emotions from the split and build social skills too. Contingency management, where you reward good habits like sleeping on time or less screen, could help reinforce stuff. Meds are not needed yet, unless anxiety or depression shows up more.

This mix of harm reduction and therapies seems balanced for Tom, though it gets a bit messy figuring out the details. Some approaches push hard for no use at all, others ease in, and the difference matters depending on how ready someone feels.

Choose one currently active U.S. health policy. Imagine running it through the modification phase, and you have been asked by President Trump to evaluate it.

• What changes, if any, would you suggest making to the policy at this time, and why?
• Defend your suggestions using current data or legislative trends.
• Share your comments on the policy modification suggestions provided by your classmates.

This discussion is a good opportunity to choose or narrow down a topic for your upcoming research paper. You may choose any active policy, but here are 7 current examples just for your reference:

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidy Expiration: After the enhanced tax credits expired in late 2025, many Marketplace enrollees saw premiums rise significantly. Discuss whether a three-year “clean extension” is necessary or if the shift toward Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for Bronze/Catastrophic plans is a better long-term fix.
2. The “Great Healthcare Plan” & Direct Subsidies: President Trumps 2026 initiative proposes sending healthcare subsidies directly to patients rather than insurance companies. Evaluate the feasibility of this “patient-direct” funding model versus the traditional carrier-payment system.
3. Medicaid Work Requirements (OBBBA): Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, many states are re-introducing work and income verification requirements for Medicaid. Analyze the impact of these requirements on coverage rates versus their goal of reducing federal spending.
4. Chronic Disease & Food Quality (MAHA): The “Make America Healthy Again” initiative focuses on removing artificial dyes and chemicals from the U.S. food supply and updating school nutrition standards. Assess the role of the USDA and FDA in regulating food as a form of “preventive medicine.”
5. International Reference Drug Pricing: The administration has moved to a “Most-Favored-Nation” model, aiming to match the lowest drug prices paid by other developed nations. Evaluate how this policy affects pharmaceutical innovation versus patient out-of-pocket costs.
6. Reproductive Health & “Personhood” Legislation: With several states introducing “fetal personhood” language into health statutes, discuss the legal and medical implications for IVF, miscarriage management, and emergency obstetric care.
7. AI Deregulation in Clinical Settings: Current policy seeks to accelerate the adoption of AI and “ambient listening” tech in hospitals to reduce administrative burnout. Examine the trade-offs between rapid AI integration and patient data privacy.

1 reference

Book: Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications. ***my results: Communal characteristics 34, Agentic characteristics 35**** (I work in a hospital lab) Please complete the questionnaire before responding to the prompt. You’ll reflect on your roles as both a leader and follower in your organization, sharing insights and experiences with your classmates. This is a chance to deepen your understanding of leadership and learn from diverse perspectives to enhance population health in the public health workforce. Societal stereotypes label women as communal and men as agentic, shaping unconscious perceptions and the “think manager, think male” mindset. As a result, women displaying agentic traits may subtly face criticism, while men receive praise. Similarly, men with communal traits might be implicitly judged as weak. In a workplace setting, have you ever observed or experienced gender-based biases operating below the surface? How did these unspoken biases affect those involved? What strategies can leaders implement to reduce these implicit gender biases in the workplace? Consider approaches that promote awareness and foster inclusivity.

MidTerm Assignment: Critical Reflection — Circular Economy

This assignment serves as your Midterm Evaluation for PH 60

A Critical Reflection connects theory or research with practice by moving beyond summary to analysis, transforming ideas from the readings into original insight grounded in your own understanding and course concepts and materials.

Background Readings (Required)

Carefully review the following materials on Circular Economy

Circular economy definition – EU 2023.pdfDownload Circular economy definition – EU 2023.pdf (for pdf check below)

What is circular economy and why does it matter? (https://climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/what-is-circular-economy-and-how-it-helps-fight-climate-change)

How the circular economy went from environmentalist dream to marketing buzzword. (https://grist.org/accountability/circular-economy-plastics-recycling-reuse-waste-conference-seattle/)

Topic Selection

Choose one topic below, or focus on a specific component of more than one topic, and analyze within the framework of the Circular Economy:

Waste Management(https://www.circularonline.co.uk/news/new-us-legislation-can-drive-growth-for-waste-management-companies/). and Extended Producer Responsibility (https://ga-institute.com/Sustainability-Update/introducing-the-next-wave-in-sustainability-mandates-epr-laws-in-u-s-states/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Healthcare waste (https://medcitynews.com/2021/03/healthcare-must-move-toward-a-circular-economy-and-single-use-device-reprocessing-offers-a-template-to-follow/.)

Retailers (https://www.forbes.com/sites/claraludmir/2023/05/04/how-retailers-are-embracing-sustainability-with-circular-initiatives/?sh=40c17a683288). and Popular Brands (https://sustainabilitymag.com/top10/top-10-brands-embracing-the-circular-economy-in-2023)

Assignment Instructions

Write a Critical Reflection of 300 words maximum (1-2 paragraphs) that addresses the points below. Your response should emphasize synthesis, interpretation, compare and contrast, and critical thinking. This is NOT a Summary.

Provide brief background context and define the concept of the Circular Economy. Clearly state whether your reflection focuses on a single topic or on the intersection of two or more discussion materials, and explicitly identify that focus.

Present your rationale and hypothesis(es) related to the environmental health issue discussed in the selected materials.

Analyze the information presented, considering key arguments, evidence, assumptions, or insights.

Discuss broader implications, including environmental health, equity, policy, or implementation challenges.

Link your analysis to previously covered course topics, demonstrating conceptual understanding and integration.

Reflect on relevance to your research interests, professional goals, practice experience, or broader academic trajectory.

Academic integrity and AI use

This Midterm reflection must be ENTIRELY YOUR WORK.

Do not use AI-generated text or AI-based tools (including but not limited to ChatGPT or similar platforms) to generate content.

Your writing should be based on your personal reflection, critical thinking, and interpretation of the assigned readings and course materials.

Submissions that rely on AI-generated language, structure, or ideas may be subject to academic integrity review.

Formatting and Submission

Include your full name and a short title (100 characters).

Reference the citations provided for the material(s) you analyze, so that your reflection can be clearly linked to your selected topic or topics.

Write 1 to 2 paragraphs, not exceeding 300 words.

Submit as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF.

i This is an individual reflection based on your learning and experiences in this course. You do not need to adopt your stakeholder role for this assignment.

Note: Avoid writing a summary. This is an opportunity to critically analyze and reflect on the material. Use the rubric as your guide to ensure you meet all expectations.

Capstones in public health week 1 project

Instructions Topic for Public Health Plan

Supporting Lecture: Review the following lecture: Ten Essential Services of Public Health

During this 10-week course, you will be completing a capstone course paper that involves a comprehensive analysis of a public health problem. You will select a public health problem of importance to your community as your topic.

Each week, you will complete an approximately 750 word (not including title page and references) project that allows you to develop the capstone paper over the course of the class. You will the submit the final, complete capstone paper during week 9 of the course. THIS WEEK, you will identify the PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM that will be the topic of your capstone paper. You will be focusing on this problem in a SPECIFIC POPULATION.

Examples of a public health problem in a specific population: Gun violence in schools; Maternal mortality in women from the southeastern U.S.; Industrial pollution in low-SES neighborhoods; Opioid addiction in rural areas

After you select your topic, create a paper of approximately 750 words, not including title page and references:

Identifying and introducing the public health problem

Identifying and introducing the population of focus (populations based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, immigration status, religious affiliation, etc.)

Providing evidence that this public health problem, in your population of focus, is significant and of concern This project will serve as the INTRODUCTION to your final capstone paper. You are laying the groundwork for an exploration of your topic. You are also convincing the reader that it is an important issue to discuss. Use at least five (5) reputable sources (the text, South University library resources, government websites, peer-reviewed research articles) that you cite in the text and at the end in APA format.

Capstones in Public Health: Week 1 Project

Public Health Problem: Maternal Mortality Among Black Women in the United States

Introduction to the Public Health Problem

Maternal mortality is a critical public health issue in the United States, particularly among Black women. Maternal mortality refers to deaths related to pregnancy or childbirth occurring during pregnancy or within one year postpartum. Although the United States spends more on healthcare than any other high-income nation, it continues to have one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries. Even more concerning is the significant racial disparity in maternal outcomes, with Black women experiencing disproportionately higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths. This persistent inequity highlights a systemic public health problem that requires focused attention and intervention.

Population of Focus

The population of focus for this public health problem is Black women of reproductive age (1844 years) in the United States, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Black women are affected across all income and education levels; however, those facing economic hardship experience compounded risks due to limited access to quality healthcare, transportation barriers, and structural inequities. Social determinants of health, including housing instability, employment insecurity, and insurance status, further influence maternal outcomes within this population.

Significance of the Problem

Maternal mortality among Black women remains alarmingly high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women. In recent years, maternal mortality rates for Black women have exceeded 69 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to approximately 26 deaths per 100,000 among White women. These disparities persist regardless of education level, indicating that socioeconomic advancement alone does not protect Black women from adverse maternal outcomes.

Common causes of maternal death include cardiovascular conditions, hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and infection. Many of these deaths are considered preventable with timely diagnosis, appropriate care, and effective follow-up. Structural racism, implicit bias within healthcare systems, and fragmented prenatal and postpartum care contribute significantly to these preventable deaths. Black women frequently report feeling unheard or dismissed by healthcare providers, which can delay life-saving interventions.

Public Health Impact

The impact of maternal mortality extends beyond individual women to families and communities. Maternal death increases the risk of adverse outcomes for infants, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality. Children who lose a mother face increased risks of emotional, developmental, and economic instability. At a population level, high maternal mortality undermines trust in healthcare systems and reflects broader inequities in access to care and quality of services.

From a public health perspective, maternal mortality among Black women reflects systemic failures in surveillance, prevention, and care coordination. Despite national initiatives aimed at reducing maternal deaths, progress has been slow, highlighting the need for population-specific strategies that address both clinical and social determinants of health.

Importance to Public Health Practice

Addressing maternal mortality among Black women aligns with the Ten Essential Services of Public Health, particularly monitoring health status, identifying health disparities, and promoting equitable access to care. This issue underscores the need for improved data collection, culturally competent care, expanded access to postpartum services, and community-based interventions. Focusing on this population allows public health professionals to address inequities while strengthening maternal health systems overall.

Conclusion

Maternal mortality among Black women in the United States is a significant and persistent public health problem rooted in systemic inequities and healthcare disparities. The disproportionate burden experienced by this population highlights the urgent need for targeted public health action. By examining maternal mortality through a population-focused lens, this capstone project will explore the underlying causes, public health implications, and opportunities for intervention aimed at reducing preventable deaths and improving maternal health outcomes.

References (APA 7th Edition)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Maternal mortality rates in the United States.

World Health Organization. (2023). Maternal mortality: Key facts.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Birth settings in America.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022). Racial disparities in maternal mortality.

Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). Maternal and infant health disparities.