Introduction
One of the most threatening health issues which have an impact on the Miami-Dade county community is obesity (“Community profile,” 2013). This serious condition affects various populations. The current paper is dedicated to the problem of obesity in children and adults in Miami-Dade county.
Obesity in Children
The problem of childhood obesity is rather dangerous and may produce a short-term and long-term effect on young patients’ social, emotional, and physical health (“Childhood obesity facts,” 2017). Overweight children frequently experience problems because of low self-esteem and social detachment. Moreover, they are under threat of serious chronic health complications such as sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and problems with bones and joints (“Childhood obesity facts,” 2017). Another threatening factor is that childhood obesity, if not treated appropriately, increases the risk for adult obesity which may lead to even more serious health complications.
Obesity in Adults
In this population group, the problem of excessive weight may result in such dangerous conditions as cancer, heart disease, or metabolic syndrome (“Adult overweight and obesity,” 2016). Adult obesity is one of the major mortality causes in the US. To decrease the risks presented by obesity, people are recommended to change their diet and lead a more active lifestyle. Also, people suffering from obesity should control their blood pressure to eliminate the possibility of developing hypertension.
Apart from physical health complications, adult obesity may lead to such mental problems as anxiety or clinical depression (“Adult overweight and obesity,” 2016). The number of existing and probable health problems connected with obesity urges health practitioners to encourage the population to fight the disease.
Commonalities and Differences in Childhood and Adult Obesity
Adults and children share similar causes and outcomes of obesity. For instance, both populations suffer from obesity when they have a bad diet or lead a sedentary lifestyle. Children, as well as adults, may develop heart disease and diabetes (“Community profile,” 2013).
However, there are some peculiarities of this health issue in various age groups. Childhood obesity is dangerous not only in physical but also I psychological dimension. Overweight children are often bullied and teased by their peers, which leads to depression and may even result in suicidal attempts (“Childhood obesity facts,” 2017). Disadvantages of obesity in the adult population include a low likelihood of coping with the problem and a more difficult adaptation to diet and other interventions.
Practice Approaches to Meet the Community’s Specific Needs
The most effective way of overcoming the problem of obesity in the community is by performing educational interventions. Many people suffering from this dangerous health condition do not know the basic causes of their disease and the ways of preventing it. Moreover, people frequently disregard physicians’ advice as they do not realize what terrible complications obesity may initiate.
Apart from interventions, healthcare workers should do everything possible to provide patients with support and advice in the process of overcoming their problems. It is necessary to make appointments more frequently and take notice of all changes such as weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and other factors.
Conclusion
Being one of the most common health problems in the country in general and in Miami-Dade County in particular, obesity requires serious attention from the government and healthcare specialists. While there are some common features of the issue in children and adults, some steps in the fight against obesity can be taken in families. However, since the disease has peculiarities in both populations, some interventions should be performed separately: at hospitals, schools, and homes/offices respectively.
References
Adult overweight and obesity. (2016). Web.
Childhood obesity facts. (2017). Web.
Community profile: Miami-Dade county, Florida. (2013). Web.