Discussion 1: Moving Upstream to Improve Population Health Down the Road The need to improve public health requires policy and strategic approaches that will have an effect on economic incentives, increased access to care, and improving social structures for a vast majority of the populations. For years there was a shift downward that emphasized healthcare for just the individuals who are sick or injured (Williams et al., 2008). To move the shift upstream is to promote health and safeguard it for the entire population. Improving population health requires collaboration among public health officials and other groups to create a balanced and fair distribution of good health for all. The structural determinants of health such as income, status, and race need to me address, but also the conditions such as food insecurity, housing, and employment status (Williams et al., 2008). The stages in life play an essential part in the health and wellness of individuals. The relationship between health and adverse circumstances can lead to increased risk of chronic diseases and early mortality rates (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010). Focus needs to be placed on interventions that improve and
saying we are all born equal is often not validated as true. Because some children are born into privilege while others are born and raised in adverse circumstances. Not everyone is born with the same strengths, assets, or weaknesses. Understanding limitations and There are many challenges associated with the upstream risk and determinants of health including inequities in income and access to care. Income inequity is one of the main challenges in current health programs. Minorities and poor communities are often the ones adversely effected by policies and programs. The shift upstream will require development of policies and programs to explore the underlying policies for minority health (Ingleby, 2019). Improving access to care will also promote a more balanced approach to upstream risks. Improving child health can be done through improving health, social, and economic disparities for
the best way to improve mortality rates and provides a foundation for a better, healthier future. One of the ways is to improve food insecurities for children and families. This will help children perform better in schools because food want be a worry for the family. This will also help improve the mental health and stability of children which will have a positive effect on them in the future. Another way to improve child health is to educate mothers on identifying childhood illnesses and the importance of vaccinations to prevent illness and death (Dabis, 2002). Improving the quality of care and interventions will lead to better outcomes and improvement in child health for the long-term. References Dabis, F., Orne-Gliemann, J., Perez, F., Leroy, V., Newell, M. L., Coutsoudis, A., Coovadia, H., & Working Group on Women and Child Health (2002). Improving child health: the role of research. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 324(7351), 1444-1447. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7351.1444 Ingleby, D. (2019). Moving upstream: Changing policy scripts on migrant and ethnic minority health. Health Policy, 123(9), 809-817. doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.07.015 Wilkinson, R., &