...Abstract Throughout the United States, there is a growing epidemic occurring affecting all genders, races and socio-economical groups, which is the abuse of prescription pain medication and heroin. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of overdose deaths due to prescription pain medication has quadrupled from 1999 to 2013, with more than 16,000 deaths in 2013 alone (The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 2015). Also disturbing are the statistics for heroin overdose, which have increased 286 percent from 2002 to 2013, with the rate of addiction doubling as well (Cook, 2015). The abuse of heroin and prescription pain medications are tied together since individuals abusing pain medication are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin and half of those addicted to heroin are also addicted to pain medication (Cook, 2015). As this epidemic of drug abuse continues to grow and affect communities across the United States, it becomes apparent that federal and local government bodies need to become involved. One such way is the introduction and passing of new legislation to help cope and deal with the growing issues at hand. On June 17, 2015, one such bill was introduced to a congressional committee, H.R. 2805: Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse Prevention, Education, and Enforcement Act of 2015 (S. H.R. 2805, 2015). H.R. 2805 is a bill, which addresses prescription opioid abuse and heroin use, and methods of managing such...
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...HIV: a growing epidemic Introduction HIV in black urban America has been a growing epidemic since HIV was first discovered in 1981. There have been countless efforts to treat this disease and still there is no cure. HIV is known as the human immunodeficiency virus “it is a retrovirus (A retrovirus has an RNA genome and a reverse transcriptase enzyme. Using the reverse transcriptase, the virus uses its RNA as a template for making complementary DNA which can integrate into the DNA of the host organism)” (medicine net.com). According to medicinenet.com, 2011within weeks of infection, many people will develop the varied symptoms of primary or acute infection which typically have been described as a "mononucleosis" or "influenza" like illness but can range from minimal fever, aches, and pains to very severe symptoms. The most common symptoms of primary HIV infection are fever, aching muscles and joints, sore throat, and swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck. Placing a halt on the spread of HIV infection through various activities with the indefinite conclusion of knowing, and taking initiative to prevent infection. Target population Dade County’s urban population consists of Caribbean natives’ from Jamaica, Haiti, Africa, Bahamas and native born Americans. Focusing on the Black urban population in Miami Dade County, according to dadehealth.org, 2011statistics recorded are 1 in 44 blacks are living with HIV/AIDs as of 2009; statistical data for 2010 has not been acquired...
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...Militarized Police: A Growing Epidemic Eric Reed Liberty University Abstract The purpose of this research is to document the chronic spread of militarization of police agencies across the United States at the federal, state, and local levels. Police militarization is one of the most controversial issues facing our police forces and encompasses a wide range of problems, from cases of excessive force, to civil rights violations, to budgetary problems. This research will include events that led to the creation of the first SWAT units, the aftereffects of the September 11 attacks, as well as the problems that both the contemporary public and police agencies face today. Finally, this project will highlight several proposed solutions to curb the increasing prevalence of police militarization, specifically as it pertains to agency administration. Militarized Police: A Growing Epidemic Eric Reed Liberty University Every day across the United States, tens of thousands of police officers and federal agents put their lives on the line to serve their communities and their country. They face a myriad of threats that could reveal themselves at any given moment, and it's impossible to predict what the next day of work holds for these men and women. The key to survival is to be well-prepared for any situation; as such, it is of utmost importance that our officers and agents have access to the protection and tools they need to deal with and adapt to the ever-changing force of...
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...Childhood Obesity in the U.S. : A Growing Epidemic Unfortunately, for various reasons many U.S. parents find it difficult to acknowledge that their children are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is becoming a growing epidemic in the United States; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity among children has more than doubled over the past 20 years, generating numerous physical, social and psychological problems for the children. "Obesity is a condition resulting from excessive storage of fat in the body. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal according to standard age, height, and weight tables, or by a complex formula known as the body mass index." Dictionary.com, LLC, (2009). The causes of childhood obesity are multiple and the consequences of this growing epidemic endanger the child's well-being. Happily, childhood obesity can be treated; physical activity, diet management, and behavior modification can bring an obese child to its normal body weight, returning them their physical and psychological health. What are the differences from THEN to NOW? When I say THEN, I am referring to a much simpler time; the time around the 1950’s. At that time children walked to school while now they usually ride a bus or are driven by a parent. Then family meals were eaten at a table while these days’ meals are most often fast food, eaten in cars on the way from one place or activity to another...
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...03/28/13 Mr.Emerson Global History Black Death The Black Death was one of the most devastating events in human history, starting in Europe between 1348 and 1350, and killing between 75 million and 200 million people. Black Death in England - 1348-1350 The Black Death reached England in 1348. Bristol was an important European port and city in England during the Medieval era. It is believed that Bristol was the place where the Black Death first started in England. The plague reached England during the summer months between June and August. The Back Death reached London by 1st November 1348. London was a crowded, bustling city with a population of around 70,000. The sanitation in London was poor and living conditions were filthy. The River brought more ships and infection to London which spread to the rest of England. The crowded, dirty living conditions of the English cities led to the rapid spread of the disease. Church records that the actual deaths in London were approximately 20,000. Between 1348 and 1350, killed about 30 - 40% of the population of England which at the time was estimated to be about five to six million. Many people were thrown into open pits. The oldest, youngest and poorest died first. Whole villages and towns in England simply ceased to exist after the Black Death. The disease was called the Black Death because one of the symptoms produced a blackening of the skin around the swellings. or buboes. The...
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...head: OBESITY HAS BECOME AN EPIDEMIC 1 Obesity Has Become an Epidemic Helen Wyatt Strayer University OBESITY HAS BECOME AN EPIDEMIC 2 Lately more and more is being said about a certain “obesity epidemic” that allegedly afflicts a large proportion of the countries of the world and threatens a global health catastrophe. It’s the fastest –growing cause of disease and death in America .Obesity hits children and adults alike. Obesity begins early; obesity in childhood is a strong predicator of obesity in adulthood. Studies on obesity consistently report a higher prevalence of obesity in African Americans and Mexican Americans compared with the white, non-Hispanic population. We have an epidemic of childhood obesity. A study showed that nearly one in every four of the children in public elementary schools is overweight. Nearly two out of every three American are overweight or obese. One out of every eight deaths in America is caused by an illness directly related to overweight or obesity (Carmon, 2003). The definition of obesity is having too much body fat. Obesity occurs over time when one eats too much and moves too little. It is different from being overweight, which means weighing too much. Poor diet and physical inactivity causes overweight and obesity. Some people want to blame the food industry for our growing waistlines. The reality is...
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...There is an epidemic in America and it is called “Childhood Obesity.” “Obese,” from the Latin word “obesus,” means “grow fat by eating.” (Dalton, 2004) This term’s origin suggests that overeating is the major cause of the obesity epidemic. Teaching obese children to eat less is essential. But modifying behavior is no simple task, and eating too much is not the sole cause of obesity. Other factors play a role and must be understood in order to reverse this epidemic and produce healthier children. The growing number of obese children in America are victims of an epidemic just as surely as if they were infected by a virus. Americans tend to think of an epidemic as an outbreak of a contagious illness. But to physicians the sudden increase in obesity rates that have occurred in the twentieth century is every bit as unexpected as an outbreak of a new infectious disease and has triggered an alarm that might greet the rising of polio. Julie Gerberding, the director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the fall of 2003, declared obesity the number one health threat facing America. (Okie, 2005) The causes (nature) of this epidemic are complex and include genetic, biological and behavioral factors. These include, but are not limited to poor eating habits, overeating, the lack of exercise, family history of obesity, cardiac, endocrine or neurological problems, life changing events or stress, along with family or peer problems and low self-esteem or emotional...
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...| The Spanish American War | | | Juan Jimenez | 12/1/2012 | Historia de Puerto Rico | The Spanish American War was fought in 1898 between the United States and Spain. Spain was a colonial power at the time, holding many territories in the Caribbean and Pacific. Revolts against Spanish rule were taking place in many of these territories. In Cuba and in the Philippines, the seeds of revolution were steadily growing. The United States found themselves in a position to assist these people with their fight for independence and to gain some land and power in both the Caribbean and the Pacific. It has long been thought that the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor was the catalyst that propelled the US into war with Cuba. I have found evidence that the US entered into war for a different reason. My research has led me to believe that the spread of disease, especially yellow fever, from Cuba into the US was the true reason for the American declaration of war against Spain. The sinking of the Maine has historically been accepted to be the cause of the US entering into war. It can be argued that it was, but, was the sinking really caused by the Spanish? There is no conclusive evidence that it was or was not. The Maine was sent to Havana Harbor in January of 1898. The ship, along with other US military vessels, was used to help blockade the port. This would keep the Spanish fleet from replenishing supplies and weapons to quell the...
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...Body Fat and Eating Disorders 5/18/2014 Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. Eating disorders are also an epidemic in the United States. Obesity and eating disorders can cause health problems in a person. There are many factors that influence the obesity epidemic. Body composition can be described as the proportions of lean tissue and fat that makes up the body. There are risks with having too much body fat. The risks include raising the risk of developing a health issue. High blood pressure, heart disease and sleep disorders are all illnesses a person can have occur because of excess body fat. Diabetes, respiratory problems, and the increased chance of cancer are linked to obesity. Gallbladder issues, arthritis, and menstrual issues are also a concern of those who are obese. An obese person is also at risk infection, poor healing, and surgical complications. The more body fat a person has the greater the health risk is. The longer a person has the excess body fat the risks are greater. A person who gain weight excessively as a child and remains gaining weight also face great health risks. Obesity is a growing problem in the United States and is causing health care expenses to rise as the number of obese people rise (Grosvenor & Smolin, 2012). Several factors influence the obesity epidemic in the United States. The first factor is Americans are eating more and burning fewer calories. Appetites are stimulated by smells and the sight...
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...Childhood Obesity: The Latest Epidemic Facing Today’s Children Ashford University ENG 122 January 7, 2013 1. Childhood Obesity: The Latest Epidemic Facing Today’s Children Childhood obesity is the latest growing epidemic facing today’s children. In a report published by the Center for Disease Control (2012), nearly 17% or 12.5 million children and adolescents in the United States are classified as obese. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index that is equal to or greater than the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex. Childhood obesity can be the result of genetics but is mostly the result of continuous overeating with little or no physical activity to counter the number of calories ingested. Since childhood obesity remains a growing epidemic, the rise of childhood obesity can be attributed to such factors as increased entertainment media, targeting of children by marketing, larger portion sizes, and the consumption of sugar drinks. In today’s society, entertainment media devices such as smart phones, television, computers, video games and movies are an everyday part of life. With an extensive amount of media devices at our fingertips, children are spending an average of 7.5 hours a day engaged with some form of a communication device with the majority of that time allocated to watching television or playing video games (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). This increase in watching television or playing video...
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...Domestic Violence: A Growing Epidemic in Today’s World American Intercontinental University Online English Composition Domestic Violence: A Growing Epidemic in Today’s World Abstract Although domestic violence has most likely been going on for centuries, it was just now, within the past three decades coming to the forefront and getting noticed. Several women and occasionally men are victims of domestic violence daily in this world, just not here at home in the United States. Domestic Violence: A Growing Epidemic in Today’s World Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of coercive or assaulting behaviors between one family member to another or from a intimate partner against the other partner in the relationship. These behaviors of domestic violence are physical, sexual, and psychological attacks as well as coercion that adult and/or adolescents use against their intimate partners. The effects of physical abuse can be as little as a few bruises to more vital offenses such as broken bones, brain damage, and the worst is death caused by acute injuries sustained from the abuse. Sexual abuse can cause physical problems and emotional distress. Most women who have been abused in any way have some emotional issues that are long standing even after the abuse stops. Psychological effects of mental abuse can be very damaging, especially for adolescents. Degrading a person is one of the worst forms of mental abuse because it makes the victim feel lowly and that...
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...In 80s and 90s the crack epidemic took over the ghetto world and played a big role in developing hip hop music. Black Americans even sung about it in their songs. Drug dealers distributed crack in black neighborhoods and got them involved into that business. For African Americans it was a way to earn money and get out of ghetto. Especially back then when they were discriminated. So, the crack epidemic and hip hop back in 80s and 90s went hand in hand. It was very interesting to read the "Dark Alliance". I found out a lot of interesting staff of which I didn't know before. Of course, not every black american was involved in drug distribution and consumption. There were the ones who worked hard to pursue their dreams; however, there were more people who consumed and distributed than those who didn't. Rappers raped about it in their songs. The song "White Lines" describes how at parties MC and other party people consumed it. MC also tells us about his feelings and illusions he had. Once, people get involved into the crack epidemic, it is hard to stop. Also in the song, MC tells that every time you want it more and more. So, the dosage increases and money decreases. Some still suffer from the crack epidemic. People who used to party and play cool are now addicts who just think about getting drugs. The Crack Epidemic brought violence and sickness. People on crack are not stable and can think straight. As a consequence they are more violent and uncontrollable. People also become sick...
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...Brown INTRODUCTION The article selected for the review was Childhood Obesity: A Global Public Health Crisis written by Sameera Karnik and Amar Kanekar written January 2012. Based on the information in the article will help determine the methods of defining the problem. We can review the problem and define some possible solutions to this growing problem. PROBLEM DEFINATION The problem addressed in the article is childhood obesity. “Childhood obesity is a major public health crisis nationally and internationally” (Karnik & Kaneka, 2012). The concerns for childhood obesity have grown to a government level requiring action to help children to eat healthy and encourage physical activity. One of the causes for childhood obesity is an imbalance between calorie intake and calories utilized. Several factors such as genetics, behavioral and environmental can enhance the chances of childhood obesity. The concerns for childhood obesity have grown as well as the number of children suffering from this condition. The importance to educate parents and children on eating healthy has become vital to children’s health. The urgency to stop the epidemic of obesity is because children can develop long-term illnesses. The illnesses contracted due to childhood obesity are diabetes, heart disease, physical and social health problems. How can we tackle the problem of childhood obesity at all levels? We need to find levels of education, prevention and intervention (Karnik & Kaneka, 2012)...
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...care professional have great concerns about the growth of the aging population, chronic disease and the epidemic of obesity, and how will the United States healthcare system prepared for this continuing epidemic. The fact that the aging population along with obesity epidemic is a global healthcare concern, many health cares’ professional is baffled about how to address the growing epidemic that many American’s will face. . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2003) the population aged greater than 65 years is estimated to reach 19.2% in 2030, an increase from 12.4% in 2000. To break the growth down by age; the population age 65 and older is estimated to increase from 35 million in 2000 to 75 million in 2030, and people age 80 and older will increase from 9.3 million to 20 million. Except for Alaska and California, 48 states, by the year 2025, will see an average of 15% of their population age 65 and older, led by Florida with 26%. The aging phenomenon has several combining factors that play a part of the growing population; Age Dynamics: The elevated fertility rate (baby boom) from 1946 to 1964. Decline in Fertility Rate: The decrease of young people reproducing has caused an automatic increase of older people. Longevity increase: Life expectancy has increased 20 years due in part to improvements in healthcare and medical technology "The growing number of older adults increases demands on the public health system and on medical and social services...
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...Responsive Writing 1 HAPP354 Out of Control: AIDS in Black America Out of Control: AIDS in Black America is the first national network TV documentary that examined the major causes of the AIDS epidemic in the Black communities in the United States. In this 1-hour special documentary of ABC News, reporter Terry Moran interviewed many experts and politicians, including Phil Wilson, Dr. David Malebranche, Dr. Louis Sullivan, and Gwen Ifill. Through the research, Terry Moran presented five major reasons, i.e., ignorance, government failure, sexual behavior of Blacks, conservatism towards homosexuality and sex, and lack of leadership, which made AIDS out of control among the African-Americans (Arledge, 2006). The growing prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Black America is the serious health issues in the US which demands proper attention and effective measures to avoid it from escalating out of control in the future (Arledge, 2006). Often it is assumed that HIV/AIDS is prevalent in Africa and other third world countries. This misconception is so widespread that no one has ever thought that it would be so serious health issue in the United States itself, affecting economic and social stability. Before watching this documentary, I was also influenced by this stereotype and it was quite shocking for me to find out that over 52% of all HIV/AIDS cases in the US were involved African-Americans, which made up around 15% of the overall US population. AIDS is the major cause of mortality among...
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