This is a three part dis
******Part one
Plastic Pollution
Many of our communities struggle with the everyday challenges of environmental concerns. Pollution from solid waste, garbage, exhaust fumes, burning of fossil fuels increases as our population increases. Chemical poisons from fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and toxic oils invade our waterways and harm wildlife. Landfills foul the air and leach pollutants into the soil. And the list goes on and on. And then we come to plastic pollution. Overuse of plastics has led to one of the world’s biggest global environmental issues. Many have termed this a Plastic Waste Crisis. And it is happening right in our own communities.
In a post of at least 175 words discuss your thoughts on this topic. Is it a crisis? What are the ramifications of plastic pollution in your own community? Can we, as citizens, save the environment in our communities? Is it too late to “fix” the problem? Is it doom and gloom, or are there solutions?
*****part two
HOMETOWN IMR RATES – THEN AND NOW
For part two of the Discussion forum, you will take on one aspect of the role of an Epidemiologist. You will need to search out some data in the form of the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) for the year that you were born, in the location of your birth (hometown), and the most current IMR for that location.
Post this on the discussion board and write 1-2 paragraphs (250 – 300 words) about your findings – include the years, whether or not there have been changes, and what factors you think account for the rates (e.g., if it was high/low at the time of your birth, what factors might account for this; what factors might account for changes over the years since your birth?).
To find the data, first review the sources you have already added to your Professional Resources Journal; then, you may want to do a Google search for, as an example, 1980 Infant Mortality Rate YourHomeTown (i.e., Tallahassee, Florida).
You might have to do some searching – looking for state statistics, health department sites/data, population statistics, census reports, etc.
Do not get discouraged with your search! It often requires extra effort and creative keywords! Use your best investigative skills. Epidemiologists often have to track down information and unearth important facts and pieces to health puzzles.
Include in your post how/where you found your information.
*******Part three
RISKS AND LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH IN THE U.S.?
Although the Leading Causes of Death in the U. S. are markedly different now in comparison to 1900 or 1950, the list has changed little over the past 4 or 5 years, other than a slight reordering of causes along the way as national statistics change per year. If you do an Internet search of the 10 Leading Causes of Death in the U.S., you will see these slight changes in comparison to the text (remember that publishing is not instantaneous and data can change rapidly). Still, it is noteworthy that many of causes are strongly influenced by individuals’ behavior and are often referred to as “diseases of lifestyle”.
For this discussion, review the most recent Top 10 Causes of Death (i.e., Internet search) that you can find and choose the one cause that you think you might pose the greatest risk to your own longevity. For your post:
Identify the cause of death
Is it a disease of lifestyle – why/how – that is likely preventable?
What particular risk factors do you think put you at risk for this cause?
What preventive measures might reduce the risks for this cause? (Note: you do NOT have to indicate if you will take them or not, but you may)
Solution Preview
Infant Mortality Rate in Saint Petersburg Florida
The statistics indicate that the Infant Mortality Rate for Saint Petersburg, Florida, on 1988 was ten infants per 1000. This is a considerably high number compared to the 2018 statistics, which are five infants per 1000 (Mathews & Driscoll, 2018). From the statistics, there has been a progressive decrease in the IMR since 1988.
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