Patients Dealing with Poverty Essay Example for Free

Patients Dealing with Poverty Essay Poverty affects almost half the world. Over three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day (Global Issues). The United States, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, accounts for almost 12% of these statistics. In addition to these people, another 50 million are â€Å"near poverty† level. Even more alarming, according to the 1999 Census Bureau, over 16% of all children in the United States live in poverty verse the recorded 12% of adults (Yahoo Health). I chose to write about people living with poverty because God has really placed the issue on my heart this year. Last May, my father lost his job and became homeless. I am happy to say he is now employed and looking for housing. After seeing the effects of poverty first hand, I have felt tremendously compelled to reach out to those in need. I have applied for an Episcopal Urban Intern Program through AmeriCorps and if I am accepted, I will be working with them starting in August. God has really blessed me with a heart of compassion and understanding, and I want to use that gift to serve others to the best of my ability. Poverty is a global issue that affects every corner of our world. There are an endless amount of people suffering in every county and many issues to be discussed. Because there are so many people affected worldwide, I am only going to focus on the effects in the United States for this essay. So, what is poverty? Poverty can be defined in several different ways. According to the US Census Bureau, poverty is measured in numbers. Any person living on a yearly income of $11,136 or under (add $2,820 for each additional person in the household) is considered to be in poverty (US Census 2010). However, the social definition of poverty is any person living with a lack of essential items such as food, clothing, water, and shelter (Think Quest). Minority racial and ethnic groups are much more likely to live in poverty. Also, poverty is much more prevalent in single, female-headed households (Yahoo Health). It is extremely important to be educated about the kinds of people living in poverty, especially if you are a healthcare worker, because the effects of their financial status greatly impact their well-being. Individuals living at or near poverty level suffer a variety of chronic ailments. They often have no health insurance so they rely on emergency rooms for care and often do not fill their prescriptions. They frequently postpone getting medical care due to lack of insurance and also have shorter life spans (Society of Teachers of Family Medicine). For every small decrease in income we see a significant decrease in health outcome. Another big concern of poverty-level individuals is that they are more likely to smoke and to live sedentary lifestyles (Hope Through Healing Hands). In a study done in year 2000, researchers found that more than one third of people living in poverty had a drug or alco hol problem. Also, more than half (56%) of those studied reported not having enough to eat at sometime in the last year (Society of Teachers of Family Medicine). Lack of nutrition, for any period of time, can cause detrimental effects on the body such as weight loss, bone deterioration, and even death (Merck Manuals). Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety were also very prevalent in this study of poverty-stricken people. Something very interesting to me about this study is that in response to interview questions about issues in daily life, personal health and/or access to health care services were the third most commonly cited concerns (employment and housing were the top two concerns). Among these health concerns, costs and health insurance coverage were the biggest issues raised. Nearly half of Americans whose incomes are below 150% of the poverty level are without insurance coverage. In contrast, only about 40% of those with incomes below 100% of the poverty level are without health insurance (Society of Teachers of Family Medicine). This is due to the target income range of government programs. Federal and state programs (such as Medicaid) help tremendously with insuring those at poverty level. However, there are many others considered the â€Å"working poor† who do not qualify for these programs. These people all too often have to choose between paying for meals and paying for health care. Those living in poverty that do have health insurance from government programs often have very limited coverage. Prescription medications and medical supplies (such as eyeglasses) are often not included. Healthcare professionals often mistake those in poverty, especially those between the 150% 200% level range, as non-compliant patients (Society of Teachers of Family Medicine). Because people living in poverty often do not come in for preventative care, do not fill prescriptions, and fail to adhere to other recommendations, they can easily be mistaken for â€Å"bad patients.† It is a common misconception that they are ignorant to the importance of health care. It is imperative to understand that these individuals are doing the best they can with the finances and resources they have available. The main solution to health care problems those living in poverty face is a change to our health care system. Coverage needs to be available to all members of society for all health needs. As healthcare workers, we are not all called to be change agents in the world for this cause. However, we can educate ourselves to better understand poverty so we can deal effectively with those patients experiencing it. Americans almost always seem to be informed of poverty in under-developed countries. They also seem to be well-aware that poverty causes poor health. Still, many in the U.S. remain unaware that this problem exists in our country as well (Hope Through Healing Hands). Healthcare providers can communicate effectively with poverty-stricken individuals by showing a genuine desire to assist and serve them. Developing a sense of empathy, not sympathy, for the person shows that you care for them rather than feel bad for them. It is important to understand that these individuals’ sense of time occurs only in the present. They rarely think of the future or what effects their present actions might have on them later in life (TFC Association). They live for today because that is all they have. It is best to project kindness to these individuals, as with any group of people. Another very effective tool for helping those living in poverty is providing resources. Researching free or low-cost programs in your community and sharing them with these patients is a great way to help. Using appropriate humor is also a great way to lighten the mood and bring a smile to someone’s face that may be experiencing financial hardships (TFC Association). There are so many problems poverty brings upon an individual. Living with this burden can truly effect a person is so many ways. As a healthcare worker there is only so much we can do to assist people at these low-income levels. Although we can not provide a means for them financially or fix the living situation they are in, it is important to understand the impact we can have just by being compassionate. If you work in an office with ignorance to this issue, it is vital to inform those around you about the effects of poverty on health care. Before jumping to conclusions about a patient who is non-compliant, you may want to ask questions to find out if it is due to poverty. The key is to treat them with dignity and respect, regardless of their social status, and you really will make a difference. Works Cited 1. Poverty Facts and Stats — Global Issues. Global Issues : Social, Political, Economic and Environmental Issues That Affect Us All — Global Issues. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats. 2. Poverty. Yahoo! Health. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. http://health.yahoo.net/galecontent/poverty-and-health#povertyintheunitedstates. 3. Poverty Data Poverty Threshholds U.S Census Bureau. Census Bureau Home Page. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/threshld/index.html. 4. Finding Solutions to Poverty. A Dollar a Day: What Is Poverty? Web. 24 Mar. 2011. http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00282/over_whatis.htm. 5. Understanding the Culture of Poverty. Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. www.tfcassociation.org//10Beveridge%20Todd%2022OCT%20THU%20Plenary.ppt. 6. Poverty and Healthcare: Fatefully Linked. Hope Through Healing Hands. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. http://www.hopethroughhealinghands.org/_uploads/Pov erty%20and%20Healthcare_Fatefully%20Linked_Johnson%20City%20Press_6.21.09.pdf. 7. Undernutrition: Disorders of Nutrition and Metabolism: Merck Manual Home Edition. Merck Co., Inc. Is a Global Research-driven Pharmaceutical Products Company. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/sec12/ch153/ch153a.html. 8. â€Å"Health Needs of People Living Below Poverty Level.† Transplant Financial Coordinators. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. http://www.stfm.org/fmhub/fm2001/may01/special2.pdf.

Politics of Piety by Saba Mahmood Essay examples -- islamic women, gend

The book I chose to read for the final paper was Politics of Piety by Saba Mahmood. This book although interesting was very difficult to follow. Mahmood basically broke the book into two parts. The first part goes into detail of the Islamic women’s mosque movement in Egypt. Mahmood explains her 2 years of â€Å"field work† experience and also critically analyzes Islam women in the Islamic culture after 9/11.The second part of the book focuses on the ethics, autonomy, and piety of the women in this culture. Throughout the entire book Mahmood references Foucault which I found really interesting showing his influence and ideals from his own research. The main idea I think Mahmood is trying to get across is stated in the epilogue of Politics of Piety: â€Å"†¦This attempt at comprehension offers the slim hope in this embattled and imperious climate, one in which feminist politics runs the danger of being reduced to a rhetorical display of the placard of Islam’s abuses, that analysis as a mode of conversation, rather than mastery, can yield a vision of coexistence that does not require making others life worlds extinct or provisional.† (Mahmood, 2005, p.199) In retrospect I found that Politics of Piety relates to the concepts of gender and the law, legal pluralism, and finally autonomy and self-determination that we learned throughout the semester. Gender and law are a big part of Politics and Piety. The women’s supposed role to gain any autonomy in this movement need to be subordinate to their female virtues in order for them to gain a more public role in their political and religious life. (Mahmood, 2005, p.6).My impression of this movement is that women involved in Islamic politics and religion are still governed by a patriarchal authority. A... ... influence the laws that are made in regard with these concepts in mind. Gender and law is the whole mosque movement and how Islamic women today are slowly changing and gaining some power. Legal pluralism is all the systems in place and their influence of the Islamic women. Autonomy and Self- Determination is the rights, choices, and freedoms these women are gaining through this movement and the changes after 9/11. Works Cited Foucault, M. (1995). Discipline and punish: the birth of the prison (2nd Vintage Books ed.). New York: Vintage Books. Mahmood, S. (2005). Politics of piety: the Islamic revival and the feminist subject. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. Merry, S. E. (1988). Legal Pluralism. Law & Society Review, 869-896. Steinbrich, S. (1990). The Social and Legal Position of Lyela Women (Burkina Fas). Journal of Legal Pluralism, 30-31, 869-894.

Philosophy and Socrates Essay

SOCRATES THE PHILOSOPHER Socrates is a noteworthy and important historical figure as a philosopher, because of his and his pupils’ influence on the development of the philosophical world. His teachings, famous arguments, and ideas began the outgrowth of all later western philosophies. Born in 469 BC just outside of Athens, Socrates was brought up properly, and thoroughly educated. He was raised as most Athenians; developing both physical and mental strengths. Socrates then went on to learn from Archelaus the philosopher. Here he studied astronomy, mathematics, and was introduced to philosophy, which was a new concept at the time. Archelaus taught of explanations for the world with a scientific approach. Socrates, however, turned away from this idea and created his own. He decided that instead of trying to understand the universe, a person should try to understand himself. To express his philosophy, Socrates spent his days in the marketplace of Athens, telling people of his ideas. His voice was heard, and he was soon declared to be the wisest of all men. Socrates’ was skilled in the art of arguing. He developed a method by which he would win every debate. His favorite hobby was going to the marketplace and debating philosophical issues with other men in front of an audience. The result of these debates was that Socrates embarrassed the wise men in front of the crowd. This caused many to dislike him. After being named the wisest man, Socrates attempted to prove that this was not true. He debated with many men in the streets. These debates are some of his most famous argument methods. He started the discussion by stating that he knew nothing. As a result of the debate, he was able to prove that although his opponents claimed that they were wise, they knew nothing either. Socrates concluded that he really was the wisest man because unlike the others, he knew that he knew nothing. Socrates had many ideas and philosophies concerning issues other than the knowledge of oneself. These included explanations of the universe, the belief in god, and life’s goals. Other, earlier philosophers, had many different interpretation for the makeup of the world. Some believed that it was made out of numbers, others thought that it was made of a single substance, or many different substances, while still conflicting philosophers theorized that everything was formed out of atoms, and even illusions. Socrates had his own, different ideas. He believed that the world was made of forms that are not within the reach of our senses, but only of our thoughts. This means, for example, that when we think of characteristics such as roundness, we only picture ideas of it like a ball or a wheel. Therefore, he assumed that we only understand specific things that participate in our lives. In his search for the inner truth of oneself, Socrates theorized the explanation to the question of what the goals of life are. He concluded that everyone tries to find the meaning of happiness and goodness in their existence. This is the purpose of life. However, true happiness comes in many forms and is disguised in a way that people spend their lives looking for goodness, but finding only the evil in which it is concealed. The only way to discover true happiness, goodness, and the right way, is to fully understand oneself. Socrates did not believe in the Greek gods or religion. He had his personal view of god. Socrates felt that there must be some form of divine power because everyone seemed to believe in some kind of god and religion. He also believed in a sort of immortality. He hypothesized that there was an afterlife. His explanation for it was that people who had achieved goodness in their lives knew where they were going afterwards, and that evil people tried to ignore the fact that immortality existed. He preached that the soul was a person’s true being, and that our goodness in life reflected on the goodness of our souls. According to Socrates, each individual should try to make his soul as moral as possible so that it can be like god, which will allow the achievement of an afterlife. Debating in the marketplace of Athens was not Socrates’ only daily activity. He also taught his philosophies to a group of students in a small classroom. These students were much like disciples. They respected and followed in the philosophies of their teacher. Socrates’ most famous pupil, Plato, went on to become a great philosopher like his mentor. Socrates lived through and fought in the Peloponnesian War. After Athens’ defeat, the democracy was replaced by a tyranny. This did not bother Socrates much because his belief in government was a rather simple and apathetic one. He thought that no matter what kind of government subsists; it should be followed solely because a form of law and order must exist in a society to control it. One of the tyranny’s leaders was a former pupil of Socrates and hated his teacher. He tried to make life harder for Socrates by banning the t eaching of philosophy in the streets. Socrates ignored him. In response to this, the tyrant tried to kill Socrates; but the tyranny was overthrown right on time to prevent this. A new democratic government came into power, the leader of which, Anytus, also hated Socrates because his son, who was the philosopher’s pupil, turned away from the family’s business to become a philosopher. Anytus had Socrates arrested on charges of corrupting Athens’ young and turning them away from Paganism, the Greek religion involving a belief in many gods. Anytus announced the death penalty as a punishment for this crime. It was obviously an outrageous sentence for a crime that was not even committed. Socrates was brought before a jury and instead of using his debating skills to defend himself, he did nothing in his own defense because he was convinced that the entire trial was a joke. The jury voted on the death penalty. Now Socrates had a chance to appeal to the court. He was entitled to suggest forms of punishment other than death to satisfy his crime. Instead of proposing a reasonable penalty, Socrates suggested ridiculous ones which angered the jury; causing them to vote on the death penalty once again. Socrates did not seem to mind at all. He was sent to prison and lived their surrounded by his friends and disciples for his last few days. His life ended by drinking hemlock as his friends cried at his bedside. Only after this scandalous death, did all of Greece realize what they had done; that they had killed one of the greatest philosophers of all time. Socrates’ life achievements were vast. He introduced new ideas and theories into the philosophical world. His pupil, Plato, went on to influence all of the western world’s philosophical development. Socrates began the evolution of philosophy throughout the world. He took the first step toward advancing modern philosophy, as we know it. His theories and ideas were a whole new concept that helped progress the western philosophy through all of later history. In conclusion, Socrates’ historical importance is great, due to his extreme influence on the evolution of the world’s ideas of philosophy. Even though Socrates never made written records of his work, his finest and most successful pupil, Plato, recorded much of his teacher’s accomplishments and deeds. From these history has learned so much as to be able to advance and heighten its entire philosophical viewpoints; and until this day, learn from the ancient philosopher, Socrates. INTERVEIW WITH A PHILOSOPHER: Mark ? Socrates, you were raised and educated in many different fields, why did you decide to spend your life as a philosopher? Socrates ? It is true that I have been educated in the arts, literature, and gymnastics as a youth; but in my continuing education as you may already know, I was taught by Anaxagoras, the famous early philosopher. His theories were not ones with which I would agree; such as those stating that all things were made of tiny substances which contained a little of everything, that the sun was a hot rock, and that the moon was made of earth. For these teachings, he was banished from Athens. Nevertheless, he was a good teacher and allowed me to realize that my philosophies were going to be antiscientific and quite different from his. My following philosophical teacher was Archelaus, with whom I studied mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. I knew that my opinions and theories were strong, I had performing and arguing skills, and my ideas would consist of principles rather than sciences. The simple lifestyle of the philosopher appeals to me. I enjoyed the unusual behaviors that I associated myself with. All that really interested me was the great mysteries of philosophy, and the questions of knowing oneself, which I devoted my life to learning and teaching. Mark ? Your teaching was remarkable and much can be learned from studying it even after your death; why is that you never bothered to record your works for later generations? Socrates ? Many have asked this before and for quite obvious reasons. Most other noteworthy historical figures did keep a record of their works ever since the invention of written language, yet not one of mine exists in writing. I do not exactly know the reason for this. Whether there are records of my work or not, does not matter. I will forever be remembered by my loyal pupils, the Athenian population, and the world. Furthermore, nothing I ever said was of too great importance. And to tell you the truth, I never really wanted to take the time to keep useless records. That nonsense did not concern me nearly as much as most of my other problems as a philosopher. I had to make money somehow, to support my wife and three sons. As you might have guessed, being a philosopher does not exactly bring you riches. One of the reasons I began teaching was to make money. Also, I had to deal with many people’s constant hatred of me, mainly due to my victories in debates against them. Some, with high political positions, even wanted me dead at points of my life. And one even succeeded. So, you see, no matter how simple and easy going my life may seem, there are quite a few difficulties attached to it. Mark ? Your trial and death are quite interesting and famous historical events. They have been interpreted by many and confused some; what caused you to make such drastic and unusual decisions, the consequence of which you knew forehand? Socrates ? This I am aware of. As a matter of fact, some even claim that I was mentally ill, and blame that as the cause for my actions. This of course I deny. The truth includes a mixture between my philosophical beliefs and the thoughts that have occurred to me during my last days. I always believed that there is an after-life. And that must have somehow influenced my decisions. Even though the religious part of this came to me only afterwards. At first many others and I thought that this ridiculous trial was an obvious hoax. Who would have thought that such a crime, which I was evidently not guilty of, be punished by the death penalty. I fooled with the court. They on the other hand were quite serious about it. In the last days, I realized that there was no way out. True I could have argued with the court and won. I could have escaped using the plan devised by my dear friends. But since there was a high-ranking leader who wanted me dead, it was going to happen no matter what. Furthermore, my governmental beliefs stand true in all situations; the law should be followed and that is all. There was not much I was willing to do. After some thinking, I decided to go along with the law, after all, I had lived a happy life. One that I was proud of living, no matter how unusual it may appear to others. I was an old man of seventy. I found and understood myself, and had achieved happiness and goodness. There was nothing more that I desired. I knew what was waiting for me after death and was ready for it. Word Count: 2066.

Positive And Negative Impact On Child Development

â€Å"It was nerve-wracking. I knew there were things I couldn’t do or say or else I’d be in moved again. You could be moved for the slightest on your part. That was always hanging over your head. You couldn’t really trust anybody† (Posnick, 2012). This is what many children are feeling when subjected to live under foster care. Today’s children living in foster are forced to comply and accept changes made by adults, that decide for their wellbeing. Becoming resilient to life circumstances, in an attempt to find someone that will care for them when abandoned or left to fight for themselves. This paper will discuss foster families as a cultural dilemma, the positive and negative impact on child development, and strategizing ways to help empower†¦show more content†¦In order to promote healthy development, children need to feel the stability of a family. Family stability is the structure component, but it is also the bond they create with a c hild, the consistency and the love they demonstrate to a child that is not biologically theirs. Attachments at infancy, gives children the comfort and security to explore their own environment and grow developmentally in all domains. Other positive outcomes, having family stability in foster care are in health, academic, and social emotional. According to Harden( ) â€Å"consistent and positive relationships with their parents are more likely to have positive health behavior and lower levels of illness†¦perform better academically†¦ and less likely to drop out of school... reared in stable relationships are more likely to have positive relationships with peers and more prosocial skills†. 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