Health Policy: Planning your Visit

Introduction

Childhood obesity is now a serious global health problem irrespective of the massive efforts that have been employed by various countries and organizations. Child obesity is the source of health risks and other forms of diseases to many children in the world today (Divers & Liese, 2014). According to the data released by the World Health Organization, there were about 41million children under 5years who were obese. Various medical conditions are as a result of obesity. These conditions and diseases include hypertension, asthma, diabetes and other forms of non-communicable diseases. Obese children have a high probability of becoming obese adults in the future if proper care and measures are not employed.

There are new regulations that have been employed by the United State Department of Agriculture that comprises of campaigns and many programs that intend to support proper diet and reduce obesity among children. There are interventions funded by the CDC at the community level across the New York state that is raising awareness against childhood obesity (Kit & Flegal, 2014). At the moment there is no established federal law set to ensure American schools fit in physical education and other physical activities in their syllabus.

The aim is to sit with Christopher Hoffman the secretary and superintendent of education board to talk over the perennial obesity problem among children, causes and the recently collected data. To also focus on the local childhood obesity cases by providing solutions and recommendations that can be used to reduce obesity cases among the school children. In this paper, I intend to establish proper communication strategies that can be used when presenting policy priorities to the legislator and its significance when presenting the issue to nurses.

Empirical Evidences

Several strategies can be used while communicating a policy priority to an individual within the registration. The policy type and complexity are critical while determining the best communication strategy (Morse, 2015). Before contacting the legislator, it is critical to get information about that person. Presenting priorities is influenced by an individual doing it, and one is required to set an agenda in advance that outlines the key points that will be discussed.

It is important to call the legislators office few days before the actual visit to confirm the exact time and any other detail that one may be required to know. It is important to address the main agenda at the local federal and state level before the meeting (Leider & Sprague, 2014). The legislator's schedule may change the last minute thus it is important to arrive early while dressed and wait for the next instruction.

The message should be delivered in a friendly way and engage the audience during the policy presentation. One is required to take time, be composed and use visual aids while providing statistics for a better understanding of the issue being discussed. Legislators can be of help when presented with issues relating to public health. Many legislators emphasized on the need to know the demographics and the population affected. They were interested to know the disease cause, spread, and variation it had as well as personal experiences and stories that would contribute to the provided information. It is important to prepare the major points of discussion, facts, and recommendation to the problem.

One of the best recommendations to curb childhood obesity would be the incorporation of physical activity within the school's program. As per the current data presented they would reach one recommendation that will impact body fitness among school children. While completing the meeting, it is important to be prepared to answer any questions that may be raised. One should aim to become a resourceful person when questions are raised. After the meeting ends it is critical to send emails or a thanking, you note to the legislator as a way of appreciating. This can also be used as an opportunity to answer any pending questions.

Importance of the visit on nursing

A successful visit has great significance in nursing as nurses have important roles in the formulation of policies and serving as a link between the researchers and policymakers. American Heart Association recommends physical activity of about 60 minutes every day, (Kulseng & King, 2015). According to the research conducted there are encouraging results in the schools that have incorporated physical exercises into their daily program. Organizations like Voices for Healthy Kids provide testimonies from the physical activities. According to the research, physical activity is important to curb obesity and develop body fitness when done for about 30 minutes a day.

Conclusion

Child obesity is a major health policy issue that requires being addressed well irrespective of the local and state effort. Nurses should help to advocate for body fitness and wellness of children by taking part in policy making practices. It is important to know who to contact and communicate effectively when addressing the legislator's on the significance of the policy issue. Voices of nurses counts and can make a difference. Physical activities are important for body fitness and weight control.

References

Dabelea, D., Mayer-Davis, E. J., Saydah, S., Imperatore, G., Linder, B., Divers, J. ... & Liese, A. D. (2014). Prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents from 2001 to 2009. Jama, 311(17), 1778-1786. Kaufman, N. J., Castrucci, B. C., Pearsol, J., Leider, J. P., Sellers, K., Kaufman, I. R., ... & Sprague, J. B. (2014). Thinking beyond the silos: emerging priorities in workforce development for state and local government public health agencies. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 20(6), 557. Martins, C., Stensvold, D., Finlayson, G., Holst, J., Wisloff, U., Kulseng, B. ... & King, N. A. (2015). Effect of moderate-and high-intensity acute exercise on appetite in obese individuals. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 47(1), 40-48. Morse, J. M. (2015). Critical analysis of strategies for determining rigor in qualitative inquiry. Qualitative health research, 25(9), 1212-1222. Ogden, C. L., Carroll, M. D., Kit, B. K., & Flegal, K. M. (2014). Prevalence of childhood and adult obesity in the United States, 2011-2012. Jama, 311(8), 806-814.

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