Social responsibility is a core value of professionalism as a physical therapist. Social responsibility defined: “Social responsibility is the promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness.” – APTA As a profession, the need to address societal health and wellness has never been greater. Please select one area of societal health and wellness where as a professional you would like to have an impact. Please outline (using 5,000 characters or less) a concise plan to effect a change in this area.
PLEASE WRITE A WELL WRITTEN AND THOUGHT OUT ANSWER. DO NOT USE OTHER PEOPLE’S ANSWER FROM THE WEB.
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Introduction: As a physical therapist, social responsibility is a core value of professionalism that promotes a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public, necessitating an urgent response to societal needs for health and wellness. This essay discusses one area of societal health and wellness where a professional can make an impact and outlines a concise plan to effect change in this area.
Answer: One area of societal health and wellness that I would like to have an impact on is obesity and its related complications. Obesity is a chronic disease that affects both adults and children and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that the prevalence of obesity worldwide has tripled since 1975, with over 650 million adults and 340 million children and adolescents classified as obese in 2016.
To effect a change in this area, the following plan can be implemented. Firstly, increase public awareness through educational campaigns that focus on the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise in preventing and managing obesity. These campaigns will use traditional and social media to reach a wider audience. Secondly, integrate obesity prevention and management programs into primary care settings to enhance healthcare professionals’ ability to detect and manage obesity at early stages. Thirdly, develop community-based programs that promote physical activity and healthy eating. These programs can involve schools, churches, and community centers to increase access and participation. Fourthly, advocate for policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity, including increasing access to healthy foods, increasing physical education in schools, and improving urban planning and design to support active living.
In conclusion, as a physical therapist, addressing societal health and wellness through social responsibility is critical to promoting population health and well-being. The above plan outlines practical steps that can be taken to reduce the prevalence of obesity and its related complications. It is essential that we work collaboratively with other professionals and the public to create lasting change in this area.
