Week 5 Project
Instructions
Creating a Plan of Care
Utilizing the information you have gathered over the last four weeks (week1-4 attached) regarding the specific illness group you identified, this week, you will create a plan of care for your chronic illness group.
In a Microsoft Word document of 5-6 pages formatted in APA style, (this page requirement includes the holistic care plan). Include the following in your plan:
·  Provide a brief introduction describing the chronically ill group you selected and rationale for selecting this illness and the participants.
o  Clearly identify the Healthy People 2020 topic chosen and why this topic was selected.
·  Develop a holistic plan of care including patient, family and friends acceptance of the diagnosis, coping and impact on plan of care.
·  Summarize the information gathered in each week (Weeks 1–4) over 2 to 3 pages. This is should not to be copied and pasted from previous assignments.
·  Create a care plan for your chronic illness group organized using the following headings:
o  Nursing Diagnoses (at least 3 related to topic and interview results)
o  Assessment Data (objective and subjective)
o  Interview Results
o  Desired Outcomes
o  Evaluation Criteria
o  Actions and Interventions
o  Evaluation of Patient Outcomes
·  Identify strategies for the family or caregiver in the care plan and provide your rationale on how they will work.
Support your responses with examples and information from library resources, textbook and lectures.
·  Papers are professional papers so you should use third person.  Try not to use first or second person when completing.  Review APA format.
Please note that the title and reference pages should not be included in the total page count of your paper.
On a separate references page, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format. Support your work, using your course lectures and textbook readings. Helpful APA guides and resources are available in the  University Online Library. Below are guides that are located in the library and can be accessed and downloaded via the  University Online Citation Resources: APA Style page. The American Psychological Association website also provides detailed guidance on formatting, citations, and references at APA Style.
HEART DISEASE AND STROKE 1
Heart Disease and Stroke 6

Heart Disease and Stroke

Viviana Torres
NSG 4055 Illiness & Disease Management Across Life Span
South University
December 7, 2020

Heart Disease and Stroke

Chronic Illness and Rationale for Choice

A major chronic illness of specific interest, which has been identified as a Healthy People 2020 topic is ‘Heart Disease and Stroke.’ The rationale for choosing this illness is that heart disease is currently termed as the leading cause of death in the US while stroke ranks fifth (Healthy People 2020, 2020). The combination of stroke and heart disease often results in disability, poor life quality, and death. Despite the common nature of these conditions in the country, their prevention is possible through the control of certain risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Additionally, ensuring that individuals who experience cardiovascular problems obtain timely treatment is crucial in lowering their risk of death or disability. Thus, Healthy People 2020 (2020) asserts that it is crucial to teach people the basics of recognizing key symptoms of the chronic illness to aid more individuals to obtain the required treatment. At times it may seem unnecessary for some people as they live a healthy lifestyle but heart disease can be genetic too. All of these factors make this disease a silent but deadly killer.

Questionnaire

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your satisfaction level with the healthcare services you get from your healthcare provider with regards to your chronic illness?
2. Are there any negative side effects of the current medication and therapy you are using to manage your condition?
3. Are you indulging in preventive measures such as physical activity and eating a healthy diet?
4. How confident are you in your ability to identify the signs and symptoms of an impending stroke or heart attack?
5. Kindly list three things that you require from your healthcare provider to enhance your quality of living and help you effectively manage your chronic illness.

Morbidity and Comorbidity of the Disease

According to the CDC (2020), “heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.” Approximately 30.3 million adults have been diagnosed with the problem, a figure that accounts for 12.1 percent of the adult population (CDC, 2020). Every year, 1 in every 4 deaths is related to heart conditions with 655 000 individuals dying annually from cardiovascular disease. The US spends more than $200 billion annually to deal with medicines, various healthcare services, and the lost productivity that arise from death. 6.1 percent of emergency department visits and 6.7 percent of physician office visits are attributed to heart disease. Risk factors for heart diseases include diabetes, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption.
With regards to comorbidity, heart disease is often accompanied by a stroke. This is why Healthy People 2020 (2020) has grouped the two conditions together as a chronic illness. Kendir et al. (2018) assert that comorbidity is a major reason for the high usage of healthcare resources, low quality of life, and increased mortality. Kendir et al. (2018) add that having one particular type of heart disease puts one at a high risk of getting another co-occurring cardiovascular problem. Heart disease is the leading cause of diseases such as ischemia, heart attack, aneurysm, arterial damage, heart arrhythmias. It may difficult to diagnose many of these as the patient may not show many symptoms. Consequently, it is vital for healthcare practitioners to be alert for the risk of a heart disease patient contracting other similar ailments.

Impact of the Chronic Illness and Patient Morbidity on Overall Health of the Nation

Heart disease and stroke adversely affect the overall health of the US. This chronic illness is the major reason behind many disabilities and deaths in the country. More so, the chronic illness is attributed as a major reason behind rising healthcare costs and health disparities in the US. The burden of this chronic illness is further exacerbated by the obesity epidemic, aging population, poor control of risk factors, and the limited use of prevention strategies. Thus, Mensah and Brown (2007) note the significance of the country adopting community and clinical-level guidelines with an emphasis on lifestyle, environmental, and policy changes for the facilitation of effective control and prevention of the chronic illness.

Healthy People 2020 Goals and Objectives

1. Improve cardiovascular health in adults.
2. Lower stroke-related deaths.
3. Lower the deaths related to coronary heart disease.
4. Increase the number of adult survivors of stroke who are in a rehabilitation program.
5. Increase the number of adult survivors of heart disease who are in a rehabilitation program.
These goals are easier said than done. Communicating and having a clear understanding with the patient should be the first step. Most importantly, setting a plan that rightfully fits the patients needs is critical as they must be able to understand that certain lifestyle changes will need to happen in order for progress to happen for the heart disease. Proactivity is a must for the patient at this point. The patient would need to be more active when it comes to recording certain data such as keeping blood pressure charts at home, work or/if they travel to determine if the treatment plan is working or if certain changes still need to be changed.
Stress levels influence cardiovascular disease and increase the risk for patients without it. The importance of knowing what stress can do to any person should be taught at first instance as a patient should also be aware of the dangers behind this deadly factor. Managing stress with various techniques can help prevent heart disease or keep the patient on the right track in order for the treatment plan to work.
Part of the treatment is also making sure that the medication works for the patient as it may not interact effectively with others or their body may not accept it as it should. That is why recording data at home is crucial, to make sure the plan takes course.
The patient should understand the repercussions also if they deviate from the treatment plan. Consequences can occur and worsen over time . Heart is probably the most delicate and most important muscle in the human body. Patients consequences can be acute or chronic kidney failure and/or eventually lead up to a stroke.

References
CDC. (2020, September 8). Heart disease facts. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
CDC. (2020, October 30). Heart disease. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/heart-disease.htm
Healthy People 2020. (2020). Heart disease and stroke. US Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/heart-disease-and-stroke
Kendir, C., van den Akker, M., Vos, R., & Metsemakers, J. (2018). Cardiovascular disease patients have increased risk for comorbidity: A cross-sectional study in the Netherlands. European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), 45-50.
Mensah, G. A., & Brown, D. W. (2007). An overview of cardiovascular disease burden in the United States. Health Affairs, 26(1), 38-48.

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7

The Impact of Chronic Illness (Heart Disease and Stroke)

Viviana Torres
NSG 4055 Illiness & Disease Management Across Life Span
South University
December 14, 2020

The Impact of Chronic Illness (Heart Disease and Stroke)

Summary of the Interview

The questionnaire was given to a 55 year old woman called B.T. She is a close family friend who currently copes with heart disease and stroke. She first experienced this problem one year ago when she had a heart attack and a stroke within a one-month period. She has had a fairly satisfactory experience with her healthcare provider. However, she feels that the treatment is currently quite expensive. Nonetheless, the experience has made her alter lifestyle and she now engages in regular physical activity and consumes a healthy diet.

Analysis of the Interview Responses

From the interview responses, it is clear that B.T. is taking her medical condition very seriously. After her near death experience, she has made a lot of effort towards ensuring that she has a low probability of getting another heart attack or a stroke. B.T.’s family has no history of stroke or heart disease. Therefore, her condition is down to her previous poor lifestyle choices. She has since changed her ways and only consumes healthy foods instead of junk foods. Also, she does regular exercises and a considerable amount of physical activity. She takes all her medication on time and goes for her therapy sessions as scheduled.
In addition, B.T.’s physician has comprehensively educated her on all the early warning signs to look out for and how to respond if she experience any of them. More so, her friends and family are aware of these signs and know what to do in case she experience an impending heart attack or stroke. Therefore, she has a strong support system to aid her in the management of her chronic illness. Due to the steps she has taken, her health has significantly improved and she has never experienced another episode of heart attack or stroke. Also, her mobility has improved considerably.

How the Information Will Impact the Care Plan Development

The information provided will be very helpful in the formulation of a good care plan. From her responses, it is clear that B.T. has responded positively to her setback. Despite getting a chronic illness, she has gone out of her way to adhere to her physician’s advice and treatment plan. She is actively taking part in the restoration of her health and has even included her family and friends as a strong support structure for her recovery. Therefore, creating a care plan for such an individual will be relatively easy.
According to Hill, Carson, and Vitale (2019), a good care plan has a high likelihood of enhancing a patient’s quality of life, lower the chances of hospitalization, and improve the patient’s mortality. Additionally, good care plans are crucial in maximizing the patients’ health potential vial pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. Based on B.T.’s response so far, it is clear that the inclusion of a comprehensive care plan will help her since she is an individual who adheres to her physician’s recommendations. Nevertheless, it is vital to get more information on B.T’s case with regards to certain elements that might impact the creation of a care plan. This way, it will be easy to enhance the quality of care and support given to her.
First, there is the issue of communication and information. According to NHS Scotland. (2009), poor information-giving and communication on the part of healthcare practitioners often leaves pertains being anxious, confused, and disempowered. This is surprising considering that chronic illness patients require confidence, reassurance, and strength to cope with their conditions. Although the current physician attending to B.T. is doing well to communicate effectively with her patient, it is vital that the care plan developed is good enough to ensure that even is the physician is changed, B.T. will continue having a good relationship with her physician with regards to open communication and extensive education on her condition.
Second, there is the issue of self-management. NHS Scotland (2009) notes that self-management is vital in patients such as B.T. The patient plays a central role in his/her recovery or disease management. Therefore, the care plan should be comprehensive enough to include vital information to aid B.T.in effectively managing her condition. Finally, there is the issue of preparing for other conditions that are related to heart disease and stroke. For instance, Hill, Carson, and Vitale (2019) assert that such patients are at risk of cognitive decline. Therefore, the care plan must contain a section that highlights the need for patients to undergo regular checkups to ensure they do not succumb to the conditions that heart disease and stroke patients are prone to. This is vital in ensuring that B.T.’s care not only focuses on heart disease and stroke, but is comprehensive enough to prepare her for further chronic illnesses early enough.

Copy of the Interview

1. “On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your satisfaction level with the healthcare services you get from your healthcare provider with regards to your chronic illness?”

Response: My satisfaction level is a 7. My physician has been very helpful in helping me cope with my condition. She does not only offer treatment but also gives me advice on preventive measures to ensure I manage my heart condition. However, the treatment is quite costly. Despite having health insurance, I still find myself spending extra to get the best medical attention available.
2. “Are there any negative side effects of the current medication and therapy you are using to manage your condition?”

Response: So far, there have been no side effects from the medication I am taking. I have been using anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents for the past one year. The former aids in the prevention of recurrent strokes while the latter prevents the formation of blood clots.
3. “Are you indulging in preventive measures such as physical activity and eating a healthy diet?”

Response: Yes, I partake in motor-skill exercises to enhance my coordination and muscle strength. This therapy has been helpful in restoring my abilities after the stroke. Also, I have dumped junk food and now only consume a healthy and balanced diet. I feel that this new lifestyle is improving my overall health.
4. “How confident are you in your ability to identify the signs and symptoms of an impending stroke or heart attack?”

Response: I feel fairly confident in identifying early signs and symptoms of a heart attack or a stroke. My physician has been very helpful in this regard. She has comprehensively educated me on all the early warning signs to look out for and how to respond if I experience any of them. Additionally, my friends and family are aware of these signs and know what to do in case I experience an impending heart attack or stroke.
5. “Kindly list three things that you require from your healthcare provider to enhance your quality of living and help you effectively manage your chronic illness.”

Response: First, I need my healthcare provider to find ways of subsidizing my treatment. Second, I need my healthcare provider to include my close friends and family in the sensitization program where they are educated on my condition. Finally, I need my healthcare provider to promote the importance of preventive healthcare in dealing with this chronic condition, not only for me, but other people who are at risk of getting heart disease or stroke.

References

Hill, L., Carson, M. A., & Vitale, C. (2019). Care plans for the older heart failure patient. European Heart Journal Supplements, 21(Supplement_L), L32-L35.
NHS Scotland. (2009). Better Heart Disease and Stroke Care Action Plan. The Scottish Government, Edinburgh. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjcr__KpMTtAhXgEWMBHdS-DTQQFjALegQIJhAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chss.org.uk%2Fdocuments%2F2014%2F10%2Fbetter-heart-disease-and-stroke-care-action-plan-2009-pdf.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0gfWtBIRGj3CSWlEgKwWta

THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS 1

The Impact of Chronic Illness (Heart Disease and Stroke)

Viviana Torres

NSG 4055 Illness & Disease Management Across Life Span

South University

December 21, 2020

THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS 2

The Impact of Chronic Illness (Heart Disease and Stroke)

B.T. is a 55-year old woman with heart disease and stroke. From an interview conducted

with her, B.T. developed her condition due to her poor lifestyle characterized by a sedentary life

of limited physical activity and consumption of fast food. However, after getting a stroke, she

now eats healthy and engages in considerable amount of physical activity. She also strictly

adheres to her physician’s instructions. So far, her satisfaction levels with the healthcare services

she has received are just above average.

The Support Needs of the Participant

The list below shows the support needs that B.T. requires in order to make her life more

comfortable as she manages her chronic ailments. This list is based on major domains that are

relevant to the specific patient under review and is arranged from the highest priority to the

lowest one.

1. Health: B.T. requires a remote way of keeping in touch with her healthcare provider for

regular checkup, inquiry, and emergency cases. She also requires having a steady supply

of medication to ensure she does not miss any dose.

2. Home living: Considering the chronic nature of her condition, B.T. requires a nurse or

maid to help her out carry out various activities (Cruz et al., 2013).

3. Employment: B.T. needs her workplace to create provisions for her, which will allow her

to work from home. Alternatively, the workplace and job duties can be customized to

meet the needs of a person dealing with chronic illness.

THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS 3

4. Social living: The people that interact with B.T. should receive basic education on how to

deal with emergency situations involving an individual living with heart disease and

stroke.

Appropriate Interventions of the Professional Caregiver (Nurse)

There are several interventions that nurses can employ to ensure that B.T. is able to

manage and even overcome her chronic condition. First, a nurse should carry out regular follow-

up visits to B.T. after she has already seen her physician (Frich, 2013). The purpose of these

visits is to ensure the B.T. adheres to the physician’s instructions and that she takes her

medication as required. More so, these visits can be used to check the status of B.T. and confirm

if she is making any progress. Any inquiries from the B.T. can be handled by the nurse as well.

Second, the nurse should employ education and sensitization exercises for the B.T. and

the people that she associates with. These exercises can be used to educate one on any first-aid

procedures that can be done whenever B.T. faces a cardiac arrest or stroke incident. More so,

these exercises will reveal the best practices to follow to ensure that B.T. manages her conditions

well. Finally, the nurse should facilitate spiritual healing to the patient (Timmins & Caldeira,

2017). Spiritual care is a vital element of healthcare that aids people in their recovery especially

in patients that face serious illnesses.

How to Implement Objectives of Healthy People 2020 to Increase Wellness

Healthy People 2020 has five objectives to increase the wellness of people suffering from

heart disease and stroke. These objectives are listed below. Under each objective, suggestions are

given on how to implement it to ensure that wellness is increased not only in B.T.’s case, but

among all individuals suffering from the same chronic condition.

THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS 4

1. Improve cardiovascular health in adults: To improve cardiovascular health, it is vital to

adopt interventions that are aimed at lowering the population’s body mass index, blood

sugar, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure. Such interventions must include strategies

aimed at encouraging people to quit smoking, engage in more physical activities, and eat

healthier diets.

2. Lower stroke-related deaths: To lower these deaths, the interventions to consider are the

ones aimed at increasing people’s physical activity, improving their blood pressure

levels, and ensuring they have healthy diets. Additionally, it is vital to adopt interventions

aimed at raising awareness about the symptoms and signs of stroke, in addition to

enhancing the management stroke victims. These interventions are important in lowering

disability or death cases that are related to stroke.

3. Lower the deaths related to coronary heart disease: Interventions should be aimed at

lowering a person’s risk to developing coronary heart disease. Also, interventions should

be aimed at raising awareness about the symptoms and signs of heart disease, in addition

to enhancing the management heart disease victims

4. Increase the number of adult survivors of stroke who are in a rehabilitation program: The

intervention in this case is to increase the resources given to rehabilitation programs to

ensure that the care given to stroke survivors is of very high quality. This will increase

the chances of survival to the stroke survivors.

5. Increase the number of adult survivors of heart disease who are in a rehabilitation

program: The intervention in this case is to increase the resources given to rehabilitation

programs to ensure that the care given to heart disease survivors is of very high quality.

This will increase the chances of survival to the heart disease survivors.

THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS 5

Nursing’s Role as an Advocate for Participant Acceptance of Diagnosis and Treatment

There are certain actions that nurses can take to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of

the participant. First, they can aid the participating in making informed decisions. They can help

the patients digest the information given to them by their physicians and help them in making

choices that will aid in the restoration of their health. Second, they can help in making the

participant a priority. For instance, in case the family members of the participant disagree on

various healthcare issues related to B.T., nurses will play a crucial role in ensuring the patient

makes decisions based on her needs rather than that of others. Finally, they can help in being a

resource to the participant. Nurses can play extra roles such as educating the participant on how

best to handle her conditions or even being confidants to the participants on various issues such

as financial constraints since generally, patients feel more at ease interacting with nurses

compared to physicians.

The Impact of the Environment on Patient’s Health

Environmental factors can impact how well B.T. copes with her condition. Such factors

include her diet, physical surroundings, and access to emergency care, among others. These

factors are crucial because they directly affect how B.T. copes with her condition. For instance,

if she has a stroke or a cardiac arrest, it will be crucial that she reaches a medical facility as soon

as possible to receive professional care.

Social Determinants That Impact Care

Social determinants that can affect B.T.’s health include thing like her socioeconomic

status and her social support networks. Her socioeconomic status determine her ability to afford

THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS 6

and access the best healthcare services possible. Her support networks include the ability of her

friends and family to aid her recovery process effectively.

THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS 7

References

Cruz, M., Perez, M., Jenaro, C., Flores, N., & Vega, V. (2013). Identification of the support

needs of individuals with severe mental illness using the Supports Intensity Scale. Revista

Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 21(5), 1137-1143.

Frich, L. M. H. (2013). Nursing interventions for patients with chronic conditions. Journal of

Advanced Nursing, 44(2), 137-153.

Healthy People 2020. (2020). Heart disease and stroke. US Department of Health and Human

Services. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/heart-

disease-and-stroke

Timmins, F., & Caldeira, S. (2017). Understanding spirituality and spiritual care in nursing.

Nursing Standard, 31(22).

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W4PD-Illness and the Disease Management across Life Span

Student’s Name

Department, Institutional Affiliation

Course Title

Tutor’s Name

Date

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The successful process of prevention and the treatment of heart disease and stroke is

achieved through the provision of the knowledge to the patients, informing the population

about the facilities helping in the treatment and management of the conditions, and ensuring

that the affected individuals receive the necessary support required to overcome these

diseases. There are various resources that patients diagnosed with stroke and heart disease

can rely on. Center for the Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) is making an effort through

its Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) to collaborate with the

partners across the government, public health, healthcare providers, and the private sectors to

ensure that there is an improvement, detection, and the control of the heart diseases and the

stroke risk factors. This is done with a focus on hypertension and the high cholesterol level

(Yarnoff, et al., 2019).

There are several programs (resources) that are supporting the goals set by the CDC

through its DHDSP. One of the programs is the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke

Program (PCNASP) which is funding 9 states to ensure that there is a coordination of the

systems of care to help in the improvement of the quality of healthcare for the patients who

have been diagnosed with a stroke. The Coverdell program is working to make sure that all

the citizens of the United States are provided with the highest quality of healthcare for stroke

by offering support to the coordinated healthcare system for the stroke disease. The creation

of the effective stroke system of care is important in ensuring that there is the monitoring of

the improvement in the quality and patient care from the time at which the patient is

diagnosed with a stroke, through emergency medical services transportation to the healthcare

facility, during hospitalization, and through their discharge from the facility to the outpatient

care (Benjamin, et al., 2018). In terms of eligibility, all acute care healthcare facilities that

serve the general population are considered to be eligible for the program.

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Another program is the Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across

the Nation (WISEWOMAN program). It helps women in understanding as well as take part

in the reduction of their exposure to these illnesses. It also provides services that help in the

promotion of a long-term hear healthy lifestyle. The services offered by the WISEWOMAN

program are funding the heart and stroke risk screening process for example screening for

diabetes and hypertension among others. These services are available within the local

facilities, offices of the physicians, and the community healthcare facilities (National Center

for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020).

Women found to be having elevated blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol

levels are assisted by this program. Upon the discussion of the clinical risks, the history of the

illness, body weight, the nutritional status, and the physical activity; the patients or

population are motivated to take part in setting their objectives and are then referred to the

healthy behaviors resource support, educational materials offered through training and

community-based organizations for example the YMCA. The eligibility for the program

involves the individuals with low earnings, individuals with no insurance cover, individuals

who are not fully benefiting from the insurance program as a result of the under-insurance

especially women of ages 40 to 64 years who had previously benefitted from program

(National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020).

The Sodium Reduction in Communities Program (SRCP) is another resource that is

aimed at increasing the availability of lower sodium foods while at the same time engaging

the food sector in ensuring that there is a reduction in the sodium levels in the packaged and

restaurant foods. The benefit of this resource is that it ensures that the members of the public

are safe from the risks of heart diseases and stroke. This is achieved by making sure that the

packaged and the restaurant food have a lower content of sodium. The CDC through its

DHDSP is working with the SRCP to ensure that there is teamwork with the foodservice

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distributors and food industries to ensure that there is an increase in the number of low

sodium foods in the country. There is no eligibility for this program and it is aimed at

ensuring that all members of the public are benefiting from the services offered to reduce the

risk of exposure to heart and stroke diseases (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention

and Health Promotion, 2020).

The integration of the resources into a plan of care

The prevention of heart diseases and stroke involves the promotion of healthy

lifestyle behaviors. Therefore, SRCP is integrated into the plan of care in educating the

patients as well as the population to ensure that there is low consumption of salty foods to

reduce the exposure to the two diseases. The SRCP program can be used to support the

communities in creating a more healthful food environment that is targeted at expanding the

evidence-based approaches to address the sodium intake (Long, 2018).

Similarly, the choices of a healthy lifestyle to prevent exposure to heart diseases and

stroke especially among women can also be achieved through the integration of the

WISEWOMAN program into the plan of care. Through the employment of health trainers,

women are encouraged to adopt the lifestyle behavioral changes that help in the reduction of

the risk factors and the symptoms of stroke and heart illness (Long, 2018).

Fight against heart illnesses and stroke requires collaborative work amongst

healthcare providers. This includes the participation of the nutritionists to recommend the

required amount of the salt to be used as well as the physical exercise trainer to educate

hypertensive patients on the amount of physical exercise to take part in. The integration of

Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program into the healthcare plan is helping in ensuring

that there is a culture of teamwork across the healthcare system to improve stroke care and

save the lives of the population (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health

Promotion, 2020).

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The potential advantages and disadvantages for the vulnerable population in seeking the

resources

One of the advantages of using these resources for the vulnerable population for

example patients diagnosed with or exposed to stroke or heart disease is the reduction in the

risk of exposure. The SRCP is helping in ensuring that there is an increased availability of the

lower sodium foods while engaging the food sector to ensure that there is a reduction in the

sodium levels in the packaged as well as restaurant foods (National Center for Chronic

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020).

There are also improved healthcare services to the population concerning providing

care to the patients. The Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program is helping in ensuring

that there is the existence of stroke systems of healthcare that is important in caring and

supporting stroke patients throughout their healthcare journey. The Emergency Medical

Services (EMS) agencies and healthcare facilities are involved in the collection and analysis

of the data about stroke patients and healthcare. These units share the best practices and data

thus working to help in improving patient care (National Center for Chronic Disease

Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020).

The disadvantage of the SRCP program is that it is not guaranteed that the

vulnerable population will be safe from the high salt content. Many processed foods are

directly made at home with an increased level of salts. This makes it impossible for the

population to be safe since working with the foodservice providers and the food industry

partners does not guarantee the low consumption of low salt in the remote areas and the

homes of these vulnerable populations (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and

Health Promotion, 2020).

Another disadvantage of the resources is that the transition from the EMS might be

affected by the lower number of healthcare providers for example the nurses. The reduced

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number of nurses to handle the emergency services means that the services offered at the

emergency services are affected. Poor services at the emergency services due to the

inadequate healthcare providers leads to the development of the complications of

hypertension thus leading to heart diseases and the development of stroke. This reduces the

effectiveness of the PCNASP (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health

Promotion, 2020).

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References

Benjamin, E. J., Virani, S. S., Callaway, C. W., Chamberlain, A. M., Chang, A. R., & Cheng,

S. (2018). American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention

Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke

statistics—2018 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation,

137(12), e67-492. https://doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000558

Long, C. R. (2018). Reducing the intake of sodium in community settings: evaluation of year

one activities in the Sodium Reduction in Communities Program, Arkansas, 2016–

2017. Preventing Chronic Disease, 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd15.180310

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2020, October 7).

Heart Disease and Stroke. Retrieved from Center for Disease Control and Prevention:

https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/heart-disease-

stroke.htm

Yarnoff, B., Khavjou, O., Elmi, J., Lowe-Beasley, K., Bradley, C., Amoozegar, J., . . .

Teixiera-Poit, S. (2019). Estimating Costs of Implementing Stroke Systems of Care

and Data-Driven Improvements in the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program.

Prev Chronic Dis, 16, e134. https://doi:10.5888/pcd16.190061