Poverty

Poor children lag behind their peers in many ways beyond income children are less healthy, and have experience with emotional and intellectual development.  When I was growing up, my parents were poor.  I was reared in a family with four sisters and three brother, and we went without a lot things.  My mom didn't work, but my father worked on a farm.  It was times when we had only enough food for one serving.  I can recall the times that we shared the same clothing and shoes.  I believe that we will have always have families that are less fortunate than other, but in today's socieity, there are a number of agencies that can assist families with resources.  We have the food stamp program that assist families with food purchases.  There are also services that assist families with utilitiy bills assistance. In many states the Salvation Army help families with clothing items.  

Africia is one of poorest contries in the world.  In much of Africa south of the Sahara, dry conditions of land keep them from growing crops to keep stocked.  One of six african children dies before the age of five due to poverty. Povery is the main cause of hunger in Africian.  Many organizations are coming together to help other countries with food supply.  Feed the Children is an organization that sponser food to children in other countries. 

Immunizations

I chose this health topic because immunization is one of the cost effective ways to prevent health problems in young children.  Working in a childcare setting, I know that children can be exposed to many virus and diseases from other children.  Therefore, it is important that children receive vaccinations before they start early care program to prevent the spread of diseases.  This topic is meaningful to me because several years ago, there was an outbreak of chicken pox at the center.  We later learned that these children had not had their chicken pox vaccinations.  Immunization is a proven method to childhood diseases, and we must make sure children have their vaccinations before entering school.

Unlike other countries, immunizations is not mandatory in Canada.  Some providence require certain vaccination before children attend school.  Most children in Canada are immunized against nine of the diseases under programs offered by the government.  Parents of new born must decide to pay out of pocket for newer vaccines.  Canada has faltered when it comes to providing children with immunization.  Canada is trying to put in place a system that will treat all children, not some, with immunizations to protect them from disease.

Ref:
Naus, M. & Sscheifele, D. (2003). Canada needs a national immunization program. Retrieved from http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/168/5/567

Birth Experience

My first birth experience was that with my daughter. In my state, pregnant women can birth children in the rooms they will be until they are relased from the hospital.  The rooms have everything they need for childbirth.  During this experience, I was astonished how precious it is to acutally see a new life enter this world.  The nurses comes in and check on the patients and give them medicine to help ease the pains.  The nurses also let the patients know how far they are from childbirth. My daughter was in so much pain, but I was there to comfort her and hold her hand through the process.  When it was time for the baby to come, I coached her with breathing and pushing.  Once the baby arrived, it was one of the most enjoyable moments I had ever experienced. Bringing a new life into the world is something that you should never forget.  It is an experience that you can tell others about.  The reason I chose this experience to discuss is because child birth can be a joyous occassion or a sad one.  Fortunately, my daughter gave birth to a healthy baby girl.  It is important that women receive the proper care and nutrition when pregnant, so they can deliver children without health defects or illnesses. 

Birth in Germany

Birth in Germany can be performed at a hospital, a birthing clinic, or at home.  After birth, a midwife will visit daily until the baby is ten days old.  The nurse will check the physical health of the mother and baby.  An employee in Germany must inform their employer as soon as possible if they are pregnant.  Prenatal care and birth is paid by the employer.  Every pregnant woman is entitled to ten or more examinations during pregnancy.  Almost all prenatal examinations can be done by midwives or doctors, the only exception is the ultrasounds must be done by gynaecologist.  For pregnant women who don't work, the welfare state covers all prenatal and healthcare costs.  In many ways preparing for childbirth in Germany is similiar to United States.  People who work, have access to insurance that covers prenatal care.  Women who are unemployed have access to government assistance to help with prenatal care.  It is very important that women get the proper vitamins, minerals and nutrition they need during pregnancy to help with normal growth and development of children.