Windshield Survey: Theory And Practice

Windshield Survey Reflection Michele C. De Vito Healthy Communities: Theory and Practice April 25, 2011 Amy Weaver

Researching and visual observations of the community that one lives in is a true eye opener. I have chosen to research and conduct a Windshield survey in the town that I have lived in for the past three years. I was surprised at the amount of information that I was obtained by driving around, observing, asking questions, and conducting research online. Several areas of concern that have a potential to affect the health of the community were
Health complications are a concern in this population related to obesity. It is not clear why this community has a high rate of obesity as this community has a large population of educated blue-collar worker, which does not fit the typical population of obesity. Obesity in the country is on a rise, and this may be related to the lack of education on healthy eating habits and influences in the media with ads and commercials from food vendors. Education is important to this population and assisting them with alternative options. A nursing intervention would be to implement a group meeting within the community for obesity education. During these meetings discussions on different weight loss methods, complications associated with obesity, diet suggestions, and increase physical activity options would be helpful. Several partnerships may be made with this community such as Weight Watchers. Holding meetings in the borough hall with this weight loss group within the town will encourage the community to be involved because it is brought to them. These interventions will have a positive effect on the community to help reduce the incidence of obesity among
Other factors that affect the community are the cultures that may congregate within them. A community more culturally diverse will see many different health concerns that a community which is not as diverse. According to The Office of Minority Health (2010), "The Office is dedicated to improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and programs that will help eliminate health disparities” (About OMH, para. 1). They partnership with community that have a higher incidence of diseases among specific cultures such as African American, Asian, and Hispanic, to name a few. In Dumont I have found based on my windshield survey and research, there is not a wide range of cultures as approximately 67% of the population is white alone (Advameg, Inc., 2003-2010). In conducting the windshield survey, I could determine the areas of concern for the community that I reside in and how I may help to reduce the exposures and risks to myself and my family. Because I am a nurse it does not mean that I always have an open eye to what is going on around me. Several risk factors which I was unaware of being exposed to have given me the motivation to make changes within the community. The community partnered with other community and agencies will make a positive step to promotion and prevention of health