Please write a Paragraph answering to this discussion below with your opinion. Please include citations and references in alphabetical order in case of another source.

Malnutrition is one of the global health issue impacting the international health community. Eight hundred and fifteen million people-one in nine across the globe-do not have enough food to eat every day. It is responsible for approximately 45 percent of death in children under 5. That’s 3.1million children each year (Mercy Corps, 2018). Malnutrition happens when basic nutritional needs are not met. Calories, vitamins, proteins and healthy fats are vital in order for proper growth and development to occur in utero and in the growth and development years. It is attributed to low intelligence, stunted growth, and retardation (Maurer & Smith, 2013). Micronutrient malnutrition is prevalent in developing countries. These micronutrients are needed in small quantities and it must come from the food that we consume on a daily basis. For proper development and disease prevention, it is a must to consume these micronutrients. These nutrients consist of iron, vitamin A, folate, iodine and zinc. Despite the fact that many of the health issues related to micronutrient deficiencies affects mainly children in developing countries, many of this health issues are seen in the developed countries as well. These health issues can have impact on the healthcare system which can result in huge health cost which varies from procedures needed and illness that is directly related to the underweight and neurological deficits. Children with stunted growth can have learning difficulty that may require additional resources and dollars for repeating grades. These deficits in learning goes on to affect them throughout their lives including added stress, low paying jobs, low self-esteem, and inadequate to no healthcare. Adults who were malnourished as children earn 20 percent less than those who weren’t according to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN, 2012). There can be a loss in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from iron, zinc, iodine deficiencies. Healthcare professionals in hospital settings may witness many admissions that is directly related to malnutrition in the older adults as well. Weak immune system, poor wound healing and muscle atrophy leading to falls are related to poor nutrition and frequent hospital admissions.

Nurses in the hospital setting also see many admissions directly related to malnutrition in the older adult as well. Poor wound healing, muscle atrophy leading to falls, and weak immune systems are related to poor nutrition and repeated hospital admissions. Malnutrition is still prevalent around the world even though many organizations help with feeding the hungry. Malnutrition needs to be addressed in the communities more aggressively by the healthcare delivery systems. According to feeding America (2016) one in seven people are hungry and find it difficult to get enough food to eat. America is the most powerful and wealthiest country in the world and yet people are hungry. It is difficult to understand why this is happening and I believe it is for many of you as well. Healthcare facilities should survey their communities to a greater extent and know those who are in need. I believe when hunger is addressed first at home, it will help solve the problem globally.

References:

Fast Facts About Malnutrition – Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. (2012). Retrieved July 22, 2018 from http://www.gainhealth.org/knowledge-centre/fast-fa…

Maurer, F., Smith, C. (2013). Community/Public Health Nursing Practice, 5th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/978-1-455…