Question

The O’Rourke family lives on a small farm in Iowa and comprises David, aged 30; his wife, Mary, aged 29; and two children: Bridget, aged 7, and Michael, aged 6. Both David and Mary are second-generation Irish. Before purchasing their farm 5 years ago, David sold farm equipment in Ohio. The O’Rourkes are Catholic; Mary converted to Catholicism when they married. David, who works long hours outdoors, is concerned about profitability from his corn crop because of the unpredictable size of the harvest, and thus, his income varies depending on the weather. Mary did not work outside the home because she wanted to be with their children until they started school. However, because both children are now school age, Mary has discussed with David the possibility of working part time to supplement the family income. He would prefer that she stay at home, but Mary is anxious to return to the workforce and believes the timing is right. Both David and Mary are happy with just two children and do not desire more. They use the rhythm method for family planning. Eating a healthy breakfast is important to the O’Rourkes. Because eggs are readily available on the farm, they have fried eggs with potato bread and juice at least four times a week. Their main meal in the evening usually includes meat, potatoes, and a vegetable. David enjoys a glass of beer with dinner. David has been a little edgy lately because of his concerns about the corn crop. He admits to having some minor chest pain, which he attributes to indigestion. His last visit to a physician was before their marriage. Mary knows David is concerned about finances and believes it would help if she had a job. Bridget and Michael spend a lot of time outside playing and doing some minor chores for their parents. Both children enjoy school and are looking forward to returning in the fall. Bridget is starting to show concern over her appearance. She does not like her red hair and all the freckles on her face. Her teacher has noted that Bridget has trouble reading and may need glasses. Michael wants to be a farmer like his Dad but worries about his Dad being tired at night. The O’Rourkes have not taken a vacation since they were married. They go to the state fair in the summer, which is the extent of their trips away from home. They are active in the church and attend services every Sunday. 1.Describe the O’Rourke family structure in terms of individual roles. 2.Identify two potential health problems related to the O’Rourke’s dietary practices. 3.Identify potential health-risk factors for the O’Rourkes as a family unit and for each family member. 4.Explain the relationship between risk factors and ethnicity specific to the O’Rourke family and their Irish heritage. 5.Describe culturally competent health-promotion strategies for the identified risk factors for the O’Rourke family. 6.Describe the O’Rourke family’s fertility practices. Are they congruent with their Irish background and religious beliefs?

Answer 1

Describe the O’Rourke family structure in terms of individual roles

• O’Rourke family is the first generation of first generation irish family born in other country( Lowa, US)
• They are a nuclear family
• David is the breadwinner of the family
• Mary is a housewife
• Michael and bridget are siblings

2.Identify two potential health problems related to the O’Rourke’s dietary practices

• Cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction , etc
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Obesity

A slice of potato bread constitutes 85 calories , 1gram fat, traces of calcium, folate,potassium , vit-E andd 2 grams of dietary fiber.Normally daily recommendation of dietary fibre is 21 - 25 grams for women and 30-38 grams for men . If dietary fibre is not adequate it may lead to cardiac problems, and type- 2 diabetes.

3.Identify potential health-risk factors for the O’Rourkes as a family unit and for each family member

• David : Drinking a glass of beer daily may be healthy but there is possibility of dependence. As he is unpredictable about profit as it varies according to weather it is a stressful condition. He's in chronic stress which may bring serious health issues like depression, myocardial infarction, hypertension. As he works long time outdoors leads to feeling of fatique , he is exposed to pollutants and in summer to extreme heat average 32degrees and snow in winter. He may get any skin problems.When coming to diet fried eggs and potato bread has less dietary fibre and extra grams of fat which may cause Atherosclerosis , hypertension and cardiac problems .Meat , potato and a vegetable cannot balance a days need for a farmer . Dietary fibre intake should be increased.
• Mary: Fried eggs and potato bread has less dietary fibre which may lead to risk of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Meat also has fat and protein which is good but meat at dinner may be hard to digest and needs more water . It may bring about digestion problems . She may have self esteem issues and anger because she cannot go for work which can lead to depression.
• Bridget : She may have low self esteem as she differs from other chilfren . Red hair and freckles are normal appearance of an irish decent. It may lead to concentration problems .  O’Rourkes family meal lacks vit -A which has lead to vision problems in her. Overeating may be a complication of eating more carbohydrates and less dietary fibre diet.
• Michael: He may get obesity in future if there is no dietary modifications.

4.Explain the relationship between risk factors and ethnicity specific to the O’Rourke family and their Irish heritage

Their diet plans are like in IRELAND , the climate there is winter so more grams of fat are needed. But in lowa there are changes in climate and dietary modifications should be done .