Healthy status is essential for normal body functioning. Good health fosters individuals’ interaction and attainment of personal goals. Different individuals are exposed to negative social, economic and mental factors that result in their exposure to health risks thus increasing their vulnerability.

Vulnerable Groups

Vulnerable populations are those individuals with high exposure to risks that have a high possibility of bringing harm to their health. The most vulnerable groups are children, mothers, and chronically ill and Disabled People. There is different reasoning behind the selected groups. Child mortality rates in the US are at 6.5% per 1000 birth. The data reveals that children are still at risk despite the numerous efforts by the government to minimize mortality rates. Causes of child mortality include poor development of body organs, malnutrition, and parental neglect. Secondly, pregnant mothers are also vulnerable to health risks with the state recording 608 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The high number is attributed to inadequate prenatal care, insufficient knowledge of maternal care as well as laxity in health facilities in terms of taking care of the mothers. Lastly, Chronically Ill and Disabled People are also very vulnerable with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports indicating that 70% of US deaths are caused by chronic diseases and different forms of disabilities. My thought is that the above vulnerable groups are the ones that are worst hit due to their inability to care for themselves as well as economic hindrances towards their search for better health care.

Compromised Health Aspects

World health organization stipulates that individuals are in a good state when their physical, mental and social body states are free from risk. The physical, mental and social aspects of the three vulnerable groups are compromised in different ways. Children, for instance, are subjected to classroom and house activities hence limiting them from physical activities such as the play that is essential for their growth. Also, children whose parents are employed in formal labor face neglect that comes with mental challenges such as stress and depression. Lastly, the social aspect of children is compromised when children are exposed to numerous house chores and school assignments hence denying them the opportunity to interact with their peers.

Expectant mothers also have their health aspects compromised in different ways. The mothers are subjected to a lot of labor in households, an element that limits their time for physical exercise that is essential for their pregnancy state. Also, family violence exposes the mother to stressful conditions that are likely to lead to miscarriage or premature delivery. Lastly, the social aspect of the health of pregnant mothers is compromised since the limited time mothers have to perform family chores does not allow them to associate with their peers; hence their interactions are limited.

Lastly, chronically ill and disabled people are vulnerable since most of their health components are not met. They have physical inabilities hence cannot practice physical exercises, a factor that increases their health risks. These individuals are stigmatized in the society thus end up living in depression that affects their mental state. Lastly, the individuals are isolated in society with the fear that their conditions could be spread to others. The isolation limits their socialization hence compromising their social health.

Health Service Needs

Reducing the health risks of the above vulnerable groups is essential in ensuring their survival. Children need playgrounds where they can do physical exercises, healthy diet to enhance the proper development of the body organs as well as the presence of the parental figure to offer them the required social needs.

Expectant mothers on the other hand significantly require appropriate dietary intake to foster the growth of their children. Also, prenatal and postnatal services should be made available, accessible and affordable for them to receive adequate medical care. Also, maternal education is a necessity as it will impart them with the knowledge necessary for child rearing.

Lastly, people with chronic diseases and those disabled require special physical devices they can use to do physical exercises. This will help them burn calories and prevent diseases like obesity as well as strengthening their bones. They also require healthy diets that will prevent their susceptibility to illnesses. Lastly, they need counseling services to restore their mental state after going through psychological torture resulting from stigma and social isolation.

Conclusion

Vulnerability predisposes an individual to susceptibility to other health conditions that could worsen the situation of individuals affected and possible death. Various mechanisms such as an emphasis on physical practice and healthy diets are essential in reducing incidences of vulnerability.

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