Peer Responses:
- Length: A minimum of 170 words per post, not including references
- Citations: At least two high-level scholarly reference in APA per post from within the last 5 years
Healthy People 2030 is the fifth iteration of the Healthy People initiation (Health People 20230, 2023). This initiative outlines comprehensive goals to improve public health outcomes in the United States. As an advanced practice nurse, two essential guidelines for health screenings or modifiable risk factors that align with Healthy People 2030 goals include:
1. Cancer Screening and Prevention: One of the goals of Healthy 2030 is to reduce new cancer and cancer-related illness, disability, and death. Healthy People 2030 promotes evidence-based cancer screening and prevention strategies and improves care and survivorship for people with cancer. Interventions to promote evidence-based cancer screenings, such as screenings for lung, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, can help reduce cancer deaths (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2020). One example is The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which recommends colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for individuals aged 45 to 75, with decisions for those aged 76 to 85 based on individual health and preferences. Screening methods include colonoscopy every ten years, high-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) annually, stool DNA test (e.g., Cologuard) every three years, and flexible sigmoidoscopy every ten years or every five years when combined with FIT (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2021). Advanced practice nurses can play a pivotal role in promoting and conducting cancer screenings, emphasizing the significance of regular mammograms, Pap smears, and colorectal cancer screenings. Early detection of cancer through these screenings allows for timely interventions, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality rates. Health education provided by advanced practice nurses can empower individuals to understand the importance of screenings, recognize risk factors, and adopt preventive measures, aligning with Healthy People 2030’s emphasis on reducing cancer-related disparities (Healthy People 2030, 2021).
2. Cardiovascular Health and Hypertension Management: Another goal of Healthy People 2030 is to improve cardiovascular health and reduce deaths from heart disease and stroke (Improve cardiovascular health in adults, 2021). Given the continued focus on cardiovascular health in Healthy People 2030, advanced practice nurses can advocate for regular blood pressure screenings and lifestyle modifications to manage hypertension. People with high blood cholesterol are more likely to have heart disease. Although the average total cholesterol level among U.S. adults has decreased in recent years, millions still have high cholesterol (Improve cardiovascular health in adults, 2021). Evidence shows that interventions to help people eat healthier, get more physical activity, and lose weight can reduce total cholesterol levels (Improve cardiovascular health in adults, 2021). Recommending interventions such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, and stress reduction aligns with the goals of preventing cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the advanced practice nurse can provide education on the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, managing cholesterol levels, and avoiding tobacco use.
References
Cancer – Healthy People 2030. (2021). https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/cancer
Improve cardiovascular health in adults – HDS‑01. Improve cardiovascular health in adults – HDS‑01 – Healthy People 2030. (2021). https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/heart-disease-and-stroke/improve-cardiovascular-health-adults-hds-01
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021, May 18). Colorectal cancer: Screening. Recommendation: Colorectal Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening
