NR 442 Community RUA Final

Student Name Chamberlain University NR-442 Community Health Nursing Prof. Name Date Background: Orthodox Jewish Community Orthodox Jews are traditionally characterized by their deep commitment to preserving religious customs, laws, and community life. They adhere to a well-defined religious ideology and maintain a high regard for rabbinic authority. These communities tend to resist rapid societal change, instead valuing continuity and tradition. In the United States, American Orthodox Jews are largely concentrated in the northeastern states, where they often form close-knit neighborhoods. A significant aspect of Orthodox Jewish life is the prioritization of religious education. Families typically choose private Jewish day schools that integrate both general studies and Judaic studies into the curriculum, ensuring children receive a strong grounding in religious values alongside academic achievement. Congregation Bet Haverim (CBH) Congregation Bet Haverim (CBH) represents a branch of Reconstructionist Judaism, having separated from conservative traditions to create an inclusive, welcoming environment. Originally founded by gay and lesbian Jews, CBH now embraces a broad diversity of identities, including men, women, drag queens and kings, transgender individuals, genderqueer and intersex persons, and Jews of any racial background. Socioeconomic inclusivity is also central to CBH’s ethos—members from all financial situations are welcome. The congregation serves as a space where faith, culture, and social acceptance intersect, making it a vital resource for marginalized members of the Jewish community. Geographic Information Location Detail Information Latitude 33.8168° N Longitude 84.3133° W Zip Code 30329 Area Toco Hills, North Druid Hills, Atlanta, Dekalb County, Georgia Toco Hills is situated in the North Druid Hills area of Atlanta, Georgia. This neighborhood is notable for its mix of residential and commercial spaces, with a variety of cultural and religious institutions catering to its diverse population. Demographic Information Category Value Total Population 28,410 Male Population 13,796 Female Population 14,614 White Collar Employment 13,375 Blue Collar Employment 2,637 Family Households 4,771 Non-family Households 6,737 Households with Children 2,811 Households without Children 8,692 Average Household Income $74,546.50 Median Household Income $51,589.00 Below Poverty Level 6,018 Above Poverty Level 21,588 Never Married 11,206 Married 8,420 Separated 657 Widowed 958 Divorced 1,711 Adult Smoking Rate (Dekalb) 26% Physical Inactivity Rate 20% Violent Crimes 644 cases Community Assessment Toco Hills is a thriving, multigenerational Orthodox Jewish hub with at least six congregations representing different streams of Orthodoxy. Unlike Orthodox Jews who walk to synagogue on the Sabbath, Reconstructionist members of CBH may drive. The community faces challenges related to CBH’s location. The synagogue sits on a busy street with limited visibility for oncoming traffic, and the parking situation requires attendees to cross the road—posing safety risks. Additionally, dietary practices at gatherings often involve high-fat foods, increasing concerns for cardiovascular health. Access to kosher meat, Jewish ritual items, and culturally relevant goods is essential to community life. Proximity to the MARTA transit system offers some transportation convenience, and local law enforcement assists with safe crossing during events. Aggregate Population Observations Faith and mutual support are deeply valued in this community. CBH leadership, including Rabbi Joshua Lesser and members Kerrie, Gayanne, and Julie, provide access to valuable resources. Given their status as an LGBTQ+ minority, members frequently gather for emotional connection and cultural affirmation. However, communal meals often feature traditional foods high in fat, which contribute to obesity, elevated cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk. There is an evident need for culturally sensitive health education that promotes healthier preparation methods without disregarding tradition. Community Health Diagnosis Plan for Priority Diagnosis Priority: Reduce cardiovascular risk through improved nutrition. Short-Term Goal:Within two months, community members will demonstrate knowledge of healthier ways to prepare traditional dishes, such as baking instead of frying. NR 442 Community RUA Final Strategies: Long-Term Goal:Reduce cardiovascular disease rates in the community by 15% within one year. Actions: Interventions for Priority Diagnosis Lifestyle Recommendations According to the American Heart Association (2018), optimal heart health can be achieved through seven key factors: healthy diet, weight control, regular exercise, smoking cessation, blood pressure management, cholesterol management, and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Modifiable Risk Factor: Diet From the assessment, diet emerges as the most significant modifiable factor influencing cardiovascular health in this community. While members are aware of certain unhealthy aspects of their cuisine (e.g., fried potato pancakes), these foods hold cultural significance. Modifying preparation methods can balance cultural preservation with health improvement. Community Health Interventions Primary Prevention: Secondary Prevention: Tertiary Prevention: Evaluation of Priority Diagnosis Measures: Outcomes: Community Resources References American Heart Association. (2018). Cholesterol management. https://www.heart.org/ Congregation Bet Haverim. (2019). Youth and family education: Reconstructing Judaism—Deeply rooted, boldly relevant. https://www.congregationbethaverim.org/learning County Health Rankings. (2019). Dekalb County: Health behaviors. https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/georgia/2019/rankings/dekalb/county/outcomes/overall/snapshot Engelke, Z. R. M. (2017). Patient and family education: Teaching the patient with cardiovascular disease. CINAHL Nursing Guide. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nup&AN=T705752&site=eds-live&scope=site Itzhaky, H., & Kissil, K. (2015). “It’s a horrible sin. If they find out, I will not be able to stay”: Orthodox Jewish gay men’s experiences living in secrecy. Journal of Homosexuality, 62(5), 621–643. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2014.988532 Liu, B.-X., Sun, W., & Kong, X.-Q. (2019). Perirenal fat: A unique fat pad and potential target for cardiovascular disease. Angiology, 70(7), 584–593. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003319718799967 NR 442 Community RUA Final Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2019). Community/public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations (7th ed.). Elsevier. Point 2 Homes. (2019). Toco Hills: Population demographics. https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/GA/North-Druid-Hills/Toco-Hills-Demographics.html Putney, F. M. (2018, August 30). Toco Hills, then and now.