Running Head: Interview Reflection
1
Introduction
1
- Date - 3/8/14
- Interviewee – Sonya Brown
- Role – Social Worker
- Interviewer – Temeka
Introduction
The purpose of the interview was to get a better understanding about obesity in the community. I informed Ms. Brown who is a social worker about the statistics of obesity today in the elderly community. I asked for her opinion on the matter and how can she as a social worker help with this epidemic. She spoke on several solutions i.e. a nutritionist, getting the client involve with a nutritionist to help them prepare the food and show them how to eat better and give them motivation, so they won’t be depressed. She also, spoke about a personal trainer and even dieting as an option. Have the client set up with a personal trainer and give them an exercise routine. Maybe give them some therapy because of the life change and ask questions of the client to see where they are and their goals. Myself and Ms. Brown spoke on the fact that being obese in the elderly community is not necessarily bad, because the weight helps aid the body to fight off infections, illness or injury. We also, discussed the rarity of volunteer weight loss in late adulthood and how would she as a social worker convince the client that it is the right thing to do. She stated “Social Worker: If I know they had some health issues I would have to talk to them about that. If the client wants to continue to live the only option you have is to live a healthy life. If you have children or grandchildren and would like to see them grow up you have to change your life style. Bring up all their disabilities that are keeping them from living a healthy lifestyle and try to scare them in a sense”.
Analyze
Obesity is an epidemic that we need to get control of. I learned that obesity is not always under personal control.There are sometimes other under lining issues that could cause weight gain. Society has a negative view on the obesity stigma. Obese individuals are judged based on their appearance. They are considered lazy, sloppy, unintelligent, no will-power, lack of self-esteem and many more negative terms. Society is a lot harder on young and middle adulthood problems with obesity. The individuals in this category are targets of bias and stigma, and they are vulnerable to negative attitudes. They have a higher rate of suicidal thoughts. In late adulthood obesity is a little more acceptable, because of their age and all of the health risk involved in treating them. Weight loss could have harmful effects such as death.
Other Useful
Information
Obesity is a social issue that affects a majority of the lower to middle income families, mainly in urban areas. The food in these areas is often cheap and processed. Obesity cause Americans millions of dollars each year, because of health insurance and added medical charges. Studies have shown that when a child is obese they carry the weight on to adulthood and are more likely to have obesity related health issues, such as, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, breathing issues and many more ailments.
Personal
Experience
I had a lot of different emotions, going into the interview. Once I spoke to the social worker, I felt a lot better about the issue. I learned that not all weight is bad weight. That in some situations it’s best for an elderly person to have a little more weight on them. The weight keeps them from seriously hurting themselves. I learned that just because a person have a few more pounds on them, that it’s not because they are lazy.
Future Social
Work
I recommend that we as social workers become advocates. Go to the nursing homes, schools and neighbourhood to educate the people in the community. Some of the obesity problems come from lack education, not knowing what foods to eat and how many calories we suppose to intake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a social worker I believe you can help with obesity by first offering emotional support. Listening to your family, friend, or client with patience to make sure they get the appropriate response and treatment they need.
I recommend that we as social workers become advocates. Go to the nursing homes, schools and neighbourhood to educate the people in the community. Some of the obesity problems come from lack education, not knowing what foods to eat and how many calories we suppose to intake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a social worker I believe you can help with obesity by first offering emotional support. Listening to your family, friend, or client with patience to make sure they get the appropriate response and treatment they need.