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EiJ Concept: Median Income

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This essay explains the concept of "median income" and provides resources for teaching it in various contexts.

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erin_tuttle
  • Chernobyl was an unexpected disaster, however several more nuclear disasters have occurred since then. I looked into the safeguards that were changed after Chernobyl and if those had any part in mitigating other nuclear meltdowns. After the explosions several countries and international groups developed nuclear policies that attempted to prevent critical system failures as occurred during the test that caused the reactor to overheat, but many countries refused to adopt additional safeguards that may prevent future disasters.
  • The article described the various zones put into place to keep people away from the most radioactive areas around Chernobyl, I looked into the zones used and the determining factors in determining the sizes of each zone. The initial response determined a zone of 30km around the site, however as scientific understanding of radiation improved the zone was extended to 2600km. This shows the importance of an informed response to prevent further damage after a disaster.

Finally, I researched the effects of low dose radiation poisoning to better understand the medical care needed by those affected. Even low exposure doses can cause lasting damage to organs, or cause cancer and blood related illnesses through the effect of radiation on bone marrow. Those exposed would need frequent medical exams and treatment for the entirety of their lives.

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Zackery.White

1. The study in Baltimore showed that with a reduction in the influence of socio-economic factors in patients receiving health care services. The studies showed that with their increased awareness and effort the socioeconomic disparities largely vanished. Unfortunately this is also underscored by the emergence of HIV which is resistant to multiple drugs. 

2. The use of the PIH model in Haiti was shown to have positive results there, so much so that it was adapted in Rwanda. The greater challenges faced by this group is water quality and gender inequality.

3. Another way the argument is supported is by discussing the ways that clinicians can help to intervene in structural violence. 

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erin_tuttle

The authors are Paul E. Farmer, Bruce Nizeye, Sara Stulac, and Salmaan Keshavjee. All of the authors are involved with the nonprofit organization Partners in Health in some capacity, with experience working with rural or poverty stricken areas. Paul E Farmer, the primary author of the article is a medical doctor also working for the United Nations who has published many other articles on similar topics.

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erin_tuttle
  • Throughout the article it became apparent that the individuals being interviewed were rarely prescribed medication and in some cases did not take their medication. I researched the effectiveness of epilepsy medication and severity of not treating seizures in order to better understand that specific illness.
  • The article was written using data collected in 1988. Since medical knowledge has changed dramatically since then I decided to look into the current medical situation in Turkey. Although it is challenging to find unbiased opinions it appears that even with advances in medical science, cultural traditions remain an integral part in dealing with illness in many places and needs to be understood when dealing with patients who have those beliefs.
  • A majority of the patients interviewed attribute their seizures to a traumatic moment in their past, as I was unaware that epilepsy could be triggered in such a way I looked into the causes of epilepsy. In many cases the cause cannot be identified, however there is significant evidence for epileptic fits being caused by post-traumatic stress as well as neurological trauma and even cardiac issues.

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Zackery.White

"Over the past 10 years, MSF has provided medical care to approximately almost 118,000 victims of sexual violence. Integrating related care into MSF general assistance to populations affected by crisis and conflicts has presented a considerable institutional struggle and continues to be a challenge. Tensions regarding the role of MSF in the care to victims of sexual violence and when facing the multiple challenges inherent in dealing with this crime persist. An overview of MSF experience and related reflection aims to share with the reader on one hand the complexity of the issue, and on the other hand the need to continue fighting for the provision of adequate medical care for victims of sexual violence, which after all and despite the limits, is feasible."

MSF is stricken by the intensely difficult task of helping with sexual violence. Not only do they have to deal with supporting the 118,000 people physically, but they help emotionally as well. Another aspect which contributes to the problem is the vast differences in gender equality throughout the world.  

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erin_tuttle

The program is well regarded by the public, both international and the Hatian community. Articles have been written in many countries and the program recieved positive news coverege in Hatian news outlets and newspapers. Other emergency response organizations have also taken note of the program, and presented it as a successful relief effort. 

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erin_tuttle

Emergency response is addressed in terms of post-incident humanitarian aid, dealing with how to identify and help victims of sexual violence without politicizing their situations to the point of forcing them to relive their trauma or making them feel separated from other people receiving aid.

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Zackery.White
Annotation of

Hailey-Means’ mental and physical health quickly deteriorated. Her treatment by guards and the intolerable conditions in solitary confinement — complete isolation, extreme temperatures, polluted air, the stink of the landfill — led Candie to try to take her own life.

What they’re calling for instead is a divestment from mass incarceration, along with an end to bail, and an investment in health care, living wage jobs, and mental health treatment that would lead to safer communities.