Assignment 3: Population Health - Subsystems (Essay Sample)

Assignment 3: Population Health - Subsystems Name Institution BSN 432 05/12/2025 Introduction Population health involves examining not only medical care and disease prevalence but also the social and structural conditions that impact community well-being. Windshield surveys provide a valuable opportunity to assess these conditions through direct observation. This third tour of Sentinel City focuses on three critical subsystems: education, recreation, and politics and government. These elements shape the social fabric of a community and influence health behaviors, community cohesion, and civic engagement. This paper presents observations from Sentinel City in these areas and connects them to the real-world community of Bakersfield, California, to explore similarities, differences, and opportunities for public health improvement. Education Subsystem In Sentinel City, education infrastructure is visible in several areas, including multiple public schools across neighborhoods such as Industrial Heights, Acer Tech Center, and Nightingale Square. The physical condition of schools varies by location. In Nightingale Square, school buildings are modern and well-maintained, suggesting better funding and resources. Conversely, in Industrial Heights, schools appear older with signs of neglect, such as cracked walls and damaged windows, hinting at disparities in education quality. Public and private daycare centers were observed, especially in the downtown and residential zones. These included small neighborhood childcare facilities and larger centers with visible signage. K-12 programs are clearly present throughout the city, though higher education institutions were not explicitly seen during the tour, suggesting that residents may have to travel to neighboring cities for college or vocational education. Public libraries were visible and appeared to be actively used, particularly by youth and seniors, indicating the importance of such institutions in providing free access to knowledge and internet services. Many children were seen walking to school, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods, while others were accompanied by adults or dropped off by school buses. The availability of sidewalks and crossing guards in some areas supports safe walking routes, although poorer regions have broken sidewalks and limited signage, posing safety concerns. In contrast, Bakersfield, California, also offers a mix of public and private educational institutions. Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield, provide higher education access locally, while public schools range in quality depending on district zoning and socioeconomic demographics. Like Sentinel City, access to early childhood education varies, with waiting lists and affordability acting as barriers for some families. Recreation Subsystem Recreational facilities in Sentinel City include several parks, basketball courts, and walking/bike trails. Parks are strategically located across all neighborhoods, although the condition and amenities differ. For example, Nightingale Square features green, well-maintained parks with playgrounds and exercise stations. In contrast, parks in Industrial Heights show signs of wear, such as broken equipment and unclean restrooms, potentially deterring community use. Downtown features youth recreation centers offering group activities, likely serving as important venues for physical activity and social interaction, especially for children and adolescents. Recreation supports community health in several important ways. First, it provides opportunities for physical activity, which can reduce obesity, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance mental well-being. Second, recreational spaces facilitate social interaction, promoting a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. Third, community centers and youth programs keep children engaged in structured, safe activities, which can reduce delinquency and foster positive development. In Bakersfield, recreational infrastructure is well-developed, with Kern River Parkway, Aera Park, and several community centers supporting active lifestyles. The city also hosts youth sports leagues and wellness programs sponsored by nonprofits and the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks. Like Sentinel City, disparities exist, as wealthier areas have better-maintained parks and more programming, while lower-income regions struggle with upkeep and accessibility. Politics and Government Subsystem Signs of political activity in Sentinel City include posters about city council meetings, campaign advertisements, and flyers promoting neighborhood improvement initiatives. Downtown, near the government building, residents were seen engaging in what appeared to be a public town hall or community forum. The city government building stands as a clear symbol of civic engagement, with its well-maintained façade and visible signage promoting transparency and public access. The form of government in Sentinel City appears to be a council-manager system, where an elected city council sets policy and appoints a professional manager to oversee daily operations. This form of government balances political re...