Out Loud and Up Close: Applied Anthropology is Hands On!
An applied anthropologist is one that works very closely with medical professionals, government officials, and advocates to directly make a change in the health care field. These anthropologists are very hands on, and study a specific problem in their field of research and study in order to develop a new health program, or make changes and improvements to an existing one. They are also involved in fundraising, awareness and education programs for different illnesses and healthcare issues. Things such as World Down Syndrome Day are the work of applied anthropologists, as well as health care policies put in place to protect their rights and ensure equal and fair treatment in society. Be sure to take the quiz to check your knowledge on Down Syndrome facts, a great awareness and education tool!
As we become more of a globalized society, we realize that it affects almost every aspect of our lives: communication, information, culture, education, healthcare, economy, politics and media. This can create both positive and negative effects. In the case of down syndrome, I believe that it is nothing but positive. Through globalization and the free flow of information, we are creating new technologies and treatments to help those suffering from Down Syndrome and even possibly minimize or eliminate the effects of this condition. Through media, it is also much easier to raise awareness and understanding of this condition. It is also easier for those who are affected by the illness to find support from others who have experienced similar situations, or seek help from experts. This is the case of a South African family with three brain damaged children; one of them being Down Syndrome who heard of a successful therapy program that had the potential to drastically change their children’s lives for the better. After learning a bit about the program, the parents decided to pick up their lives and move their family to Pennsylvania in hopes that it would help their kids. Where they ended up was the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential (IAHP). This is a program that teaches parents physical and mental activities to perform with their children every day in hopes to increase their development. If you would like to learn a little bit more about this amazing family’s story and all the progress they have made so far, check out the video documentary posted on the ethnomedical page if you haven’t yet! I think that IAHP does a great job of taking an anthropological approach towards their program. They are very multifaceted and seem to realize the importance of culture and family, as well as countless other outside factors that affect a child’s condition and development. Without this, the treatment would not have the success that it has to this point.
An applied anthropologist is one that works very closely with medical professionals, government officials, and advocates to directly make a change in the health care field. These anthropologists are very hands on, and study a specific problem in their field of research and study in order to develop a new health program, or make changes and improvements to an existing one. They are also involved in fundraising, awareness and education programs for different illnesses and healthcare issues. Things such as World Down Syndrome Day are the work of applied anthropologists, as well as health care policies put in place to protect their rights and ensure equal and fair treatment in society. Be sure to take the quiz to check your knowledge on Down Syndrome facts, a great awareness and education tool!
As we become more of a globalized society, we realize that it affects almost every aspect of our lives: communication, information, culture, education, healthcare, economy, politics and media. This can create both positive and negative effects. In the case of down syndrome, I believe that it is nothing but positive. Through globalization and the free flow of information, we are creating new technologies and treatments to help those suffering from Down Syndrome and even possibly minimize or eliminate the effects of this condition. Through media, it is also much easier to raise awareness and understanding of this condition. It is also easier for those who are affected by the illness to find support from others who have experienced similar situations, or seek help from experts. This is the case of a South African family with three brain damaged children; one of them being Down Syndrome who heard of a successful therapy program that had the potential to drastically change their children’s lives for the better. After learning a bit about the program, the parents decided to pick up their lives and move their family to Pennsylvania in hopes that it would help their kids. Where they ended up was the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential (IAHP). This is a program that teaches parents physical and mental activities to perform with their children every day in hopes to increase their development. If you would like to learn a little bit more about this amazing family’s story and all the progress they have made so far, check out the video documentary posted on the ethnomedical page if you haven’t yet! I think that IAHP does a great job of taking an anthropological approach towards their program. They are very multifaceted and seem to realize the importance of culture and family, as well as countless other outside factors that affect a child’s condition and development. Without this, the treatment would not have the success that it has to this point.
Image: http://www.downsyndrome.org.za/main.aspx?artid=54
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Click below to take a Quiz and test your knowledge about Trisomy 21!
"Down Syndrome Game." Fun Trivia. Accessed August 13, 2014. http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz288598210a558.html.
"Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)." IAHP: Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential. 2014. Accessed August 14, 2014. |