Introduction
Dallas is considered to be the ninth most populous city in U.S.A. and the third in the state of Texas. It is divided into several counties with inclusion of the Collin, Dallas, Denton, Kaufman and Rockwall, with an approximated population of 1,197,816 as in accordance to the 2010 U.S Census Bureau. According to the census, 50.7% of the population were whites, 25.0% were black or African American, 0.7% was American Indian while 2.6 were from two or more races.
Mulling over to the neighbourhoods, it has the Central Dallas which is anchored by Downtown, which has a list of districts such as the West End Historic District and Main Street District among others. It also has East Dallas which is home to Deep Ellum, and South Dallas which bounders the Downtown from the southeast (BOUNDARIES, 2013).
Considering the economic sector, the city is an economic centre considering the fact that metropex economy is categorized as the sixth largest economies in United States of America. It was founded in 1841 and the city’s economy is fundamentally based on banking, commerce, computer technologies among others such as telecommunication, healthcare and medical research and transportation. Logistics are also part of the basis of the city’s economy (Jackie & Michael, 2012).
Reflecting on the culture and cultural practices within Dallas, we find several art venues in Dallas, with inclusion of both existing and the proposed. For instance in Arts District, we find Dallas Museum of art, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Centre and Dallas Wind Symphony among others such as the Dallas Children’s Theater. Looking at the media, Dallas has several local newspapers, magazines and radio stations. It has also notable televisions states which keep the residents up-to-date. These media not only provide the information to the people but also improve the social welfare of the residents as they offer entertainments of various natures and which addresses the issues of the people.
The city has outsized protestant Christianity influence which inclusion of Methodist, Baptism and Presbyterian churches. The Catholic Church is also a beneficial Christian organization in Dallas as it is evident to operate the University of Dallas among other institutions the organization operates. It has the highest population of the Jewish in Texas and also has several Jehovah’s Witnesses followers.
Dallas is recognized for several sports activities and practices as it supports soccer, hockey, football, basketball, baseball, horse racing and rugby leagues which make it a popular sports centre. It is also observed to support cricket and recreational programs which consequently boasts the social lifestyles of the people living in the town.
Assessment of the Dallas using the "Functional Health Patterns Community Assessment Guide"
Value and/or Believe Pattern
Most of the population in Dallas are Christians who believe in God’s creation and remains to the saying that people cure, God heals. There are various spiritual resources in the community, including churches, recreation centres, self-help organizations and support movements (Joseph, 2008). Considering the fact that larger population of the city are literate, the spiritual beliefs in the community do not affect or influence their health. The community has organized movements that support health projects that are aimed at improving and creating health community in the town. They campaign for healthy surrounding and this is evident from the contributions the residents make towards cleaning and related activities that promote healthy environment.
Health Perception and Management
Being one of the largest cities in Texas and in U.S.A., the city has a high population and this subjects it to high chances of disease breakouts. In reaction to this and related health predicaments, the health centres and organizations advocate for immunization to all young children to prevent the spread of immune related diseases. This is evident from the health campaigns and programs that are initiated in Dallas to curb predictable diseases and promote health and safety. Generally, there are adequate health centres, both public and private and with appropriate health facilities and sufficient resources.
Nutrition and Metabolic
The fact the residents of Dallas are informed suffices to show the reason behind the few and countable cases of health threatening situations even from societies with low incomes. There is adequate availability of clean water, fast food accessibility, food programs that aid in providing quality and nutritious foods to the less fortune. Quality foods and clean water are provided in the learning institutions and cleanliness is maintained at high level to prevent diseases outbreaks in such institutions (Allen, 2009).
Elimination (Environmental Health Concern)
In ensuring that there is a health working, living and learning environment to all residents and workers of Dallas, the municipality of the city initiated programs that ensure there is minimal pollution, and that the hygiene practices are observed and well managed. The security is highly maintained to help in curbing crimes and use of illegal drugs which consequently affect the health of the people. The structures within Dallas are well built with consideration of climatic changes such as temperatures, wind and the economic activities that may subject pollution to the environment.
Activity/Exercise
Being a sport centre, Dallas promotes physical health of the people living or working in the region and this is evident from the support various organizations offers to the social clubs, sports and rehabilitation centres. P.E lessons are allocated in schools, leisure programs such as watching televisions; internet enables computers to support surfing and social networking, sports, swimming pools and appropriate transport and communication systems to favour the workers and students (Allen, 2009).
Sleep/Rest
The security systems in Dallas are effective such that they ensure there are minimal disturbing agents that may hinder accommodative sleeping environment at night. The social night clubs are controlled to reduce noise pollution and the environment is made conducive in almost all regions of Dallas, such as there is less noise, controlled lights and observed health measures.
Cognitive and Perceptual Aspect/Self-Perception
The residents ensure there is a favourable way of addressing issues related to communication, tribalism, job and educational opportunities fixation, funds resources reimbursement and distribution and that the individuals with special needs are accommodated in the community. This ensures that every individual feels accepted and recognized irrespective of their races, religions and/or class.
Role/Relationship/Sexuality/Reproduction
Democracy and constitution play a great role in ensuring there is equality in all operations and activities carried out in Dallas. This is evident from the way jobs are allocated, the way people carry out their roles and responsibilities in various fields and the quality of performance evident from every sector within Dallas (Herbert, 1914). There are campaigns that educate people of responsiveness and developments, and related programs which enable people understand the benefits of family planning, engaging in safe sex to curb STDs, and encouraging people to engage themselves in activities that boast their economic status. This has greatly improved the living standards of the people in Dallas and its environment.
Coping/Stress
People in Dallas are informed of the roles and responsibilities of every agency, organization of federal departments. They follow the rules, regulations and procedures fostered to control and manage people, in the sense that each organization has a code of conduct to be signed by the employees, each family has its commands of governance and this helps in creating an enabling environment (Allen, 2009). Consequently, there is less stress, low poverty rate due to the economic programs fostered in Dallas, and there are fewer cases of illegal drug use in the city.
Conclusion
Generally, Dallas is a region that has people who have been informed and who are aware of what is required of them, what they should do and where and among all, they understand that every individual has constitutional rights that need to be observed. People are informed of the importance of maintaining health environment not only in the places they reside from but also in workplaces, learning institutions, and rehabilitation centres and in religious institutions. I love Dallas, and may God bless its people to have the same spirit of maintaining peace, love and harmony.
References
Allen, M. (2009). "Dallas' British Consulate to close in money-saving move." Dallas Business Journal.
BOUNDARIES. (2013). Handbook of Texas (Online). Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved on 12th February 2013 from: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/mgb02
Herbert, E. (1914). Athanase de Mezieres and the Louisiana-Texas Frontier 1768–1780, Cleveland: Arthur H Clark Company,
Jackie, M. & Michael, V. H. (2012). DALLAS, TX. Handbook of Texas (Online).
Joseph, M. (2008). Republic of Texas: Handbook of Texas
