Today within modern industrialized societies, an individual’s position on the socio-economic ladder presents a tremendous influence on their health. The American Psychological Association (2015) reported that “socioeconomic status is often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation, and it is commonly conceptualized as the social standing or class of an individual or group.” Thus, health is closely associated with social or economic difficulties related to the social gap present within society.
When living in a society where health and one’s socio-economic status correlate greatly, health can easily be recognized as a quality of life. How is this so? According to the World Health Organization [WHO], (1948) health is defined …show more content…
When one considers the diet of an individual, they must first consider their access to food along with their ability to afford items in particular food groups. As a result, household income can substantially influence the health of an individual. The food present within the households of such individuals is commonly determined by the availability and affordability of specific food sources. Unfortunately, in many cases, when one is of a lower social economic status, it may be difficult for one to obtain nutritious food because of its high expense. Also, they tend to lack provision of adequate food supplies that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For instance, within the documentary Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross, he reveals to his audience that one’s socio-economic status has a tremendous impact on their physical health. In the case of a truck driver named Phil, showcased within the movie, Phil’s dietary habits reveal how a person’s priority is associated with price and familiarity combined with inadequate physical activity; as a result, this can lead to increased body weights. For adults, obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases including hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, coronary artery disease, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer. Consequently, residents that …show more content…
Where a person lives matters since the environment influences our health. The physical environment of individuals belonging to lower social-economic groups can also contribute to health inequalities (e.g. adequacy of housing, indoor air quality and water supply). Outdoor air pollution causes health effects that include coughing, aggravation of asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as the exacerbation of cardiovascular disease. Overcrowding and poorly ventilated houses can also increase susceptibility to disease. The number of people per dwelling has been known to greatly impact the physical health of inhabitants, including raising the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Homelessness is also a health issue. Some of these people become homeless as a result of inadequate income, living in a community with inadequate housing, or having a mental illness, which may hinder opportunities for employment and income. Built environments can influence physical health through factors such as community design, adequate housing, access to safe water, good sanitation, safe neighbourhoods, and adequate access to education, recreational services, public transit and child care. In essence, the built structure provides the setting for many of the social determinants of
When living in a society where health and one’s socio-economic status correlate greatly, health can easily be recognized as a quality of life. How is this so? According to the World Health Organization [WHO], (1948) health is defined …show more content…
When one considers the diet of an individual, they must first consider their access to food along with their ability to afford items in particular food groups. As a result, household income can substantially influence the health of an individual. The food present within the households of such individuals is commonly determined by the availability and affordability of specific food sources. Unfortunately, in many cases, when one is of a lower social economic status, it may be difficult for one to obtain nutritious food because of its high expense. Also, they tend to lack provision of adequate food supplies that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. For instance, within the documentary Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead by Joe Cross, he reveals to his audience that one’s socio-economic status has a tremendous impact on their physical health. In the case of a truck driver named Phil, showcased within the movie, Phil’s dietary habits reveal how a person’s priority is associated with price and familiarity combined with inadequate physical activity; as a result, this can lead to increased body weights. For adults, obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases including hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, coronary artery disease, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer. Consequently, residents that …show more content…
Where a person lives matters since the environment influences our health. The physical environment of individuals belonging to lower social-economic groups can also contribute to health inequalities (e.g. adequacy of housing, indoor air quality and water supply). Outdoor air pollution causes health effects that include coughing, aggravation of asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as the exacerbation of cardiovascular disease. Overcrowding and poorly ventilated houses can also increase susceptibility to disease. The number of people per dwelling has been known to greatly impact the physical health of inhabitants, including raising the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Homelessness is also a health issue. Some of these people become homeless as a result of inadequate income, living in a community with inadequate housing, or having a mental illness, which may hinder opportunities for employment and income. Built environments can influence physical health through factors such as community design, adequate housing, access to safe water, good sanitation, safe neighbourhoods, and adequate access to education, recreational services, public transit and child care. In essence, the built structure provides the setting for many of the social determinants of