#social determinants of health

[living400lbs]

"Fed is best. This isn’t just for babies. Everyone needs to eat, and food is a human right. It’s a privilege to be able to choose from various forms of food. It’s a privilege to be told to just eat the cookie because it tastes good. Some people, because of food insecurity, are thinking about how to get in their next meal. Some people are struggling with job security and have multiple mouths to feed and need a way to make their dollar stretch. I was once asked during an interview what was the key to health I could tell everyone. I simply replied “Money.” Because there is no universal way to be healthy. Needless to say, that wasn’t the answer they were looking for, and they finally got me to say “Eat a variety of foods,” but the secret really is money."

- from Live Nourished by Shana Minei Spence

[alwaysbewoke]

[dudeinthestacks]

Haven’t had Big Emotions about Father’s Day in at least a decade. Today’s emotions are sponsored by my mother’s need to inform me that my dad’s brother got bumped up the organ donor list three years and would be receiving the same organ my dad died waiting on (it was not malicious, but she didn’t think about how the info would land before she called me), and by medical racism.

[m00narchives]

Sometimes it feels like they do not want people to win- as in too much knowledge and power will be dangerous for the systems that are built against us. This is why CRT (critical race theory) is important to learn. You’ll see how institutional racism is ingrained within these organizations that keep people in a box. Why are fast food places more popular than healthy spots? Why not just make healthy foods affordable so everyone can access them? We are poisoning our bodies and not living to our full potential by feeding into these habits. Maybe if they were to put a sugar tax there would be less of a motive to buy it. But that is not always the person’s choice, there are a lot of social determinants that one has to consider: income, location, and accessibility. But if these foods were lowered in price and sold everywhere then it would be much easier to get a hold of them. Imagine how sharp we’d be if we eliminated processed foods and had grains and fish and beans. Getting sugar intake from fruits and not artificial sweeteners. A study that I will link below states how junk food can cause depression, proving my point of a consumer and capitalist cycle that then sends us to another market to buy something to treat that problem. The same goes for alcohol and drugs, they fuck with our brain chemistry and will slowly deteriorate all functions. Just like they have banned cannabis and mushrooms, plants and fungi that were NOT manmade and are natural. This is all the governments way of trying to be in charge of their society. These drugs allow us to dive deep in the subconscious and they do not want that?? WHY?!! People need to go beyond surface level thinking. These are sacred practices in some cultures that require a shaman and it’s for a reason- it’s spiritual and people here abuse it. Everything is a ripple effect. If we were eating nutritional foods we would naturally be more in touch with ourselves and society and the outside world. We’d have the capacity for other things beyond only ourselves. We’d have more compassion and sympathy.

Studies show that Asian people live longer than white people because their lifestyles are much more balanced than white people. They exercise and eat nutrition filled foods. Americans are so lazy, the world offers so many different and free resources to utilize to workout and yet they don’t use it. You can walk around your block if you cannot afford a gym membership. You can stretch while watching TV, you can substitute chips for celery and peanut butter- a snack that only benefits anxiety but also helps with sleep. All alternatives to a pharmaceutical industry that seems to be the popular go-to.

[lillypadcrochet]

Everyone, read “Well (what we need to talk about when we talk about health)” by Sandro Galea right now!!!!!

[exploresmallworlds]

Non-writing prompt post

I’m infuriated and I’m just ranting I think. But I’m really frustrated the way that I’ve been experiencing health related issues. I speak to the way that I’ve had three experiences in the last couple of months that have shaken whatever faith I have in the medical community but it came to a head today. The first was being mistreated by a dermatologist who saw one of my diagnoses and decided that…

[themarydragon]

We either don't know better, don't have an option, or cook from scratch.

I only shop on the outside of the grocery store (produce, meat, dairy) and make a few runs thru the middle for staples like flour and rice and my household cooks 99% of our meals from scratch. Just about everybody agrees that restaurants aren't healthy, but its more important not to starve.

The European mind cannot comprehend what it was like to be a person who'd only had Hershey bullshit chocolate my entire life and then have European chocolate for the very first time and it made me realize why people were acting like that in the Willy Wonka movies

[aanews69]

**Why Black Women Face DEADLIER Breast Cancer Odds**: Delve into the staggering world of breast cancer disparities, where black women face a 40% higher morta...

[living400lbs]

"The link between sleep deprivation and stress to the development of chronic diseases is real. [My father] had major health issues at a young age: diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep apnea. An internalized grind culture set things in motion for an early death at fifty-five.

[...]

Grind culture killed my father and is killing us physically and spiritually. Sleep deprivation is a public health issue and a racial justice issue. There is a large body of research that points to the sleep gap that exists between Black Americans and white Americans."

From Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey

[omegaphilosophia]

The Impact of Junk Food on Low-Income Communities

The consumption of junk food has several adverse effects on low-income communities. These effects span health, economic, and social dimensions, creating a complex web of challenges for individuals and families living in poverty.

1. Health Implications

Nutritional Deficiencies: Junk food is typically high in calories, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats while being low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This poor nutritional profile can lead to deficiencies in vital nutrients, contributing to health issues such as anemia, weakened immune systems, and poor growth and development in children.

Chronic Diseases: Regular consumption of junk food is linked to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Low-income individuals often have less access to healthcare and preventative services, exacerbating the long-term impact of these conditions.

Mental Health: There is growing evidence that diet impacts mental health. Diets high in junk food have been associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Poor mental health can further entrench individuals in poverty by affecting their ability to work and maintain stable employment.

2. Economic Consequences

Healthcare Costs: Chronic diseases associated with poor diet can lead to significant healthcare costs. For low-income individuals, these costs can be financially devastating, leading to a cycle of debt and further impoverishment.

Productivity Loss: Health issues related to junk food consumption can reduce an individual's productivity and ability to work, leading to lost wages and job opportunities. This loss of productivity affects not just individuals, but also the broader economy.

Food Insecurity: Paradoxically, while junk food is often cheaper and more accessible, it can contribute to food insecurity by creating a cycle of poor health and high medical costs. This cycle can make it harder for individuals to afford healthy, nutritious food, perpetuating dependence on cheap, unhealthy options.

3. Social and Environmental Factors

Access to Healthy Foods: Low-income neighborhoods often lack access to grocery stores that offer fresh, healthy foods at affordable prices. Instead, these areas are frequently saturated with fast-food restaurants and convenience stores that primarily sell junk food. This phenomenon, known as "food deserts," limits healthy food choices for residents.

Education and Awareness: There may be lower levels of education and awareness about nutrition and healthy eating in low-income communities. This lack of knowledge can make it harder for individuals to make informed food choices, further entrenching unhealthy eating habits.

Marketing and Advertising: Junk food companies often target low-income communities with aggressive marketing campaigns, exploiting their financial vulnerabilities and preferences. Children, in particular, are susceptible to these marketing tactics, which can establish lifelong unhealthy eating habits.

The negative impact of junk food on low-income communities is multifaceted, involving health, economic, and social dimensions. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving access to healthy foods, increasing education and awareness about nutrition, and implementing policies that reduce the marketing of junk food to vulnerable populations. By tackling these challenges, society can help improve the health and well-being of low-income individuals and communities.

[kaapstadmk]

SNAP is similar. If you have >$2000 in your bank account for 6+ months, you lose eligibility. Note, this is a program that essentially covers the food bill for impoverished families.

That $2k will never help you out of poverty. The way the system is set up, you can never save up funds to give yourself a new start and get out of poverty. You're stuck in a hand-to-mouth cycle by necessity, unless something happens that gives you just the right amount of lift to get you out of poverty and into a self-sustaining lifestyle.

Oh, and not to mention: if you're male, you have to prove you're trying to work, to seek gainful employment to continue to qualify, but God forbid you make just enough to save anything...

US people with disabilities in the supplemental security income (SSI) program can't have a penny over $2K in their bank account at any time in order to keep their benefits.

You know this economy. That amount is completely unlivable & makes it hard for people with disability to save for the future or have a safety net for emergencies.

A new bill would raise the max to $10K (or $20K for married couples). It would make a world of difference.

Show support, sign this petition.

[myraleem]

Medical Industrial Complex and Substance Use Effect

This paper has the purpose of identifying examples of social, political, cultural, and environmental influences that impact People who use drugs. We believe that it is important to consider how the role of the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) (Healthcare and Education access and quality, Social and community context, Economic stability, and Neighborhood and built environment) affects them in…

[broadlyepi]

MMWR Booster #38:  Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19 ― United States, January–July 2022

Top 5 Takeaways

Pronounced Disparities: From April to July 2022, Paxlovid treatment among COVID-19 patients aged ≥20 years was significantly lower for Black (35.8% less) and Hispanic (29.9% less) patients compared to White and non-Hispanic patients, respectively.

Increased Paxlovid Use Over Time: The percentage of COVID-19 patients treated with Paxlovid rose from 0.6% in January to 34.3% in July 2022, though this increase was not equally distributed among all racial and ethnic groups.

Underlying Factors: Factors contributing to these disparities include limited access to treatment facilities in high-poverty, majority-minority areas, previous negative healthcare experiences, and potential biases in healthcare provision.

Immunocompromised Patients Affected: Racial and ethnic disparities in treatment were more pronounced among high-risk patient groups, including those aged ≥50 years and those who were immunocompromised.

Public Health Implications: Addressing these disparities requires expanding awareness and access to COVID-19 treatments, particularly among high-risk groups and minority communities.

Full summary link: BroadlyEpi.com

Enjoying these summaries? Check back every day at 8am and 4pm Pacific Time (UTC - 8) for a new MMWR Booster. A reblog would also be greatly appreciated, and thanks to everyone who already has! BroadlyEpi hopes to make Epidemiology and Public Health more approachable to anyone who's interested.

[innonurse]

Study: Generative AI models can effectively highlight social determinants of health within doctors’ notes

- By InnoNurse Staff -

Because patients' social circumstances are frequently under-documented in electronic health records, a finely calibrated algorithm created by Mass General Brigham investigators may aid clinical care and research.

Read more at Mass General Brigham

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Other recent news and insights

AI-powered eye exams enhance screening rates for diabetic youth, according to a study (Johns Hopkins Medicine)

[harmonyhealinghub]

The Crucial Need for Indigenous Health Care: Honouring Cultural Identity and Overcoming Disparities

Shaina Tranquilino

October 5, 2023

Indigenous communities around the world have rich cultural traditions spanning thousands of years. Yet, these communities often face significant health disparities compared to non-Indigenous populations. Addressing this imbalance requires recognizing the importance of Indigenous health care, not only as a means to improve well-being but also as a way to honour their unique cultural identity. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Indigenous health care and highlight the steps necessary to bridge the gap in healthcare access and outcomes.

Preserving Cultural Identity:

Indigenous people possess distinct knowledge systems regarding wellness, healing practices, and medicinal plants that are deeply rooted in their culture and ancestral wisdom. By incorporating traditional healing methods into mainstream healthcare services, we can foster an environment that respects and preserves their cultural identity. This integration enables Indigenous individuals to feel more comfortable seeking medical assistance while ensuring their treatment aligns with their beliefs and values.

Holistic Approach:

Indigenous health care emphasizes holistic approaches to well-being, considering physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects as interconnected elements of one's overall health. Traditional healers or medicine people play a vital role in delivering culturally appropriate care by addressing not only symptoms but also underlying causes of illnesses. Incorporating these holistic approaches into mainstream healthcare can enhance patient-centred care models for all populations.

Overcoming Health Disparities:

Health disparities faced by Indigenous communities are multifaceted, stemming from historical trauma, social determinants of health, limited access to quality healthcare facilities, discrimination within the healthcare system, and inadequate funding for Indigenous-specific programs. Recognizing these barriers is crucial in designing policies and interventions aimed at reducing such inequities.

Culturally Competent Healthcare Providers:

To deliver effective Indigenous health care, it is essential to train healthcare providers on culturally competent practices. Culturally competent care acknowledges diverse perspectives and ensures patients' cultural beliefs and practices are respected. By fostering empathy, understanding, and inclusivity among healthcare professionals, we can cultivate an environment where Indigenous patients feel comfortable seeking care and have their unique needs met.

Collaboration and Community Engagement:

Engaging Indigenous communities in the decision-making process regarding their own health is paramount. Collaboration between governments, local authorities, healthcare providers, researchers, and Indigenous leaders can help identify community-specific health challenges and develop tailored interventions. Active involvement of Indigenous peoples in designing healthcare policies ensures that solutions are culturally appropriate and sustainable.

Investing in Infrastructure:

Improving infrastructure within Indigenous communities is essential to enhance access to quality healthcare services. This includes increasing the number of clinics, hospitals, and healthcare professionals within these areas while prioritizing culturally sensitive environments that respect traditional healing practices. Additionally, improving transportation systems and telehealth initiatives can bridge geographical barriers faced by remote communities.

Recognizing the importance of Indigenous healthcare goes beyond addressing disparities; it is about honouring diverse cultures, preserving ancestral knowledge, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all. By valuing holistic approaches to well-being, investing in infrastructure development, promoting cultural competence among healthcare providers, and engaging with Indigenous communities directly, we can take significant strides towards achieving health equity for Indigenous populations worldwide. Only through collective efforts can we forge a path towards a future where every individual's right to good health is upheld without compromising their cultural identity.

[roshni99]

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