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Good health is not just about doctor visits or taking medicine. Where you live, work, and spend time can play a big part in how healthy you feel each day. These life factors are called social determinants of health. They include your job, your neighborhood, your school, and the people around you.
What Are the Social Determinants of Health?
Your daily life shapes your health in many ways. Below are some of the social factors that influence health.
Economic Stability
A steady job and enough money make it easier to pay for food, housing, and doctor visits. Without money, people might skip meals or avoid medical care. Research shows that living in poverty or close to it (below 200% of the federal poverty level) can lower life expectancy by about eight years compared to people with higher incomes.
Education Access and Quality
Education gives you the tools to make healthy choices and find better jobs. Kids who go to good schools and finish high school are more likely to stay healthy as adults. People with more education often live longer and feel better because they understand how to take care of their health.
Healthcare Access and Quality
Having a trusted doctor and being able to get check-ups can help detect health issues before they become serious. According to the CDC, inadequate healthcare is a main reason for higher rates of heart disease and other long-term illnesses.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Your neighborhood shapes how easy it is to move your body and eat healthy foods. Safe parks and sidewalks make it easier to walk or exercise outside, while stores with fresh fruits and vegetables help you cook healthy meals at home.
Living in an area without safe places to play can make people feel worried about crime or traffic, so they stay inside more and feel trapped. Not having good grocery stores nearby forces families to eat more processed foods and can cause stress about how to find healthy options.
Social and Community Context
Strong connections with family and friends can help you handle stress and stay motivated to care for your health. Feeling supported can lower your risk of depression and help you live longer. A caring community makes it easier to stay on track with your health goals.
Reasons to Address Social Determinants of Health
The following are some of the reasons why supporting these areas of your life can help you stay healthy and feel your best.
- Improve overall health: Meeting your basic needs helps you feel strong and lowers your chances of getting sick.
- Improve mental health: Feeling safe, having enough food, and having people you trust can keep your mind calm and happy.
- Reduce the risk of chronic diseases: Good food choices and safe places to move lower your chances of getting serious diseases like heart problems or diabetes.
- Better management of existing conditions: When your daily needs are met, it is easier to take your medicine, get to appointments, and follow care plans.
- Reduce healthcare costs: Staying healthy can help you avoid emergency visits and save money on medical bills.
- Increase life expectancy: Meeting your social needs can help you live a longer and fuller life.
What Is a Social Determinants of Health Screening Tool?
Doctors and health groups use social determinants of health screening tools to learn about things that might be making it harder for you to stay healthy.
At Jai Medical Systems, we have a simple survey that asks about your needs with food, housing, and transportation. Your answers help us connect you to helpful local programs, like food support or ride services.
If you want help with any of these areas, reach out to us today. We are here to support you and help you live your healthiest life.
You might feel fine, but small steps each day can help you stay healthy for years to come. Healthy living involves building good habits you can stick with. When you take care of your body, you feel stronger, sleep better, and avoid many common health problems.
Why Healthy Habits Matter
When you stick to healthy living habits, you give your body the tools it needs to fight sickness. People who eat well, stay active, and go to the doctor on time are less likely to get serious health issues like diabetes, heart issues, or high blood pressure. These good habits also help lower stress, boost mood, and save money by avoiding long hospital visits or extra medicine.
Even one healthy habit can make a big change. According to the NHS, people who eat five fruits and vegetables each day can lower their chances of early death.
Tip #1: Try Simple Healthy Eating Swaps
Eating well does not mean you have to give up your favorite meals. You can start small and still make a big difference. Try these easy food swaps:
- Pick brown rice instead of white
- Eat whole wheat bread over white bread
- Add one fruit or veggie to every meal
- Drink water or tea instead of soda or sugary drinks
Healthy eating helps your body stay strong, gives you energy, and can even improve your sleep. Remember, you do not have to change your whole diet overnight. Start with one change and build from there.
Tip #2: Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Even if you feel okay, it is still important to see your doctor at least once a year. Your doctor will check your blood pressure, talk with you about your health, and help you stay up to date with vaccines. Catching problems early makes them easier to treat. These visits can also help you manage medicine or health conditions.
Tip #3: Get Moving Every Day
Moving your body each day is one of the best things you can do for your health. You do not need a gym or fancy equipment. Walking, stretching, dancing, and even cleaning the house all count. Aim for 30 minutes a day of movement.
Tip #4: Start Small and Keep Going
One reason people stop healthy habits is that they try to change too much at once. Instead, start small. Here is one idea:
- Week 1: Walk 10 minutes each morning
- Week 2: Add a glass of water before lunch
- Week 3: Swap a snack for a piece of fruit
Track your progress on paper or in a notebook. If you miss a day, just start again the next day. Building habits takes time, but every small step counts.
Tip #5: Get Rewarded for Taking Care of Yourself
Did you know that Jai Medical Systems gives you a $25 Target Gift Card just for going to your yearly checkup? It is part of the Healthy Rewards Program, and all members are automatically included. Here’s how to claim it:
- Visit your doctor for a checkup in 2025
- Fill out and send in the Healthy Rewards Form, or complete it online!
Keep Moving Toward a Healthier You
Starting healthy habits can feel hard at first, but small steps make a big difference. You can eat better, move more, and visit your doctor to stay ahead of health problems. With support from your doctor and help from Jai Medical Systems, healthy living becomes easier and more rewarding.
Call us at 1-888-JAI-1999 or visit Jai Medical Systems to learn more about your benefits and how to earn your Healthy Rewards today.