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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.