Blog One (10 minute read)

        Health and Wealth in the United States

Individual Considerations 

Where an individual is born, lives, works, learns, plays, and worships are major determinants
of health and outcomes (Brown et al., 2019). Social determinants of health are factors outside
of medical care that influence well-being (Braveman, 2022). Examples include housing,
transportation, air quality, food security, discrimination, education, and economic stability.

                                               YouTube: Social Determinants of Health           

             

"It is health that is real wealth. And not pieces of gold and silver." -Gandhi

Specific Disparity Example: Obesity 

Individual interventions to improve adequate nutrition and exercise is more challenging and less likely to occur in areas where poverty exists in comparison to neighborhoods with more resources and support (Brown et al., 2019). For example, unsafe and limited recreational space are barriers to improve physical activity (Brown et al., 2019). Access to low-cost and calorie-dense food options are barriers to achieving a nutritional diet (Brown et al., 2019). Therefore, obesity disparities is a prevalent issue that increases the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and other potentially life threatening illnesses. 

                         *Contrast between poor and wealthy neighborhoods*     

 👮 💣 💊💉🍔🍕🍺                                   💲💰👠🍏🍋🌸💎   

      Less likely to succeed ❌                     More likely to succeed ✅

 Racism as a Social Determinant of Health

In the United States, race and ethnicity are additional factors that influence overall health, and this is primarily due to racism (Braveman, 2022). According to one article, racial residential segregation is a social determinant of health in which racism produces social disadvantages (Braveman, 2022). For example, African Americans and Latinos are more likely to reside in disadvantaged residential neighborhoods according to studies (Braveman, 2022). Lastly, racism can have negative consequences on overall health through pathways involving 

stress (Braveman, 2022). Chronic stress increases the risk of mental illnesses,

hypertension, obesity, and other diseases.

Improving Cultural Bias as a Society

Together, we can practice cultural competence and cultural humility to make us more aware (Braveman, 2022). The goal is to be aware of our unconscious bias and not behave in a potentially detrimental manner towards certain ethnic groups (Braveman, 2022).

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed towards addressing health disparities through the development of the 2021 CORE Health Equity Strategy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024). The CDC is applying an integrated and comprehensive approach in eliminating health disparities. Diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging are foundational elements in their work and strategy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).

CORE Elements

C: Cultivate comprehensive health equity science 

O: Optimize interventions 

R: Reinforce and expand robust partnerships 

E: Enhance capacity and workplace diversity, inclusion, and engagement 

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024).

What can WE do as Healthcare Professionals?

*In healthcare, it is necessary to increase interdisciplinary research by blending disciplines, expertise, and methodology (Jones, 2019). We need to understand fundamental causes of disparities and how these influence outcomes within populations, over the course of the lifespan, and trans-generationally (Jones, 2019). 

*The development of courses, conferences, and programs can enhance community-based research and health perspectives on a national or global level (Jones, 2019). 

*The incorporation of population specific models provides structural pathways in addressing lived experiences and exposures (Jones, 2019). Such models will also determine if agencies have the ability to respond appropriately to exposures (Jones, 2019). 

*The use of the electronic health record increases demographic and geographic variables to help examine population health (Jones, 2019). This will allow us to understand specific needs in healthcare. 

*It is important to use evidence-based research and prioritize patient-centered care. We can also advocate for state and governmental funding support. Lastly, we can volunteer our time by offering free clinics, screenings, vaccinations, or surveys. 

                                              YouTube: National Institute on Minority Health 

    

TOGETHER we CAN Eliminate Health Disparities 

Women in the Business 

Anchored Women's Health in Ellsworth, Maine is committed towards providing evidence-based care for women of all ages with compassion, respect, and trust (Anchored Women's Health, 2024). Their mission is to empower women as partners in healthcare, support normal processes, and promote health and wellness (Anchored Women's Health, 2024). Anchored Women's Health is a small business owned by Kristen Hayward DNP, CNM. According to Dr. Hayward, her patients experience disparities in available primary care providers, long wait lists for speciality providers, and closure of obstetric units in rural areas. Dr. Hayward also reports the need for increased research in women's health related issues such as endometriosis,

polycystic ovarian syndrome, and pelvic congestion syndrome. 

Patient Testimonials 

"I highly recommend everyone to visit Kristen with any of their concerns! She got me in very quickly, answered all of my questions sincerely, and made everything go effortlessly at my first visit with her!" -Anonymous 

"Today was my first appointment with Kristen and she was absolutely amazing! I have never felt so understood during a doctors visit and she listened to me so intently about what I was there for. She made me feel so incredibly comfortable during all parts of the visit and is overall so great. I'm so thankful she was recommended to me!" -Anonymous  

"Kristen is easy to talk to. She’s extremely knowledgeable, kind and very welcoming. I am very happy that she will be caring for me." -Anonymous            Book now!                                                                                               https://anchoredwomenshealth.com/

See you all in my next blog! Thank you for reading. I look forward to your comments!

                                                                                                                           -Cassidy Cox RN

References 

Anchored Women's Health. (2024). Anchored women's health. https://anchoredwomenshealth.com/ 

Braveman, P. (2022). The social determinants of health. Maxcy-Rosenau-Last Public Health & Preventive Medicine,16e. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=3078&sectionid=256339268 

Brown, A. F., Ma, G. X., Miranda, J., Eng, E., Castille, D., Brockie, T., Jones, P., Airhihenbuwa, C. O., Farhat, T., Zhu, L., & Trinh-Shevrin, C. (2019). Structural interventions to reduce and eliminate health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S1). https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2018.304844 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Racism and health. https://www.cdc.gov/minority-health/racism-health/index.html  

Google Images 

Jones, N. L., Gilman, S. E., Cheng, T. L., Drury, S. S., Hill, C. V., & Geronimus, A. T. (2019). Life course approaches to the causes of health disparities. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S1). https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2018.304738 

YouTube