Social Determinants Of Health

2293 Words5 Pages

1. What are social determinates of health? Why should they be considered in planning community programing? “Social determinants of health are life-enhancing resources, such as food supply, housing, economic and social relationships, transportation, education, and health care, whose distribution across populations effectively determines length and quality of life” (Ramirez, Baker, & Metzler, 2008). Social determinates are important because they factor the factors that work to support the overall health of an individual or a community. Social determinates have to be considered when planning a community program because not all individuals have the same opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle. For example, if your program was directed towards …show more content…

“When inequities are high and community assets are low, health outcomes are worst. When inequities are low and community assets are high, health outcomes are best”. Explain. Social inequity is when a difference in opportunities exist among the community, not everyone is treated fairly. Assets to a community are ways to improve the quality of life there, such as having a sense of community or important leadership. Assets and inequities work together to form the quality of life in the community. So when a community is lacking in assets, they don’t have anyone to step in and help to improve the state of inequities, health outcomes are at their worst. A community has to work together to achieve good overall health. So when the community has a means of managing the inequities such as social support or political influence, you will see higher health outcomes like better quality schools and more access too healthy foods. The overall health of a community depends on multiple factors and it makes sense that the higher the inequities are, the more community assets are needed (Ramirez et al., 2008). 3. Explain the likely social determinates that should be considered if you are planning a community intervention in WV for children and their families? (Include a source from which you gather …show more content…

I would chose this method because I am more hands on person and like to get everyone involved when it comes to making a change. I have previously worked on an after school program that promoted physical activity in elementary aged school girls where we would meet twice a week. During each session the girls would eat a healthy snack, learn new stretches, and increase their running skills. Ideally, at the end of the program the participants would be able to run a 5k with either their mentor or their parents. Although this intervention was not as in-depth as the ones listed throughout this book, I did have to make note of current partnerships and possible partnerships that could be made so our program could be a success. I really enjoyed the planning process and being able to meet the individuals in new the community who made our program possible. For example, the elementary school that loaned us their gym for the meeting sessions and the teachers who donated their own time towards becoming a mentor for the girls. While there is nothing wrong with using policy change to create your change, intervention is just more of my

Open Document