Social Determinants Of Health

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Reflection on Social Determinants of Health Trinelle Brown University of Ontario Institute of Technology 100618168 HLSC1811U Social Determinants of Health - Section 004 March 31st, 2017 When I was first introduced to this course, I was expecting a recap on everything I learned in high school. I assumed that this course would view the aspect of health through a medical perspective (physical and mental) and completely ignored the actual name of the course. By focusing more on the name ‘social determinants,’ it had me thinking that there were social causes that led people to become unhealthy. I honestly did not think it was important how health issues were socially developed. My only concern was how did society intend to stop …show more content…

People are in charge of their own health and can improve their by taking part in healthy behaviors (Adler, Glymour, & Fielding, 2016). It is argued that the government has no responsibility in enforcing changes of behaviors upon people, but instead give information to inform everyone and to encourage better behaviors (Marmot & Allen, 2014). Also, the important thing is to understand social determinants of behaviors to reduce health inequalities and improve health at the same time (Marmot & Allen, 2014). Promoting healthy behaviors can reduce to outcome of health issues which can diminish health inequality caused by an unequal distribution of social determinants of …show more content…

The occupation that I am interested in is to be an ophthalmologist. The conditions that I may encounter could be a result of an unequal disadvantage in one of the social determinants of health. By understanding the patient’s background and their access to certain social determinants of health, I can have a grasp on how their condition was developed. For instance, their level of income can inform me on if they have the access to proper medication. Also, the patient’s health behavior can give me an insight on how their condition was developed in the first place. In other words, this course will help me in identify factors that affect the patient’s health and how I can diminish their issue from progressing. In conclusion, this course has helped me realize that health is more than just medical causes and outcomes. Social factors really affect the health of an individual dramatically. Social factors integrate into economic factors which develop an income gap in many populations. Also, this course has shown me that the socio-economic causes of certain health conditions are just as important as the solution to the same conditions. This course has widened my perspective on health in general and it will aid me in future health work I may be associated

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