The Invisible Problem: Social Determinants Of Health

The Invisible Problem

Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is hunger. Poverty is being sick and not being able to afford seeing a doctor. Poverty is not being able to get an education, not knowing how to read, not being able to spell your own name. Poverty is losing a child to illness brought about by unclean water. Poverty has many faces, changing from place to place across time, and has been described in many ways. Most often poverty is a cycle people want to stop, but not sure how. Poverty is a, “Call to action for the poor and the wealthy alike, a call to change the world so that many more may have enough to eat, have shelter, and access to education and protection from violence.” Unfortunately, poverty is often an invisible problem. What

These conditions have been referred to as the social determinants of health. There has been a strong push amongst policy to study the non-medical health as opposed to the traditional way of thinking with regards to medical treatments or lifestyle choices (Mikkonen, Raphael 2010). Income and income distribution is thought to be the most important of the social determinants of health because it further influences other social determinants of health. For example, low-income families live under awful conditions which makes it very difficult for families to be able to afford the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing and housing (Kekkonen, Raphael 2010). Studies have shown that suicide rates and the onset of many diseases such as diabetes and heart disease is significantly more prevalent amongst low income families and people. This is why people from around all world need to support families and people living in such awful conditions. 663 million people - 1 in 10 - lack access to safe water, and globally, 1/3 of all schools lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation. These numbers could easily decrease if countries such as the US and people like us take a stand and help. People living in impoverished countries often die from curable diseases. Diseases such as Malaria and Trachoma. In 2013 an estimated 198

If we end the problem now, future generations of the poor will not be living in such awful conditions. If we let this problem continue, like it has been for generations, it could worsen, and future children will have to live in poverty meaning the cycle will continue like it has been for generations. Why we should end this problem now instead of letting it continue through generations, is the majority of America and other more developed countries have money, an education and shelter for themselves and their families. If other countries have the opportunity to live better lives, we as people and countries should do everything we can to help give that to them. Here's how, as individuals we can help the less fortunate by giving an education to the youth, preventing illnesses, and improving living conditions of the poor. Then equally a better life for all involved. If we fix the problem now, future generations will be living a happier, healthier, and overall better life. Also, by fixing the problem now, the problem will not be able to worsen. By educating the youth, the children can simply go to collage and make enough money for themselves and a future family and be educated enough to get good jobs and not have their continue the cycle of poverty. By preventing illness, the poor can have healthier lives and not die of curable diseases, which most affects children. Finally if