SES and Health Care

From reading articles and journals on the common effects socioeconomic status, health effects seems to be the least common to come up. I feel that people do not pay attention to a person's SES when measuring health stability. However, socioeconomic status is considered one the most influential factors on a person's overall health status. There has been a direct correlation that people who obtain low SES usually encounter diseases and have a much higher rates or mortality compared to people who obtain a high SES. The common health conditions associated with socioeconomic status are cardiovascular diseases, infant and maternal mortality, unintended injury, homicide and suicide, arthritis, hypertension, and chronic bronchitis. It is unfortunate to have a long list of diseases related to SES because I believe this issue could be resolved if it weren't for the limited access to health care.
 
     Socioeconomic differences in terms of health can easily be the result of constrained access to health care. Based on the article I have read from the "Future of Children," the authors have suggested there is a "paradox" when it comes to demands and resources since not everyone who has a low SES suffer with higher risks of mortality. They explained that those who obtain a lower social status in life have the tendency to encounter "social and community demands" while having or not having any resources such as money, access to medical care, and social support. Therefore concluding, that demands and resources play a big role on why those with lower socioeconomic status have such a variation in health stability.

   With that being said, I think it is unfortunate that the demands for resources based on the current situation is what is causing such a great difference between those with high SES and low SES in terms of overall stability. People are aware that the limited access health care could be the main factor that can cause the variation but what can people do to change it? Honestly, I do not even know where to begin but it is just really frustrating that the current health policies are what is causing people's health stability to decrease. As much as doctors would like to help those who cannot afford health insurance, the ability to have health coverage depends solely on the government. Sure there are programs such as WIC that cater to Women, Infants and Children who obtain low SES, but it is hard to draw conclusions as to how far such programs will be able to improve social status. SO WHAT.... What am I really getting at? All I am really trying to say is that people should be aware of what's going on. Those living comfortable lives, I am guilty of it, should stop and think of those living on the edge. Nowadays, people are under the impression that "ignorance is bliss" when it is really is not. I'm not saying that people should start rallying and protesting against the health policy that the government has placed, but I believe the first step to solving problems is awareness.

Until my next post.. For more information on SES and health related effects check out...

http://futureofchildren.org/futureofchildren/publications/journals/article/index.xml?journalid=60&articleid=374&sectionid=2510