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In this week’s discussion, you will discuss how poverty in the U.S. increases morbidity and mortality for people of lower socioeconoic status (SES) . 1. You can choose a condition like heart disease, stroke, COPD, cancer, respiratory diseases, etc.
2. Find at least 2 modifiable risk factors and 2 nonmodifiable risk factors that can increase a person’s risk of this condition. 3. What changes can be made at the community, society, and/or policy levels that could help decrease risk or increase a person’s chances of being able to make better choices. You can add more detail as you see fit. Keep in mind that although we may work with clients directly on occasion, that is not what we normally do in public health. We look at the entire community and try to identify ways that will help everyone rather than one person. Telling a person to eat healthier will NOT meet public health goals. 4. You will need to respond to 2 of your fellow students (I will label Peer #1 and Peer #2).
Peer #1:
Atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction are two cardiovascular diseases that have a significant negative influence on the health of a lot of people. We will examine these illnesses, assess risk factors, talk about the impact of poverty in the United States, and provide recommendations for potential preventative measures against atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
When plaque accumulates in the coronary arteries, it can obstruct blood flow to the heart, causing myocardial infarction (MI), sometimes called a heart attack. A similar ailment is called atherosclerosis, in which plaque—a mixture of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials—accumulates within the arteries. The body’s organs and tissues receive less blood flow due to the arteries hardening and narrowing.
Atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction are linked to both controllable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Smoking and leading a sedentary lifestyle are two variables that may be changed to lower risk. These risks can be decreased by quitting smoking and making regular physical exercise part of one’s routine. Genetics and aging are two non-modifiable risk factors; anyone with a family history of heart disease should be aware of their elevated risk.
Individuals with lower socioeconomic status (SES) have more excellent rates of sickness and death in the United States due to poverty. This demographic is particularly vulnerable due to several factors, including restricted access to preventative treatment, insufficient healthcare services, poor information about healthy living, exposure to environmental risks, and general stress from financial worries.
Changes in community-based organizations, public awareness campaigns, and social programming targeted at lowering poverty levels are necessary to combat myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis in society. New policies prioritizing access to preventative health services for all populations—regardless of SES—must also be developed. By providing readily available materials for managing and preventing cardiovascular problems, these initiatives seek to empower individuals by educating them about their health concerns.
To sum up, myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis are two cardiovascular diseases that affect a person’s health, as well as highlighting the part that poverty and socioeconomic position play in preventing disease. Together, we can reduce the prevalence of these diseases by tackling the systemic problems related to poverty and healthcare access, as well as the modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors associated with these ailments. We can work toward a future where everyone has equal access to the resources needed to prevent and manage cardiovascular conditions, ultimately fostering a healthier population as society embraces comprehensive changes at various levels – from community organizations to policy creation.
Peer #2:
Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common in the U.S. being coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects blood flow to the heart and can lead to a heart attack. Key risk factors for CAD are high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Other risk factors for CAD are diabetes, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use. All these risk factors are modifiable. The nonmodifiable risk factors are gender, age, race, and family history. Lifestyle changes is a modifiable risk factor that individuals in a lower SES have difficulty with. They do not have the means to purchase healthy fruits and vegetables, plant-based proteins, or low carb foods, as they are more costly. Most people with lower SES live in areas with higher crime rates, thus running or walking in these areas is often not a possibility. As obesity and physical inactivity are huge modifiable factors for heart disease, it is very difficult for someone in a lower SES to address. Diet programs, exercising in a safe area, and nutritionists cost money that is not available to them, which increases morbidity and decreases mortality. There are YMCAs in the city, but they are costly to join. If our government could mandate that anyone on Medicare and or Medicaid would have access to these facilities for free, it would be a huge help to those living in lower SES to increase their physical activities. Also, if local health departments would add nutritionists for adults with risk factors, it would benefit those in need. Two nonmodified risk factors I would like to address is age and family history. 80% of deaths from heart disease happen to those aged 65 or older. If senior citizen facilities would add education, transportation to and from these facilities and maybe even healthy meals, it would greatly increase mortality to older individuals. This could be accomplished by passing a levy to increase the monetary amount allotted to senior citizen facilities, which would benefit all seniors, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Most of individuals living in lower socioeconomic areas are single parents. The importance of family history is vital regarding heart disease, as it can be hereditary. With education, the importance of family history can increase mortality and decrease morbidity, as preventative measures can be taken. This education can be provided by the local health department. Parent Teachers Associations can coordinate this and present the education at the school, so all who want can attend. This information can even be sent home with students. It is not a costly endeavor; it just takes time and coordination. This can help individuals of lower SES to make better, more informed choices.
https://www.cdc.gov