Two questions:
1-
How do your own, personal social determinants affect your health? What proactive steps have you taken to modify your health behaviors? Do you have any social determinants that are very difficult – or impossible – to change?
500 words, minimum – not including the citations
Sources must be credible
2-
Apply how Socioeconomic Status, Culture, and Religion Affect Health to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
You must find, use, and cite two (2) credible sources or more.
250 – 300 words – without the references
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, I understand the impact of social determinants on health and the importance of taking proactive steps to modify health behaviors. In this assignment, we will explore how personal social determinants affect health and the steps that can be taken to modify health behaviors. Additionally, we will apply the concept of how socioeconomic status, culture, and religion affect health to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
1. How do your own personal social determinants affect your health? What proactive steps have you taken to modify your health behaviors? Do you have any social determinants that are very difficult – or impossible – to change?
Personal social determinants such as education, income, and family support systems greatly impact my health. Education has exposed me to information that has allowed me to make better health decisions. However, income has posed a challenge to access quality healthcare services due to their high cost. To mitigate this challenge, I ensure that I prioritize my health by saving up for health-related expenses and taking insurance covers.
I have also taken proactive steps to modify my health behaviors by seeking regular medical check-ups, engaging in physical activity, and adopting healthy eating habits. Despite these efforts, access to healthy food options is a challenge in my area of residence, which makes it difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. Additionally, work commitments often make it challenging to engage in physical activity regularly. These social determinants are difficult to change, but I have found ways to work around them.
2. Apply how Socioeconomic Status, Culture, and Religion Affect Health to the current COVID-19 Pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how socioeconomic status, culture, and religion affect health outcomes. Persons with lower socioeconomic status are at a higher risk of contracting and dying from COVID-19 due to their inability to access healthcare services and adhere to public health measures. This is also influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, as some communities may not uphold practices like washing hands frequently or wearing masks, which contribute to the spread of the virus.
Moreover, socioeconomic status, culture, and religion impact vaccine distribution and uptake. Low-income communities may not have equal access to vaccines, thereby contributing to disparities in vaccination rates. Religious and cultural beliefs may also impact vaccine hesitancy, which poses a challenge to vaccine distribution efforts.
In conclusion, socioeconomic status, culture, and religion play a significant role in health outcomes, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to address these determinants to ensure accessible, equitable, and effective public health practices.
