IHP 410 3-1 Journal Key Domains
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School
Southern New Hampshire University *
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Course
410
Subject
Health Science
Date
May 21, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by AgentBaboon338
Lisa Cruz
Key Domains
Economic Stability:
Looking back on my life as a child and now as an adult, I must say that although my parents and I are not wealthy, we have always been financially stable. My mother is a dialysis nurse, and my father owns an auto shop. However, we did qualify for food stamp assistance, allowing us to eat well. We were not living in poverty financially, but I was raised in North Philadelphia, where most of the community was living in poverty, on drugs, and struggling financially. Many in the community, including some of my family members, were living off some form of assistance, food stamps, or a welfare check because they were not working due to
the struggle to keep a job because of lack of education. Suffering from economic stability qualified them for state insurance, which pays for everything. I know this because when I divorced my daughter’s father and became a single mom working part-time while attending college, I did not qualify for health benefits through work. However, I did qualify for health benefits through the state, and those state benefits were heaven-sent. They paid 100% of our doctor's visits, ER visits, procedures, and medication. I also qualified for the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC), which gave me vouchers for fruits, vegetables, milk, juice, baby formula, and baby food. Suppose someone is struggling with economic stability but is receiving assistance from the government, such as food stamps, cash, WIC, and medical care. In that case, they should not have any problems taking care of themselves, such as their medical
issues and eating healthy until their financial situation turns in the right direction.
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As an adult, I have been fortunate enough to have had the support of my family to help with my children years ago while attending college. I graduated with a degree in science, got an
amazing-paying job, and no longer qualified for state benefits, but I was okay with that because, financially, I am stable. My children were too young to remember me being on any assistance, and they have been extremely fortunate not to know what it's like to live in poverty or a life of struggle. I moved them to Florida, and they have only known the beauty of things. I recently took them to Philly to visit, and they thanked me for providing them with their life in Florida. The community context we live in now is far from North Philadelphia. It is very clean, everyone is financially stable, and there are nice homes, nice cars, a pool, playgrounds, etc. Education Access and Quality:
I disagree with the reading material on this topic. It states that people in poverty are less
likely to finish high school and succeed in life. However, I did not grow up with financial struggles. I grew up in a poor area. My mom went to college, my dad only finished high school,
and my siblings and I all turned out great. I have family members whose parents never finished high school, went to college, or lived off welfare. However, my cousins are police officers, dental assistants, and phlebotomists; one owns her own company. I believe it depends on the person and their mindset. For some, poverty motivates them to do well in school, graduate, go to college, and have a successful career. I did it. I did not want to stay in Philadelphia forever, and that motivated me to excel in school. I had some challenges, like having a child at 18 and 21, but I went back to college and got my science degree while being a mother with a part-time job and government assistance. Now, as a mom of 3, almost 36, I am still striving to excel in life. I am taking these courses and, God willing, I will be done by December. Then, I will attend
Nursing school next year. Despite coming from a poor community, I am pursuing higher 2
education. Wealthy people might receive the best education and have more opportunities, but children in poverty still get an education and go to college. I agree that without education, it's hard to take care of yourself and your health. However, there are benefits that low-income people qualify for, including health benefits. Despite being uneducated, there is still help available; if people don't take or accept that help, it's more of a personal problem than an educational one. Education did, however, equip me with knowledge and skills that are essential for making informed decisions about my health.
Healthcare Access and Quality:
In my youth, accessing healthcare was quite challenging. At the time, there were limited
healthcare facilities, such as urgent care centers, and many individuals living in poverty faced difficulties in reaching their doctor's office or hospital due to a lack of transportation or financial resources. Additionally, high insurance rates made it unaffordable for low-income working individuals to obtain coverage, and even those with insurance often had to deal with substantial copayments for medical services and medications. Fortunately, I am now situated in an area with excellent healthcare facilities and services. I can easily access regular check-ups, preventive care, and necessary medical treatment, which has been essential for maintaining my health. It's evident to me that not everyone is as fortunate, underscoring the importance of advocating for fair and accessible healthcare systems.
Neighborhood and Built Environment:
Growing up in North Philadelphia presented challenges when it came to spending time outdoors in the parks, as drug activity was prevalent. I have vivid memories of encountering crack needles in the playground and on the streets while walking around the neighborhood. In 3
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such a community, people are hesitant to go outside due to the fear of being robbed by individuals under the influence of drugs. Access to fitness centers is also difficult for various reasons, including lack of transportation, the inconvenience of taking multiple buses, and high gym membership fees. Those living in poverty often struggle to afford necessities, let alone a gym membership, and therefore rely on playgrounds or tracks for exercise. Unfortunately, the fear of encountering drugs in the community often deters people from venturing outside. I consider myself fortunate to reside in a safe and clean community that provides access to parks,
sidewalks, and recreational facilities, including an on-site gym. This access allows me to engage in physical activity, appreciate nature, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The environment
in which we live significantly impacts our ability to lead a healthy life, and I am grateful for the
positive surroundings that contribute to my overall well-being.
Social and Community Context:
The social and community environment has had a profound impact on my health. I am fortunate to have a strong support system of family and friends who prioritize health and well-
being. We participate in various activities to help each other achieve our health goals and provide emotional support when needed. Furthermore, being part of a community that values health and promotes healthy behaviors has greatly influenced my overall well-being and motivation to stay healthy. Upon reflecting on these areas, I am aware of the privilege and advantages I have had in
accessing resources that contribute to my health. However, this also emphasizes the importance
of advocating for equal access to these areas for all individuals, as everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
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