HPA 438 Lesson 3 Reflection
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Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg *
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MISC
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Health Science
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by MegaOtterMaster110
Erin Merced
Penn State University
HPA 438
Professor Wafula
September 10, 2023
Health Determinants and Obesity
Weight gain and obesity can be influenced by various health determinants such as
physical activity, eating habits, and changes in the environment. The growing population has
resulted in a decrease in the availability of open fields for physical activities. The built
environment has made it difficult to find land for exercise, adding to the challenge. The rise of
technology has also made people more sedentary, as they drive to and from work and have less
time for physical activity. Additionally, the convenience of fast food has made it easy for people
to consume high-calorie meals without burning them off through exercise.
Factors that contribute to obesity, such as lack of exercise and consuming too many
calories, can have negative impacts on individuals, families, organizations, and society as a
whole. On an individual level, obesity is linked to other health issues such as diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Diabetes, in particular, can pose challenges for families by
increasing their dependency on support and finances for medical care. Obesity-related illnesses
can also lead to financial strain for families, as patients may have to take time off work for
treatment. Organizations may also suffer as their workforce is affected by this issue. Society as a
whole is impacted when obesity rates rise, as government resources may be needed to address
the issue, potentially leading to a national crisis.
There are various ways to tackle obesity, such as suggesting people consume healthier
foods like fruits and low-calorie options. Additionally, promoting physical activity can also aid in
combating the issue. Other viable solutions include constructing bike paths to encourage cycling,
monitoring children's activities in their bedrooms, providing investment subsidies for factories
producing healthier foods, and encouraging mothers to breastfeed after work to reduce child
obesity cases.
In my opinion, access to healthcare and the social environment are the biggest influences
on our health. Health access and quality refer to how easily and affordably people can obtain
necessary medical services. This includes factors like financial resources, transportation, and the
quality of care received. Unfortunately, many Americans do not receive the medical attention
they need. Several factors can contribute to this, such as lack of health insurance. Without
insurance, patients may struggle to find a primary care physician or afford medical treatment and
medications. Additionally, physical accessibility can be a barrier if people lack transportation to
medical facilities.
Social and community context refers to the surroundings where an individual resides and
works, including their interpersonal relationships and connections to institutions. When people
are socially connected and in stable, supportive relationships, they are more likely to make good
decisions and experience better mental and physical health outcomes. Furthermore, they are
better equipped to deal with difficult situations, stress, worry, and sadness.
I strongly believe that all aspects of social determinants of health (SDOH) play a crucial
role in our overall well-being. However, income is one of the most significant factors affecting
health. The quality of life is heavily influenced by income, which also affects mental health and
health-related behaviors, such as excessive drinking, smoking, and poor eating habits. People
with lower incomes are more likely to experience social and material deprivation, making it
harder to afford basic necessities like food, clothing, and housing. This deprivation also leads to
social exclusion, making it difficult to participate in cultural, educational, and recreational
activities. Long-term social exclusion has a detrimental effect on health, reducing a person's
ability to lead a happy daily life.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC. (2011). The Obesity Epidemic
https://youtu.be/vCORDl4bqDE
Braveman, P., Egerter, S., & Williams, D. R. (2019). The Social Determinants of Health.
The
Social Medicine Reader, Volume II, Third Edition
, 134–155.
https://doi.org/10.1215/9781478004363-023
Social Determinants of Health
. Social Determinants of Health - Healthy People 2030. (n.d.).
https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health