Published: August 01, 2009 12:00 PM
Ask yourself, “What is more important to my health: being able to find a doctor, or having a good paying job?” If you answered “the job,” then you’re already thinking about a concept researchers call the social determinants of health.
The determinants of health are the social and economic conditions that help keep us healthy. They include things like our working conditions, where we live, the amount of money we make and even our experiences as children. We know that we are healthier when we are not overly stressed; when we are connected to family, friends, and community; and, when we are lucky enough to have a job we like, a secure place to live and more than just enough money to get by. We understand that a stable, supportive childhood and a good education give us a strong start to a happy, healthy life.
We usually don’t think of the social determinants of health when we think of the health care system. But, it’s estimated that the health care system itself is responsible for less than 25 per cent of what makes us healthy. Where we live, work and play determines the other 75 per cent./.../
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