Social determinants of health are conditions within the physical environment of people that affect a wide range of health functions and the quality of life they live. A better understanding of the relationship between population groups in existence and the implication of the physical environment on health is critical in the determination of social determinants of health. Among the social determinants of health include the availability of the resources to meet our daily requirements such as housing, transportation, safety, parks, playgrounds and workability, and geographical location.
The places we live have an effect on our health even at the primary level. Areas of concentrated poverty are particularly affected by severe health and safety hazards. Substandard housing is linked to several adverse health issues such as asthma and lead poisoning. When exposed to peeling lead paint, an infestation of pests and failure of insulation from the exposure can be detrimental. Transportation is another social determinant of health. The evidence of the impact of fitness in transit focuses on accidents that occur between motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, the noise that arises from transportation, and the physiological effects of severance of communities through the wide roads and the deterrent of movement of children. Also, there is an emission of carbon IV dioxide from vehicles in the transport sector.
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The geographical position of an individual is a social determinant of health due to the different environmental exposure. Different geographic locations have various climatic changes, and that affects their health. Equally, there is an issue with human mobility. Some geographical areas are inaccessible, making it hard for individuals to access health facilities, thus having an impact on their health. Peoples' safety is another vital determinant. Security entails exposure to hazardous elements is the environment that may negatively impact their health. The determinant particularly applies to people living in mining and excavation places. They should keep themselves safe and protected from the mining fumes, which may negatively impact their health.
Parks, playgrounds, and workability are another determinant of human health. Visiting some parks is dangerous due to pest infestation that may cause diseases. For instance, the deer tick is mainly found in parks, and when in contact with humans, it may cause Lyme disease. However, playgrounds will positively impact human health dues to exercising that is good for the body. When working, one should consider taking some rest based on the nature of the work for health purposes. Prevention being better can cure one of the real-world problems. Such is where individuals do not put into consideration the impacts of the social determinants on their health and opt to seek medical attention when the determinant has already affected them negatively.
In the social interactionism perspective of sociology, people attach meanings to symbols and act per the subjective interpretation of the symbols. For instance, people interact with the environment on a daily basis. That implies that they are at a high risk of having health complications. However, a better understanding of the climate symbolizes good health. Conflicts make people picture the society as a competition with limited resources. That results in humans engaging in activities such as mining and excavation, exposing them to hazardous fumes that are harmful to their health safety. The functionality perspective of sociology views society as a structure with parts that are interrelated and are designed to meet the biological and social needs of those in the community. All the social determinants of health are integrated into the physical environment that one resides in. If well taken care of, then the risks to human health will be minimal.
