Determinants of Health in Urban Areas: How Housing, Income, and Education Shape Health in Cities

The Environment You Live in Plays a Big Role in How Healthy You Can Be

by Assitan Mangane

Introduction

Did you know that where you live can impact how healthy you are? Many think health is just about eating good food and visiting the doctor. But things like your home, how much money your family has, and the schools in your neighborhood can also affect your health. This idea is called the social determinants of health, which means that things like housing, income, and education in your environment help or hurt your well-being (Healthy People 2030, 2020).

For people living in cities, these factors are even more important. In many urban areas, there are big differences in health between neighborhoods. Some people have good homes, high-paying jobs, and good schools. Others struggle with unsafe housing, low wages, and schools that don't have enough resources. These differences can lead to health problems that last a lifetime. Let's explore how housing, income, and education shape health in cities.

Housing: A Safe Home Means a Healthy Life

Many people living in cities have trouble finding affordable homes. When families spend mostof their money on rent, they may not have enough left for healthy food or doctor visits. Homelessness is also a big problem in cities. When someone doesn't have a stable home, it's hard to stay healthy and safe (Hood, 2005). Research shows that people without steady housing often face stress, sadness, and sickness (Swope & Hernández, 2019).

Where you live is also very important. Some houses have big problems, like mold, harmful lead paint, and pests like cockroaches and rats. Living with these problems can cause breathing issues and allergies. For example, kids who grow up in homes with mold or pests are more likely to get asthma, which makes it hard to breathe (Swope & Hernández, 2019). In many neighborhoods, older buildings are not maintained and can make people sick. If too many people live in a smallplace, germs can spread faster, which can make everyone sick more often.

Having a good home is more than just having a roof over your head. Living in a safe neighborhood with clean air, sidewalks, and parks is important. Clean parks and sidewalks help people stay active and healthy. However, poorer areas often have problems with pollution, crime, and fewer green spaces. These issues make it harder for people to live healthy lives. Low-income neighborhoods also might not have enough parks, gyms, or health centers. Without these places, it's hard for people to exercise or get medical help (Vlahov et al., 2007).

Income: How Money Affects Health Choices

Money plays a key role in health. Families with more money can buy healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, join gyms, and visit doctors when needed. For low-income families, these basic needs can be difficult to get. People living in poverty often face health problems. They might live in poor housing, have fewer grocery stores with healthier options, and have difficulty finding doctors (Healthy People 2030, 2020). In Florida, a study showed that people in low-income areasoften feel that their health is out of their control because they don't have the resources to make good choices (Pysmenna & Anderson, 2022). Without enough money for healthy food, they mayturn to cheaper fast food, which can lead to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. They may not have enough money to see a doctor, buy medicine, or eat healthy foods.

Another issue is healthcare access. In the U.S., many low-income people do not have health insurance. When someone doesn't have insurance, they might wait until they're sick to visit a doctor because they can't afford it. This can lead to worse health and higher medical bills later. Low-paying jobs can also be stressful. Workers often face long hours and little support, leading to problems like anxiety and high blood pressure. They also don't have resources like health insurance given by their jobs, making it harder for them to stay healthy. Cities focusing on fair wages and free or low-cost healthcare can help people live healthier lives.

Education: Learning Leads to Healthier Lives

Education is vital for health. People who have more education usually live longer and healthier lives. Why? Because education helps people make better choices about food exercise, and other habits. It also helps them get better jobs with good pay and health benefits (Zimmerman et al.,2015). In cities, not all schools have the same resources. Kids who go to high-quality schools have a better chance of staying healthy. However, schools in low-income areas often have fewer resources, which can make it harder for students to succeed. A strong education can lead to a stable job that pays well and provides health insurance, both of which are important for good health.

Schools are also important places for teaching kids about health. In schools with low funding, there may not be enough programs that educate students about healthy eating, exercise, and mental health. If children miss this important information, they might not form healthy habits that can protect them from sickness when they grow up. Studies show that people with more education are more likely to understand health information and make good choices (Healthy People 2030, 2020). Investing in education can help improve everyone's health. When cities support schools and give learning chances to everyone, they can create healthier communities.

Wellness Aspects of Housing, Income, and Education

When we talk about health, it's not only about visiting the doctor. It also includes where we live,how much money we make, and the education we receive. These factors help shape our overallwell-being. Improving housing, income, and education can lead to better mental and physical health.

Good Housing is Important

Having a safe and secure home is key to feeling good. When families live in stable places, they feel less stressed and anxious. On the other hand, people living in bad situations can feel scared and uncertain all the time. Cities can help by making sure homes are safe and affordable. Programs that fix up old houses, keep homes warm in winter, and clean up neighborhoods can help people feel better. Healthy communities start with good housing.

Income Helps Us Live Well

A stable income lets families buy healthy food and participate in fun activities. When people can afford nutritious meals and gym memberships, they are more likely to stay active and reduce the risk of getting sick. Community gardens can provide fresh fruits and vegetables, especially in low-income areas. Health clinics that offer free or low-cost services help people get the care they need, even if they don't have a lot of money. Raising minimum wages and creating programs for financial education can also make a big difference in people's lives.

Education is Another Big Part of Health

When people have access to quality schools and learning resources, they tend to make better choices about their health. Education teaches us the importance of eating well, avoiding harmful habits like smoking, and getting enough exercise. When communities invest in schools, after-school programs, and health education, they help everyone learn how to take care of themselves. Programs like community cooking classes and health literacy help people understand nutrition and health. Making sure every child gets a good education helps build a healthier future.

Stronger Communities Create Happy Lives

Communities that focus on housing, education, and income often have stronger social connections. Feeling like you belong to a community can make you feel happier and reduce loneliness. When cities help people with these essential needs, they create places where everyone can live a long and healthy life.

Conclusion: A Healthy City for Everyone

In conclusion, health goes beyond doctor visits. It involves the homes we live in, the money we earn, and the education we receive. In many cities, differences in these areas create big health gaps among neighborhoods. Good housing can protect health, while income affects what we can buy to stay healthy. Education influences job opportunities and health knowledge. To build healthier cities, we need to invest in safe housing, fair pay, and quality education. By making these changes, we can ensure that everyone has the chance to live a healthier life, regardless of where they come from.