Candid conversations with your PCP may help your quality of life
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Here's how housing, food and other social factors can affect your health.
Your health is affected by more than just your physical makeup or your day-to-day choices. Where you live or work and whether you’ve finished school can also affect your overall health and well-being.
These social factors are sometimes called social determinants or social drivers of health, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
“Keeping these in mind is part of the whole-person healthcare we strive to provide at PeaceHealth,” says Camille Moreno, PsyD, system director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Research suggests that addressing social drivers at medical appointments can lead to a person’s better overall well-being and higher quality of life.”
A wide range of things can have an impact on your physical and mental health.
Categories of social factors
Here are a few examples in each of the main categories of social needs:
- Income. Having a steady job or other means of income helps you better afford a safe place to live, nutritious food and other things that directly affect your health.
- Community. Connections with others are important for your well-being. Did you know that loneliness is a risk factor for some serious diseases?
- Neighborhood. Is the area around you generally safe? Can you walk or drive or get a ride to the grocery store or other places you need to go? How safe is the quality of your tap water? Many aspects of your surrounding environment can potentially affect your health.
- Health care. Can you get the medical care you need? Do you have insurance? Is it easy for you to hear or understand instructions from your doctor? Let your clinic know if you need help.
- Education. Would you like to finish high school or go back to get a college degree? Those things can help you get a higher-paying job. Educational opportunities can also connect you with others who can help you pursue a new career.
A more complete picture
If you have concerns about any of these areas, you’re not alone. Your healthcare provider’s office might be able to help you find resources to fill unmet social needs. It’s why you might hear staff at clinics or hospitals ask deeper questions.
“By getting to know you better, our care team can have a more complete picture of what we can do to help you protect or improve your health,” says Moreno.
PeaceHealth and other health systems often work with local organizations to strengthen the safety network in our communities for things like:
- Financial assistance
- Paying for utilities
- Food and clothing banks
- Transportation options
- Personal and family safety