DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH © Alison Wilson

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Conducting system Heart
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Small intestine
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S. Milgram Psychologist
Structural Determinants
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The digestive system
The role of skin

DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH © Alison Wilson June 2005
	Our New Healthier Nation In 1948 after years of structuring the N.H.S was introduced. The Government believed that through this new package they could put an end to the five giants that have controlled this country, want, disease, squalor, ignorance and idleness. They had dreams of us all living in an ideal egalitarian society where the lower class people had the opportunity and availability to rid themselves of illnesses, just as much as the upper class people did. This new package was not only to include medical treatment. A promise of providing better housing, education and health was to be available for everyone from the ‘cradle to the grave’. The Government were faced with almost immediate financial problems though. The demand for these services began to outstrip supply. Their illusions of ‘once you were cured, you would be alright’ were shattered, this never happened. Society as a whole became more and more health conscious. So much so that as society became healthier, society became more aware of being ill. The Government has created a new strategy to health, by means of educating people about their own health. They are attempting to educate society into believing that ‘our bodies are our temples’.

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Health Choices

Many years ago society never had the fortunate choices and opportunities that we do in today’s society. We could argue that we all do have these choices, but many would beg to differ. With the huge amount of facilities available to help and promote our wellbeing, society still has a great impact in our individual lives. Browne summarised that, “It is society and the way it is organised that influences health, rather than simply our biological make-up. (1998, p.449)

Smoking

It is common knowledge that smoking is a killer. This addictive habit in which people participate in is still responsible for a huge percentage of premature deaths in this country. So why do people still ‘light up’ even when they know it is bad for them. The Government has recognised that there is a huge problem surrounding this area, and are taking measures to bring the shocking statistics of the death rate in this category down. They have introduced large warning signs on the side of cigarette packets, stating clearly the health risks which can result in lighting up. There are shocking commercials on the T.V, showing victims of the deadly habit. Billboards around our towns and cities do advertise tobacco, but with it come the huge health warning. People do not have to do this.

In some cases people could argue that it was ‘peer pressure’ at an early age that started them smoking. Some may justify their actions stating that it was the ‘norm’ of their family, in which they followed suit. Whatever the reasons for their actions, it still has to be recognised that “they had the choice”.

DIET

Diet is another issue in our lives that we do have a ‘choice’ about. It could be argued though that the lower class population haven’t got the funding to provide themselves with the essential food that is needed in order to stay healthy.

An individual however may not have the time (due to his busy lifestyle) to actually prepare a suitable meal. ‘Convenience food’ is an easy solution to combat the demand of hunger. The individual may be unaware of the long term effects he may be causing.

A family who may be experiencing long-term financial problems may not be able to provide the essential nutritional diet for their children’s diet. It has been recognised by the Education Authority that a large proportion of children may only have one suitable meal a day, this being the school meal. They have in response to this encouraged all schools to provide a vast healthy diet at meal times.

ALCOHOL

This doesn’t mean to say that everyone who drinks is an alcoholic. Social drinking is a means of relaxing with friends that a huge majority of adults divulge in. It is up to the individuals own choice as to how much alcohol they wish to consume. Heavy drinking can result in serious physical damage, not only to the body, but on the mind and spirit as well. If alcohol is constantly abused it can destroy the person’s life, as well as the lives of those around them, sometimes causing irreversible damage. Personal relationships can break down, and jobs are frequently lost as a result. The individual may not be aware that he/she has a problem, when realised it may be too late.

We could analyse as to why the heavy drinking began. The heavy drinking could have stemmed as a means of escape from the stresses and strains of a bad marriage, or employment. The binge drinking may have developed when the individual was in a grieving process over a loved one. Whatever the reasons, there is help and resources to help combat it.