Member-only story

The Human Toll When Inequality And Disease Collide

Jim Cox

·16.5k Followers· Follow

Published in The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality And Disease Collide

4 min read

598 View Claps

94 Respond

Save

Listen

Inequality is a major social determinant of health, meaning that it can have a significant impact on a person's health and well-being. This is because inequality can lead to a number of factors that can increase the risk of disease, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and unhealthy living conditions.

When inequality and disease collide, the results can be devastating. For example, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that people living in poverty are more likely to die from infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, than people who are not living in poverty. Additionally, people living in poverty are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, than people who are not living in poverty.

The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide

by Steven W. Thrasher

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1944 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	217 pages

There are a number of reasons why inequality can lead to disease. One reason is that poverty can lead to a lack of access to healthcare. This means that people who are living in poverty may not be able to get the medical care they need to prevent or treat disease.

Another reason why inequality can lead to disease is that it can lead to unhealthy living conditions. For example, people who are living in poverty may be more likely to live in overcrowded housing or in areas with poor air quality. These conditions can increase the risk of developing respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Finally, inequality can also lead to disease by creating stress. Stress can have a negative impact on the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infection. Additionally, stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, which can also increase the risk of disease.

The human toll of inequality and disease is vast. Every year, millions of people die from diseases that are preventable or treatable. These deaths are a tragedy, and they are a reminder of the urgent need to address the issue of inequality.

What can be done to address the human toll of inequality and disease?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the human toll of inequality and disease. These include:

Investing in education: Education is one of the best ways to reduce poverty and improve health. When people have more education, they are more likely to get good jobs, earn higher incomes, and live in healthier conditions.
Expanding access to healthcare: Everyone should have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income or social status. Expanding access to healthcare means increasing the number of healthcare providers, making healthcare more affordable, and reducing the barriers to care.
Improving living conditions: Creating healthy living conditions is essential for preventing disease. This means investing in affordable housing, improving air quality, and providing access to safe water and sanitation.
Reducing stress: Stress can have a negative impact on health, so it is important to find ways to reduce stress. This can include providing counseling and support services, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, and creating environments that are less stressful.

Addressing the human toll of inequality and disease is a complex challenge, but it is one that we must meet. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.

A Group Of People Standing In A Circle, Holding Hands The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality And Disease Collide