CHAPTER 15: HEALTH & CARE

Disease

An objective biological condition affecting the body

Illness

The subjective experience of feeling unwell shaped by social and cultural factors

Social Determinants of Health

Social and economic factors such as income, education, and environment that shape health outcomes

SES Paradox in Alcohol

Higher SES individuals drink more but lower SES individuals experience greater harm

Thin Ideal

A cultural belief linking thinness to health beauty and moral worth

Telomere Length

A biological indicator of aging that is shortened by chronic stress

Gini Coefficient

A measure of income inequality in a society

Public Health System

Government efforts to prevent disease and promote population health

Health Care System

Institutions that diagnose and treat illness

EVALI

Lung injury associated with vaping often linked to modified devices and substances

Obesity

Excess body weight influenced by both individual behaviour and social environment

Stress

Chronic exposure to difficult conditions that negatively affects health

Development

Early life conditions that shape long-term health outcomes

Access to Health Care

The ability to obtain medical services influenced by socioeconomic status

Culture (health)

Beliefs and values that shape how people understand illness and treatment