Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

Social Determinants

  • Impact on Income and Power:

    • Classifications of sex and gender affect earnings and social influence.

  • Access to Health Resources:

    • Feminine or woman-identifying individuals face barriers in accessing health-promoting resources and care.

Implications for Health

  • Unique Health Patterns:

    • Health and disease patterns differ significantly between men and women.

    • Requires unique understanding and treatment for chronic diseases.

Example: The Heart Truth Campaign

Overview

  • Launched by the National Institutes of Health to address heart disease in women.

Importance

  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women.

  • Previously seen as a "man's disease," with little focus on women.

Goals

  1. Increase awareness among women about heart disease.

  2. Encourage women to:

    • Know their risk factors.

    • Communicate with their physicians.

    • Take proactive steps regarding heart health.

Continued Efforts

  • The campaign is ongoing, emphasizing women's health and risk awareness (Long et al, 2008).