I’m working on a health & medical discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
Discussion 1: Listen to this short NPR storyLinks to an external site. about an older study that finds a correlation between income and asthma. Could our social/behavioral and lifestyle choices impact the environment we live in, and in turn, the incidence of asthma in our communities? What do you think about the connection between asthma and income based on this study and what you have learned about asthma in this module? Has this improved since this article was presented?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. There are various factors that contribute to the development and incidence of asthma, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. In this discussion, we will explore the connection between asthma and income based on a study highlighted in an NPR story, and how our social/behavioral and lifestyle choices can impact this association.
Answer:
The older study highlighted in the NPR story shows a correlation between income and asthma. The study found that people living in low-income neighborhoods have higher rates of asthma compared to those in high-income areas. It is believed that this is because low-income neighborhoods tend to have higher levels of pollution, poor housing, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to healthy foods.
Our social/behavioral and lifestyle choices can also impact the incidence of asthma in our communities. For instance, smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, lack of physical activity, and poor nutrition can increase the risk of developing asthma and exacerbating symptoms.
Since the presentation of the article, efforts have been made to improve asthma control and management, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Recent research has shown that disease management programs aimed at educating patients, providing access to medication, and reducing environmental triggers can improve outcomes for people with asthma.
Overall, the connection between asthma and income underscores the importance of addressing social determinants of health to reduce asthma disparities. A multifaceted approach that includes prevention, education, and management can help improve asthma outcomes for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
