2023 1 Directly respond to at least one classmate in a way that extends meaningful discussions adds new information

1. Directly respond to at least one classmate in a way that extends meaningful discussions, adds new information, and/or offers alternative perspectives.

Importance of Social, Biological, and Genetic Determinants

I do not think that social determinants are necessarily more important than the biological and genetic determinants of health for health educators to understand.  The biological makeup of a person is important, a person may have been born with ‘HIV, sickle-cell anemia, hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (risk of breast and ovarian cancer),’ (Healthy People 2020, 2020).  Knowing these underlying conditions about a person will significantly affect their future.  Genetic conditions that they are born with could greatly influence what conditions they must be raised in, the level of care they will require, what support they will need, and much more.  Although understanding genetic determinants is important, understanding social determinants are equally important to a person’s welfare.  Social determinants help us understand hose affected by them because they allow us to grasp a clearer understanding of why someone behaves a certain way if it is outside the scope of a social norm.  A person who does not have access to adequate education, health care, community support, or is exposed to criminal activity and violence may be steered down a path of self-destruction because the environment they grew up in does not support healthy behavior (Healthy People 2020, 2020). 

Influence of Health Education

There are many opportunities for health educators to influence education to improve the living situations of the people that are most affected by social determinants.  Establishing community programs is critical in regards to those exposed to violent situations because it presents an opportunity to socialize with people that one, wants to help them succeed and two, socialize with peers that also have the desire for a better future.  A mentorship program will allow for one-on-one interactions with affected people to encourage them to continue on the right path to a bright future.  Outreach programs to at-risk youth and teens will initiate the connection between those at-risk and those that want to ensure those teens will make for positively influential citizens.  Teaching youth about job opportunities and how to function in the workforce is another way to create an environment that encourages them to be productive members of society.  Health education needs to encourage different avenues to deter negative social determinants to create environments where all people can be successful. 

Conclusion

Social, biological, and genetic determinants are equally important for health educators to understand because each component holds value in determining the future of a child.  Biological and genetic determinants are important for the medical aspect of their future whereas social determinants can influence how a person may act.  Health education should get more involved in creating programs that help at-risk youth and ensuring that they have all opportunities to be successful in their future. 

Very Respectfully,

Victoria Williams