Well, I guess I can stop going to the gym in the morning…
I am aware that there are some things in my life that I cannot prevent from happening. A few examples include: getting older, wrinkles (although, I really like wrinkles), and perhaps a stroke. But, in a culture that focuses so much attention on health, I was taught at early ages that exercise would keep me well. I played tennis in high school and college, I jog at least five times a week, I even lift weights to make sure that my muscles and bones are strong. In a few words, I have spent a lot of time making sure by body is in good physical condition– now and for the long term. Sadly, this may have been completely in vein.
Last week I went to a viewing of part one of the new PBS documentary called Unnatural Causes: Is inequality making us sick. What I learned sadden me, but I suppose, it should not have shocked me. Apparently, the socio-economic class you are a part of is a real determinate of how long you will live. So, if you are “poor” you will live about three years less then your middle class friends, if you are middle class you will live three years less then your rich friends. This is after unhealthy behaviors such as smoking are controlled for. Also important to note here, African Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders often fare worse then their white counterparts. As a person who grew up in the lowest 30% of Americans based on wealth, this does not make me happy. Why did I spend all that time working out, if in the long run my family’s class position will determine how long I live? Of course this is a much bigger problem than just my health. America is currently ranked 30th internationally for child mortality rates and 29th for life expectancy, yet we spend twice as much annually on health than any other country. Economic and racial inequality kills more people than cigarettes. The schools we attend and the income we make are health issues that are just as critical to consider as diet and exercise.
Why does this happen? People who are in the middle and lower parts of the class pyramid are exposed to more health threats ranging from material deprivation to chronic stressors and have less opportunities and resources needed to control their destinies. For me, this is just one more reason to fight against the inequalities that pelage this nation.
Needless to say, the documentary is much more informative and interesting than this Blog post. Therefore, if you want to learn more Unnatural Causes is airing on PBS over the next few weeks. You can check your local listings for details.
Just this morning, my husband called me on his way to work - a warning light had turned on in the car. Sadly, he explained, he wouldn't be able to get to a mechanic for several days. He works two jobs and there simply isn't a spare moment until 10:00 pm. The solution: we'll switch cars tomorrow and I'll take the car into the shop. However, the dilemna makes me think. How much worse would such a situation be for a single mother? And suppose it wasn't a warning light on the dash of her second car - but excruciating dental pain or another health crisis. The middle class and the wealthy are fortunate to have the flexibility to respond to such crises. Unfortunately, not everyone in society has this luxury.
By the way, your post reminds me of a powerful blog Andi Millens wrote several months ago about the lack of healthcare for the poor. ((http://jewishpublicaffairs.blog.com/2537655/) (Comment this)