Health Official: Education, Neighborhood Important for Health

While others primarily focus on diets or food intake to improve their overall health, a health official from Alabama says that education, as well as the community, are important in promoting better health and living, ultimately leading to a better future.

Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson, in giving the annual public health address at UAB, said that the community is as important as treatments or medicines in doctor's offices or hospital buildings, reports AL.com. He said that the county can help in promoting better health by letting community leaders come together and work in increasing access to early education as well as efforts in improving local communities.

"If children do not graduate from high school, they are more likely to be unemployed, to be unhealthy and to die prematurely," said Wilson.

In contrast to previous speeches that focus on giving statistical health data, Wilson gave his focus on health-affecting conditions in Jefferson County schools as well as neighborhoods.

Those working in the public health sector know that improving health conditions in whole communities will include addressing the issue of poverty. Wilson said this greatly affects the public's access to education, healthy food, and good quality medical care.

"The rising cost of healthcare and the costs we bear of having an unhealthy population are arguably some of the greatest threats to our community," said Wilson.

Despite admitting to the fact that he has but little power to influence city planning and education funding, Wilson believes that he can still advocate for policies that will support better health. The Medicaid expansion is also something that he would want the state to work on, to help Alabama's working poor.

Health is often compromised when one is living on poverty. Children from low-income families in Alabama, for example, are unable to enjoy the well-equipped hospitals in Jefferson County. They are also found to be more likely to suffer from elevated lead levels, which according to the Mayo Clinic, can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, as well as appetite and weight loss, among others.