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  • Essay / Healthy lifestyle: key factors impacting a person's health and ways to address them

    The World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just the absence of disease or infirmity”. When most people think about what is meant by health, they are interested in their physical abilities. However, in recent years the focus has been on mental health status, our lifestyle, the food we eat, our profession, where we live, poverty and climate change when we considers our overall health. In 2010, the Marmott study examined factors such as early childhood development, working conditions, income, education and environments that can lead to poorer health and increased inequalities in health (Institute of Health Equity (IHE), 2020). There is a lot of literature showing many factors proven to impact our current state of health and well-being, but also our long-term health. We know that there is freedom in choosing a healthy lifestyle, but only within the social and economic constraints in which a person may find themselves (Ochieng, 2013). In this essay, we will look at the key factors that can impact a person's health and what promotional strategies would be best to address them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay In early childhood, the ability to develop and thrive is closely linked to a wide range of outcomes throughout a child's life. Having good communication and language skills is linked to higher level qualifications and academic success, which translates into higher incomes and better overall health (IHE, 2020). Living in child poverty increases a child's risk of experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as living in households prone to domestic violence, drug or alcohol abuse, child abuse or neglect, poor mental health, criminality, separation and living in care (IHE). , 2020). Children who experienced multiple ACEs were found to be at increased risk of developing many health problems, including asthma, lung disease, stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and mental health problems (IHE, 2020). Health promotion strategies that could be used would include helping people move out of poverty. Sure Start centers are a service that helps improve outcomes for children and their families (IHE, 2020). They provide advice and information to families on a wide range of issues, from training and employment opportunities, to specialist services for young parents and parenting services. They are also linked to NHS maternity services (National Health Service (a), 2018). Campaigns such as Healthy Start help struggling families by providing free weekly vouchers for foods such as fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and infant formula, as well as free vitamins. Education also impacts and influences healthy lifestyles. The adult unemployment rate is higher among people with low or no qualifications (Office of National Statistics, 2017). The 2015 Annual Population Survey from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows the relationship between qualification level and life expectancy.