Written by Dr. Aisha Harris
Did you know that 80% of your health is because of what happens outside of the health
system? So yes, seeing a doctor regularly, taking medications as prescribed and completing screenings are important – but it does not complete the entire picture of what is impacting your health.
Your health behavior, physical environment and socioeconomic factors make up the 80%
impact societal factors have on your health. Your health is more than just making
appointments. It is everything and anything you do on a daily basis – and your surroundings.
Physical environment impacts 10% of your health. Though the smallest portion, where you live, work and play can create a lasting impression on your health. Air quality, water contamination, building infrastructure and resource access all contribute to how your physical environment impacts your health.
Regarding health behaviors, your nutrition, physical activity, substance use like alcohol use and tobacco use and sexual activity are some behaviors that influence your health. Do you have healthy behaviors? Because 30% of your health is influenced by your behaviors, both good and bad. Some of your health behaviors can immediately impact your health but many can cause concerns, complications and medical problems years from now that jeopardize your quality of life and health outcomes.
Then there are the socioeconomic factors which make up 40% of the societal factors that
impact your health. These are also known as the social determinants of health, which are the non-medical factors that impact your health and health outcomes. So. things like your education, job, family social support, income, community and safety all play a role in your health.
Everything impacts your health because everything is health.
Look around your day to day and life. Are there things you feel are negatively impacting your
health? Are there things you can change or raise concerns about in order to influence policy and regulations? Are there things in your community that you can help improve so you can benefit, or the next generations can benefit?
We are part of a community impact which makes us even more connected than we think. It is recommended that everyone have a primary care doctor, but it is also recommended that people are civically engaged and participating in their community development and culture because it helps us all be healtheri and stronger versions of ourselves and leave a better experience for the future.
With 80% of your health being outside of the health system, ask yourself how that 80% is
positively and negatively impacting your health. Then do something to help yourself and your community thrive.
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD, is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at
Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com.
Feel free to submit health questions to Dr Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
