Some of you may be wondering how these topics connect…

The answer is your socioeconomic status and the way you live.

But how and why?

Obsessed with Medical Bills

In the United States of America healthcare is not free. Most Americans have insurance to cover the insanely expensive medical bills Insurance may not always cover everything and the person will have a co-pay to pay for any medical visits and medicine. This is where your socioeconomic status comes into play. If you are in the Low/ middle class category based on the income, you may not have the funds to pay for these hospital expenses should you have too. When it comes to HIV and getting tested, if you do not have insurance that covers STD or HIV testing then that is 100$ out of pocket every time. Now that person is less likely to get tested after sexual partners and at a higher risk of contracting HIV without knowing. Let’s say this person did get tested and they have HIV, they would then have to pay for a monthly shot or daily pills which can range from 1,000$ to 4,000$ without insurance. HIV prevention medicine costs 3K a month.

Relief

These expenses and the information might sound shocking, right? But Why? You don’t need to be scared when you see the bill if you are following the directions and guidelines that your doctor gives you prevent HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, right? That’s when you need to be health literate to save the money and live better lifestyle.

Worried About Healthy Living Cost

When it comes to eating healthy depending on your socioeconomic status, it may be difficult due to pricing. When it comes to healthy food it is generally priced higher while the unhealthy options will be cheaper. For example, you could get a whole meal from McDonalds for 7-10$ drink included while a salad can cost anywhere from 10-15$ not including a drink. Many people won’t have it in their budget to consistently purchase the healthy food so the unhealthy fast food options may be their only option.

Good News

Why don’t you learn how to cook? Don’t eat food from outside restaurants while you can cook or learn to cook by yourself! Teach your children to love HOME food from their childhood. Food is crucial for your living. DO NOT NEGOTIATE between living healthy and high expenses! YOUR Health is YOUR DIAMOND

Eliminate All the unhealthy habits such as not doing exercise, not following a balanced lifestyle, eating or doing activities that your doctor forbade you to do when you are pre-diagnosed with Diabetes or other diseases. That’s how you will understand how should you spend the money to have a healthy life. Also, Ask for support from government if you need fund to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Reference

[1] Schwimmer, Jeffrey B.. “Preventing Childhood Obesity: Health in the Balance.” Environmental Health Perspectives vol. 113,10 (2005): A706.

[2] Braveman P, Egerter S, Williams DR. The social determinants of health: coming of age. Annu Rev Public Health. 2011;32:381–398.

[3] Sondik, Edward. 2007. Healthy People 2010 Focus Area 11: Health Communication, Progress Review. April 19. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hphome.htm.