There are many factors that influence our health. These are called determinants of health.

Path to improved health

Social determinants of health are the conditions that we live, learn, work, and play in. These conditions can influence the health and well-being of you and your community.

Here are some examples of major social factors that can influence your health.

Education

Your education level can have an effect on how healthy you are. Education gives you the tools you need to make good decisions about your health.

Income

The amount of money you make has an effect on your health. People with higher incomes tend to be healthier and live longer than people with low incomes.

Housing

Where you live has a significant impact on your health. People who are continually exposed to poor living conditions have a higher risk of developing health problems.

Things to consider

Above are just a few of the social determinants of health that can affect your health and well-being. There are many others. They include:

• Access to nutritious foods.
• Access to clean water and working utilities (electricity, sanitation, heating, and cooling).
• Early childhood social and physical environments, including childcare.
• Ethnicity and culture.
• Family and other social support.
• Gender.
• Language and other communication capabilities.
• Occupation and job security.
• Sexual identification.
• Social status (how integrated or isolated you are from others).
• Social stressors, such as exposure to violence.
• Socioeconomic status.
• Spiritual/religious values.