Exam 2: Culture

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People who are wealthy, are well educated, and have high-paying jobs are much more likely to be healthy than are poor people. As people's economic status increases, so does their health status. The poor have shorter life expectancies and are at greater risk for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as well as infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. Children born into poor families are at much greater risk of dying during their first year of life. Most of the poor do not receive preventive medical and dental checkups; many do not receive adequate medical care after they experience illness or injury. Many high-poverty areas lack an adequate supply of doctors and medical facilities. Some "charity" clinics and hospitals may provide indigent patients (those who cannot pay) with minimal emergency care but make them feel stigmatized in the process. For many of the working poor, medical insurance is out of the question. Many lower-paying jobs are often the most dangerous and have the greatest health hazards. Analysts suggest that people with higher income and wealth tend to smoke less, exercise more, maintain a healthy body weight, and eat nutritious meals. As a category, more-affluent persons tend to be less depressed and face less psychological stress, conditions that tend to be directly proportional to income, education, and job status. Good health is basic to good life chances; in turn, adequate nutrition is essential for good health. Hunger is related to class position and income inequality. Between 33 and 50 percent of all children living in poverty consume significantly less than the federally recommended guidelines for caloric and nutritional intake. Lack of adequate nutrition has been linked to children's problems in school.