The Social Determinants of Health

The Social Determinants of Health

Why Social Determinants of Health Matter for Your Wellness:

If you are having trouble finding balance while getting healthier, it most likely is not your fault. When we think about health, most of us imagine personal choices—eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, or getting enough sleep. While these habits are important, they’re only part of the picture. Our health is also deeply influenced by the world around us, including our neighborhoods, jobs, families, and the opportunities we’ve had in life. These influences are collectively referred to as the social determinants of health (SDOH), and they significantly impact overall wellness.

What Are Social Determinants of Health?

Simply put, SDOH are the conditions that affect how we live and, in turn, how healthy we can be. Some of the biggest ones include:

• Money and work – Financial security and steady jobs allow people to afford safe housing, healthy food, and medical care. Struggling financially often means more stress and fewer resources to stay healthy.

• Education – Learning doesn’t just open career doors; it also helps people make informed decisions about nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.

• Healthcare access – Having insurance and affordable, trustworthy providers makes it easier to catch problems early and manage health over time.

• Neighborhoods – Safe housing, clean air, and access to parks make it easier to stay active and reduce stress. On the other hand, unsafe streets or polluted areas can negatively affect both physical and mental health.

• Community and support – Relationships matter. Feeling connected to friends, family, or community groups provides emotional support and helps people manage challenges more effectively.

These factors show that health isn’t just about individual willpower—it’s also about the environment and resources available to us.

Why They Matter for Wellness

They explain health differences. Ever notice how some communities have higher rates of chronic illness than others? Often, it’s because of unequal access to resources like healthy food, safe spaces, and good healthcare—not just lifestyle choices.

They shape daily habits. Choices like cooking a healthy meal or joining a gym sound simple, but they require time, money, and access. Someone working long shifts or living far from grocery stores may not have those options.

They impact healthcare results. Even the best medical advice won’t help if a patient can’t afford prescriptions or doesn’t have reliable transportation to appointments. Addressing social factors makes treatments more effective.

They highlight the power of prevention. Fixing root causes—like improving housing, schools, or community resources—helps prevent illness before it starts, saving both money and stress.

They promote fairness. True wellness means giving everyone a fair shot at living a healthy life. By tackling barriers like poverty or discrimination, we create healthier communities for all.

Creating Healthier Communities

The good news is that change is possible. If communities, healthcare systems, and policymakers work together to address these challenges, some promising steps could include:

• Building affordable, safe housing.

• Creating more green spaces and walkable neighborhoods.

• Supporting education and job training.

• Making healthy food more available through markets and local programs.

• Expanding healthcare access with affordable, inclusive services.

Even on a personal level, we can support wellness by getting involved in community projects, advocating for fair policies, or simply checking in on neighbors and loved ones.

Health is more than what happens at the doctor’s office or in the gym—it’s shaped by our surroundings, opportunities, and communities. The social determinants of health remind us that wellness is a shared responsibility. It's a community effort. By improving the conditions where people live, learn, work, and connect, we can create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Best in Health,

Coach Nai