There has been a lot of speculation as to why "minorities" suffer at a much higher rate than their white counterparts with poor health and health care outcomes. Consideration has been given to educational level, socio-economic status, insurance coverage, cultural issues, etc.
Here's my thought... People of color (because I despise the term "minority") tend to be people of faith. This might have a little to do with the fact that for many a personal connection to God is their only source of power. Historically, people of color have experienced and continue experience many hardships often not of their own doing. Prayer and faith provide strength. When pain and struggles continue over an extended period of time or even a lifetime people become desensitized to their pain and struggles. There is a tendency to muddle through and make the best of the situation.
When a person who experiences pain and struggles on a regular basis becomes ill or injured that illness or injury becomes just one more issue or struggle to cope with. A prioritization occurs. For example, if someone is diagnosed with diabetes he/she will be expected by the health care system to conform to strict regimens of testing and monitoring, eating well, exercising, not smoking and all that goes with stabilizing the blood sugar. However, when meeting one's basic needs (food, shelter and clothing), along with other priorities (raising children, caring for elderly family members, working, maintaining utilities, etc.) arise a conflict develops. People of color know that their health is important. There is an understanding that if I don't take my medicine I may eventually experience greater illness, but for now... I have to get to work, I can't afford the testing device, the only grocery store available to me sells a poor selection of foods. As long as one can continue to function, even if ill, there is a need to keep going.
Address the issues of the struggles (education, socio-economic, insurance). Yes. But, also address the fatigue and desensitization that accompanies the struggles. For many, God is the only source of strength to keep going. Unfortunately, for many there is a belief that God expects one to suffer for salvation, which also facilitates a mind-set that struggling is necessary. Struggling equals desensitization, which equals poor outcomes.
Here's my thought... People of color (because I despise the term "minority") tend to be people of faith. This might have a little to do with the fact that for many a personal connection to God is their only source of power. Historically, people of color have experienced and continue experience many hardships often not of their own doing. Prayer and faith provide strength. When pain and struggles continue over an extended period of time or even a lifetime people become desensitized to their pain and struggles. There is a tendency to muddle through and make the best of the situation.
When a person who experiences pain and struggles on a regular basis becomes ill or injured that illness or injury becomes just one more issue or struggle to cope with. A prioritization occurs. For example, if someone is diagnosed with diabetes he/she will be expected by the health care system to conform to strict regimens of testing and monitoring, eating well, exercising, not smoking and all that goes with stabilizing the blood sugar. However, when meeting one's basic needs (food, shelter and clothing), along with other priorities (raising children, caring for elderly family members, working, maintaining utilities, etc.) arise a conflict develops. People of color know that their health is important. There is an understanding that if I don't take my medicine I may eventually experience greater illness, but for now... I have to get to work, I can't afford the testing device, the only grocery store available to me sells a poor selection of foods. As long as one can continue to function, even if ill, there is a need to keep going.
Address the issues of the struggles (education, socio-economic, insurance). Yes. But, also address the fatigue and desensitization that accompanies the struggles. For many, God is the only source of strength to keep going. Unfortunately, for many there is a belief that God expects one to suffer for salvation, which also facilitates a mind-set that struggling is necessary. Struggling equals desensitization, which equals poor outcomes.
1 comment:
Good article teach, our company just went to Blue Cross PPO and they provide for preventive medecine. Hopefully in the future all companies will do so.
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