When you hear “social determinants of health” what do you think of?
If you look at the word(s) closely, the term “social” can be defined as a society or community. The term “determinants” determines the effects our environment has on something or even someone. This condition can be based around where we were born, where we have grown up and lived, and where we have worked. Social determinants of health typically include factors such as our environment, education, socioeconomic status, and our social support systems.
So, how does social determinants of health relate to the nervous system? Like mentioned, it consists of several factors that play into our health as we age. The nervous system monitors environmental changes in the body. What makes up the nervous system is the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Throughout each one, we have receptors that respond to stimuli by sending signals, such as pain, to the CNS.
After watching a TED talk on social determinants of health, Rishi (speaker of the TED talk) met a lady who was having reoccurring migraines – which the nervous system is sending out signals that there is pain. Several doctors that she saw in the past, came back with negative results. When she met Rishi, he asked her about her living and working environment. She stated that she has been living in an area that had mold, water leaks, and roaches. With that, Rishi told her she is having those chronic migraines due to allergies and the conditions she is around. So, as health professionals, it is our job to ask the client about their living and working environment.
Lastly, I want to close by talking briefly about the UTHSC OT program’s professional development hours that we are required to have. While being in the program I have been able to participate in many organizational events as well as online courses. With this amazing opportunity, we as students are able to learn and grow in order for us to achieve our goals as competent OT practitioners.
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