Health inequalities essay

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

There are many reasons why health inequalities exist in the UK, these include alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity. Some may argue that choosing to partake in any of these things results in health inequalities others argue that its not a choice. In this essay I will be arguing that choosing health inequalities are created by a persons socialization not by choice.

Question 2

Point 1 of Paragraph 1

Answer 2

One reason health inequalities exist is that many people chooses to smoke

Question 3

Explain 1 of Paragraph 1

Answer 3

Smoking can cause many major health problems like lung disease, cancer, and early death. People who continue to smoke do so knowing the health risks of it. this causes some people to have major life threatening health issues bu not do anything about it and put their lives on the line for a cigarette. This could potentially cause the smoker to die.

Question 4

Example 1 for Paragraph 1

Answer 4

Over 1 in 10 of all deaths in Scotland are smoking related.

Question 5

Analysis 1 for Paragraph 1

Answer 5

This can cause a huge impact as a family will lose a loved one and source of income, kids will lose a parent. The NHS will put money into saving a person who will do very little to help themselves, and the economy will overall lose money.

Question 6

Point 2 for Paragraph 1

Answer 6

It could be claimed that choosing to smoke is a direct result of a persons socialization such as living in poverty.

Question 7

Explain 2 for Paragraph 1

Answer 7

Poor people in Scotland are more likely to die from smoking, this is because smoking is the only relief they have. They cannot afford to go out and do more expensive things as a form of relief, meaning they are more likely to get into smoking. As well as this smoking is an addiction so if you get into it, it becomes incredibly difficult to stop.

Question 8

Example 2 for Paragraph 1

Answer 8

32% of the poorest in Sotland smoke compared to 6% of the richest.

Question 9

Analysis 2 for Paragraph 1

Answer 9

This confirms that poor people are more likely to be attracted to smoking, the impact of this is that poorer people are more likely to die from smoking related deaths.

Question 10

Evaluation for Paragraph 1

Answer 10

Smoking may be a choice initially but later becomes an addiction that poorer people are more likely to succumb to. This them creates heath inequalities as people from more deprived areas will suffer more due to smoking than the well-off.

Question 11

Point 1 for Paragraph 2

Answer 11

Another reason why health inequalities exist is alcohol consumption.

Question 12

Explain 1 for Paragraph 2

Answer 12

Alcohol consumption can lead to many health problems including cirrhosis of the liver and high blood pressure. Alcohol can cause cancer, fertility problems and can damage the immune system. some may argue that alcohol consumption is a choice and choosing to drink knowing the consequences is a risk people take by choice. People know it kills.

Question 13

Example 1 for Paragraph 2

Answer 13

Of 100’000 people in Scotland 22.6 will die of alcohol related causes.

Question 14

Analysis 1 for Paragraph 2

Answer 14

This can further impact the wider community, it causes families to lose a loved one and a source of income.the economy will lose a worker, therefore effecting the overall economy.

Question 15

Point 2 for Paragraph 2

Answer 15

It could be claimed that choosing to drink alcohol is a result of a persons socialization such as poverty or the area you live in.

Question 16

Explain 2 for Paragraph 2

Answer 16

Alcohol for some is the only release they have from their everyday life as they may not be able to afford anything else. in most deprived areas to only places to socialise or take a break form the 9 to 5 re pubs. this means that people in the who are most likely to consume are alcohol are the poorest.

Question 17

Example 2 for Paragraph 2

Answer 17

PHS reports that alcohol specific death rates were 8x higher for the poorest than the richest in Scotland.

Question 18

Analysis 2 for Paragraph 2

Answer 18

This shows that poorer people are at a higher risk of suffering from alcohol consumption, creating disparities in health equality between the poorest and richest.

Question 19

Evaluation for Paragraph 2

Answer 19

Some may argue that drinking alcohol is a choice, but others would argue that drinking for some is the only thing they have, which causes health inequalities.

Question 20

Point 1 for Paragraph 3

Answer 20

Another cause of health inequalities is obesity.

Question 21

Explain 1 for Paragraph 3

Answer 21

Obesity can be causes by a unhealthy diet of junk food and very little exercise. Obesity can lead to problems in the heart, liver, stomach, and many others, sometimes even death. some may argue that choosing to eat poorly is the cause of obesity and this choice leads to health inequalities and even death.

Question 22

Example 1 for Paragraph 3

Answer 22

According to a public health survey 67% of Scots are overweight/obese.

Question 23

Analysis 1 for Paragraph 3

Answer 23

This is over half the population that could have fatal health conditions. this can affect the economy as it means that over half the population may not be able to work due to health concerns.

Question 24

Point 2 for Paragraph 3

Answer 24

It could be claimed that choosing to eat unhealthily is a direct result of a persons socialization.

Question 25

Explain 2 for Paragraph 3

Answer 25

For some people healthy food and gym memberships are not a choice. Junk food is typically cheaper and may be the only hing they can afford. People who have less money would not prioritize gym memberships or expensive healthy food over basic necessities.

Question 26

Example 2 for Paragraph 3

Answer 26

Children in Scotland reports show that poorer children are 2x more likely to be at risk of obesity than those from the 20% least deprived

Question 27

Analysis 2 for Paragraph 3

Answer 27

This shows that since unhealthy food is often the only choice for some it can lead to health inequalities between the richest and poorest. As poorer people will be at a greater risk of suffering fatal health conditions due to obesity.

Question 28

Evaluation for Paragraph 3

Answer 28

Some may argue that obesity is a choice, while others would say that it is often a choice of necessity

Question 29

Conclusion

Answer 29

Some argue that health inequalities are created by choice. For example, choosing to drink or smoke. However, others would say that yes people choose to do all those things, but that choice often comes from their social background.