We often like to think of health as a purely personal issue. We’re told that our wellbeing is a direct result of our individual choices—what we eat, how much we exercise, and whether we get enough sleep. The narrative of personal responsibility is powerful and pervasive.
But this is only a small part of a much larger and more complex story.
Our ability to be healthy is profoundly shaped by the world around us. The systems, structures, and biases of our society have a direct and measurable impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. Your postcode can be just as important as your genetic code.
The data is clear and undeniable: your health is influenced by your social and economic circumstances. In the UK, people in the most deprived areas are likely to live shorter lives and spend more years in poor health than those in the least deprived areas. This is known as the health gap.
Systemic biases within the healthcare system also play a significant role. For example, research has shown that women’s pain is often taken less seriously than men’s, leading to longer diagnosis times for conditions like heart disease and endometriosis.
People from ethnic minority backgrounds can also face barriers to care, including language barriers and a lack of culturally competent services.
Acknowledging these disparities is not about assigning blame. It’s about recognising that we are not all starting from the same place. It’s the first and most crucial step towards creating a more equitable system where everyone has a fair chance to live a long and healthy life.
Language is one of the most powerful tools we have for creating a safe and inclusive environment. In a healthcare setting, the words we use matter immensely. When medical information is only available in one language, or when it is filled with complex jargon, it creates a significant barrier to understanding.
Inclusive language also means respecting and affirming people’s identities. For the LGBTQ+ community, this can be particularly important. Using a person’s correct name and pronouns is a fundamental sign of respect that can build trust and rapport.
Using gender-neutral language when discussing topics like pregnancy and cervical screening ensures that transgender and non-binary individuals are not excluded from vital health information.
When people feel seen, respected, and understood, they are more likely to engage with healthcare services and have better health outcomes.
The history of medicine is not without its biases. For a long time, medical research was conducted almost exclusively on men. This has led to a significant gap in our understanding of how conditions present differently in women.
As a result, conditions that predominantly affect women have often been under-researched and their symptoms dismissed as “emotional,” “psychosomatic,” or “all in your head.” This is a common and deeply frustrating experience for many women.
If you feel that your concerns are being dismissed, you have the right to push back. Come to your appointment prepared with a detailed symptom diary. Bring a trusted friend or family member with you for support.
Don’t be afraid to state clearly, “I am concerned about this, and I feel that I am not being heard.” And remember, you always have the right to seek a second opinion. Your lived experience is real and valid.
Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use information to make informed decisions about your health. In a world of complex medical information and online misinformation, it is a more vital skill than ever.
We can all play a role in building health literacy within our own communities. We can share reliable, evidence-based resources with our friends and family.
We can help older relatives prepare for their doctor’s appointments by writing down their questions. We can work to demystify health topics by having open and honest conversations.
A more health-literate community is a more empowered community. It’s a community that is better equipped to navigate the healthcare system, advocate for its needs, and make proactive choices about its wellbeing.
Ultimately, the pursuit of health is not just a personal journey; it is a collective responsibility. Everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the chance to live a healthy life.
This requires more than just individual effort. It requires a societal commitment to addressing the root causes of health inequalities.
Advocating for better care—for yourself, for your loved ones, and for your community—is not just a personal act. It is a powerful political act. It is a step towards creating a more just, compassionate, and healthy future for everyone.
