Often, a person’s level of health is attributed to genetics and behavior choices. Decisions such as eating fruits and vegetables and learning the family history of chronic health conditions are seen as the keys to achieving a healthy lifestyle.

While these factors are critical, health is dictated by more than behavior and biology. Health is also shaped by factors known as social determinants of health. As defined by the Centers for Disease Control, social determinants of health are the:

“conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.”

As the photo above illustrates, social determinants of health come in many varieties such as the:

• Quality of local schools;
• The amount healthy food options available;
• Access to transportation;
• Affordability of housing;
• Poverty and inequality.

With data showing that there is a link between having a high level of education and income with good health, and life expectancy differing across communities within the same city by as much as 20 years, it is important now more than ever that city leaders make social determinants of health a priority of their public health plans.

In the new series “The Healthy City”, The Heart of a City will explore how cities across the country are delving into the social determinant arena. By highlighting innovative initiatives and unique partnerships, the series will illustrate how a city is not only a place to live, but a place where health and wellness can be achieved by all. We invite you to join us as we explore The Healthy City.