Health Disparities in Communities

Health Disparities in Communities

Human Activity

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read the assigned chapters for the week, the Gaps Matter: Environment, Health and Social EquityLinks to an external site. journal article, and the Structural Organization of the Human BodyLinks to an external site. video.

The human body is amazing! However, certain factors or actions can positively or negatively impact our health and well-being, such as genetics, diet, exercise, tobacco, alcohol, sleep, sanitation, community safety, contraceptives, and stress. For this discussion, create an initial discussion post that is a minimum of 250 words. All referenced materials must include citations and references in APA format. Please see directions for including APA Style elements on these Writing Center pages: APA: Citing Within Your PaperLinks to an external site. and Formatting Your References ListLinks to an external site..In your discussion,

• Evaluate two factors or actions that promote our health status.
• Evaluate two factors or actions that can cause dysfunction and result in disease.
  • Select one lifestyle factor to discuss in depth.
  • Select one environmental factor to discuss in depth.
• Discuss two diseases that could result from the factors or dysfunctions examined above and how those diseases change the normal function of body system(s).
• Analyze at least two effects human activity and lifestyle habits have on our environment (air quality, water quality, food quality, waste, recycling, etc.).

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APA

Health Disparities in Communities

Human Activity and Health: A Dual-Edged Sword

The human body has an extraordinary ability to maintain internal balance and adapt to external stimuli. However, this balance can be enhanced or disrupted by various internal and external factors. Two key factors that promote health include regular physical activity and adequate sleep. Exercise improves cardiovascular function, boosts immunity, regulates weight, and enhances mood by releasing endorphins (CDC, 2022). Similarly, quality sleep supports memory consolidation, tissue repair, and hormonal balance, all vital for optimal health.

Conversely, smoking tobacco and chronic stress are two actions that can lead to dysfunction and disease. Tobacco introduces toxins that damage the lungs and cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Chronic stress disrupts hormone regulation, particularly cortisol, which can suppress immunity, raise blood pressure, and contribute to metabolic disorders (NIH, 2021).

In-depth Evaluation

Lifestyle factor: Chronic stress profoundly affects the endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can lead to hypertension, arrhythmias, and weakened immunity. Over time, this may result in anxiety disorders, cardiovascular disease, and even depression.

Environmental factor: Poor air quality—particularly in urban areas—contributes to respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular problems. Exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone can impair lung development, exacerbate asthma, and increase the risk of heart attacks (EPA, 2022).

Diseases and Systemic Impact

Two diseases related to the above factors are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension. COPD results from smoking and air pollution exposure, damaging alveoli and impairing gas exchange. Hypertension, often stress-induced, increases the workload on the heart and damages arterial walls, elevating the risk of stroke and kidney failure.

Human Impact on the Environment

Human activities, especially industrialization and consumerism, degrade air and water quality. Fossil fuel use releases pollutants, while poor waste management contaminates water sources. Excessive plastic and electronic waste also strain ecosystems, threatening both environmental and human health.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Benefits of physical activity. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2022). Health and environmental effects of air pollution. https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Smoking and its effects on your body. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle

National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Stress and health: Psychological and biological consequences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8499535/