The document discusses social determinants of health, noting that Americans are less healthy than people in many other countries in terms of life expectancy and infant mortality rates. It identifies personal behaviors, living and working conditions, community behaviors, and economic and social resources as key determinants of individual and population health. Personal health behaviors are influenced by education level, while community health is influenced by factors like parental education, family income, neighborhood environment, and access to resources.

1. S OCIAL D ETERMINANTS O F H EALTH Personal Behavior Community Behavior HEALTH YOU This information taken from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 2008. All RWJF rights reserved.

4. Income Influence Source: NLMS, 1988-1998 Personal Behavior… This information taken from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 2008. All RWJF rights reserved. 4

5. Education Influence Personal Behavior… Source: NLMS, 1988-1998 This information taken from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 2008. All RWJF rights reserved. 5

7. Community Behavior… How economic & social advantage shapes health Higher levels of parents’ education Healthier behaviors by parents Good role models for children and lower exposure to unhealthy conditions such as secondhand smoke Better jobs and increased family income Higher levels of parents’ education Affordability of good housing, a safe neighborhood with access to recreational opportunities and nutritious diet Increased family income Resources to cope with stressors (e.g., child care, transportation, health insurance Decreased levels of chronic stress experienced by children Positive effects on neuroendocrine systems that can lead to lesser risks for developing chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes 7