HEALTH EQUITY: Provide health equity opportunities for your baby

Considering having a baby? Give your little one a fair chance at health equity! Health equity means that everyone has an equal opportunity at living their healthiest life. Every parent wants their child to live a happy and healthy life. That is why it is important to ask yourself whether your living situation is healthy for a baby. Here are some ways to determine if you can offer your child a chance at health equity.

Environment
Did you know that your zip code affects your chances of achieving health equity? There are certain differences, or health disparities, when it comes to living in a poorer environment. People that live near good health centers, clean parks and healthy food choices are healthy overall. There are some people however, who don’t. Poorer neighborhoods are more likely to be further away from these health necessities. They may live sicker and die younger than people in wealthier neighborhoods. This kind of environment can affect the way your child develops. Want to know your zip code health? Find out here.

Health Care
Access to good health care may be easier for some than others. Those who live in poorer areas most likely do not have good health centers nearby. This brings up the question of transportation. Some people may have to rely on public transportation if they do not have a car. Depending on the distance of the health center they can get to, access to medical care could be a challenge. This might then interfere with their work schedule as well. In some cases, this means important doctor’s appointments are missed.

Food
Your baby will need to eat good, nutritious foods so they can grow healthy. Families that live in wealthier areas usually have access to farmer’s markets and grocery stores with many food choices. In poorer areas, the closest foods are typically in convenience stores that have unhealthy, processed items. These foods are not always the healthiest choices, but that is what is quick and cheap.

These are only a few factors you should be thinking about when planning for a baby. In a perfect world, we would have health equity. However, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t work for it. Visit DE Thrives to learn more about what you can do to achieve health equity for everyone.