Why do we have health inequalities in different social groups?
Firstly, higher income groups have a head start in being healthy, because they are fed good food, live in a healthier environment, and are more likely to be able to get out in the fresh air and have free time to walk, cycle, atttend a gym and generally lead a healthier lifestyle. Higher income also gives them access to private health plans which will give them some priority over treatment,, timely intervention and getting the best drugs available. Poorer groups will live in more crowded housing, pick up infections more easily, have a poor diet which is limited in vitamins. They may live in inner cities where the hospital and medical services are more pressured; there are more road accidents; children may be left on their own more and be more prone to problems. They will have less chance for a holiday. Secondly, the wealthier are better educated and more self aware, and more self confident in their conversations with health professionals, so that they will ask the right questions, gain
