The Negative Effects of Poverty on the Child’s Health

The fact that socioeconomic status and stress are correlated is an old adage. Those falling in the lower stratum of society are more likely to face a far greater number of stressors. The effects of stress on health are well known. Those experiencing increased amounts of stress are more at risk for stress related symptoms and health concerns. These health issues include heart ailments, high blood pressure, and the metabolic syndrome. A recent study indicates that children who are born in poor families are at greater risks for health concerns. Poverty can worsen health to a great extent.

Reasons for this occurrence

According to a study which was published in Psychological Science, the time that the children lived in poverty had a direct impact on stress levels. This in turn leads to health repercussions.

Gary Evans, a professor of human ecology at the University of Cornell in Ithaca, New York suggested that the factors responsible for greater health risks among poor children have a steeper trajectory than in elder children, even when socioeconomic status was not taken into account. He even said that the mute responses of mechanisms that regulate stress can put the bodies of adolescents more at risk for stressors such as noise, poor living conditions, and tensions within the family. These regulatory mechanisms are also a part of the cardiovascular system. These muted responses further indicate that these children are more prone to physiological strain on the body organs and tissues in comparison with younger children.

Its Implications

This study has important implications for all strata of society and not just for those living in poverty. Evans further elaborated that not creating a level-playing field for all proves costly to everyone. This means that children belonging to the poorer sections of society have a higher tendency to fall sick and have a shorter lifespan. This can prove extremely costly to society.

These findings highlight the damage to the body caused by chronic stress levels. Other stressful events include up’s and down’s in relationships, excessive noise, and financial distress. The study also highlights the importance of stress management among children. Most parents are alien to this need.

Things You Can Do

Make sure that you peruse the resources mentioned below as they have serious implications for everyone:

• Stress and excessive noise
  The effects of excessive noise go largely unnoticed since the more one is exposed to it the more immune one gets. However, noise pollution can have significant effects on the physical and emotional health. Kids are more at risk for damage. Learn all the tools available to negate the effects.
• Tool kit for relationships
  We as adults know that conflicts in relationships can be frustrating. However, we fail to realize the impact that these conflicts can have on kids. Listed are some techniques to deal with relationship conflict in a healthy way.
• Stress Management for Kids
  Do kids really need lessons in stress management? The answer is a loud ‘yes’. Here is all the resources that you need to know to arm your kids with some stress management skills. These are skills that can prove useful for an entire lifetime.
• Stress Management Techniques for Parents
  Parenthood is a stress in itself. Being a parent increases the chances of falling into depression. Parents need to take good care of their health in order to provide the same level of care to their children. Listed are some tips for parents, which they can use to combat stress. These are tips that you can utilize and experiment with your children.
• Ways to Help
  If you are fortunate to be in a position where you can provide help, try some of these techniques. They will ensure that you have a plethora of ways in which you can provide help.

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