Research
The general notion among educators is that with education comes opportunity. The more information and preparation we can deliver to our students, the more empowered they are to take charge of the direction of their lives in a positive manner. We want them to “open doors” for themselves down the road, doors that lead to jobs, possibilities and happiness. But, by increasing their educational attainment, students are also opening the door to being a healthier individual.
A study through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2009) linked educational attainment to health in the following three ways:
1. Education can lead to improved health by increasing health knowledge and healthy behaviors.
2. Greater educational attainment leads to better employment opportunities and higher income, which are linked with better health.
3. Education is linked with social and psychological factors that affect health.
Greater education has been attributed to people's knowledge of healthcare available, increased forethought in the health decision-making process, and their use of available resources. Additionally, greater education has been linked with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, and refraining from negative, excessive behaviors like smoking and alcohol consumption (Braveman, 2009).
The second correlation established by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation showcases the intertwining nature between health, education, socioeconomic status and job opportunities. The link they establish can be put quite simply. Getting a good education paves the way to get a job and, more likely, a better paying job than those who do not receive at least a high school education. In a recent study, Rouse and Barrow (2007) estimated that on average each additional year of schooling represents an 11 percent increase in income. People that have good jobs have better access to healthcare, financial stability, and the ability to provide themselves and their family with nutritious food and health related benefits (Braveman, 2009).
Lastly, educational attainment is linked with social and psychological benefits that positively affect health in individuals. The benefits associated with educational attainment in relation to these categories include social standing, social support, and sense of control (Braveman, 2009). According to Black (1988), greater educational attainment typically is associated with higher social standing, which in turn has been linked with better health status. The more education an individual achieves the more apt they are to be stable in these areas and, in turn, receive positive health benefits.
A study through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2009) linked educational attainment to health in the following three ways:
1. Education can lead to improved health by increasing health knowledge and healthy behaviors.
2. Greater educational attainment leads to better employment opportunities and higher income, which are linked with better health.
3. Education is linked with social and psychological factors that affect health.
Greater education has been attributed to people's knowledge of healthcare available, increased forethought in the health decision-making process, and their use of available resources. Additionally, greater education has been linked with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, and refraining from negative, excessive behaviors like smoking and alcohol consumption (Braveman, 2009).
The second correlation established by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation showcases the intertwining nature between health, education, socioeconomic status and job opportunities. The link they establish can be put quite simply. Getting a good education paves the way to get a job and, more likely, a better paying job than those who do not receive at least a high school education. In a recent study, Rouse and Barrow (2007) estimated that on average each additional year of schooling represents an 11 percent increase in income. People that have good jobs have better access to healthcare, financial stability, and the ability to provide themselves and their family with nutritious food and health related benefits (Braveman, 2009).
Lastly, educational attainment is linked with social and psychological benefits that positively affect health in individuals. The benefits associated with educational attainment in relation to these categories include social standing, social support, and sense of control (Braveman, 2009). According to Black (1988), greater educational attainment typically is associated with higher social standing, which in turn has been linked with better health status. The more education an individual achieves the more apt they are to be stable in these areas and, in turn, receive positive health benefits.
Case Study: Center, CO
Emotional Health
The graph demonstrates the level of depression and suicidal ideation in the Center secondary student population as reported in the Healthy Kids Colorado survey. While our rates have decreased over the years, we are still slightly above the rates for these indicators for Colorado. We have a very busy counseling staff at the school. In addition to the higher rates of depression, our community lacks sufficient mental health resources in the community. The school has made a committment to provide the services at the school.
Physical Health
The chart to the right presents a variety of physical health indicators in Saguache County where the town of Center resides. This data demonstrates the impact of low educational attainment on health. Saguache County has a significantly lower level of educational attainment than Colorado as a whole, and the data is consistently less desireable for Saguache County.
Telling the Story
Watch the short video at the link below for a look at this topic as it is being examined in the UK.
It can be argued that the findings are similar to what we see in the U.S.
It can be argued that the findings are similar to what we see in the U.S.
References
Black D., Morris J.N., & Smith C. (1988) Inequalities in Health. The Black Report: The Health Divide.
Braveman, P., Dekker, M., Egerter, S., Grossman-Kahn, R. & Sadegh-Nobari, T. (2009) Education Matters for Health. Issue Brief 6: Education and
Health. September: 1-15
Colorado Department of Education. (2012). Overview of the 2011 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey: High School. Retrieved June 27, 2012 from
colegacy.org/.../Overview_2011-Healthy-Kids-Colorado-Survey.pdf.
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. Colorado Health Indicators. Retrieved June 26, 2012 from
http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/HealthIndicators/.
Healthy Kids Colorado Survey-Center Consolidated School District. (2005-2011). Individual reports prepared by Omni: Denver, CO. Compiled
by Katrina Caldon-Ruggles, MA, LPC, NCC.
Rouse, C.E. & Barrow L. (2006) U.S. Elementary and Secondary Schools: Equalizing Opportunity or Replicating the Status Quo?. Future Child, 16
(2): 99-123
Teach First. Telling the Story. Retrieved June 27, 2012 from http://www.teachfirst.org.uk/tellingthestory.
Braveman, P., Dekker, M., Egerter, S., Grossman-Kahn, R. & Sadegh-Nobari, T. (2009) Education Matters for Health. Issue Brief 6: Education and
Health. September: 1-15
Colorado Department of Education. (2012). Overview of the 2011 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey: High School. Retrieved June 27, 2012 from
colegacy.org/.../Overview_2011-Healthy-Kids-Colorado-Survey.pdf.
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. Colorado Health Indicators. Retrieved June 26, 2012 from
http://www.chd.dphe.state.co.us/HealthIndicators/.
Healthy Kids Colorado Survey-Center Consolidated School District. (2005-2011). Individual reports prepared by Omni: Denver, CO. Compiled
by Katrina Caldon-Ruggles, MA, LPC, NCC.
Rouse, C.E. & Barrow L. (2006) U.S. Elementary and Secondary Schools: Equalizing Opportunity or Replicating the Status Quo?. Future Child, 16
(2): 99-123
Teach First. Telling the Story. Retrieved June 27, 2012 from http://www.teachfirst.org.uk/tellingthestory.