Before we get into the good stuff, let us explain health equity and why it should matter to you.
Health Equity is defined as a state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. So, no matter who you are or where you come from, everyone has the same opportunity to be their healthiest selves. It’s about ensuring every person has access to the care they need despite their race, gender, income, disability, sexual orientation, geography, or even the size of their paycheck!
In a perfect world, this would be the standard. Unfortunately, we as people need to be more aware of and work towards this. One of the biggest issues we face in attaining health equity is the disparities between men and women.
Men vs Women: The Double Standard
For decades, there have been disparities in the way men and women are perceived in medical research. Most health studies are done exclusively on men. They were treated as the “default” model for medical research, even for conditions that affect women more commonly!
It wasn’t until the 1990s that researchers started to include women in medical research studies. But we are still playing ‘catch-up’ in understanding female anatomy.
So Why Does This Matter?
Well, shockingly, men’s and women’s bodies are not the same. And because of this, a lot of medications and health advice might not be as suitable for women as it is for men. And in some instances, it can be harmful to women.
For example, heart disease. According to the CDC, it is the leading cause of death in the world for both men and women. However, the issue lies in health professionals diagnosing it based on symptoms that are more common in men. Many symptoms that women might have are often misdiagnosed or downplayed. This can result in delayed treatments or even worse outcomes!
Breaking the Gender Barriers: The Positive Side
Even though we have a long way to go in being more inclusive of the female body, things are changing. More recent studies are making an effort to include women, minorities, and other represented groups in studies. There has also been a push to make healthcare more personalized to specific needs.
Organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) now require that all clinical research applications address the inclusion of women, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority populations, and individuals of all ages.
How You Can Make a Difference
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a medical professional to advocate for health equity. Simply staying informed on the topic is a great start. During your next doctor’s visit, ask questions if something doesn’t feel right. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your health! And encourage others to advocate for their own.
And if you are on campus and ever see or hear about a health-related study, consider participating! Your voice (and body!) matters.
Health Equity is a Win for Everyone
At the end of the day, health equity affects everyone. It’s more than equal access to healthcare; it’s about providing care that recognizes and accommodates differences. It’s about making sure that we all get to live long, healthy lives. Only then can we achieve true equity.
