Posted: May 1st, 2025

Discussion response

1.DISCUSSION RESPONSE-200WORDS
Collapse SubdiscussionKIMBERLY JACKSON
KIMBERLY JACKSON
ThursdayJul 11 at 11:58am
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Module 3.4- What do you think is a major health care disparity in your community?
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs includes the bare needs for human survival. Water, food,
and shelter are some of the examples. Access to an affordable balanced diet is a major
health care disparity. The vitamins and nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables are
crucial for our bodies. In the grocery stores, there are organic options, but they are
typically more expensive. The prices of groceries have increased significantly over the
years. The cost of a healthy piece of fruit is the same price as a cheeseburger from
McDonalds. This leaves little options for those in lower income communities. I remember
getting a salad from a market and it was over $10. I could get a cheeseburger, fries, and a
soft drink for half of that cost. Some people are forced to choose one or the other.
According to the Center for Medicare Advocacy, “There are places in the United States
which lack supermarkets which are accessible to neighborhood residents nor served by
adequate public transportation” (2017). Many of the grocery chains that supply fresh
fruits and vegetables are missing from these important areas. Food deserts is a term that
is used for the lack of affordable and healthy foods. Some examples of food deserts are
found in urban or suburban neighborhoods, rural areas where the store is too far away, or
low poverty areas. Food swamp is a term that is used for an abundance of unhealthy junk
foods. Either way, both instances cause an increase in chronic health conditions.
Unhealthy eating can lead to obesity, heart disease, and mental health disorders
(USDHHS, 2024). The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities has
associated chronic health conditions with food insecurity. Food insecurity is one of the
social determents of health that are asked at doctors visits.
2. DISCUSSION RESPONSE 200 WORDS
EMMANDA CHERY
ThursdayJul 11 at 6:50pm
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Question 1: Have you observed a situation where healthcare access is difficult for a
person with a disability?
Proper health care is a right of every human being. However, disparities in the provision of
health care have affected the less privileged population due to systematic discrimination
and poor health care structures. As a result of inadequate health care guidelines, persons
living with disabilities are extensively affected when accessing care.
Health disparity contributes to poor healthcare outcomes. John Hopkins Medicine (2017)
exemplifies the cause of poor healthcare outcomes by following Michelle Simmon’s life
story and how it contributed to her current health status with a diabetes diagnosis. The
idea outlines how community forums on health care have contributed to population
awareness of their health status and taking charge in leading a healthy lifestyle.
CMSHHgov (2019) dedicates a video that explores challenges faced by people living with
disability as they seek health care in America. Through the stories, the featured
individuals illuminate the difficulties of accessing equal health care due to compromised
facilities that lack accommodation of their needs. For example, individuals using
wheelchairs indicate a lack of proper wheeling routes and sitting locations and assistance
when visiting medical facilities. The concept shows neglect for individuals living with
disabilities.
I have observed a situation where healthcare access is difficult for a person with a
disability while assisting an individual with a hearing impairment. The facility lacked
professionals with sign language abilities that would mediate for the doctor and patient,
which led to poor experiences for both the patient and the physician. The consultation
process resulted in the patient writing her symptoms on paper while the doctor tried
deciphering the diagnosis. The experience outlines the neglect and lack of facilities and
structures that support health care for individuals living with disabilities.
References
CMSHHgov .(2019). Navigating Health Care with a Disability: Our Stories, a Focus on
People with Disabilities. YouTube. Retrieved from

John Hopkins Medicine. (2017). Minority Health Disparities | Michelle’s Story. YouTube.
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlVZKZNXYBA