Costs of social drivers of health; fast on their feet; cultural contributions – Morning Medical Update

SDOH in action

More research is pointing to better health outcomes and greater healthcare equity when physicians integrate potential treatment for patients’ social drivers of health. Screening for known risk factors is “comparatively easy,” but developing infrastructure to meet those social needs “is quite difficult.” Read about how one health system deployed is people, operations and finances to integrate social care into medical care.

Fast health

May 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of physician Sir Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile threshold in running. A study tracked down the health records of the first 200 people to run a mile in less than four minutes. Turns out they’re a pretty healthy bunch. Incidentally, they are all men – no female runner has yet broken the four-minute barrier.

Recognizing Pacific culture

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time to recognize the historic and cultural influences of those peoples. Here’s how the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is honoring them and promoting better health.