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3 days in, Trump is backtracking on his tariffs on Mexico and Canada; AL faith leaders call for more congressional oversight of Trump team; Court rules MS Legislature not a 'public body,' allows closed-door meetings; WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress.

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Democrats push back on Trump s order to dismantle the Department of Education, red states aim to deny public education to undocumented children and the Wisconsin Supreme Court election could be the most expensive judicial race in history.

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Immigrant communities are getting advice from advocates as the reach of ICE expands, experts in rural America urge lawmakers to ramp up protections against elder abuse, and a multi-state arts projects seeks to close the urban-rural divide.

Study: Issues Beyond the Doctor's Office Impact Texans' Health

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Thursday, October 20, 2022   

Across the board, Texans say they'd be healthier if the state put more resources, including money, toward nonmedical factors for their well-being, according to a new survey.

The Episcopal Health Foundation found 65% of residents think Texas should do more to address the social determinants of health, also referred to as "nonmedical drivers."

Dr. Ann Barnes, president and CEO of the Foundation, said those include access to healthy foods, quality education, being employed, adequate transportation, social networks and safe neighborhoods.

"Texans are recognizing that these are important," Barnes asserted. "If the goal is health, we should have our state and our insurers covering strategies that address those social, economic and environmental needs."

According to the survey, 65% of Texans say people would be healthier if the state spent more on these nonmedical factors, including 72% of Black residents, 75% of Hispanic Texans and 76% of young adults under age 30. Researchers also found living in low-income areas, not being able to find affordable housing, and living in areas with air, water or chemical pollution all were found to negatively affect health.

Barnes noted the medical profession now understands 80% of a person's health is influenced by factors outside the exam room. She added those upstream, nonmedical drivers are critical to prevent disease and manage chronic illness.

"Funding for food security, so that an individual who has diabetes and needs access to healthy food would actually be able to get that healthy food, which would help them control their disease," Barnes outlined.

Additional survey results show Texans also want health-insurance providers, doctors and clinics to take more steps to play a larger role in health. More than half of the respondents said they have been unemployed or had a job which did not pay well, and an equal number said they've lived in an area with poor public transportation.

Disclosure: The Episcopal Health Foundation contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues, Mental Health, Philanthropy, and Poverty Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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