UnitedHealthcare funds social determinants of health curriculum

Author

United Healthcare- Glenn Quinn

Posted on

Jul 28, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

Share This

New Mexicans will soon be able to pilot a new cross-campus program focused on identifying and addressing social determinants of health with a certificate being offered by The University of New Mexico (UNM). The rollout at UNM’s campus is a first step in making the program available to stakeholders throughout the state.

Understanding how the conditions in which we live and work affect our well-being, including factors such as housing, food security and transportation, can provide a base for how and when health issues may arise. These concepts, also known as social determinants of health, can ultimately help build an approach to improve health equity.

“It’s well known by providers but has previously gone unaddressed and given few resources and support to tackle the discrepancy,” said Arthur Kaufman, MD, vice president for Community Health at UNM Health Sciences. “We have lots of health problems, but the origin of those health problems is often based on social determinants.”

Since November 2022, UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico has invested a total of $180,000 for the design, creation and implementation of a modular curriculum that will offer training in social determinants of health via a certificate program.

The funding is also being used toward the growth of the College of Population Health for students, faculty and supplies, as well as implementing best practices to successfully address social determinants of health for New Mexicans.

Participants of the certificate will gain an understanding of the behavioral, psychological and structural factors that contribute to health inequities. The certificate program will also be tailored differently under different UNM colleges – not just with Health Sciences – showing that understanding social determinants of health is important in many different disciplines.

“The real experts in housing are in architecture and planning. The real experts on transportation are in civil engineering. The real experts on all of the legal issues that entangle us with social determinants of health are in the law school,” Kaufman said. “We’re wanting everyone to build it together, so everyone can bring their expertise as we fashion this curriculum.”

The social needs of those in New Mexico are acute:

  • New Mexico has one of the highest poverty rates in the country at over 18%.
  • More than 30% of New Mexico residents over the age of 62 experience severe housing challenges, including lack of plumbing and kitchen facilities and overcrowding or cost burdens.
  • Native American households who experience housing issues are disproportionately affected, at more than 29%.
  • In New Mexico, 1 in 5 children faced hunger in 2020. Food insecurity has broad effects on overall health, and is associated with multiple chronic health conditions and mental health disorders.

“We’re hoping that all people in health sciences have a good grounding in the social determinants of health, but also to keep people’s interest up in how they influence the overall health outcomes,” said Andrew Peterson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico.

Andrew said he hopes the certificate will encourage people seeking health sciences degrees to stay in New Mexico after graduating.

“We’re thinking of the overall health care worker shortage in New Mexico and how we can get people into that space where they can work in their local community or somewhere else in the state,” he said.

UNM Health Sciences leaders are aiming to launch the Social Determinants of Health Certificate this fall.

Other Articles You May Like

Millennium Physician Group Wellen Park Grand Opening

Millennium Physician Group Wellen Park Grand OpeningMillennium Physician Group is proud to announce its new flagship 13,000-square-foot location in Wellen Park with access to primary care, lab, and imaging services. The practice will open on Monday, May 20, 2024. They will host a ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 4:00 6:00 pm. Services to be offered include: Primary Care -- Patricia Daneshmand, D.O and James Pineno, M.D Same Day Appointments 7500 Square feet of imaging space        5800 square feet of medical space Full Service Advanced Imaging Imaging services -- CT, MRI, US, Mammo, X-ray, Dexa, and breast biopsy. 15 Exam rooms 5- 7 Providers  Address: 8036 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293Primary Care Phone: (941) 244-4300 Radiology Phone: (855) 674-4624Web Address: https://millenniumphysician.com/wellen-park-office About Millennium Physician Group (MPG) Founded in Port Charlotte in 2008, and now headquartered in Fort Myers, Millennium Physician Group has grown into one of the largest comprehensive primary care practices with more than 800 healthcare providers across the Southeast. Services center on primary care complemented by multi-specialty care, walk-in centers, radiology and lab services, physical therapy, telehealth, wellness programs, home health, in-patient hospital care, and much more. Nationally recognized as a leader in value-based care with consistent high levels of physician engagement, Millennium aims to deliver a genuinely connected healthcare experience for patients by providing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to healthcare and be Your Connection to a Healthier Life.

8 Reasons Active Seniors Should Dive into Swimming During Retirement

Many seniors think exercise is just a distant memory due to obstacles like pain, decreased endurance and balance. There is also the fear of injury. The fact of the matter is that water exercises get aging adults moving and active. Its a safe, comfortable, and rewarding way to live an active lifestyle once more. Here are eight ways that swimming benefits seniors and conquers their exercise concerns. So, grab your swimsuit, and lets dive into the numerous and undeniable benefits of swimming and to being an active senior!The 8 Benefits of Swimming for Active SeniorsNo Weight on Your JointsAnything you do in the water is the ultimate low-impact exercise. This means youre not exerting a jarring force on your joints. The reason is that water supports about 90% of your body weight when youre in the pool. This means you float through your exercise session with no pressure on your joints. In this relatively weightless environment, active seniors overcome painful movement caused by arthritis and other health conditions.A Healthier BrainBefore you even move a muscle, immersing yourself in water increases blood flow to your brain. The benefits of this good blood flow include improved concentration, memory, mood, and cognitive function. Studies show that for active seniors, swimming may even help repair damage from stress. It can actually forge new neural connections in the brain.A Workout for Your HeartBy swimming regularly, active seniors reap cardiovascular benefits to their long-term health. If your heart is strong, it pumps blood more efficiently for improved circulation throughout your bodyincluding the brain. The bottom line is that regular aerobic exercise, like swimming, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.A Lift for Your MoodAlmost all the senses are involved when you swim: sight, sound, touch, and smell, and if youre not careful, sometimes taste! The rhythmic strokes and breath create a focus that soothes. The feel of water moving over your body is a sensation much like a massage. Unless its a bustling pool, the calm and quiet surroundings alleviate stress, encourage relaxation, and even spark creativity. In actuality, swimming is a form of mindfulness.Better Flexibility and Range of MotionEven the most active senior loses some range of motion as they age. But thats not a problem in the water! The buoyancy of the water allows swimmers to move their arms and legs more easily through the full range of motion. Regular swimming helps keep joints supple and improves flexibilityan essential aspect of health and well-being for older adults. For those with a limited range of motion on land, stretching in the water can even improve flexibility.Improved Muscle Strength and ToneGoing for a dip in the pool is a full-body exercise that tones every major muscle group. The natural resistance of the water helps strengthen muscles faster than any land-based exercise. If youre doing laps, different strokes focus on different muscle groups. For that reason, using a combination of strokes will get you the all-over tone you want.Reduced Risk of FallWeve already established that swimming works for all the major muscle groups. With stronger muscles overall, especially the upper body, core muscles, and leg muscles, posture and stability are improved. All of this reduces the risk of falls.Stronger, Happier BackWith gravity out of the way, active seniors dont have to worry about posture or body weight on their spines when exercising. And you dont have to be a lap swimmer to reap real benefits. Water is ideal for gentle exercise as well. It can be as simple as walking in waist-deep water. The water takes the pressure off your joints and back all while youre moving.Swimming at Jacaranda TraceWe are so certain of the health benefits of swimming. Thats why were one of the few senior living communities offering our members a pool and aquatic exercise program. Its a jewel in our community. Our active senior residents benefit from year-round lap swimming, aqua classes, and recreational swimming. Our pool area is as relaxing and social as it is healthful. We even incorporate water exercises for our members receiving physical rehabilitation because of waters gentle resistance and help with balance.

Advantages of a Not-for-Profit Senior Living Community

When looking at senior living communities for yourself or a loved one, there are many great options and many things to consider. Whether youre looking for active independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care, a key consideration is whether the community operates as a for-profit or not-for-profit senior living organization. It can make a significant difference in the quality of the residences, services, amenities, and culture. For many seniors looking into different community options, the advantages of a not-for-profit senior living community tips the scales.While both types may look similar on the surface, there are some fundamental differences between for-profit and not-for-profit senior living communities.What is a For-Profit Senior Living Community?A for-profit senior living community, like any private business, is obligated to its shareholders to earn a profit. A good number of for-profit communities belong to large national chainssome owning hundreds of properties with thousands of residences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 80 percent of senior communities are for-profit. They are either privately owned or part of a much larger chain. While they might offer quality services and amenities, their core function is to earn a profit from rent and fees.What is a Not-For-Profit Senior Living Community?By definition, a not-for-profit senior living community must reinvest any profit back into its central mission. They are also allowed to raise money from individual and corporate donors, whose gifts are tax deductible, and to apply for certain government and private grants.What are the advantages of Not-For-Profit Retirement Communities?Many of the differences between not-for-profit retirement communities and for-profit senior communities are subtle. As a resident/member of a not-for-profit community, you may simply feel better knowing that the leadership is motivated by a mission, rather than by financially satisfying owners and investors. Youll also know that your wellbeing will always come before profit.Here are a few more ways that not-for-profit senior living communities, like Jacaranda Trace, in Venice, FL, benefit members. Greater Sources of FundingThe IRS grants tax-exempt status to not-for-profit organizations because they further a cause or benefit the publicallowing them to accept donations from a wide range of sources. This funding makes it possible for a not-for-profit senior living community to keep its fees lower than it could otherwise, and even extend financial support to residents/members with hardship situations. This means that long-time members who suffer an unforeseen financial change dont have to worry about having to leave their community.The Governance of a Board of TrusteesA not-for-profit is run by a board of trustees or board of directors. Those individuals have pledged to uphold sound, ethical, and legal governanceputting the organizations mission and members wellbeing first. The board members interact with community leadership and residents/members and listen to their input. The board also works to form fruitful relationships with the local governments, businesses and other organizations. These relationships help to solidly connect their community with the community at large. Reinvestment into the Community  Emphasis on CommunityA not-for-profit senior living community can flourish into a genuine community with the boards leadership and focus on a mission. Members, staff and board members come together through their shared values. Additionally, not-for-profit organizations rarely change ownership. This is not always the case among for-profits. For-profits are often forced into exit strategies or recapitalizations to satisfy shareholders interests.Why Choose the Jacaranda Trace Not-For-Profit Senior Living Community?We are a not-for-profit community because we want to fully serve our members and our community. At Jacaranda Trace, our aim is to be the senior living community of choice for seniors who want to spend their lives in an intellectually, physically, and spiritually rich environment. To learn more about life at Jacaranda Trace, or to schedule a personal visit, call 941-841-0946 or Click Here.

Local Services By This Author

United Healthcare- Glenn Quinn

Medicare Insurance 5208 65th Terrace East, Ellenton, Florida, 34222

Hello! It's great to meet you. It sounds like you're dedicated to providing personalized assistance in finding the right UnitedHealthcare plan for each individual. Your local expertise and deep knowledge of available plans make you a valuable resource for anyone seeking healthcare coverage in the area.Your background as a United States Navy veteran and your involvement in community organizations like Meals on Wheels and Bethlehem Baptist Church demonstrate your commitment to serving others, both in your professional and personal life.I appreciate your dedication to helping others navigate their healthcare options and make informed decisions about their coverage. If I can assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out.