According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, studies show that a direction correlation between poor health status as an infant and poor job prospects in the future. Those who started out healthy in life have an increased chance of doing well in their future job. Statistics gathered between 1991 and 2004 show that out of 8300 British Whitehall workers, many who reached the top of their position did so due to starting off healthier. However, this does not mean that every baby who is low-birth weight will not have a good job. These studies are showing the probability. Danny Dorling, a professor of human geography at the University of Sheffield points out that children who are in the hospital for a longer period of time will have set backs later in life. Work needs to be done to end “social immobility.” Families need tools to understand how to benefit their children throughout life. Our world is dependent on making money, which means we strive for the best job we can get. However, if we do not have the tools to aid our future, we will inevitably fall short.
As a Public Health education major, I have studied the affects low-birth weight infants for four years. The studies are showing exactly what I have researched. Having low birth weight as an infant is an indicator for the health of your country. Low socio-economic status can be a huge factor in the health of a child. If the mother is not educated on her health pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy, her baby has an increased chance of being born sick. Education is critical for women who have planned or unplanned pregnancies. In the article, Chris Paterson, author of the report says, “It is only by taking steps which actively encourage awareness and participation among parents.” Paterson hit the nail on the head. It is critical for parents to be aware of how important the learning environment is in the early years for their child. If a country has a collectively high low-birth weight babies in certain areas, that means that we must work harder to provide parents with the knowledge. This gives their child an advantage. Far too many babies have been born premature due to lack of education. For instance, mothers who get pregnant and are not aware of their folic acid levels, could have babies with neural tube disorders. This leads to the baby being low-birth weight and in the hospital for months. Therefore, the child is delayed, which may lead to poor job opportunities later in life. The message shows that it is not the mother or child’s fault, but society’s as a whole if the information is not explained to all. We must take charge of the health of our future leaders.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/aug/03/birth-weight-illness-jobs-prospects
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