Healthy Finances

The Gift of Gift Cards

Do you have a loved one who you’re never quite sure what to get them for the holidays? If so, you may be considering gifting them a gift card, so that they can get something they truly want or need. There are two common gift cards that are sold at many retailers: Store cards – gift cards that can only be used at a specific store or merchant, and network-branded cards – gift cards that can be used with many different merchants and are usually issued by banks or large financial institutions. When purchasing gift cards, consider which type would be most beneficial to the person receiving the card.

Hands holding a wrapped gift card in front of a Christmas tree.

Most store gift cards and network-branded gift cards are covered by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (Credit CARD) Act. This means that your gift card cannot expire until at least 5 years after it was activated. The merchant or institution that issued the card also cannot charge any inactivity fees for at least one year if your loved one chooses to hang on to the card for a while.

A few other tips when buying gift cards:

  • Check the card before you buy it. Make sure it isn’t damaged and the PIN number on the back of the card hasn’t been revealed.
  • Buy gift cards from trusted stores and sites. Gift cards can be counterfeited or stolen, so do not buy from unfamiliar sources.
  • Give the receipt to the recipient of the gift card as well as the terms and conditions so they are aware of the fine print.

If this holiday season you or your children are given a gift card as a gift, remember to protect the gift card like it is cash. There is a good chance you will not get your money back if the gift card is accidentally lost or stolen. If the issuer offers it, you may be able to register your gift card so that you can better protect your money if the card is lost. 

For youth, gift cards can be a great way to teach about money management. Be sure to talk with your child about how and where they can use the card as well as how much money is on the card. Remind them to consider sales tax when purchasing an item. Encourage your child to complete the purchase from start to finish (it is their money, after all!). Have them bring their item to the register, pay for their item by handing the gift card to the cashier, and collect the receipt and item from the check out. This will help prepare children for making purchases on their own later in their lives.

Whether giving or receiving gift cards this holiday season, remember to keep your money safe for a happy shopping and gift-giving experience!

Written By:  Jessica Lowe, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension, lowe.495@osu.edu

Reviewed By: Caitlin Mathews-Smith, Family and Consumer Sciences, Guernsey County, Ohio State University Extension, mathews-smith.1@osu.edu

 

FCS Still Solving Perennial Problems Today

box of produce
kids drawing on wall
team taking a walking meeting

“We’re scientists, and so we study the whole life line of consumers. And that includes outside the house, in the environment, at work,” Karin Athanas, CEO of AAFCS said as posted on WOSU PBS. Family and Consumer Scientists (FCS) are professionals that work to solve life’s perennial problems. Let’s use the pictures above to define perennial problems. These are problems that constantly reoccur throughout the ages – access to healthy food, healthy living environments, and balancing work and family responsibilities. We are constantly experiencing and hearing about individuals having difficulty solving these perennial problems.

Why should society care about the work of these scientists? Because these perennial problems are shared in our local, state , national and international news everyday. Who is working on helping families and youth address and solve these perennial problems when preparing for workplace and family life in our K-12 schools? Let’s look at the numbers-

DATE PROFESSION NAME STUDENT ENROLLMENT
1850-1909 Domestic Science Historical non-fiction
1915-1959 Home Economics Increased 17% to 50%
1994 -2012 Family and Consumer Sciences Decreased 38% between 2006-2012
Today Health and Human Sciences, Human Ecology, Human Sciences Data not available due to declining value and nomenclature

What can you and I do about lack of FCS enrollment data today and the declining number of opportunities for students experience FCS perennial problems? Enrollment today is challenging to document due to the fact that data is collected via The Perkins Collaborative Resource Network. This network publishes state Career and Technical Education (CTE) enrollment numbers by career cluster. FCS is not recognized as a career cluster in the updated AdvanceCTE . However, FCS content is hidden within other career clusters such as education and training, human services and hospitality/tourism. Enrollment in these areas saw a high level of fluctuation at the secondary level from 2019 to 2023. Lack of consistent data misdirects institutions of higher education when they develop their course catalogs creating a shortage of highly qualified educators through the education system.

We know we have a shortage of highly qualified FCS professionals today. Take action now by clicking here to share your thoughts. Your actions support the FCS educators that write the Live Healthy Live Well Ohio State University Extension blog.

Written by:  Margaret Jenkins, OSU Extension Educator, Clermont County, jenkins.188@osu.edu

Reviewed by:  Beth Stefura, OSU Extension Educator, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu 

Identity Fraud: Minors Can Be Victims Too

When we think of identity fraud most of us draw our attention to adults aged 18 and up. We assume risk begins when we start opening up lines of credit, purchasing homes, or paying taxes. However, the risk may begin sooner than we realize. In 2021, about 23.9 million people in the U.S. ages 16 or older had been victims of identify theft during the prior 12 months. It was not until I experienced identity theft that I realized the vulnerability our minors face and how easily they can fall victim. Unfortunately in most cases, minor identity theft goes unnoticed until they reach the age of 18.

So what exactly is minor identity theft? This happens when someone accesses a child under the age of 18 personal information and uses it to access services or commit fraud. Scammers might use a social security number, name, address, date of birth, or passport. Minors are a vulnerable population, meaning they are at an increased risk for theft. Minors theft is becoming increasingly common for several reasons:

  • We do not typically monitor minor credit scores
  • Minors are more likely to share personal information online (social media, gaming chat)
  • Phishing links are hard to identify
  • More likely to utilize public Wifi
  • Use the same password for multiple sites
  • They don’t understand identity theft
  • Smart phones and other technology are frequently misplaced
  • Frequent use of apps that utilize or track personal information

Sometimes our identity becomes comprised due to circumstances outside of our control. Data scammers will access data from the dark web and information collected due to data breaches which can include, social media websites, healthcare, schools, and even personal computer systems. Other sources of access include applying for government benefits or IRS/tax information.

There are actions we can take to protect our youth from becoming victims of this rapidly growing crime. The Federal Trade Commission for Consumer Safety recommends that caregivers take the following actions:

  • Check your child’s credit report when you can
  • Children under 16 can freeze their credit by contacting the three major credit bureaus ( find information here)
  • Utilize a 3rd party credit monitoring system
  • Ask questions before providing your child’s social security number to anyone. (why do you need it? how will you protect it? can you use a different identifier? Can you use just the last 4 digits?)

If you’ve began monitoring minor personal information and you’ve noticed suspicious activity there are steps that can be taken. 1) contact companies where the fraud occurred 2) contact all three credit bureaus 3) file a police report 4) report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. Taking steps to monitor youth personal information can help stop them from becoming victims and help them to protect their identity.

Sources:

Kim, E., Heras, G. de las, & Puig, A. (2024, April 23). How to protect your child from identity theft. Consumer Advice. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-protect-your-child-identity-theft#protect

Morad, R. (2014, July 22). Why teens are at risk for identity theft. LifeLock Official Site. https://lifelock.norton.com/learn/identity-theft-resources/teens-risk-identity-theft

Erika Harrell, erika. (2023, October). Victims of identity theft, 2021. Bureau of Justice Statistics. https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/victims-identity-theft-2021

Author: Holly Bandy, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Stark County

Reviewer: Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Ottawa & Sandusky Counties

Upcycle Your Wardrobe

Embroidered flowers on the back of a denim jacket.

I recently attended a conference where an educator from the United Kingdom spoke about “Right to Repair” laws happening in European nations. These laws hope to incentivize consumers to repair, rather than replace, some of the products that they own, as well as discourage businesses from making their products very difficult or outright impossible to repair. I started wondering if the United States government was pursuing any “right to repair” legislation and was pleased to see that this movement is also on the mind of our legislators too. Currently, four states have officially passed Right to Repair laws and 30 other states have introduced their own bills. Discussions are happening at the federal level as well.

While we wait for these policy changes to be enacted, there are actions consumers can take to extend the life of the products we own, especially when it comes to our closets. The life of clothing can be extended with basic sewing skills, such as sewing on a new button and repairing ripped seams. But what if you are not savvy at sewing, and just want a quick refresh? No need to replace your entire wardrobe, it may instead be time to ‘upcycle’ your clothing! Upcycling is the act of “repurposing an item into something else” – it differs slightly from ‘recycling’ as you are reusing the item without having to first take it back to its original state.

When considering if you should upcycle a garment in your closet, first check for any excessive wear and tear. Clothing that is beyond repair may not be worth your time to upcycle, but can still be used in other ways, such as dust rags, plant ties in your garden, or as a child’s dress-up clothing. If the garment you wish to upcycle is still in good condition, consider what kind of changes you plan to make (Minor changes? A complete overhaul?), and if it’s something you would feel comfortable wearing.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to upcycle your old clothing:

  • Dye it – this is a popular way to refresh formal dresses, though it can be done with other garments as well.
  • Patch it – If a small hole is keeping you from wearing a garment, you can try your hand at sewing it up, or add an iron-on patch. Suede patches on blazers or sweaters can create a new look.
  • Cut it – If your jeans are looking a little frayed at the bottom, consider cutting them shorter for a new pair of shorts.
  • Embroider it – some quick decorative stitches in your clothing can change it up just enough to make it feel new again. If you are unfamiliar with how to embroider, be sure to visit your local craft store or check out a video online for help.

Consider ways to extend the life of your clothing to save money and to keep used textiles out of the landfill!

Written by: Jessica Lowe, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County, lowe.495@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County, lobb.3@osu.edu

References:

Hamilton, W. (2019, June). Rags to Riches: Recycling and upcycling Old Clothes. New Mexico State University – BE BOLD. Shape the Future. https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_c/C313/index.html

Lobb, J. (2022, April 26). Textile waste: A fashion faux pas. Live Healthy Live Well. https://livehealthyosu.com/2022/04/26/textile-waste-a-fashion-faux-pas/

Osmanski, S. (2024, May 7). 10 ways to upcycle old clothes according to experts. Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/article/upcycle-clothes/

The United States Government. (2023, October 25). Readout of the white house convening on right to repair. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/10/25/readout-of-the-white-house-convening-on-right-to-repair/#:~:text=Over%2030%20states%20have%20introduced,just%20the%20last%20three%20years.

Yakimova, Y. (2024, April 23). Right to repair: Making repair easier and more appealing to consumers. News | European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240419IPR20590/right-to-repair-making-repair-easier-and-more-appealing-to-consumers

Beyond the Suit Case: Step Toward Sustainability

a set of luggage

As I plan my summer travel, I wondered what changes I could make before I even purchase my tickets that would make trekking across the ocean just a bit more sustainable. According to the Vacationer, 82% of Americans plan on traveling this summer with 25% planning to head abroad in 2024. Regardless of where travelers head to, tourists effect the people, economy, and environment they travel to. When crossing any national, ethnic, cultural, or state border it is important to consider what impact travel can have on both parties. One way to ensure each party has as little negative impact on each other as possible is to travel more sustainably.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism development as travel that compares the negative to the positive social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts of the travel in the host nation. Before the plane has the left the tarmac, here are some simple steps to help support sustainable travel for future nomads.

Check Your Travel Options

a flowchart shoing how carbon offsetting works
Picture of Carbon Emissions Offsetting Process https://www.altexsoft.com/blog/carbon-offset-aviation/

Planes, trains, and automobiles, all present challenges considering the environmental impact of our travel. Because of the very public battles with climate change, reports on carbon emissions are often at the top of environmental concerns when discussing sustainable travel. And because most of our travel in the United States requires moving across wide distances over land or an expansive ocean, it can be a challenge to find sustainable ways to see the world. One simple way to hunt for sustainable travel is to find an airline that off sets their carbon dioxide emissions.  By offsetting their carbon emissions, airlines pay for other reduction services based on the carbon produced on their flights. Airlines may have a logo that identifies their strategies to offset carbon emissions, or they may be part of a national or international commission to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is also good to be aware of potential “greenwashing” campaign, where companies paint a much greener picture than the reality.

Select a Sustainable Destination

From the definition, sustainable travel can look at cultural, social , economic, or environmental sustainability, which means selecting your ideal location can coincide with sustainable ideals. From international travel guides and news outlets, many sources have done the research regarding some of the most sustainable destinations.  Cities across the globe are focusing on reducing waste, zeroing their carbon footprint, or building more sustainable infrastructure. In 2024, the BBC listed Valencia, Spain one of the most sustainable destinations. To get on the list, Valencia has been working toward sourcing all electricity from renewable resources and building interconnected neighborhoods promoting more biking and green spaces. This is just one of many locations where sustainable travel is a bit more achievable.

Keep Educating Yourself!

Learning about social issues, cultural differences, and current events allows the traveler to be aware of spots to visit and locations to avoid. From what you wear to where to go, a “Responsible Traveler” as the Center for Responsible Travel calls it, supports the host nation’s social and cultural dynamics, the local economy, and the environment while in the host nation. Seeking opportunities to see culturally significant locations while avoiding tourism that harms the local economy is very important. Having cultural awareness, or knowing how and why other cultures are different from yours, will set your trip up for success.

No one begins the journey towards sustainability without a few missteps. By keeping the environment, social needs, and locality in mind, travelers can take steps toward being more sustainable beyond their suitcase.

Writer: Ryan Kline, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, kline.375@osu.edu

Reviewer: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

Sources:
Hammond, Richard. “How to Travel Better: A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Travel in 2023 and Beyond.” Travel, 9 Nov. 2022, www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-to-travel-better-a-beginners-guide-to-sustainable-travel-in-2023-and-beyond.

Martinez, Nikki. “How to Travel Sustainably in Summer 2022.” Warner College of Natural Resources, 1 June 2022, warnercnr.source.colostate.edu/how-to-travel-sustainably-in-summer-2022/.

 

Be Happy – Plan a Debt Free, Stress-Free Vacation 

suitcase full of sand with beach umbrellaDid you know that just planning a vacation can actually make you happier. By planning your vacation ahead of time you: 

  • Give yourself excitement about the upcoming trip. You can anticipate the fun and memories you will have with family or friends. 
  • Prevent the stress of vacation expenses, by allowing time to save ahead and spreading out the cost. 
  • Plan work or family time so that you can more easily take the time off – almost half of Americans don’t take the all the leave time that they are offered. Don’t be one of those! You need to take days off so you can recharge your batteries.  

When you start your vacation planning, make sure that setting a budget is one of the first things you do. Set a maximum budget and keep in mind your family budget. While thinking about where you will go, have family/friend meetings so that everyone has input. Keep in mind the things that each of you enjoy – history buff, beach or nature lover, or sports or shopping enthusiast. Is there an area you can visit that has things for everyone? 

As you plan for your vacation, especially your budget, here are some of the things to have on your list: 

  • Travel – both to and from your location, and how you will get around when you are there. 
  • Accommodations – hotel, resort, stay with family, or vacation rental. 
  • Food and drinks – All inclusive, packed food on the go (driving), dining–in and dining-out (condo), eat out all the time (international hotel) etc. 
  • Entertainment – tickets, shows, games, or tours. 
  • Equipment or apparel – do you need special equipment (ski trip), a new suitcase, or travel charger for electronic devices? Pre-trip expenses can be a big portion of your total trip costs 
  • Gifts and souvenirs – do you need to set a budget for each person? Sometimes this area can get out of control. 
  • Pet or house sitter – do you need to pay someone to take care of pets you can’t take with you? 

As you are working on your trip budget, figure out how much you need to save per week/month to have enough for your adventure. An example – your trip should cost $3000 – you have already saved $1250, you are counting on $200 (that you don’t need to save) you would typically spend for food anyway (groceries and a few meals out), so you need to save $1550 over the next 4 months. Can you save $387 per month? Could you work an overtime shift to make a little extra money or have a garage sale to raise some? Keep in mind that some of your expenses might have to be paid ahead of your trip – tour or plane tickets or lodging deposits.  

If you would like to use an online travel budget worksheet – try this one from doughroller.net. America Saves also great planning sources that you may want to check out as well. If you want to hear some of the vacation saving tips that our team has to share, check out our recent webinar posted here.  

We can’t wait to hear about your amazing, and hopefully debt free vacations. 

Writers: OSU Extension, Family and Consumer Science Educators, Melissa Rupp, Tammy Jones, and Lisa Barlage. 

Reviewer: Ryan Kline, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ross County. 

Turning Over New leaves: Celebrate Food Waste Prevention Week with Composting!

man composting food scraps

It can be challenging to understand the impact our food waste and diet have on our environment. From preserving our foods to planning out our meals there are many steps we can take to reduce our food waste. In honor of Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1- 7, lets dig in to yet another form of food waste reduction: composting! Though composting has often been viewed as difficult or as an advanced way to stop food waste from entering the landfill, Extension offers some beginner friendly tips!

What is Composting?

The Environmental Protection Agency defines composting as the controlled aerobic (with air) biological decomposition of organic materials. The process requires turning over the material to provide air to the bacteria which often produce a smell as they work. For us non-experts, composting is the process of breaking down organic materials, including some of our food waste, at a much faster rate due to the heat of decomposition. West Virginia Extension notes that “when done properly compost can go from start to finish in as little as three months.” At the end of the composting process, you have a rich, smell free, earthy substance referred to as compost, which is great for our gardens and flower beds

How do I get started composting?

 The basics of every compost pile, no matter the size, is to have the correct ratio of green to brown materials. Green materials are rich in the element nitrogen and often refers to grass, food waste, coffee grounds, etc. Brown materials are carbon rich which includes twigs, paper, cardboard, etc. The green to brown materials ratio can vary widely depending on your type of compost, but tips to help you get started are universal.

As you get started, it’s important to look for a few things in your compost:

1. Keep your compost pile wet!

Composting chart

Adding water allows for the decomposition process to avoid those nasty smells and speed up the process. According to the Natural Resource Defense Council, it should feel like a wrung-out sponge!

2. Check the compost temperature!

The larger the pile the hotter the temperatures!! The increasing temperature is what allows your compost to breakdown organic material faster. For the first few days 140 degrees is recommended, but anything beyond 160 degrees produces charring.

3. Be sure to turn over your compost pile!

Air is another vital ingredient to allow your compost to digest. Make sure to turn it once a week over the summer and once every few weeks in the winter.

4. Keep working at it !

It can be challenging to start, but keeping at it is a great way to reduce your food and over all waste

Resources

Bennett, Amanda. 2021 “Composting at Home.” OSU Extension Publishing. Accessed April 2, 2024. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1189-99

Hu, Sheila. 2020. “Composting 101.” What is Composting? Natural Resources Defense Council. https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101.

Morrow, Emily. 2020. “Composting for Beginners.” West Virginia Extension. Accessed April 2,2024. https://extension.wvu.edu/natural-resources/soil-water/composting-for-beginners

United States Environmental Protection Agency. n.d. “Composting at Home.” Accessed September 24, 2021. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home.

Writer: Ryan Kline, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development and Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, kline.375@osu.edu

Reviewer: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, harmon.416@osu.edu

Do You Know What’s for Dinner?

In my house, “Do you have a plan for dinner?” is the dreaded question.  If you have faced more than one evening drive home trying to remember what might be in the refrigerator and pantry at home to make a meal, you are not alone.  Some days, it’s just all too much and requires a stop at the store on the way home or ordering take-out. 

Person making menu plan

Believe it or not, planning meals or menus in advance really does not take a lot of extra time and can have HUGE benefits.  It makes sense that planning our menus encourages cooking at home.  Did you also know that menu planning is associated with consuming an overall healthier diet and less obesity?  Menu planning can help save money as we use what is on hand and plan to use what is in season and on sale.  It reduces stress by eliminating last minute decisions and rushing.  Lastly, meal planning saves time by allowing us to prepare recipes or ingredients ahead as needed.

Let me share some examples:

  • To have a clue of what is “on hand,” do an inventory of your freezer and pantry about twice a year. Post those inventories and edit as items are used.
  • On weekends or whenever you have time, do what you can to get food prepped for meals and snacks during the week.  Vegetables and fruits prepped and portioned.  Eggs hard cooked, cheese cubed, etc.
  • Use a magnetic weekly calendar (or just a notepad) to plan dinners.  Take into consideration what you have on hand, weekly schedules, and any good weekly grocery deals.  Knowing what is for dinner each night (at least the main dishes), allows you to plan and pull items from the freezer days in advance for adequate thawing.
Freezer inventory list

If you are at a loss for where to start, keep it simple.  Plan to include 3 food groups at each meal or 2 food groups at a snack (and make sure one of them is always a fruit or vegetable).  You can also visit this Planning Meals resource from CDC.  Our Extension colleagues from Texas A&M University have a great program called Dinner Tonight, providing recipes, cooking tips, and resources. If you love your slow cooker, our colleague Amanda Bohlen in Washington County shared 31 recipes during “Crock-tober-fest 2021”.

What makes planning meals easier for you?   Please share your tips in the comments!

Written by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County

References:

Ducrot, P., Méjean, C., Aroumougame, V. et al. Meal planning is associated with food variety, diet quality and body weight status in a large sample of French adults. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 14, 12 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0461-7

Meal Prep guide. (2020, October 2). The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/meal-prep/

Ohio State University Extension (n.d.). Crock-Tober Fest 2021. https://washington.osu.edu/program-areas/family-and-consumer-sciences/crock-tober-fest-2021

Planning meals and snacks. (2023, August 16). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/meals.html

Texas A&M University (n.d.). Dinner Tonight. https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/

Celebrate National FCS Day

February 14, 2024, is the day we celebrate National Family & Consumer Sciences Educator Day, a celebration that showcases the value and importance of family and consumer sciences education and its educators. The Live Healthy Live Well team at the Ohio State University Extension wants to enlist your help in spreading the word about the positive impact of Family and Consumer Sciences profession -The People-Centered Sciences.

What can you do –

Why Should We Celebrate NOW –

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) is a diverse and vital field that plays a crucial role in preparing students for real-world challenges across a variety of workplace settings. FCS utilizes research, experiential education, and technology to teach students the essential knowledge and skills to:

  • lead better lives,
  • be work and career-ready,
  • build strong families,
  • make meaningful contributions to our communities.

Think about the saying “You can’t build a strong house on a weak foundation”

Let’s build a strong foundation for Family Living by Proclaiming, Exploring and Honoring FCS programming and educators.

Written by: Margaret Jenkins, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Clermont County, jenkins.188@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension Mahoning County, Stefura.2@osu.edu

References:

  1. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences https://www.aafcs.org/home
  2. Advance CTE
    https://careertech.org/what-we-do/career-clusters/
  3. Say Yes to FCS video
      https://youtu.be/Kya5u4KE72g?si=WhWXZzqxgG-sXUGV

Thinking of Poverty as a Health Epidemic

maps with pins

Poverty is one of the largest health risk factors we face as a nation. From health outcomes to mental health diagnosis, poverty serves as a major limitation to personal and community health. For many of us, the COVID-19 Pandemic illustrated the effects of poverty on working class access to affordable healthcare. As of 2022, the official poverty rate in America is 11.5 percent meaning there are 37.9 million people living in poverty.  January is National Poverty in America Awareness month, so let’s explore how poverty impacts health, and ways to help the poverty epidemic.

According to the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in America we measure family size and income against a predetermined threshold for the income to cover basic needs. According to the Health and Human Services Commission, for a family of four the poverty guideline is $31,200, which takes into account the minimum income a family could have to survive. As we better understand how America measures poverty, it becomes clear how finances impact health outcomes.

Poverty ‘s Effect Your Health

Recent research has identified that after age, poverty is the number one condition that effects overall health outcomes. Below are just a few of the impacts that poverty has on our health.

blood pressure machine
  • Access to Affordable Healthcare:  Limited income directly impacts available access to affordable healthcare in America. In a 2019 survey, researchers found that based on cost people waited to receive dental, medical and prescription health care. This delay in care or treatment then results in higher death rates, health complications, and increased risk factors. There is also a lack of health care options in high poverty areas leading to longer wait times and lack of resources available.
  • Food Insecurity: Being able to provide diverse food options to a family can have a hefty cost. The Food Research and Action Center found that 28.3 million adults and 12.9 million children live in food-insecure households. The health care costs  for food-insecure families reflect connection between food insecurity and health effects of poverty in disadvantaged communities. In 2014, researchers found that hunger and food insecurity costs insurance companies almost $160 billion.
  • Increased Mental Health Challenges: Poverty has often been linked to hopelessness, despair, and financial anxiety. Recent research shows that impoverished communities reported increased levels of mental illness and lower rates of positive mental health. In research coming from Scotland, reports linked suicide and poverty, showing triple the suicide rates where communities are more socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Raising Awareness to Poverty as a Health Epidemic in America

The health effects of poverty are not only very real but also impact those beyond just one person or family. By taking some small action steps we can help to reduce some of the health consequences of poverty on our friends, family, and community. Ideas include:

  • Destigmatizing Food Pantries and Services
  • Supporting Local Social Services and Levies
  • Becoming aware of Local Resources Available
  • Lending a listening ear to those in Need

Writer: Ryan Kline, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development , Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, Kline.375@osu.edu

Reviewer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, barlge.7@osu.edu

Sources:

Cook, J. T., & Poblacion, A. P. (2016). Estimating the Health-Related Costs of Food Insecurity and Hunger. In The Nourishing Effect: Ending Hunger, Improving Health, Reducing Inequality (2016 Hunger Report). Washington, DC: Bread for the World Institute.

Knifton, Lee, and Greig Inglis. “Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications.” BJPsych bulletin vol. 44,5 (2020): 193-196. doi:10.1192/bjb.2020.78

Salisbury H. Helen.” Poverty as a pre-existing condition.” BMJ 2020; 371 :m4607 doi:10.1136/bmj.m4607

US Census Bureau, . “National Poverty in America Awareness Month: January 2024.” Census.Gov, 4 Jan. 2024, www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/poverty-awareness-month.html#:~:text=Official%20Poverty%20Measure,decreased%20between%202021%20and%202022.