Why The United States Is Not Number One in Health by IchiroKawachi 1.) Many people assume that the United States, given thatit is wealthiest nation in the world and given its higher standardof living, allows its citizens to live longer and healthier lives.The author argues that this assumption is mistaken. What does theauthor believe is the cause of this mistaken assumption? And, whatrelationship did the author discover between financial well beingand social well being since 1971? 2.) The author identifies thatAmerican life expectancy, on average, is satisfactory and has beenimproving. However, he continues to argue that this average lifeexpectancy is a misleading way to measure social health. Why? 3.)The author argues that it is a mistake to attribute the USA’slagging heath performance to bad genes in its population. Afterbriefly characterizing the position of those who argue bad genesare responsible for poor health care performance, present theauthor’s rebuttal. 4.) What barriers does poverty create thatprevent or make difficult good health practices? Ultimately, doesthe author conclude the bad behaviors of the poor are to blame forour nation’s health care problems? 5.) The author argues that manyAmerican mistakenly believe that the USA’s lagging healthcareperformance is caused by a lack of access to healthcare. The authorcontinues to say that this mistaken belief is a result of people”confusing the cure with the cause of the illness.” What is theauthor’s point and do you agree? 6.) What does the authorultimately say is responsible America’s mediocre health careperformance? Assuming he is right, what should be done to solve theproblem?
