B Peer 1 References: Lancaster, M.S. J. . [South University]. Retrieved from Peer 2 Health is defined as being in a state where one if free of illnesses or injury. It therefore differs from healthcare and considering the two settings in the rural and urban areas, while there may be problems in access to health care services in the rural areas, there people in these places appear to face lesser health problems as compared to their urban counterparts (Hearne et al., 2015). A major source of health problems in the urban areas is the large disparities in socioeconomic status resulting in crime, violence and high risk behavior. High risk behavior is especially a major cause of health issues in urban areas because among others, it sees people involve themselves in activities such as drug abuse, sex work among other activities that contribute to poor health. The socioeconomic issue creates a huge pool of poor people who struggle to put food in the table. For example in Philadelphia, a study showed that as much as 25% of the people are below poverty line (Black, 2018). They are likely to suffer from all health problems associated with poverty. The poor have higher chance of lacking food and will most to unbalanced diet and malnutrition as well as have limited access to health care services. Another health problem face in urban centers is weight related problems. Many in the urban centers have lives that do not require any form of physical activity. They spend their entire days seated and will and there are limited free physical activity areas. They are also more likely to have food that is considered unhealthy. All these issues result in overweight and obesity as well as health problems related to them. Finally, people in urban areas live in polluted areas compared to their rural counterparts. They are more likely to be exposed to carbon gases from the vehicles on the streets and due to congestion, there are more problems relating to garbage especially in poorly run cities. They are also at higher risk of having contaminated water. All these combine to create series of health problems that will be unique to city residents. References Black, R. (2018). The population health problems facing urban and rural America. Retrieved from https://www.idigitalhealth.com/news/the-population-health-problems-facing-urban-and-rural-america Hearne, S., Castrucci, B. C., Leider, J. P., Rhoades, E. K., Russo, P., & Bass, V. (2015). The future of urban health. , , S4-S13. doi:10.1097/phh.0000000000000166

Health is a state in which individuals are free from illnesses or injuries. However, the concept of health goes beyond an absence of disease and encompasses various factors such as access to healthcare, socio-economic status, and lifestyle choices. Comparing health issues in rural and urban areas reveals unique challenges faced by individuals residing in different settings.

In rural areas, one of the primary problems lies in the limited access to healthcare services. Geographic remoteness, a scarcity of healthcare facilities, and deficient transportation systems contribute to reduced healthcare accessibility (Hearne et al., 2015). Consequently, rural populations may face difficulties in receiving timely and appropriate medical care, leading to higher mortality rates for certain conditions. However, despite these challenges, individuals in rural areas may experience fewer health issues compared to their urban counterparts.

Urban areas, on the other hand, present a distinct set of health problems. Socioeconomic disparities are a significant contributing factor to the health issues prevalent in urban settings. High levels of poverty in urban centers result in increased crime rates, violence, and high-risk behaviors (Hearne et al., 2015). These high-risk behaviors, such as drug abuse and engagement in sex work, contribute to poor health outcomes. Furthermore, individuals living in poverty are more likely to experience food insecurity, limited access to healthcare services, and malnutrition due to a lack of financial resources (Black, 2018). These factors collectively contribute to a higher burden of health problems among urban populations.

Weight-related issues are another prominent health concern in urban areas. Sedentary lifestyles and a lack of opportunities for physical activity contribute to higher rates of overweight and obesity among urban dwellers (Hearne et al., 2015). Many urban residents have jobs that require little physical exertion and spend most of their days in sedentary positions. Additionally, limited access to free physical activity areas further restricts opportunities for exercise. Unhealthy food options, such as fast food outlets and convenience stores, are often more prevalent in urban areas, leading to unhealthy dietary choices and subsequent weight-related health problems.

The environmental factors in urban areas also play a role in shaping health outcomes. City residents are exposed to higher levels of pollution compared to their rural counterparts. The concentration of vehicles in urban areas contributes to increased levels of carbon gases, posing respiratory health risks (Hearne et al., 2015). Additionally, issues related to garbage management and a crowded living environment can result in unsanitary conditions and the contamination of water sources. These environmental factors, combined with other urban challenges, contribute to a unique set of health problems faced by urban populations.

In conclusion, the comparison of health issues in rural and urban areas highlights the distinct challenges faced by individuals living in different settings. While access to healthcare services may be more limited in rural areas, individuals in these settings tend to face fewer health problems compared to their urban counterparts. Urban areas, on the other hand, are characterized by socioeconomic disparities, high-risk behaviors, weight-related issues, and environmental challenges that contribute to a higher burden of health problems. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies to address the specific health needs of individuals in rural and urban areas.