Education Linked to Better Health

Education Linked to Better Health

While more education is no guarantee of anything these days, there is one area where more schooling has been shown to offer a benefit. And that is education linked to your own personal health. A new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Commission to Build a Healthier America finds that those with more education report better health than those with less education.

In every state, adults with less education are more likely to rate their health as less than very good, as opposed to those adults who've graduated from college. The Commission looked at data from the U.S. Census Bureau as well as Centers for Disease Control surveys done between 2005 and 2007 where over 174,000 adults from 25-74 rated their own health as either excellent, very good, good, fair or poor. This is the first attempt at ranking U.S. states based on reports of health and education achieved.

According to the findings, the more education a person has, regardless of ethnicity or race, the more likely they were to report better health.

Overall, 45% of the survey respondents rated their health as less than very good, with those who hadn't graduated from high school being 2.5 times more likely to be in less than very good health as were graduates from college. High school graduates, who did not receive college education, are almost twice as likely to be in less than very good health as adults who had graduated from college.

Even a few years of education was enough to make a difference in how healthy a person believed themselves to be. And though disparity in education level and reported health status exists in every state, there are some places where it's particularly strong.

In Mississippi for example, 73% of high school dropouts reported their health as less than very good, while only 37% of the state's college graduates did the same.

California is another state with a large gap in numbers between less and more educated citizens. This report adds to the growing body of evidence that social factors (like education) do have an impact on health. The Commission is convinced there's more to staying healthy than focusing on health care. Education, income and other factors aside from things considered by traditional medicine may also help determine how healthy someone is, and how long they might live.

Less education often leads to fewer job opportunities, lower incomes and lots more financial stress. What jobs there are less likely to offer health insurance, so less educated workers will naturally put off preventative care. Sick days in these jobs are more likely to be unpaid, so less educated workers force themselves to go in because they just can't afford to stay home. And speaking of homes, those with less income have much more limited choices and may be forced to live in an unhealthy home or a neighborhood with more potential risks.

If you have more education your job prospects are probably better, the pay and benefits allowing for you to attend to your health, and the health of your children. You get paid if you stay home sick. Your doctor may take you more seriously, and you're better able to be your own advocate in terms of care and treatment options. What's more, you have many more choices in terms of where you live and how you live, your home is more apt to be well constructed and in a safe area.

The Commission has made a point to offer ten recommendations to Americans for improving their health that are based on two ideas, that people need to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, and society needs to remove obstacles and promote opportunities to help people make these types of choices. Until these goals are reached, all of us will keep falling far below the level of good health we might have.

Importance of College Education

Importance of College Education

Students begin questioning the importance of a college education from high school itself. Some feel that being able to earn immediately after school is a more attractive proposition and they convince themselves that a college education is not that imperative in the long run. Others may find the costs of a higher education prohibitive and have other responsibilities to take care of. But, more than ever, students need to understand that attending a college provides opportunities and advantages that others might find lacking later on in life. Today, the global economy is becoming more and more competitive and in order to improve the chances for a well-paying job, a college education is extremely important.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 90 percent of the fastest-growing jobs of the future will require some post-secondary education or training.

College graduates also earn nearly twice as much as high school diploma holders. The U.S. economy has shifted from being a manufacturing-based one to knowledge-based. Unlike with past generations, high school graduates are unable to qualify for the high-paying jobs that are now available. A college education undeniably serves as a gateway to better options and more opportunities.

There are a number of other reasons as to why it is important to go to college. Attending lectures from experts in the field, reading and researching encourages students to think, to ask questions and to explore new ideas. All this adds to student's development and growth and provides college graduates with an edge over those who have only graduated from high school. College life also provides one with valuable connections and resources adding to the number of options available after completing graduation.

Long after college is over, the people you have met may prove useful.

The variety of courses and programs available can be as specific or generalized as you require. From the arts and the humanities to pure science, business management to information technology, health care to graphic arts - the list is endless. Depending on one's interests and aptitudes, a number of exciting career options are possible.

A college education is the best possible way to insure a higher earning power after graduation. There are a number of different majors to choose from, all paying differently but on the whole, a college graduate will earn more money than those who do not have a college education or degree. Companies are also looking for well-rounded employees. Those that can hold a conversation with confidence and a college degree signifies the level of discipline, effort and intelligence that most employers look for.

In fact, in keeping up with the increase in demand by mature students, colleges are offering more options for students who wish to return to their education even after they have entered the work force. People now realize that it is never too late to increase your earning potential or improve your chances of being promoted by seeking a higher education. Whether its people taking a break from their jobs or switching careers and resuming their education or those adults who are returning to complete an education that was left unfinished the first time around, schools now offer special online and accelerated courses as well. This allows even more options for those students who are juggling careers, family, and their education.

There is no doubt that colleges and universities today carry a heavy price tag along with them, but this should not discourage anyone from obtaining a college education. As the cost of tuition increases, so do the financial aid options. These could include local, corporate, federal and college specific loans, funds, and grants. Potential students need to explore all avenues of assistance before planning for degree program.

The truth of the matter is that there are no disadvantages to graduating with a college degree program. Along with increasing one's earning potential and promotion potential, the most important improvement occurs with one's self-image. A college education gives one a sense of accomplishment and confidence that may be just what is needed in your professional and personal life.