Vanessa Barnes

Introduction Social determinants of health influence the prevention, treatment, and progression of chronic diseases, including heart, lung, blood, and sleep diseases and conditions. Healthy People 2020 classifies Social Determinants of Health into 5 subcategories: (1) Neighborhood and Built Environment, (2) Education, (3) Economic Stability, (4) Social and Community Context, and (5) Health and Health Care.

The writer says that she is concerned about the mental health of her children following the unrest. RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP Vanessa Barnes describes her experience over the last few days after violence broke out in the area where she lives following the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma last week. She writes that she is concerned what impact this is having on her children, who have already had to deal with trying to get an education while the country deals with a pandemic.

I’m writing this update on my cellphone, sprawled out across my partner’s soft bed. It’s another gloriously sunny day in Palmy, and my current view from my luxurious resting spot is the lagoon, all sunlight sparkles and rippling water. My beloved is in the other room, playing video games, having urged me to rest.