The environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. Research on poverty indicates that lower income is linked to poorer health. The lower an individual's income, the higher is his or her likelihood of disease and premature death. Furthermore, some research indicates that a higher risk of contracting an infectious disease may exist for those living in poverty. This study explored the potential existence of a relationship between income and Zika virus. Through analysis using 3.4.0 Version of the R Statistical Package, the median disposable income of the household was found to be significant in predicting the Zika virus counts. Specifically, the study looked at the relationship between household income and the risk of contagion in Cameron County, the southernmost county in Texas, which has been named as BZika cautionaryb y the Centers for Disease Control. Our analysis shows the existence of such a relationship, specifically that an increase in median disposable annual income per household in Cameron County of $100 per month was associated with a 15.6% decrease in the expected rate of occurrence of Zika Virus.

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Descriptive Best PracticesGenerally, most undergraduate and graduate students understand that taking care of themselves by eating well and staying active, not smoking, getting enough sleep, getting recommended immunizations and screening tests, and seeing a doctor when sick all influence individual health (HealthyPeople.gov, 2015). However, many undergraduates may not grasp the concept that health is also determined in part by access to social and economic opportunities; the resources and supports available in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities; the quality of our schooling; the safety of our workplaces; the cleanliness of our water, food, and air; and the nature of our social interactions and relationships. The conditions in which we live explain in part why some Americans are healthier than others and why Americans more generally are not as healthy as they could be. (HealthyPeople.gov, 2015) 627668P HPXXX10.1177/2373379915627668Pedagogy in Health PromotionScarbrough et al. research-article2016Abstract Teaching students about the intricacies of how social determinants of health (SDOH) influence individual and community health requires instructor creativity. This article offers an innovative strategy for engaging millennials, those born after 1982, in learning about the SDOH. The teaching approach uses engaging techniques, community engagement, and graphic information systems to reach students. This activity is best facilitated through four different sessions: (1) class session: introduction and explanation of SDOH;(2) small group discussions; (3) homework assignment: students physically collect and store the primary data and the instructor assimilates the data and creates a map; and (4) class session: visual analysis and discussion of data and resulting maps. At the end of the implementation of this teaching strategy, students should be able to list and describe each of the SDOH; collect, record, and classify primary data (e.g., address, photograph, service type) on physical assets that both positively and negatively contribute to individual health in a specific community; and evaluate and discuss how geographic location of resources influences individual health.

The Montgomery County United Way and Sam Houston State University explored existing public health and community-based issues and associated assets and gaps within Montgomery County, Texas, through the integration of quantitative geospatial data, demographic information, and the application of geographical information systems. The intent of the initial results was to use maps to visually compare the magnitude of significant emerging health issues in Montgomery County with other counties across Texas in an effort to better educate and increase the awareness of the general public within Montgomery County. The second objective was to present an example of the visual effect and impact of the overall spatial analysis and mapping process with a focus on a specific community issue that could likely be addressed and potentially solved in a relatively short amount of time. This second and more spatially detailed aspect of the evaluation resulted in the creation of an asset map that presented high concentrations or densities of payday loan services in Montgomery County. Recognizing the potential risks of payday loans, Montgomery County United Way presented the asset maps to the effected community leaders. Upon review, leaders discovered there were dense clusters of payday loan sites in areas with high rates of poverty. Prior to the creation of this aggregated payday loan business location map, an individual in a community typically only saw one, or two at the most, payday loan business during a daily commute. Within a very short period and through a grassroots effort to improve community well-being, there were significant formal and positive changes made by the community.

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