Short Wave How Politics And Health Are Intertwined
Jun 14, 2022
Allison Aubrey, a correspondent known for her insightful reporting in health and politics, discusses a striking study revealing that political polarization is jeopardizing Americans' health. She highlights alarming trends, such as increased premature death rates in Republican-leaning counties, linked to access to healthcare and state policies. The conversation dives into the broader implications of how political affiliations influence health outcomes, emphasizing the urgent need to address these stark disparities.
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Political Polarization and Health
- A new study links county voting patterns with life expectancy.
- Republican-leaning counties show higher premature death rates.
Growing Mortality Gap
- Mortality rates between Democratic and Republican areas were similar in 2001.
- The gap has widened significantly over 20 years, accelerating recently.
Policy Impact on Health
- Policy differences between Republican and Democratic states may contribute to health disparities.
- Republican states have often not adopted policies that could improve health outcomes.