Full document – Housing issues and health factors

Can Housing Stability Affect Your Health?

Compiled by Pearl Griffiths

University of Washington School of Medicine

Practicing student at TriState Health, Clarkston

Housing stability can have a significant impact on your health. Research has shown that people with upward social mobility in the form of homeownership among other things were healthier throughout life and in adulthood (Barakat et al. 2023). Why are homeowners healthier?

The physical home environment has been shown to influence our health. It is known that substandard housing conditions increase the risk of adverse respiratory outcomes (Jacobs 2011).  A subsequent study showed that adults living in public housing had higher odds of having asthma. They also had higher odds of having an asthma attack in the past year (Kim et al. 2022). Reducing exposure to substandard housing conditions can help you avoid these bad health outcomes and reduce the chances of having asthma attacks.

Homeownership is also associated with improved mental health. Research has shown that homeowners had lower depressive symptom scores and improved prognosis of depression when compared to those who were unstably housed (Buckman et al. 2022). This means homeowner depression was more likely to improve over time when compared to unstably housed people. Another study had similar findings. They concluded that among low-income adults in the US, homeownership was associated with a lower burden of depression (Ettman et al. 2021).  Both these studies support that homeowners have better mental health.

Housing environments can affect our respiratory system and our mental health, but can it affect our immune system? Yes! Our immune system is an important part of our body that helps us stay healthy. As we age our immune system ages with us. There are tests that can look for signs of immune system aging. In a research study they did just that. What they found is that people who experienced housing instability had immune systems that were more aged than people who had stable housing (MacConnachie et al. 2024). This means the people who experienced housing instability would have a harder time fighting off infections like colds and viruses. Immune systems in children have also been studied. This research showed that parents who owned their home longer had children who didn’t get the common cold as easily (Cohen et al. 2013). This research suggests that owning your home could have a positive impact on your health, even at the cellular level!

Cited sources:

1. Barakat C, & Konstantinidis T. (2023). A Review of the Relationship between Socioeconomic Status Change and Health. International Journal Of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(13), 6249. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136249
2. Buckman, J.E.J, Saunders, R., Stott, J., Cohen, Z.D., Arundell, L.L., Eley, T.C., Hollon, S.D., Kendrick, T., Ambler, G., Watkins, E., Gilbody, S., Kessler, D., Wiles, N., Richards, D., Brabyn, S., Littlewood, E., DeRubeis, R.J., Lewis, G., & Pilling, S. (2022). Socioeconomic Indicators of Treatment Prognosis for Adults With Depression: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 79(5), 406-416. 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0100
3. Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., Turner, R.B., Marsland, A.L., Casselbrant, M.L., Li-Korotky, H.S., Epel, E.S., & Doyle, W.J. (2013). Childhood socioeconomic status, telomere length, and susceptibility to upper respiratory infection. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 34, 31-8. 10.1016/j.bbi.2013.06.009
4. Ettman, C.K., Cohen, G.H., Vivier, P.M., & Galea, S. (2021) Savings, home ownership, and depression in low-income US adults. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 56(7), 1211-1219. 10.1007/s00127-020-01973-y
5. Jacobs, D.E. (2011). Environmental Health Disparities in Housing. American Journal of Public Health 101, S115_S122, https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2010.300058
6. Kim, B., Mulready-Ward, C., Thorpe, L.E., & Titus, A.R. (2022). Housing environments and asthma outcomes within population-based samples of adults and children in NYC. Preventive Medicine,161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107147.
7. MacConnachie, L., Zhang, Y. S., Farina, M., Gutierrez, C., Hoover, A., He, Y., Aiello, A. E., & Noppert, G. A. (2024). The association between incarceration and housing insecurity and advanced immune age during late life. Social Science & Medicine, 347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116698

Seasonal emails for the Habitat for Humanity Listserv:

Fall

Get ready for the cold season! With colder weather there are more colds and viruses that go around, especially when kids go back to school. Remember to wash your hands and disinfect surfaces in your homes.

Here are some resources from the CDC to help stay clean:

• How to clean and disinfect your home: https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/when-and-how-to-clean-and-disinfect-your-home.html
• When and how to properly wash your hands: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html

It is also time to get your annual flu shot. According to the CDC everyone above the age of 6 months should be getting a flu shot before the end of October to prevent getting infected with the flu.

• Looking for a flu shot in Clarkston?
  • Try out these places: Walgreens, Walmart Pharmacy, Albertson’s Pharmacy, TriState Health Community Flu Shot Clinic or regular office visit, Costco Pharmacy, Wasem’s Pharmacy
• Looking for a flu shot in Lewiston?
  • Try out these places: Walgreens, Valley Medical Express Care, Alberton’s Pharmacy, Rite Aid

Another Fall season health concern is Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depression that affects some people with the change in seasons. Some symptoms include losing interest in activities you enjoy, oversleeping, persistent sadness, or having low energy. If you feel something similar is happening to you reach out to your primary care doctor or a mental health provider. Some mental health services available in Clarkston can be found at TriState Behavioral Health, Quality Behavioral Health, and Dragonfly Counseling.

• Infographic on seasonal affective disorder and citation:
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Seasonal Affective Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

Winter

The cold season continues with Winter, remember to stay warm with appropriate clothing for the weather. With increasingly cold weather, it is important to pay attention to your hands and feet. Colder weather could put you at risk for frostbite. Signs of frostbite include white or grayish areas of skin that feel unusually firm to touch. The area may be numb as well. Attached is a flyer on how to spot frostbite and what to do if you suspect frostbite is happening to you or your loved ones.

The cold weather may also bring icy conditions, be careful when walking on sidewalks and wear the right footwear to prevent falls on the hard ice!

With very cold temperatures it is important to monitor Carbon Monoxide levels in your home. Carbon Monoxide is made when there is incomplete burning of carbon containing materials. Some examples include fuel burning furnaces, charcoal grills, fireplaces, and propane powered heaters. Carbon Monoxide is toxic to your body! Make sure you have a carbon monoxide monitor in your home to protect yourself and your family. One of these monitors can be found at Shurman’s True Value Hardware, Walmart, or Costco.

As the sun winds down and we continue to have shorter days it is important to pay attention to your mental health as well. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a depression that affects some people with the change in seasons. Some symptoms include losing interest in activities you enjoy, oversleeping, persistent sadness, or having low energy. If you feel something similar is happening to you reach out to your primary care doctor or a mental health provider. Local resources for your mental health are available and can be found at TriState Behavioral Health, Quality Behavioral Health, and Dragonfly Counseling.

• Downloadable infographic for preventing frostbite:
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Preventing Frostbite. https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/preventing-frostbite.html
• CO resource:
  • The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (n.d.).  Carbon Monoxide. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/co-comp/

Spring

Spring is here! The wonderful sunny weather has arrived. Make sure you are protecting your skin from the sun. The CDC recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher on all areas of sun exposed skin for people older than six months of age. The FDA recommends keeping infants out of the sun and putting them in protective clothing when they are in the sun. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming and activities that cause you to sweat!

As you and the kids enjoy the sunny weather make sure you are participating in sports safely. Make sure you or your children are wearing the recommended gear for each sport or activity and that the gear fits properly. Always wear helmets when you are riding bikes, even if it is just a short ride around the driveway. Remember to practice water safety using life jackets if going boating or swimming as well. Making sure everyone is safe during sports and outdoor activities will reduce the chances of injury.

Spring also comes with the infamous allergy season. With the rise in pollen levels during the spring many people can get seasonal allergies. This can include having itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. You can find a lot of over-the-counter treatments for seasonal allergies at your local pharmacy. If you have asthma, continue using your medication as prescribed if pollen is one of your triggers. Always seek medical attention if you are having trouble breathing.

• Sunscreen resource:
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Sun Safety Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html#:~:text=Put%20on%20broad%20spectrum%20sunscreen,when%20combined%20with%20other%20options.
• Sports injuries handout:
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009, July 27). Protect the ones you love: sport injuries. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/40697

Summer

The summer heat is in full swing! Remember to stay hydrated and take breaks when doing activities outdoors in the hot weather to prevent heat exhaustion. Some symptoms you might experience with heat exhaustion include dizziness, tiredness, heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, and headache. Attached to this email is an infographic on what to do if you see someone experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If you are going outside remember to protect your skin from harmful sun rays with sunscreen. The CDC recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher on all areas of sun exposed skin on people older than six months of age. The FDA recommends keeping infants out of the sun and putting them in protective clothing when they are in the sun. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming and activities that cause you to sweat!

The allergy season can continue well into the summer. If you experience seasonal allergies, you can find a lot of over-the-counter treatments at your local pharmacy. You can also experience allergies when visiting new places. Lots of people decide to travel during the summer months. Avoid bug bites with bug repellent and always remember to be safe when participating in water activities like swimming and boating. If you have questions about your health and your travel destination, make an appointment with your doctor.

• If there is a fire season can add fact sheets to the email: https://www.airnow.gov/wildfire-guide-factsheets/
• Beat the heat infographic:
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Extreme Heat and Your Health. https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about/index.html
• heat related illness and what to do infographic:
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses. https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html

For all seasonal emails:

Remember to get your annual wellness exams with your primary care provider! These are important to make sure you are healthy and managing any health conditions you may have.

Interesting Facts to make as yard signs for Habitat for Humanity Events

6 facts on how affordable homeownership impacts health and 6 facts on the benefits of homeownership.

How affordable homeownership affects health:

1. Rental assistance and affordable housing programs can reduce the odds of having undiagnosed diabetes.
   1. Gonzalez-Lopez, C., Fenelon, A., Lipska, K.J., Denary, W., Schlesinger, P., Esserman, D., & Keene, D. (2024). Association Between Rental Assistance Programs and Undiagnosed Diabetes Among U.S. Journal of General Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-024-08673-2
2. Parents who owned their home longer had children who didn’t get the common cold as easily.
   1. Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., Turner, R.B., Marsland, A.L., Casselbrant, M.L., Li-Korotky, H.S., Epel, E.S., & Doyle, W.J. (2013). Childhood socioeconomic status, telomere length, and susceptibility to upper respiratory infection. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 34, 31-8. 10.1016/j.bbi.2013.06.009
3. In lower income households more renters have food insecurity than homeowners.
   1. Fafard St-Germain, A.A., & Tarasuk, V. (2020).  Homeownership status and risk of food insecurity: examining the role of housing debt, housing expenditure and housing asset using a cross-sectional population-based survey of Canadian households. International Journal for Equity and Health,19(1), 5. 10.1186/s12939-019-1114-z
4. When compared to homeowners, adults living in public housing had higher odds of having an asthma attack in the past year.
   1. Kim, B., Mulready-Ward, C., Thorpe, L.E., & Titus, A.R. (2022). Housing environments and asthma outcomes within population-based samples of adults and children in NYC. Preventive Medicine,161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107147.
5. Children growing up in lower quality housing have worse psychological health from elementary school into adulthood.
   1. Rollings, K.A., Wells, N.M., Evans, G.W., Bednarz, A., & Yang, Y. (2017) Housing and neighborhood physical quality: Children’s mental health and motivation. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 50, 17-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2017.01.004.
6. Substandard housing conditions increase the risk of adverse respiratory outcomes.
   1. Jacobs, D.E. (2011). Environmental Health Disparities in Housing. American Journal of Public Health, 101, S115_S122. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2010.300058
7. Moving into affordable and stable housing was associated with 18% fewer Emergency Department visits.
   1. Weller, M., Vartanian, K., Saul, A., & Gladstone, C. (February 2016). Health in Housing: Exploring the Intersection Between Housing and Health Care. Enterprise Community Partners. https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/Health%20in%20Housing%20Exploring%20the%20Intersection%20between%20Housing%20and%20Healthcare.pdfHealth in Housing: Exploring the Intersection between Housing and Health Care (enterprisecommunity.org)

Benefits of homeownership

1. Homeowners are more likely to vote in local Mayoral elections than renters living in the same community.
   1. Jiang, B. (2018). Homeownership and voter turnout in u.s. local elections. Journal of Housing Economics, 41, 168-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhe.2018.06.006
2. Home ownership has a positive effect on math and reading achievement in children.
   1. Mohanty, L. L., & Raut, L. K. (2009). Home Ownership and School Outcomes of Children: Evidence from the PSID Child Development Supplement. The American Journal of Economics and Sociology, 68(2), 465–490. http://www.jstor.org/stable/27739780
3. Homeowners are more likely to have energy efficient appliances, reducing their impact on the environment.
   1. Souza, M.N.M. (2018). Why are rented dwellings less energy-efficient? Evidence from a representative sample of the U.S. housing stock. Energy Policy, 118, 149-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2018.03.013.
4. On average, each year of homeownership is associated with an additional $9,500 in net wealth.
   1. Herbert, C.E., McCue, D.T., & Sanchez-Moyano, R. (2013). Is Homeownership Still an Effective Means of Building Wealth for Low-Income and Minority Households? (Was It Ever?). Harvard University, Joint Center for Housing Studies. https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/hbtl-06.pdf
5. Low to moderate income homeowners have more social capital than renters at similar income levels.
   1. Grinstein-Weiss, M., Yeo, Y.H., Manturuk, K.R., Despard, M.R., Holub, K.A., Greeson, J.K.P., & Quercia, R.G. (2013). Social Capital and Homeownership in Low- to Moderate-Income Neighborhoods. Social Work Research, 37 (1), 37–53. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svs035
6. Homeowners are 1.3 times more likely to get involved in a neighborhood group than renters.
   1. Manturuk, K., Lindblad, M., & Quercia, R. (2012). Homeownership and Civic Engagement in Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods: A Longitudinal Analysis. Urban Affairs Review, 48(5), 731-760.  https://doi.org/10.1177/1078087412441772

Asotin County specific facts: 2022 data from United for Alice

1. In Asotin County 25% of the population is earning above the federal poverty level but are not earning enough to cover basic needs where they live.
   1. United For Alice. (n.d.). Research Center – Washington Overview. https://www.unitedforalice.org/state-overview/Washington
2. 22% of those living below the ALICE threshold in Asotin County are married families with children.
   1. United For Alice. (n.d.). Research Center – Washington County Reports 2022. https://unitedforalice.org/county-reports/washington
3. In Asotin County 14% of the population is living in poverty.
   1. United For Alice. (n.d.). Research Center – Washington Overview. https://www.unitedforalice.org/state-overview/Washington
4. In Clarkston 26% of the population is earning above the federal poverty level but are not earning enough to cover basic needs where they live.
   1. United For Alice. (n.d.). Research Center – Washington County Reports 2022. https://unitedforalice.org/county-reports/washington
5. In Clarkston 17% of the population is living in poverty.
   1. United For Alice. (n.d.). Research Center – Washington County Reports 2022. https://unitedforalice.org/county-reports/washington
6. Only 29% of Washington State low-income residents are paying equal to or less than 30% of their income on rent.
   1. United For Alice. (n.d.). Research Center – Alice Economic Viability Dashboard. https://www.unitedforalice.org/ALICE-EVD

You can also break down some data by zip code in Asotin County if that’s helpful too: Washington | UnitedForALICE

All facts and data were compiled by Pearl Griffiths

University of Washington School of Medicine

Practicing student at TriState Health, Clarkston