Abstract
Health, an essential component of well-being, is also an essential component of overcoming the harmful or negative effects of poverty and social disadvantage (Braveman and Gruskin 2003). Research has shown that socioeconomic variables directly influence the health of individuals and larger populations (Sena et al. 2007). Poverty and deprivation are interlinked with poor health outcomes (Eades 2000), shorter life expectancies (Marmot and Wilkinson 2005), serious illnesses, and premature death (Wilkinson and Marmot 2003). Improving health and sequential well-being of individuals requires the consideration of social equity and the various barriers to health faced by those living in low-income suburbs and regions. Having a positive impact on community health also requires the consideration of advocacy and improvement efforts, including the ways in which public health knowledge can move into political action (Marmot and Wilkinson 2005).