improve Health in Your Community

How to Improve Health in Your Community

You don’t have to look far for alarming statistics on health. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Cancer takes second place. And then there’s diabetes, which has reached epidemic proportions in recent years. And these are just a few examples.

We can do many things as individuals to improve our health, what about our communities? How can we make them healthier places to live?

Improving community health means tackling prevalent issues, like access to affordable healthcare and healthy food, reducing pollution, and promoting physical activity. But it also means starting small, with initiatives like creating pedestrian-friendly streetscapes or getting people active in local gardens.

We’ve highlighted some tips on how you can help make your community healthier – and happier!

Pursue a Career in Public Health:

Understanding the struggles of a community as a regular member is one thing, but being in a position to do something about it is another. If you’re passionate about making a difference, consider pursuing a career in public health. You could work in policy, research, or education – to name a few possibilities.

You’ll be surprised at the number of ways you can contribute to enhancing living standards when you have the right qualifications. From conducting studies to develop disease prevention programs to working within government to create better policies, there are many ways you can make a real difference in the health of your fellow citizens.

The highlight is that you can do so without relocating. Public health organizations always need talented and dedicated individuals, so check out the options in your area.

 

Online MPH no GRE programs are a great option if you’re looking for relevant programs. These programs are devised for working professionals and can be completed entirely online.

Volunteer for a Community Organization:

Not everyone can commit long-term, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make a valuable contribution to your community. Volunteerism is an equally practical way to give back, and many organizations focus on improving health and well-being in underserved communities.

You could help construct homes for low-income families through Habitat for Humanity or join an after-school program to help kids stay fit and active. The possibilities are endless, so take some time to explore the options in your area.

Start a Community Garden:

Organic produce can be expensive, but it’s not out of reach for everyone. Community gardens are a great way to make fresh, healthy food accessible to those who need it most.

Not only do they provide access to nutritious fruits and vegetables, but they also promote physical activity and social interaction. For instance, many community gardens host regular events, like potlucks and planting days.

If you have some extra land in your yard, consider starting a garden of your own. You can donate the produce to a local food bank or soup kitchen. Or, better yet, invite your neighbors to join in.

Pay Attention to Growing Minds:

Investing in the future is one of the best things we can do for our communities. And there’s no better way than by supporting our children and youth.

Today, our kids are influenced by more screen time and unhealthy marketing than ever before. As a result, childhood obesity rates are skyrocketing. Plus, the ability to focus and pay attention is declining.

We can’t – and shouldn’t – shield our kids from the world entirely. But we can teach them how to make healthy choices. One way to do this is by supporting organizations promoting kids’ physical activity and healthy eating habits.

Besides physical health, teaching children productive values and social skills from an early age is also crucial for their development into valuable community members. You can do your part by mentoring a child or volunteering in schools.

Support Local Businesses:

You might not think of this as a health issue, but where we spend our money can majorly impact our communities. When we support local businesses, we invest in the people who live and work in our neighborhoods.

It’s vital to realize and acknowledge that not all businesses are created equal. Some may be more sustainable or environmentally friendly than others. Others may provide living wages or better working conditions.

When we try to patronize these businesses, we send a message that we care about more than just the bottom line. We’re also supporting the health and well-being of our community by promoting social and economic justice.

Access to Better Healthcare Facilities:

It may come as a surprise, but where you live can greatly impact your health. Studies have shown that people who live in poverty are more likely to suffer from health conditions like pneumonia, cholera, and dengue.

The lack of access to quality healthcare is a leading cause. Maybe the nearby facilities don’t take your insurance or are too far away. Whatever the case, advocating for better healthcare in your community is important. You can contact your local representatives or join community health initiatives.

On a lower level, arranging donation drives for necessities like first-aid supplies (check here for some of the essentials) over-the-counter medications, and hygiene products can make a big difference.

Advocate for Improved Infrastructure:

Do you realize how many people in your community get into accidents due to damaged pavement, potholes, and other infrastructure problems?

It’s not just a nuisance. It’s a public health hazard. And it disproportionately affects low-income residents and people of color.

That’s why promoting the need for improved infrastructure in your community is crucial. It includes everything from better public transportation to safer roads and sidewalks.

When we demand better infrastructure, we’re not just asking for nicer buildings and smoother roads. We’re asking for a higher quality of life for everyone in our community.

You could eliminate the toxins like mercury, lead, and asbestos in your home. You can also join groups that are pushing for better environmental regulations in your state or city. The options are unlimited.

Encourage Use of Public Transport:

The transportation industry contributes a lot to pollution and climate change. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.

Yes, electronic vehicles are becoming more popular. But we can’t rely on them to save the day. We need to reduce our reliance on cars drastically, and public transportation is a great way to do that.

If you live in a city, take the bus or the train instead of driving whenever possible. If you live in a rural area, see if there’s a community carpool you can join. You can also lobby for better public transportation options in your area. These small changes can improve the air quality in your community and help protect the planet.

Conclusion:

We have just touched the tip of the iceberg. We can do many things to improve our community’s health. It’s up to us to take action and make a difference. If you feel your community could benefit more from taking mental health seriously, start there. If you want to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, that’s great too. Whatever you choose to do, just remember that every little bit count.