The world, as we know it, is on the brink of obliteration. Not just the world, we humans have also done a great deal of damage to our bodies. From consuming the most unhygienic and unhealthy food items to having the most malignant practices, we have done it all.
People tend to believe their actions don’t do much when it comes to affecting society. However, that is not at all true. One small step can amount to something very significant or catastrophic for a community. For the most part, this has happened because of our ignorance and our lack of willpower.
Communities thrive when they take care of their well-being. The promotion of health is crucial for humans to ensure longevity in their lives. Promoting health goes a long way, and this is where medical professionals and public health care workers step in.
The application of healthcare practices brings a sense of wellness to communities with inadequate care. Medical professionals can also play their part in promoting healthcare.
Here’s how.
First things first – know the difference
People often tend to confuse public and community health with one another. Community health is a subdiscipline of public health known for improving lives on a more local level. They are both linked to each other.
Public health workers work on preventing large-scale outbreaks of diseases and viruses. Conversely, community health workers tend to work in smaller geographic locations to promote healthcare.
The community health VS public health debate has always existed. However, what’s necessary is contributing to society for its betterment. Now that you know the difference between them, here are some ways to promote health.
Healthy eating and drinking
Some may say obesity is not as big of a problem as it seems when it is one of the most worrying health-related problems in the world. Obesity exists in all parts of the world, especially first-world countries. It has ramifications for morbidity and mortality.
Excessive consumption of alcohol, certain food items lead millions and, perhaps, billions to the brink of obesity. Despite the severity of the problem, people of all age groups, including children, follow an unhealthy diet.
Overweight people must fix their diet at the earliest, as it is imperative for them. To help them do so, healthcare professionals can urge and motivate their patients to improve their eating habits and diet.
Moreover, they can promote healthy food items and drinks at their institutions. As a result, it will help them switch to a more nutrition-filled diet much, much faster. To demote obesity, healthcare institutions must also play their part.
Hospitals can opt for healthy and hygienic food options instead of bringing in fast-food joints in their cafeteria. Just like it is banned to smoke inside a healthcare facility, banning eateries with unhealthy foods should be every hospital’s number one priority.
Decrease air pollution
Air pollution is one of the most significant contributing factors to our ill health. People who live, work or go to school near roads have an increased risk of health problems. Air pollution does more damage to humans than we can imagine.
The only solution to decreasing air pollution as a socially responsible citizen is to lower the usage of things that add to it. You can do your part by minimizing air pollution on your end by encouraging people to carpool or set an example by doing so yourself.
An even better alternative to it is the usage of public transport. The lesser vehicles there are on the roads, the less the air is polluted.
Being healthy – even at work!
Taking care of employees and treating them like assets, which they are, can do wonders for an organization. Companies that focus on the well-being of their employees are known to be a lot more productive and efficient.
To incorporate this wellness, companies can consider having a wellness program. For some, that may be a drastic step. However, a breezier alternative is having healthier food items in the cafeteria or having a vending machine with nutrition-filled snacks.
In some cases, despite a wellness program already being around, employees don’t take it seriously. Promoting the existing wellness program and encouraging people to look after their health and fitness by joining you in a morning or breaktime workout can boost their morale and health.
Encouragement and appreciation go a long way, which is why a little bit of both in the wellness department could help them become a whole lot healthier. Large organizations with medical teams can have their doctors incorporate these programs.
Volunteer at events and organizations
There are countless NGOs, NPOs, and other organizations worldwide that are focusing on numerous problems. Many of these focus on health-related issues of members of society. Finding organizations that work on the wellness and health of your community can help you become an active and socially responsible member of society.
You may possess a skill set which these organizations could be in dire need of – do your part in promoting health in your community. Volunteering can help these organizations achieve their goals quicker.
Moreover, it can also help you bring about a change in society through your experience. You never know; even the tiniest effort could have a significant impact on one or more people.
Promote physical activity
As mentioned earlier, obesity is one of the leading causes of deteriorating health. In adults, this occurs mainly because of improper diet. However, in children, it persists because of a lack of physical activity.
Healthcare facilities can have play areas for children. By being active instead of watching television, these kids can save themselves the worry of visiting the hospital instead. Adult visitors and employees can indulge in taking a walk or even just climbing the stairs.
Most hospitals and facilities have no staircases. As a result, people have gotten used to using elevators.
All doctors want to be at their very best, and they expect the same from their team. Incorporating wellness programs within hospitals can also bring out the best in medical staff, ensuring a healthier, more vigilant, and efficient team. Moreover, hospitals should also have fitness centers.
Conclusion
Mental and physical health go hand in hand. All of us need to focus on our health, as nobody else will do it for us. Medical professionals can go the extra mile in doing their jobs by promoting healthcare and being active members of society, as mentioned above.