In honor of the 75^th anniversary of the creation of the World Health Organization (WHO), April 7 marks World Health Day! This year’s theme is “Health for All” which envisions that all people have good health for a fulfilling life in a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world.

 

The WHO is dedicated to the well-being of all people, and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance to live a healthy life. Unfortunately, we are not quite there yet. Some groups have been given fewer opportunities to be healthy and therefore have poorer overall health. This includes people of color, people living in poverty, people with disabilities, and women.

 

As a result, counties like The Bronx are overburdened by chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and asthma, and our residents have a poorer quality of life.  The good news is that more and more Bronxites are improving their diet and lifestyle choices and investing in their health and the health of their families and communities.

 

In fact, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Rankings, Bronxites are living longer than just a few years ago, drinking less alcohol, and using community exercise opportunities and open spaces more often.

 

That said, there is more work to be done. Here are some ways we can work towards achieving Health for All:

• Participate in regular physical activity for and with your community – a walking club, an outdoor exercise class, or an online class using free, publicly available videos.
• Find a community garden; they provide healthy food for the community and support social connections.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support health, in your place of work, school, or worship. For example, at work, challenge your co-workers to drink more water and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages for the next month, or within your faith community, encourage leaders to serve fruits and vegetables at all events for the next 6 months.
• Engage your local elected officials and ask them to support legislation that improves housing, education, food, transportation, and the environment.
• Encourage your local government to support the creation of parks, more sidewalks, and bike lanes.

 

On World Health Day, let’s all think about practical ways we can take action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow.

 

Liz Spurrell-Huss LCSW, MPH is director of health equity programs, community, and population health at Montefiore Health System.

 

Editor’s Note: Bronx Nomads is a running group founded 5 years ago, which caters to those with all different levels of fitness. They group meets at 6.30 p.m. each Monday at the Bainbridge Avenue entrance to the Williamsbridge Oval in Norwood. You can follow Bronx Nomads on Instagram and Facebook or email the group at bronxnomads@gmail.com.