Making A Difference

Community Health - What Role Do We Play?

The saying “it takes a village” is especially true when it comes to the overall health of the community you live in! If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it is that our community’s health is the sum of many parts. That means if each individual or family does their part, the overall health of the community they live in can thrive. Let HPFY explain how and why your role in your community’s health is crucial.

What Constitutes a Healthy Community?

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the question on everyone’s mind is, "how do we prepare for the next health emergency?" That’s a great question! A healthy community is one in which all groups work towards preventing disease, and making sure healthy living options are available.

This pandemic has taught us that it is critical for a community to be prepared in order to overcome any health emergency. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) uses a term called Community Health to describe the state of health and how easy/difficult it is to be healthy where people live, learn, work, and play. This includes:

• Access to medical care
• Community resources for exercise
• Healthy habits
• Vaccination rates
• Access to healthy food

It takes working at the community level from all community residents involved to prevent infectious or contagious viruses (such as COVID-19.) It is at the grassroots level that the largest benefit for the greatest number of people exists. We should be pressuring our local leaders to ensure each community has access to these items so we can be prepared for the next medical/health crisis.

Your Role in a Healthy Community

You may be asking, but I am just one person, how can my actions make a difference? The key is to have as many individuals as possible make the right decisions to help the overall community.

If you think of your community as a team, each player has a role in achieving victory. If everyone does not do their job, there is a breakdown in the team’s performance. Everything from exercising to eating right to having your proper vaccinations can help your community’s overall health.

Some actions you can take include:

• Vaccinations: You and your family should stay diligent and receive eligible vaccinations in order to prevent disease spread. This could include COVID-19 vaccinations or flu shots.
• Medications: Always take your medications as prescribed for the full course so that any infectious disease doesn’t spread.
• Stay Home: If you or your children are sick, stay home to prevent possible spreading, especially during winter months when we are in close proximity to each other.
• Healthy Eating: Establishing healthy eating habits early is a simple, easy way to promote healthy living. If possible, start a garden and stay away from fast food.
• Medical Accessibility: As a community, be sure there is access to medical treatment and clinical services in your community. Pressure local politicians to ensure access locally.
• Health Education: Advocate for access to health education at the grass roots level, so we don’t rely on social media to get the facts we need.
• Hygiene: I’m sure you’ve heard it over the last year or two, wash your hands properly and regularly. Simply using soap or hand sanitizer are your best bets.
• See Your Doctor: Being diligent about your yearly checkups and physical with your doctor can head off many serious medical problems down the road. Early detection is vital!

The key to a healthy community during any health emergency, pandemic or endemic, is being fully prepared beforehand. Talk to your doctor to fully understand your own health and how being vaccinated can help keep your community safe and ready to face potential health crises head on.

 

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