Improvement of community health and well-being is essential because it enhances the quality of life for a population. It also health gaps that occur due to social differences.
There are several ways to measure community health, such as heart disease rates, availability of clean drinking water, and child mortality rate. Improving some of these may require complex interventions by government and healthcare authorities. But as responsible members of society, there are some measures we can take on a primary and personal level.
1. Encourage healthy habits at home
One of the most effective ways of improving public health is starting small. Start from your home and then move outwards from there. Try to instill healthy and hygienic habits in your children, as well as yourself.
Keep your family aware of the harmful impacts that their actions can have on society and teach the importance of the entire community’s well-being. Adopt healthy lifestyle changes, such as daily exercises and healthy nutrition. Discourage wastage of water and food and encourage the usage of eco-friendly products and services.
2. Keep Learning
You are never too old for education, and as humans, it is our responsibility to never put a pause on learning so that the pool of our knowledge keeps widening. Suppose you have a keenness to make your community a better place.
In that case, you should extend your understanding of public health in a broader context. Of course, reading and becoming better informed about prevention and precaution is essential. You can also pursue higher education, such as an online mph (Master’s in Public Health), to broaden your career options and help the community.
3. Try to be healthy at work
Much like the incremental improvements you can make at home, the same is the case for your workplace. In light of the ongoing pandemic, workplace safety and hygiene has become one of every organization’s top priorities. It would be best if you also took responsibility for being as hygienic as possible and perhaps take actions to make your workplace a healthier community.
Promote employee wellness programs in your organization and encourage your colleagues to join you in healthy habits such as working out, yoga, and meditation. Stress at the workplace is a significant contributor to poor mental health and increased domestic violence cases, both of which negatively impact overall community well-being.
4. Seek out social service organizations around you
Social services organizations exist for a reason. They help individuals and communities understand the needs and requirements of different people suffering from various problems. These range from organizations that assist in drug rehab to elder patient care.
Knowing how these organizations operate will enable you to understand how you can assist people in need of specific special services. And your support to these groups could help them improve their health and living conditions. After all, a healthy community strives to enhance the quality of life for every member.
You can also be a proactive member of social services organizations as well. If you are aware of organizations and societies around you, take part in some of their activities.
Many of these organizations need volunteers, and you could be the right person they’re looking for. Volunteering to work with them will help you take part in a better cause. Even a small act of sincerity can bring a huge change!
5. Share your ideas
One of the best ways to contribute to the community’s well-being is to spread awareness and knowledge of living a healthy life. You could share your ideas through social media or join online forums where productive discussions can occur.
Create relevant content on the internet, such as a blog or podcast dedicated to public health. Digitalization is on the rise, and the internet is a great place to reach millions of people within a heartbeat.
6. Reduce pollution around you
The first and foremost rule of staying healthy is to live in a healthy environment. However, in today’s fast-moving world, litter and toxic waste around us have increased pollution, making the living conditions worse than ever.
As a responsible member of society, you must work to reduce the pollution around you. Start from home, make your kitchen greener, use eco-friendly vehicles, and recycle as much as you can.
7. Appreciate social workers
A little encouragement goes a long way. Even if you cannot participate in social work or take full responsibility for being an environmentalist, you can appreciate those working to make your community a better place.
It would be best if you did all you can to recognize the improvement and changes they bring, no matter how big or small. It will encourage people to work harder and will also motivate others to join the noble cause.
Conclusion
These were only some ways to improve community health and well-being. In reality, there is so much that can be done. Improved infrastructure, housing, parks, hospitals, and transportation can be made accessible. Similarly, where education is concerned, less paper and plastic can bring about a considerable change in improving the environment.
Every member of society has a right to equal and fair treatment and should have equal opportunities to live a healthy and safe life. And this is a feat that is nearly impossible for merely a single person to accomplish. Yet collectively, much can be achieved.
