Mary Bridge Children's Hospital’s Post

Just had a powerful learning moment with my 8-year-old son about the #DeterminantsOfHealth. It started with a simple dinner conversation, where we turned off screens and focused on family connection. As a public health practitioner, I aim to instill in him the importance of good #HealthPolicy and #Equity. He was shocked to learn that healthier food tends to be more expensive, while junk/fast food is typically more accessible and cheaper. When asked what he would choose between a banana and a burger, his instinct was clear – the banana .. “because it's good for me!?” But when confronted with the reality of limited means outside his control, his perspective shifted. We played a game … With only $5 to spend, he realised that the healthier option was out of reach financially. This led to a deeper conversation about the #CommercialDeterminants of health and the importance of health policy in ensuring equity for all. His innocent yet profound understanding highlighted the stark realities of our systems and the need for sustainable solutions that prioritise the well-being of everyone by (and here is the big twist)…focusing on, and addressing THE.MOST.VULNERABLE. For the benefit of ALL. The best part of the story? He asked if I would take him to see Parliament House - he is now interested in understanding more about political science, public health and health policy. Here's to raising the next generation of problem solvers! #HealthEquity #PublicHealthAwareness #HealthyChoices

At Innovation Unit we’re proudly supporting the Health Equals #MakeHealthEqual campaign. Because of things like how we learn and grow, housing and income, where you’re born can cut your life short by up to 16 years.    💡 https://lnkd.in/ew7w8Ee7 💡 Our health is too often affected by things outside of our control. Our Healthy Devon Learning Labs understand weight as an equity issue, as evidence shows low-income families are more likely to have higher weight. Find out more about the collaborative, stigma-free approach to tackling weight 🌟 https://lnkd.in/dAD9gfbS 🌟

🌿 My New Article on Nature-Based Social Prescriptions is Published! 🌿 As part of GreenSpaceRx, a student-run initiative promoting social prescribing in the U.S., I’m thrilled to share my latest article on green social prescriptions. In a world where healthcare often relies heavily on pharmaceuticals, I wanted to explore a different path—one that connects people with nature to address challenges like loneliness, stress, and mental health. For many, including those with allergies or disabilities, nature can seem daunting. But studies show that simply being in nature can significantly improve both mental and physical health. My article makes the case for integrating green prescriptions into primary care as a more sustainable, holistic way to enhance well-being. I’m excited to hear your thoughts! 🌱 #SocialPrescribing #GreenPrescriptions #HolisticHealth #HealthcareTransformation #SustainabilityInHealthcare

Still in the spirit of World Health Day……it is an opportunity to reflect on the broader implications of health as a human right. It emphasizes the fundamental right of every individual to access quality health services, education, and information as well as safe drinking water, decent working and environmental conditions and freedom from discrimination. This year's theme underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access to essential health services and promoting holistic well-being for all.This day serves as a reminder that achieving good health is not just an individual responsibility but a collective effort that requires governments, communities, and organizations to prioritize health equity and address underlying social determinants. Let's use this occasion to advocate for policies that promote health as a fundamental right for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or geography. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life🌺🌺 #WorldHealthDay #MyHealthMyRight #Wellbeing #HealthForAll #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #GlobalHealth #HealthcareAccess #HealthyLiving #HealthyCommunities

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 🌟 Why wait until a health crisis 🚑 strikes to prioritize wellness? The key 🔑 to a healthier future is prevention, especially when it comes to our children 👶. Instilling positive lifestyle habits from a young age not only safeguards their health 💪 but sets the foundation for lifelong wellness. Encouraging regular physical activity 🏃♀️, fostering a love for fruits and vegetables 🥦🍎, and limiting screen time 📵 are more than just good habits. They're investments in our children's future, significantly reducing their risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. It's about creating an environment where making healthy choices becomes second nature to them. So let's take action today for the sake of tomorrow. By championing preventive health measures and positive lifestyles in our homes 🏡, schools 🏫, and communities, we're not just fighting disease—we're nurturing the next generation of healthy, resilient leaders. Let's make health promotion as fundamental as reading and writing 📚 because our children's lives depend on it. #CancerPrevention #HealthyFuture #WellnessWarriors

NOPE!!! PUT'EM BACKKK 😆 I'M OUT'CHERE #GETYAHEALTHUPinitiative #seedsofafather HEALTH LITERACY Let's Goooo Let's Get it! Can't talk about it if you don't LIVE IT! The primary objective of this initiative is to empower individuals especially in communities of color to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles by promoting regular physical activity, enhance health literacy and embrace making nutritious food choices. The initiative aims to address health disparities and improve overall well-being through education, active individual/group physical activities, and by promoting access to healthier resources.

🌍 Health is at the heart of humanity, our communities and our planet. I strongly believe that focusing more on 'One Health' and incorporating 'Health in All Policies' could revolutionize our health systems. 🏥 One Health isn't just about humans; it's about the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and our environment. It's about understanding that our well-being is interlinked. 🌿 Similarly, 'Health in All Policies' is an approach that takes into account health considerations across different sectors. It's not just about healthcare, but also about transportation, education, agriculture, housing and more. 🌆 Equity is the key to this transformation. It's about ensuring everyone, irrespective of their status or location, has access to the same level of care and services. Equity should be at the core of governance, from policymaking to community level implementation. ⚖️ Let's strive for a healthier world where health is integral to all aspects of life and governance. 🌐 #OneHealth #HealthInAllPolicies #HealthEquity"

We can start thinking about the world in a different way....

Let's talk about something near and dear to my heart: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). We all know that access to quality healthcare is crucial, but did you know that factors like food security, transportation, and housing play a massive role in shaping our well-being too? Food Security: Access to nutritious food isn't just about filling our bellies; it's about fueling our bodies with the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Yet, millions face food insecurity every day, impacting their health and quality of life. Transportation: Ever missed a doctor's appointment because you couldn't get there? Transportation barriers can prevent individuals from accessing crucial healthcare services, leading to missed diagnoses and untreated conditions. Housing Security: Home is where the heart is, but it's also where our health begins. Stable housing provides the foundation for good health, offering safety, security, and a place to heal and rest. Addressing these social determinants isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-do for building healthier, more equitable communities. By tackling food insecurity, improving transportation options, and ensuring housing stability, we can make strides towards a healthier future for all. Let’s work together to address these critical issues. Together, we can create positive change and build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. #SDOH #PatientEngagement #Reimbursement #SocialWork #CaseManagement

Did you know that the biggest barriers to health equity are not inside of you? What’s inside your ZIP Code matters more. 👉🏾 Safe air to breathe, safe water to drink, & safe surroundings at school and work matter. Today’s Take Aways:  ✔️It’s not just you! Our surroundings & system blindspots contribute to health more than our genetics. ✔️The places we live, work & grow are known as Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). ✔️Arm yourself with more information. HealthyPeople2030 is a great place to start.  https://lnkd.in/gDPHf6tx ✔️Find out the health of your ZIP CODE from RWJF.  https://lnkd.in/gJhXbsqg #HealthEquityNow #SDoH  #SDH