April 7, 2023, was the 75th anniversary of World Health Day.
In 1948, the World Health Organization, which sponsors WHD, held the first World Health Assembly. WHD is an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year. The WHO organizes international, regional, and local events on the day related to a particular theme.
Theming began in 2006 and has included climate change, antimicrobial resistance, aging and health, healthy blood pressure, disease vectors, food safety, and mental health. This really goes to show just how broad “global health” really is.
The 2023 theme is “Health for All.” “Health for All” is a goal of the WHO that has been popularized since the 1970s and envisions securing the health and well-being of people around the world. It is the basis for WHO’s strategy to promote health, human dignity, and enhanced quality of life. For the 75th anniversary, it only seemed fitting to focus on this theme/goal.
WHD’s 75th anniversary is an opportunity to look back at public health successes that have improved quality of life during the last seven decades, like vaccination campaigns, disease control, and prevention and health education.
With that in mind, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed to ensure everyone has the resources necessary to live a healthy life. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, for example, has highlighted the importance of promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles and addressing health disparities that, unfortunately, disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
WHD is an opportunity to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow and a chance to renew our commitment to advancing global health and well-being and work towards a future where everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.
Public health professionals and organizations play a huge role in advancing health and well-being, whether it is for one person or a group of people.
As the founder of FitPros, a global wellbeing service provider to corporations, and a former Health Coach, I believe in “health for all” by investing in preventative health measures and promoting healthy lifestyle choices as crucial parts of achieving optimal health and well-being. This can be done by spreading awareness, advocating for health policies, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and leading by example.
As a Health Coach, I learned valuable lessons about health for not only myself but those I care about.
The most important lesson is that every body is different. Just like in life, but especially in health, what works for one person or group of people may not work for another.
Take diets for example. I know many people who swear by the effectiveness of diets: keto, Atkins, paleo, etc. There are so many out there that work for people, but they haven’t worked for me. Fortunately, I’ve found something that did. My body flourished when I learned about eating whole foods and macronutrients.
There are many reasons diets may not work for people, like biological differences, psychological factors, lifestyle factors, and sustainability. Diets are ultimately not the preferred method of attaining good health, and that’s okay. The most important thing to remember is certain things work for certain people, and it’s not a negative if you’re one of the people who doesn’t find success with a diet.
I always encourage people to do what is best for them and their health.
It is all too common to encounter conflicting information when it comes to health and wellness. No matter the health topic, there can be two or more accredited articles with different viewpoints, which confuses consumers and makes them feel discouraged.
I don’t want to see this happen, so I have some advice on how to navigate conflicting information.
The first piece of advice is to consider the source. I recommend seeking information from reputable sources such as government agencies, medical associations and peer-reviewed journals.
I also urge being cautious of information from sources with a bias or a financial interest in promoting a particular product or service.
Search for a consensus in your research. Try to pay attention to where most experts in the field agree. For example, while there may be some debate about the optimal macronutrient ratios in a healthy diet, most experts agree that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein is beneficial for overall health.
Be cautious of making drastic changes based on one opinion or study. Health recommendations and articles are often based on evidence, not a single source. If you can, consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes.
Finally, a motto I live by, and recommend to others, is “take what works for you and leave the rest.” As I said with diets, it is helpful to understand yourself first and foremost. Also, don’t give up on your health goals. Keep learning and educating yourself and I can promise you will find something that works.
Have you ever invested in a Health Coach?
If you have, you know what I mean when I say that a Health Coach is a trusted resource with which their clients often share deep, personal information. A Coach helps individuals make positive changes to their overall lifestyle, including their diet, exercise routine, stress management, and sleep habits.
As a Coach, I worked with my clients to identify their goals, develop personalized plans to achieve those goals, and provide support and accountability throughout the process. Some Coaches may work in collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nutritionists, to provide a comprehensive approach to their client's health.
In addition to physical health, I helped clients with mental health, including stress management, improving sleep quality, and building healthier relationships. I’m a big proponent of asking for help when needed, sleeping well, and having people you can trust.
Being a Health Coach is in some ways like being a therapist or long-time friend. Building trust with a coach from the beginning is critical for the relationship to thrive.
Advocating for “health for all” is a crucial, and rewarding, task as a public health professional, and it’s one that can be celebrated every day. Being able to help my clients, prosper and learn about themselves is something I will always enjoy.
FitPros is a turn-key wellness provider empowering people to take charge of their personal health.
Contact FitPros to diversify your company’s wellbeing offerings and help employees meet their health & fitness goals.