Global Health Includes You

(Image credit: Isabel Bloedwater)

It’s easy to fall into the habit of thinking of global health as other people’s problems. Particularly the problems of poor people living far away from you. But the fact is, we’re interconnected, and people in the more-developed world have health problems, too.

And health problems in any one place affect the rest of the world. Not just in an idealistic, John Donne sense, but in an immediate practical way. These impacts run from brain drain to affecting the world market for poppies.

That means that one important way to affect global health is take care of your own health, and that of your community.

On a personal level, don’t become part of the worldwide epidemics. Use a condom, eat carefully, don’t smoke. Get some exercise. Wash your hands a lot. Research any medical conditions you have, and be an active participant in your own care. Stay up to date on health issues that affect you and your family.

On a community level, take your role as a community member seriously. Look at your community, and identify what you personally can do to make people healthier. Can you pick up litter or rubbish to make your community more walkable? Can you provide some fruit to go with the office candy dish? Distribute condoms at your next kegger? Can you volunteer at a clinic or a shelter? Finally, join others in your community to bring about change. Locate community organizations that promote health and well-being, and join them. Give your time, your energy, your money, or all three.

Individual choices do add up. Make the choices that add up to positive change.