Healthy Communities Foster Wellbeing

(Healthy Communities Foster Wellbeing)

Healthy communities essay

APA FORMAT

2 source

Based on the required reading, which features of a healthy community are most important to you? Why?
What would you tell the mayor about the health of your community? For full credit, be sure to mention ways your community is and is not healthy. Let us know which community you are writing about.

Module 1 – Background

FROM DISEASE PREVENTION TO HEALTH PROMOTION

Required Reading

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (n.d.) Healthy Community Design. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthy_comm_desi…

[Please watch the Healthy Community Design Streaming Video linked at the top and read the Healthy Community Design Fact Sheet linked under “Additional Resources.”]

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2010). Determinants of health. Healthy People 2020. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/DOHAbout.a…

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2016). Healthy People 2020: Leading Health Indicators. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/LHI/default.aspx

World Health Organization [WHO] (1986). Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. Retrieved April 1, 2013 from http://www.who.int/healthpromotion/conferences/pre…

[Note: the WHO readings are landmarks in the transition from disease prevention to health promotion, so they provide a historic perspective to the field

Features of a Healthy Community and Community Health Assessment

A healthy community fosters physical, mental, and social well-being by addressing social determinants of health, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring access to quality healthcare. The most important features of a healthy community include access to healthcare services, clean and safe environments, healthy food options, and community engagement programs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.). These factors contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases.

Among these features, access to healthcare and environmental sustainability are particularly important to me. Access to healthcare ensures that individuals receive preventive care, treatment, and health education, leading to better health outcomes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], 2016). Environmental sustainability, including clean air, safe drinking water, and green spaces, plays a vital role in reducing exposure to pollutants and promoting physical activity, which are essential for long-term health.

Assessment of My Community’s Health: Houston, Texas

If I had the opportunity to speak with the mayor of Houston, Texas, I would highlight both the strengths and challenges of our community’s health. Houston has several well-established healthcare facilities, including the Texas Medical Center, which provides residents with access to high-quality healthcare. Additionally, the city has numerous parks and recreational spaces that promote physical activity and social engagement.

However, Houston also faces significant health challenges. Air pollution is a major concern due to heavy industrial activity and high traffic congestion, contributing to respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CDC, n.d.). Additionally, the prevalence of food deserts in certain areas limits access to fresh and nutritious foods, increasing the risk of obesity and related chronic diseases. Socioeconomic disparities further impact health outcomes, as lower-income residents may have limited access to healthcare and wellness programs (HHS, 2010).

To improve the health of the community, the mayor should advocate for policies that reduce pollution, expand access to healthy food options, and enhance public transportation to increase healthcare accessibility. Community engagement and education programs should also be strengthened to empower residents to make healthier choices and advocate for their well-being.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Healthy community design. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthy_comm_desi…

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Determinants of health. Healthy People 2020. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/DOHAbout.a…

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Healthy People 2020: Leading health indicators. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/LHI/default.aspx

Healthy Communities Foster Wellbeing