Good Health and Well-being

The wellbeing of the human population is imperative for our planet to thrive. Major progress has been made over the last 20 years, however due to varying factors there is still a threat to health in not only developing countries, but also developed.

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The spread of disease through limited access to healthcare, vaccinations and doctors, coupled with poor hygiene facilities, lack of education, pollution and inequalities that also lead to poverty and violence all lend to whether good health and wellbeing can be maintained.  The Corona Virus (COVID-19) is a modern example of how disease can not only spread, but is not limited to developing countries… impacting health, economy and freedom; inducing lockdown across the world and forcing productivity to grind to a halt.  Whilst the short-term impact on the wider environment was positive in many ways (such as a reduction in emissions and new laws to prevent illegal wildlife trade) thousands of people lost their lives to the virus.  Increased health provision funding is needed globally, as well as improved education and access to the care humans need throughout their life.

What can YOU do to help?

Promote your own health

Eat vitamin rich foods that boost your immune system, get some exercise (according to the NHS adults should be physically active at least once a day) and practice self care through good hygiene routines.

WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY!

It is amazing how many germs we pick up each day from surfaces and other people, and that such a simple activity can keep us healthy.

Practice safe sex

Many viruses and diseases can be spread through careless intimacy (such as HIV).

Ensure all children and teens in your family are vaccinated against common diseases...

such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio and tuberculosis. If you are travelling you may need further vaccines against other diseases, such as malaria.

Get outside into nature!

Spending as little as 120 minutes outside in nature per week is associated with good mental and physical health. You can check out a local green space or visit a National Park, or even take a break in nature at venues such as Knepp.

Ask for help

If you are feeling low, please do not hesitate to contact your GP or Samaritans on 116 123 / jo@samaritans.org

Young People in Action!

Amika George

Amika campaigns to end period poverty for young girls of the future, and her efforts have already resulted in a Government pledge that all menstrual products will be free in UK schools. Amika hopes that this move will prevent young girls from skipping school each month due to being unable to afford to essential health products, causing them to miss out on vital education which could widen the inequality gap. She hopes it will also mean that they are able to stay healthier with access to more sanitary products. Read more about how young women are promoting health and wellbeing across Africa here.

Useful Links

Global Citizen Link globalcitizen.org
The World's Largest Lesson Link worldslargestlesson.globalgoals.org
Samaritans Link samaritans.org
Red Cross America org redcross.org
A Positive Life com apositivelife.com
National Parks uk nationalparks.uk
The Woodland Trust uk woodlandtrust.org.uk
NHS Link nhs.uk
Knepp uk knepp.co.uk
Oxfam Link oxfam.org
MIND uk mind.org.uk
Time To Change uk time-to-change.org.uk
UNICEF org unicef.org
Healthline com healthline.com
Nature.com com nature.com