Today is World Health Day 2022. See: World Health Day 2022 (who.int)
The tag line “Our planet, our health” captures a myriad of topics and asks: “Are we able to reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all? Where economies are focused on health and well-being? Where cities are liveable and people have control over their health and the health of the planet?”.
Quite large issues, which can feel overwhelming.
We’re all going to witness so much change over the next decade, as the drive towards net carbon zero gathers ever greater urgency. Here at the hospice we have engaged with North Somerset Council to enrol on a carbon literacy course and to qualify for free-of-charge consultancy to help map our carbon footprint and decide how best to weave changes into our own strategy. This will take some time, but we will keep you appraised as that initiative develops.
At a national level, I heard an interesting but shocking statistic yesterday: if current trends continue, by 2035 the NHS will be spending more money on treating type 2 diabetes in the UK than on all forms of cancer put together. Really? Take a moment to think about that.
After two years of pandemic, I think we should consider both mental health and physical health – we work in a setting where we routinely consider all aspects of a patient’s health, including both these and emotional and spiritual wellbeing too. Why then should we deny ourselves the same consideration? I think some people feel guilty or selfish for taking the time to look after themselves, but if you don’t look after you, no-one else will and you won’t be in best possible shape to care for others. This World Health Day 2022 I would like to gently challenge all our staff to think of one small, positive change they will make to their own health, whether physical or mental – of course these are linked anyway. Small changes accrue over a lifetime and have a big impact – the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear explains how. It could be a dietary change, a little more exercise, an extra glass of water a day, 5 minutes out to meditate, a different bedtime routine, etc… There is a wealth of information out there now on all these topics, so ignorance is no excuse! I know for me it’s a case of getting so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, trying to balance competing demands of work with home, kids and elderly parent, that I just forget to prioritise the changes I promised myself I would make. The trend of healthcare is towards person-centred care and patient empowerment, with such initiatives as personal health budgets. I’d certainly like to see a United Kingdom where everyone takes a little more personal responsibility for their own health and wellbeing and leaning a little less on the NHS in the first instance – easier said than done, I know. In the near future we hope to place more resources on the staff intranet to guide and perhaps inspire you in some of these areas, and to encourage our staff to share their own experiences, journeys and struggles, as well as tips for success!
I hope this message hasn’t come across as too preachy, and I wish you a thoughtful World Health Day.