Health And Wellbeing: What Is Your Role?

The last years have witnessed a focus on attention of economy, war, social inequalities and the environment. In Britain, 2012 has been described as the year we not only put on the best Olympic show, but when we also marked the Queen`s Diamond Jubilee celebrations that left world wanting more and brought us together as a nation. With the current debate shifting to the economy, an increasing area of concern is the health issues facing our communities that seem out of control. Obesity, chronic illnesses, infectious diseases including HIV are reported to be on the rise in UK. We are just short of stating that there is a progressive decline in general health and wellness of the people in our communities, given the current trend. There is a suggestion of withholding benefits to the overweight as a means to force individuals to take up regular exercises and improve their health.

Most health conditions are preventable, and the main focus here is to ask the question, `Where does real health care begin and whose role is it?` How can we have the best sporting show in the world with fantastic facilities, one of the best health systems in the world, so many community organization and yet cannot address some of these preventable health issues?

There is a need to reflect on what all this means for you and me in terms of health and well being. Focus on financial push factors, time, family and other social issues may play a big role but taking control of our own lives control may be the initial step for you and me. Forget about the TV pharmaceutical adverts (not that I discredit this), something can be done with little resources. A warm coat and a walk for 30 minutes daily will not cost you a fortune. Fresh salad in place of tinned products makes a difference. They say your body is what you eat! The desire and pressure to be like models has had its effects on the young too. The fact is simple; ensure your energy expenditure is more than your intake. Whatever it is, too much of it is toxic to the body.

The next step is for you and me to take control of our own health and well being. We can be that difference and the solution to the many chronic conditions manifested in forms of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease among others. Our modern lifestyle has made things easy, and different from the past. We may not be eating more than our ancestors did. All we lack is expending the energy and doing things that involve physical activity. Money spent on treating ill health can go into providing better services. You can make a change. Take control of your own health.